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Not checking updated visa requirements
Visa requirements for travel change frequently so it’s essential to check there haven’t been changes a week before you leave, as well as when you first book the flights. If you’re in the UK, check the Foreign Travel Advice website. US citizens should look at the Department of State Travel Advisories. Depending on where you’re heading, you might need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation, and the last thing you want is to be caught out at your destination airport.
Reading the visa form wrong
Leaving airport arrivals with the wrong luggage
Failing to read up on local customs
Ignorance towards local laws
Even more serious than embarrassing yourself or offending the locals is doing something that could land you in a jail cell. Did you know civilians are banned from wearing camouflage in Trinidad and Tobago, peeing in the sea is prohibited in Portugal, and some nasal sprays are illegal in Japan? For more advice on what you can and can’t do, take a look at the world’s weird laws tourists could fall foul of before heading off anywhere.
Not learning basic phrases in the local language
Going on holiday is exciting – you study the guidebook from cover to cover, purchase holiday reading and meticulously plan outfits. Then, on arrival at your destination airport, you realise you’ve forgotten one thing – how to greet people, say please and thank you, ask how much something costs or ask if people speak English. Purchase a dictionary that covers key words and phrases, or download a translation app on your phone, and there's no excuse not to learn some lingo. Discover more brilliant travel apps here.
Packing too many liquids in hand luggage
This has been one of the most enforced travel rules for more than 10 years yet every day, airport security staff throw away make-up, perfumes, hair products, water and sun cream by the bucket-load. Know the rules: liquids carried in hand luggage (including pastes and gels) must be in no larger than 100ml (3.4 ounce) containers and carried in a see-through plastic bag, that totals no more than one litre (approximately one quart). Medical liquids above 100ml (3.4 ounce) are allowed as long as you have your prescription. Unlimited liquids are allowed in hold luggage.
Failing to check the weather forecast before you leave
Not confirming hotel reservations
Navigating to the wrong hotel, tourist attraction or airport with a similar name
Not double-checking flight details
Assuming lounges are for the loaded
Have you looked longingly at the door to an airport lounge, assuming it's strictly out of bounds to economy flyers? Many airports have lounges that anyone can access, albeit for a small price. However, most offer complimentary food, drinks, magazines, activity packs for children and wi-fi. Buying all of these in departures could rack up to the same price as lounge access anyway. If you're a frequent flyer, there are several annual membership schemes, giving you access to hundreds of lounges worldwide.
Taking the first room you're offered
Most hotels will have some rooms that are better than others, but within the same price band. They may have a better view, be more recently refurbished, or further away from the nightly disco. But remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. When booking, chat to reception and ask them which they think is the best room for the price. Here's our guide to getting the best hotel room.
Packing too much stuff
How do you pack for holiday? The chances are, you cram in an outfit per day, a change of clothes for each evening, plus a bulging washbag and several pairs of shoes. But when you return home a week later, several T-shirts and those sparkly heels haven’t seen the light of day. Next time, lighten your load by laying out your packing, then cutting the quantity in half. Be realistic about what footwear you really need and decant toiletries into smaller bottles. Read our packing guide for more useful tips and never bother taking these items on holiday.
Leaving jabs until the last minute
Amid all the excitement of planning a trip, it’s easy to put vaccinations to the back of your mind. After all, most of us would rather immerse ourselves in researching which beach to hit first than think about typhoid or Japanese encephalitis. But to ensure you’re properly protected, you should start your inoculations at least eight weeks before you fly. For more tips on how to travel healthily, see our doctor's guide.
Napping once you've arrived
Long-haul fights can leave you exhausted and tempted to hit the pillow as soon as you check-in at your hotel, but to beat jet-lag you need to adapt to your new time zone. If it’s daytime, help your body clock adjust by getting out in the sunshine. When the night draws in, keep the lights low and help your body wind down by not looking at screens in the two hours before you hit the sack. Here's our guide to getting over jet-lag.
Assuming you have to queue
Always going for all-inclusive
With all-you-can-eat buffets and unlimited drinks, all-inclusive resorts sound tempting. But knowing you’ve already forked out for your meals binds you to the hotel and deters you from experiencing local restaurants. It’s also a fast way to pile on the pounds – paying a flat fee for food and drink somehow makes us lose all sense of perspective when it comes to portion control. Next time, try booking bed and breakfast, or half-board, then get out there and enjoy some local flavours. We investigated the package vs indepdendent holiday debate here.
Living by the guidebook
When it comes to getting an overview of your destination, guidebooks can be invaluable but try not to rely on them entirely or you might find yourself missing out. For the most current information on what’s hot and what’s not, chat to locals and other travellers. The chances are a new café or attraction will have opened since your guide went to print. Here are a few more ways to see your destination like a local.
Sweating the small stuff
Taking more than hand luggage
If you’re planning a city break, pack light and just take hand luggage. While everyone else is enduring check-in queues and jostling at the baggage carousel, you’ll sail past with a smile.
Always booking a hotel
Don't let hotels always be your de facto accommodation option. There are plenty of other options, all with their own pros and cons. Try a serviced apartment for that hotel-style service but the flexibility of a holiday home. Book through Airbnb if you're on a budget and want your own space, or try a homestay to live like a local in your chosen destination.
Never booking direct
Putting up with dodgy airline food
Airplane food often tastes as unappetising as it looks but many airlines offer the chance to pre-book an alternative meal. For example, British Airways customers flying long-haul from Heathrow can choose a ‘gourmet’ four-course meal, costing from £15 ($20). If you stick with the basic options, we've got 12 top hacks for upgrading your meal, DIY-style.
