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I am in the middle of planning travel for my family, and realized that I have systems in place to help ensure my trips go as smoothly as possible. There are some things I’ve personally learned the hard way, and other mistakes that others have told me about where I’ve taken note.

So in order to help you not make the same mistakes as me or others who have experienced a travel snafu first hand, check out these mistakes to avoid.

1. Not Checking Your Passport

This is number one on my list of things to do when planning for international travel – Check your passport’s expiration date. Depending on where you are traveling, your passport expiration date needs to have at least 6 months remaining in order to travel. It’s important to check the destination requirements and ensure your passport will be valid when you travel.

Also, some countries require you to have at least 2 blank pages remaining. Usually this is required when large visa stamps will be required. Always check your destination’s passport rules before you leave home.

2. Not Double Checking Tickets/ Documents

When traveling, it is important to double check important documents. Airplane ticket names need to match your passport. Double check to make places and dates are correct. Also be sure to print out all reservation details and keep your documents organized and easily accessible.

3. Not Researching How to Get Around

Once you get to your travel destination and step off the plane, you need to know how to get from the airport to your accommodations. Research ahead of time the best transfer options because not doing so can cost you more money. There are so many stories of people getting scammed because they did not research the best modes of transportation.

4. Not Checking Reviews

For me personally, it is imperative that I always check the reviews of anywhere that I am spending my hard earned cash. I don’t take every review as the truth, but I’ve learned to sift through reviews and find common themes to help me determine if I want to go, stay or experience somewhere or something.

5. Booking a Short Connecting Flight

It happens too often when I’m traveling, that someone is yelling upon the plane landing that they are going to miss their connecting flight. I understand sometimes that the flight options are limited, but whenever possible, try to give yourself at least two hours between layovers so you aren’t stressing getting to the next gate. It’s good to have some buffer time because flying is so unpredictable.

6. Overpacking

This is an area where I struggle, and it’s never worth it to overpack. You end up being inconvenienced by a heavy suitcase or trying to stuff a large suitcase into the trunk of a vehicle. It’s a hassle having too much luggage. To help avoid this, start packing early, so that you have time to narrow down what you don’t really need. Try to put everything in a smaller bag. Also, keep colors in your clothing and shoes neutral so you can mix up your look easier with less items.

7. Not Learning about the Local Laws and Culture

I think it is so important to learn something about the place you plan to visit. You need to have an idea of what is offensive to locals, as well as know what is and isn’t legal. Make sure to read up on the culture so that you are informed when you arrive.

8. Not Checking the Weather Forecast

This is something that you should do during the packing process to help avoid overpacking. It’s good to check the weather, so that you don’t have to spend any unnecessary money on weather-appropriate clothing once you arrive. Make sure to check the weather regularly leading up to your vacation, so that you know what to expect when you arrive.

9. Being Cheap and Skimping

I’m a believer in you get what you pay for. Sometimes being cheap is not worth the inconvenience. Being cheap can often cost you time and a bad experience. So weigh the cost of being cheap before your next vacation.

10. Having Unrealistic Expectations

Understand that every place you visit will not have the same standards and structures as home. Sometimes the conveniences that you know so well, may not be available in other places. Doing a bit of research will help with expectations.

11. Not Booking Ahead

Waiting last minute to book travel can cost you in the end. Many attractions, popular restaurants, and events may require a reservation in advance. In my experience, I usually save the most money when I book ahead of time.

12. Not Getting Travel Insurance

Before you go on a trip, it’s smart to have travel insurance. Some credit cards offer this, but always read carefully to know what’s covered.

Often, you can buy insurance when you book your flights or trip packages. Decide if you need this extra protection before you pay for it. Just ensure you are covered in case of an unexpected event.

13. Not Notifying Your Bank of Travel

With updated technology, most banks have automated fraud-protection systems, and you could be flagged for using your card in another country if they suspect any suspicious activity. So to avoid any inconvenience, just double check if you need to notify your bank or credit card company ahead of time. Most times, you don’t need to notify them, but check just in case.

Just make sure you are available to check any text or calls if your bank or credit card needs to verify any transactions.

14. Carrying Only One Credit Card

Always travel with more than one credit cards just in case a card doesn’t work. Carrying multiple credit cards ensures that you have a backup payment method so you won’t be left stranded in a situation.

15. Not Having Cash

When you travel to different countries, you may find that certain vendors do not accept credit card, and only accept cash. It is a mistake to not have cash when you travel. Also you will find that some countries are ok with accepting US dollars as currency, so determine before traveling if it is even necessary to exchange currency. Again, do yourself a favor and research this to save time and money.

16. Eating at Chain Restaurants

If you only eat at chain restaurants when you travel to a new destination, you are missing out. Travel is about seeking new experiences and immersing yourself in the culture. You can eat at your standard restaurant when you get back home…live a little…try something new!

17. Being Angry in a Foreign Country

I don’t understand people who spend money to travel to a different country and choose to be angry while on vacation. Everything is not going to always be perfect, but being angry is not going to make things better. Basically, accept that other countries will not always do things as you do, embrace the culture, and enjoy your vacation.

18. Putting Valuables in Checked Bag

There are so many stories of valuables being lost in checked baggage, but yet people still insist on doing this. If something is really valuable and important to you, keep it with you, or better yet, just keep it at home.

19. Not Keeping Valuables at Home

Research where you are going, and if it is place where not many people are wearing designer clothing, it’s best to keep your most valued possessions at home. Also, many destinations are known to have common scams and pickpocket tactics where tourist are targeted. If you blend in, you will be less targeted, so just be smart when deciding when you bring valuables.

20. Not Using a Travel Credit Card

Paying foreign transaction fees can really add up quickly. Also, many travel cards come with insurance and perks such as being able to use credit card points. I find travel credit cards very valuable, but do your research and find the card that works best for your lifestyle.

21. Not Checking Currency Exchange

Exchanging currency is inconvenient, and can cost you if you don’t do your research. Make sure you know the exchange rate, so that you are able to get the best rate. Check with your bank at home before your trip, as you may get the best rate there.

*Learning as You Go

There are so many things to learn with traveling, and this list barely scratches the surface, but it is a start. I feel like I learn something new every time I travel, and that is why I love it so much. I love learning, even if it’s from mistakes, but what’s better is that I get to share what I’ve learned in hopes to help others.

🩵💛💜