June 25, 2026
You’ve been dreaming about this vacation for months. Everything is planned down to the last detail. Nothing could go wrong… right? Take it from us – even the most meticulously planned trip can go awry from an unexpected crisis. And sometimes, despite months, if not years, of planning, those mishaps can come from the most unexpected places. We work with you to ensure that your travel plans are executed as smoothly as possible, which is why we’ve compiled a list of rookie travel mistakes to avoid!
1) AVOID Taking Too Many Pairs of Shoes
Obviously, yes, you do need all those shoes – but do you need to bring them all with you? Shoes add a ridiculous amount of weight to your luggage, which can be costly in overweight fees. Be realistic about what you’re packing. A pair of sneakers for walking, which I suggest you wear on your travel days, is key. If you are going to a warm or beach location, a pair of nice, neutral-colored sandals for dinners and other nicer events. And lastly sandals for the pool or beach. That’s all you need for a sexy and stylish shoe game.
2) AVOID Not Alerting Your Bank
Few things are more frustrating than having your card declined while traveling because the bank suspects someone’s run off with your card details. Let them know you’ll be traveling and where you’re going to avoid this issue.
3) AVOID Losing or Misplacing Vital Items
Just in case your luggage decides to go off on an adventure without you, you will still have your medications (including a change of clothes) and other important items in your carry-on. And keep absolutely essential items – passport, etc. – in your handbag or personal item.
4) AVOID Overscheduling
Slow down, Action Jackson. You’re on vacation. Take some time to relax and decompress. We know you’re excited and want to see everything, but vacation should be relaxing. If you’re running from one activity to the next without time to breathe, you’ll be heading home more tired than you left! Plan for some downtime, whether you use it for resting or for being spontaneous!
5) AVOID Short Layovers
You think you’re being clever by planning for short layovers with less time hanging around in the airport on connecting flights. But if your first flight is delayed at all, you’ll end up running from one end of the airport to the other and possibly missing it altogether. The general rule is a minimum 2-hour layover for domestic flights and a minimum 3-hour layover for International flights. This is especially important for International flights. In most cases, you will be going through customs and rechecking your checked bag at your first stop in the United States. You need time to complete this process before heading to your connecting flight. If you are connecting at an International airport, you need time to navigate through a foreign airport, which may include an additional layer of difficulty if there is a language barrier.
6) AVOID Being That Tourist
Yes, English is becoming more common around the world, but please don’t be that person, the one who expects everyone to speak English. Learn a few phrases before you go, download a language app (Google Translate is your new bestie), and make an effort.
7) AVOID Not Educating Yourself
It’s common courtesy, as well as common sense, to learn the local rules and customs before you arrive in a new place. For instance, Dubai is a very patriarchal country. If a man feels any slight disrespect by a woman, that woman can be jailed. In some Caribbean countries, wearing army fatigues is against the law. These are just some examples of the local laws and customs any traveler should be aware of. It only takes a quick search online. Besides avoiding insulting the locals by unwittingly doing something they find offensive, it could also save you money and your liberty.
8) AVOID Not Talking to the Locals
Want to know where the best restaurants are? What hidden gems you absolutely must not miss? Talk to the people who actually live there. They’ll know all the secret treasures that you might miss out on if you rely solely on guidebooks.
9) AVOID Keeping Your Cash in One Place
Don’t carry your money all in one place. If, God forbid, something happens, and you lose a stash of cash, you’re rest assured knowing you have more cash squirreled away elsewhere in your luggage or in the hotel room.
10) AVOID Not Buying Travel Insurance (Trust Us)
Look, we know everyone is trying to save money, but the one thing you should NOT scrimp on is travel insurance. If, again God forbid, something goes wrong, travel insurance can be the difference between you being able to continue enjoying your trip or having to figure out a way to hitchhike home from a foreign country. Travel insurance generally costs 5-7% of your total trip cost. The peace of mind is worth the few extra bucks.
Don’t let small problems ruin an otherwise wonderful vacation! By doing a small bit of planning ahead, you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing getaway.
Of course, you could always let us do the planning for you.
Let’s talk about your next vacation. Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today!