Never travelling alone
The thought of solo travel might be daunting but don’t let that put you off. Not only is it exhilarating, it’s also a fantastic way to build your confidence. You’re also far more likely to connect with other travellers and the chances are, before long you’ll find you’re not on your own at all. For more tips, read our guide to travelling alone.
Always drinking bottled water
We all want to avoid getting an upset stomach when we’re travelling but plastic water bottle waste is taking a huge toll on our environment. Although they are recyclable, it’s estimated around half the bottles produced wind up in landfill or polluting our oceans. Instead, take a reusable water canister and, if the tap water isn’t safe to drink, use purification tablets. Check out our guide to eco-friendly travel gear here.
Never leaving the resort
Filling your itinerary
Always booking months in advance
When it comes to booking holidays, the early bird often catches the worm – flights are usually cheaper and you’ll have more choice. But, if you’re flexible on where and when you travel, and you’re prepared to take a gamble, last-minute bookings can pay dividends. Waiting it out is likely to be more successful for city breaks than long-haul holidays but, if you hang on in there, there’s a chance you’ll get a cracking deal in the four or five weeks before your planned departure. For more tips, see our guide to booking a last-minute holiday.
Not photocopying your passport
Not reading reviews
When it comes to accommodation, it pays to do your homework. Read the reviews for valuable insight into which are the best (and worst) rooms, as well as handy pointers about things like pool temperature. After all, there’s no point in forking out for that turquoise infinity pool if it's too chilly to swim in. Make sure you check out travellers’ photos too – the reality might look markedly different to the cleverly marketed website. Decode what the brochure says versus what it really means with our handy guide.
Missing the sunrise
Yes, holidays are for resting but what better way to kick-start your day than with a spectacular sunrise? Ask locals for the best viewpoint, check the weather forecast and set your alarm. Then head to your location armed with a blanket and a flask, and prepare to be amazed. It’ll be an unforgettable experience, unlike snoozing in bed. Britain has some spectacular dawns and if you’re in the USA, check out our guide to the best sunrise spots in every state.
Paying a singles supplement
Solo travellers are often penalised by single supplements but before you book, it’s worth checking whether your tour operator offers specific dates when they don’t charge an excess. Alternatively, travel with a specialist singles operator like Friendship Travel or Solos Holidays, or join forces with a fellow traveller in advance. Thelma & Louise specialises in helping women find like-minded travel companions.
Putting a ‘fragile’ sticker on your luggage
Suitcases emblazoned with brightly coloured stickers shouting ‘fragile’ are often seen floating round the luggage carousel. But, with all the good will in the world, busy baggage handlers probably don’t have time to give extra TLC to every labelled bag. And even if they do, your suitcase will still thump around the carousel along with everyone else’s. If you’re packing something fragile, try to take it in your hand luggage. Here are a few more things you should know about baggage handlers.
Not chatting to the locals
Drinking on the flight
You’ve finally made it onto the plane and now all you want to do is watch an in-flight movie and knock back a few glasses of wine. But before you start drinking, keep in mind that alcohol dehydrates you and it’s widely believed that it hits you harder at altitude. Avoid starting your holiday with a hangover by taking it easy and drinking plenty of water. Here are more effects that flying has on your body and how to deal with them.
Taking nonstop selfies
In years to come, would you rather look at a photo of your pouting face or the once-in-a-lifetime view that’s obscured behind your smile? Try putting down that selfie stick and closing down that social media app once in a while, and really live in the moment. We’re not saying don’t take photos, just try to soak up your surroundings before you get snap happy. Try these brilliant travel cameras and read these tips on getting great shots of your adventures.
Booking a family hotel for a romantic weekend
Using public wi-fi
Smartphones make it easier than ever to stay connected when you're abroad. While it’s tempting to use free wi-fi hot spots, they can leave you vulnerable to cyber crime. If you have to use wi-fi, only access password-protected networks and avoid sharing any sensitive information or checking your bank account. Or, why not switch off altogether and try a digital detox holiday instead?
Picking up currency at the airport
It might save time but buying foreign currency at the airport definitely won’t save you cash. Exchange rates are notoriously poor – you’re a captive audience, after all. Instead, make time to shop around for the best deal before you travel. For more information on currency, check out our guide to peer-to-peer currency exchange.
Packing loads of books
Not trying a travel agent
Organising a trip yourself definitely has its advantages but don’t discount your local travel agent. They often have great deals which you won’t find online, plus a good agent will also offer expert knowledge and advice into the bargain. Even if you’ve decided on your destination, try phoning them to see if they can give you a better deal before you part with your cash. For more tips, read our guide to booking holidays with a travel agent.
Forgetting to buy travel insurance
It's not the most exciting part of booking your holiday, but it's still essential. Go away without insurance and you could face hefty medical bills if disaster strikes. Or you'll end up out of pocket if a natural disaster gets in the way of travel plans. Don't be left stranded and cash-strapped: use this guide to buying travel insurance on our sister site, loveMONEY.
Always going to the same places
Just because you really loved that resort on the Algarve or that all-inclusive hotel in Florida doesn't mean you have to keep going back. There are hundreds of exciting destinations out there with something for everyone. Branch out a little and visit somewhere under the radar, like these underrated destinations. However, there is a strong case for the comfort a return trip to the same destination can bring.
Letting news reports & stereotypes put you off
The world is a complex place and much-reported unrest and political instability has hampered the tourism industry in a number of destinations. But don't always be put off. While it's ill-advised to visit some areas of Turkey, there are plenty of safe places for tourists. Don't let national stereotypes deter your holiday either. Here are some of the destinations you should reconsider for your next trip.
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