5 Common Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

📌 Don’t Let These Ruin Your Trip !

So you’ve booked your dream trip, packed your bags, and you’re ready to go. But wait—are you really ready? Every traveler, from first-timers to frequent flyers, has made at least one of these classic travel mistakes. From overpacking to last-minute visa surprises, small missteps can turn your adventure into a stressful mess.

Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here’s how to avoid the most common travel blunders and make your trip smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable.

Overpacking – How to Travel Lighter & Smarter

Mistake: Bringing unnecessary items that make your luggage heavy and hard to manage. “Packed 15 outfits, wore 5, came home with 10 untouched. Every. Single. Time.” 😅
Fix: Pack versatile outfits, use packing cubes, and follow the “Rule of 3” (3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes). “Okay confession – I pack 4 Tops.” 😅

When it comes to carry-on luggage, airlines are indeed becoming stricter with size and weight limits, so it’s essential to pack efficiently and avoid any unexpected fees.

Different airlines have varying size and weight restrictions, but generally, the standard dimensions for a carry-on bag are:

Airline	Free Bag Size (cm)	Paid/Upgrade Bag Size (cm)
Ryanair	40 x 20 x 25	55 x 40 x 20 (10 kg max)
Wizz Air	40 x 30 x 20	55 x 40 x 23 (10 kg max)
easyJet	45 x 36 x 20	56 x 45 x 25 (no weight limit)

Some budget airlines might have even stricter rules, so check your airline’s website to confirm their specific carry-on dimensions before you pack. You can often find these details in the “Baggage” section.

TRAVEL TIP: Soft-sided carry-on bags are more flexible and easier to fit in overhead compartments, especially if you slightly overpack. These bags can conform to different shapes, unlike hard-shell luggage, which may be difficult to adjust.

Most airlines allow one additional item, like a backpack, purse, or laptop bag, in addition to your carry-on. Be sure to take advantage of this. You can pack lighter clothes, books, electronics, or other travel essentials in your personal item.

When’s the Best Time to Book Flights? Avoid This Costly Mistake

Mistake: Paying too much for flights because of bad timing.
Fix: Use flight comparison sites like WayAway, book on Tuesdays or Wednesdays (weekends and Mondays are more expensive), and set up price alerts for deals.

Avoid Overpaying for Taxis: Smarter Ways to Get Around

Mistake: Not Researching Local Transportation. Arriving at your destination without knowing how to get around, leading to expensive taxis.
Fix: Research public transport passes, download transit apps, and check ride-share options before your trip.

Buy a Transit Pass Instead of Paying Per Ride:
Many cities offer unlimited travel passes for buses, trains, and metros. Instead of paying per trip (which adds up fast), get a daily, weekly, or tourist pass—it’s cheaper and saves you from fumbling for cash or tickets.

Download Local Transit Apps Before You Arrive:
Google Maps works in most places, but local transport apps often have real-time updates, cheaper ride options, and even discounts. For example, Citymapper is great for major cities.

Compare Ride-Share Prices Before Booking:
Uber isn’t always the cheapest option! Some countries have better local apps (like Bolt in Europe or Grab in Asia). Always check multiple ride-share options or use public transport for shorter distances.

Currency Exchange Mistakes That Cost You More (And What to Do Instead)

Using the Wrong Credit or Debit Card

Mistake: Some banks charge huge foreign transaction fees (up to 3% per purchase!).
Fix: Get a travel-friendly credit card with zero foreign fees, like Revolut, Wise, or Capital One Venture. (For South African travelers the Capitec GlobalOne card is a good idea, as it operates on the Mastercard system, as well as American Express.)

Exchanging Money at the Airport – The Worst Rates

Mistake: Airport exchange counters charge high fees and give you terrible conversion rates.
Fix: Use an ATM at your destination or withdraw cash before your trip from a bank with low foreign transaction fees.

Saying “Yes” to Dynamic Currency Conversion

Mistake: When paying by card abroad, you might be asked, “Would you like to pay in your home currency?” Always say NO! This “convenience” comes with hidden fees and bad rates.
Fix: Choose to pay in the local currency—your bank will likely give you a better exchange rate.

REMEMBER: Be a savvy traveler and always inform the bank of your travel plans to avoid potential card blocks due to unusual activity.

Overplanning Your Trip? Why Less Is More in Travel

Mistake: Trying to See Too Much in One Trip. Packing your itinerary too full and ending up exhausted.
Fix: Plan a balanced schedule, leaving time for spontaneous exploration and rest.

EXPERT ADVICE: It’s tempting to squeeze as many sights and activities as possible into a limited trip, especially when it’s your only chance to explore Europe. However, overplanning can lead to burnout, and you might end up feeling more stressed than relaxed. The key to a successful trip is balance.

1. Quality Over Quantity

Instead of hopping from city to city and trying to see everything, focus on fewer destinations. Spend more time in each place to really soak in the atmosphere, explore hidden gems, and savor the local culture. You’ll have a much more fulfilling experience than rushing through multiple places just for the sake of checking them off a list.

2. The Art of Relaxed Travel

Long days of sightseeing can leave you feeling exhausted. By leaving space in your itinerary for spontaneous exploration, breaks at local cafes, and leisurely strolls, you’ll recharge and avoid travel fatigue. This means you’ll have energy to enjoy each destination fully, not just tick it off your list.

3. The Joy of Discovery

One of the best parts of traveling is stumbling upon unexpected places and experiences. By overplanning, you might miss out on these magical moments. Whether it’s discovering a local market, a quiet park, or a cozy café tucked in a corner, these little gems often create the most lasting memories.

4. Taking in the Surroundings

Sometimes, the beauty of a city or region isn’t in its tourist hotspots but in the details. Wander through a charming street, admire the architecture, or just sit by the river. These moments will help you connect with a destination on a deeper level, giving you more than just a photo to look back on.

TRAVEL TIP: Include Relaxation while doing sightseeing: Maybe a day for a scenic train ride. You can relax onboard, while taking in the beauty of the countryside… e.g. Bernina Express in Switzerland, Rovos Rail in South Africa…

Remember, Europe (or the continent you’re visiting) will still be there for your next trip. You can always go back and explore other places in the future. But the memories you create on this trip will be richer and more rewarding if you take the time to enjoy what’s right in front of you.

By, Jo-Anne Naude Traveler, storyteller, seeker of hidden beauty. She captures life’s simple joys through journeys that inspire wonder, reflection, and a deeper connection to the world.