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12 Most Common Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Team AckoSept 18, 2025

We’ve all been in these situations: arriving at the airport and realising the passport is in the wrong bag, or carrying way too many clothes only to wear the same three outfits. Travel is exciting, but it’s also easy to overlook small details that can turn into big hassles. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way.

Contents

1. Overpacking your bags
2. Forgetting to check visa and passport requirements
3. Skipping travel insurance
4. Ignoring local customs
5. Not informing your bank about international travel
6. Booking tight layovers
7. Neglecting health precautions
8. Carrying too much cash
9. Not keeping digital and physical copies of documents
10. Overplanning every minute
11. Ignoring safety warnings
12. Forgetting to notify family and friends
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 12 common mistakes travellers make, and how you can avoid them with ease.

1. Overpacking your bags

It’s tempting to carry “just in case” outfits, but overpacking often leads to excess baggage fees, sore shoulders, and unnecessary stress.

How to avoid this: Pack versatile clothing items you can mix and match. Stick to essentials and remember, you can always do laundry or pick up items locally if needed.

2. Forgetting to check visa and passport requirements

Many travellers assume their passport alone is enough, only to be denied boarding because they didn’t check visa rules.

How to avoid this: Research visa requirements for your destination well in advance. Also, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date, as many countries enforce this rule.

3. Skipping travel insurance

Things like an accident, a cancelled flight, or even lost luggage can quickly throw your trip off track. Without travel insurance, you might end up paying for unexpected costs out of pocket.

How to avoid this: Get travel insurance before your trip begins. It’s your financial safety net for when things don’t go as planned.

4. Ignoring local customs

What’s normal in your home country might be considered rude elsewhere. Not knowing basic customs can cause awkward situations.

How to avoid this: Read up on local culture, dress codes, and basic phrases. A little effort goes a long way in showing respect and enhancing your experience.

5. Not informing your bank about international travel

Your bank may flag foreign transactions as suspicious and freeze your account. That’s the last thing you want when you’re abroad.

How to avoid this: Inform your bank about your travel plans and enable international usage on your cards. Always carry a backup payment option like a second card or some cash.

Read More: Travelling Overseas? Best 5 Credit Cards with Zero Foreign Transaction Fees

6. Booking tight layovers

A short layover may look convenient, but it can easily backfire if your first flight is delayed. You risk missing connections and losing valuable time.

How to avoid this: Allow at least 2-3 hours between flights. This gives you a buffer for delays, immigration checks, and security screening.

7. Neglecting health precautions

Travel exposes you to new climates, foods, and sometimes even diseases. Ignoring vaccinations or not packing basic medicines can spoil your trip.

How to avoid this: Check vaccination requirements and pack a small first-aid kit with essentials like painkillers, band-aids, and prescribed medication.

8. Carrying too much cash

While cash is handy, carrying large sums makes you vulnerable to theft or loss.

How to avoid this: Use a mix of cards, mobile payments, and small amounts of cash. For added security, keep money in multiple places, such as a wallet, hotel safe, or money belt.

9. Not keeping digital and physical copies of documents

Losing your passport or travel documents can leave you stranded without proof of identity.

How to avoid this: Securely save scanned copies of your passport, ID, and insurance policy online and carry physical photocopies. This will make replacements or embassy visits far smoother.

10. Overplanning every minute

While it’s natural to want to see everything, a jam-packed schedule can often lead to exhaustion and missed opportunities for spontaneity.

How to avoid this: Prioritise the must-see attractions and allow time for rest. Sometimes, the best experiences are the unplanned ones.

11. Ignoring safety warnings

Travellers sometimes wander into unsafe areas because they didn’t research enough or ignored local advice.

How to avoid this: Check travel advisories, talk to locals, and trust your instincts. It’s better to miss a photo opportunity than risk your safety.

12. Forgetting to notify family and friends

When travelling, especially solo, not keeping loved ones informed can cause unnecessary worry and leave you without a support system in emergencies.

How to avoid this: Share your itinerary and accommodation details with someone you trust. Regularly update them through text or email, and keep everyone reassured.

Conclusion

Travel is about creating memories, not collecting mishaps. By avoiding these 12 common mistakes, you’ll save yourself from stress, unnecessary expenses, and missed opportunities. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure that your journey is smooth and enjoyable.

So pack smart, plan wisely, and don’t forget the most important travel companion: peace of mind. That often comes from being prepared with the right backup, including travel insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need travel insurance if I already have health insurance?

Usually yes. Most health insurance plans don’t cover you outside your home country. Travel insurance steps in to cover medical emergencies, trip delays, or lost baggage when you’re abroad.

If I get injured while scuba diving, will my travel insurance cover it?

It depends. Some plans exclude high-risk activities like bungee jumping or scuba diving, while others offer add-ons.

What if I lose my passport during a trip?

Travel insurance usually helps cover the costs of getting a replacement passport and can assist with emergency travel arrangements.

Does travel insurance cover the loss of ID proofs, driving license, etc?

Yes. Most policies cover the loss of essential documents like passports or IDs and help with the cost and process of getting replacements.

If my visa is rejected, but I have already booked tickets, will my travel insurance reimburse me for this?

No. Travel insurance does not cover visa rejections. Since visa approval depends on government authorities, any expenses from rejected applications or pre-booked tickets are not reimbursed.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please check the policy document for cancellation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.