11 Costly Travel Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Vacation Before It Even Begins

Travel is supposed to be an enjoyable experience, one in which you get to see new things, have a few great experiences, and perhaps even catch up with old friends.

But some simple mistakes can turn the best trip into a disaster costing you time, money, and frustration.

Check out the worst travel mistakes you could make and avoid wasting money on your next trip.

Not updating your passport

Any travel overseas requires the use of a passport. If you haven’t updated yours in some time, do it now.

Some travel destinations require the passport to be valid for another three to six months after your trip.

If you’re trying to squeeze in one more international trip before renewing, be sure to use the right credit card to earn miles and travel more , but also check if the country you’re visiting requires a visa or you could find yourself locked out of your destination, costing you time and money.

You can turn to the U.S. Embassy in that country to verify this information.

Checking a bag when you don’t need to

Airlines differ in their carry-on and checked bags, though many today charge a hefty fee for checking a bag. Many allow carry-ons, though, which can be larger than you think.

Don’t spend the money on a checked bag if you don’t need to — and the time of having to search for it after the flight. Even with modern tech, checked bags can still get lost.

Not having a backup for a delay

Do everything you can to avoid being late for the airport. Triple-check all of the details of the flight, including its date and time. You also want to be sure to consider delays that could make a connecting flight a problem.

After ensuring all of this, create a backup should a flight get canceled. Have an idea of what your options are for local hotels, rebooking, and any travel insurance protection you have.

Are you a homeowner? Discover 8 savvy money moves to stretch your budget

Not updating your cell phone plan

Depending on your carrier, you could face some pretty expensive increases in your phone bill if you use it overseas without checking your plan first.

Before you decide to travel, check with your cell phone provider about your coverage abroad and provide it with the location you’re visiting. That way you can avoid costly surprises later.

Failing to learn local laws and customs

When you’re traveling overseas, make it a point to learn as much as you can about the local customs and laws.

It’s up to you to know how to properly thank someone and whether or not you can wear a certain type of clothing or use a certain product. For example, some nasal sprays are actually illegal to bring into Japan.

Ensuring that your communication and clothing aren’t going to offend or violate any laws can help you avoid turning a good trip into a bad one.

Overscheduling your trip

One of the best things about traveling to a new destination is getting to explore it with new eyes. Some people like to schedule every hour of their trip to ensure they get everything in they can.

But doing that can cause you to miss the natural beauty of the location while also creating frustration as soon as you miss one planned experience. Try and relax and take it all in without a packed schedule.

Pushing for the lowest price on everything

It feels good to know you saved money on your hotel or rented a car for a fraction of what you expected. You may have gotten a cheap flight to save money too. Just don’t ruin your experience for a bit of saving.

There’s often a reason some prices are lower. No one wants to spend six hours on a bus to go from an obscure airport to their destination or stay in a hotel that’s too far from any of the sights worth seeing.

Overpacking for the trip

A week-long trip doesn’t mean you need seven or more outfits. Overpacking may also include bringing along a dozen toys for the kids to play with, tons of snacks for the hotel room, and numerous accessories.

Keep it simple and avoid the higher cost you may pay with checked bags or carry-on luggage that’s too heavy. Find out if there are laundry services you can use nearby or choose lightweight, layered clothing to wear instead.

Waiting until the last minute to get vaccinated

Traveling to some countries may require the update of certain vaccinations. It’s no fun to get poked with a needle, but getting it done before your trip is always worthwhile.

Don’t make the travel mistake of waiting until the last minute, though. Pushing off vaccinations might mean that you can’t schedule them in time, or you may feel ill for a day or so after.

Not exchanging money before you go

Many people use credit cards while traveling, but even that can lead to expensive fees.

First, if you plan to use your credit cards (be sure to verify that you can), check the expected costs according to the card’s terms.

Second, if you plan to use money changers, realize that many of these can be less than above-board, meaning they could charge you far too much.

Check with your home bank before you leave instead to see if the exchange rate is better. That could save you money and hassle later.

Sticking to tourist spots

If you just stick to the tourist spots, you’re not getting an authentic experience. Instead, take a trip into the countryside or visit the small town near the big city you’re planning to visit.

If you have a car on your trip, one of the travel planning secrets is to take to the often more affordable surrounding towns for meals, shopping, and sightseeing whenever possible.

The experience is nearly always worth stepping away from the highly expensive, tourism-driven area.

Bottom line

You might not be too worried about saving money during your vacation if you're already doing better financially than the average American, so another good advice to follow as you set out to explore a new area is to not get obsessed over photos and social media.

Experience the moment instead. Put your phone down so you don’t make the mistake of not enjoying your trip fully and creating lasting memories.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).