Never do this in a hotel: 10 mistakes travelers make

Smart reminders

Never do this in a hotel: 10 mistakes travelers make

Although traveling may seem easy, there are many details passengers often overlook. From the day you pack your suitcase to the moment you board your flight back home, here we’ll walk you through the 10 most common and costly mistakes. And, of course, how to avoid them.

Overpacking

Image: Carlos Derecichei

You’ve probably packed your suitcase hundreds of times, but there are common mistakes we all seem to forget. We understand: you’d love to bring all your favorite T-shirts, and you don’t want to leave behind your everyday essentials. But when it comes to traveling, a few sacrifices are necessary, and one thing is certain: Overpacking will only bring you headaches. Extra luggage means higher costs, more stress, and more fatigue from carrying a heavy suitcase. Plus, you probably won’t even wear all those clothes.

Traveling only during high season

Image: Emile Guillemot

Orlando hits its peak in the summer, just as Aspen shines in the winter. But while the high season shows each place at its best, many travelers find it overrated. Think about it: more crowds, packed attractions, long lines everywhere, and higher prices on everything from flights to meals. Try traveling in the low season instead; not only for your wallet, but also for your peace of mind.

Booking tight connections

Image: Maëva Vigier

Some might think that tight flight connections are an advantage, since there’s less waiting around. However, that’s a mistake. Why? Because flight delays are incredibly common, and if your first flight is even slightly late, you’ll likely miss your second one if the connection is too short. And even if you do make it, tight connections are one of the leading causes of lost luggage. No one wants that!

Skipping travel insurance

Image: Mehdi Mirzaie

Experienced travelers always agree on one thing: health comes first. And even if nothing has happened to you in the last 15 years, when you’re traveling, anything is possible, so it’s always better to be cautious. In other parts of the world, healthcare systems can work very differently from what you’re used to, so that’s why you should never forget travel medical insurance. Both your body and your wallet will thank you!

Forgetting to notify your bank

Image: Markus Winkler

If your trip is coming up, don’t forget to notify your bank! If you plan to use your credit card away from home, it’s best to give them a heads-up. Otherwise, the bank may flag what it sees as unusual activity and block your card due to suspected fraud. To avoid being stuck without a way to pay, a quick call to the bank can save you a lot of trouble.

Booking too late

Image: Fernando Santander

Whether you travel all the time or only once in a blue moon, there’s one golden rule to keep: don’t book your hotel room or plane ticket at the last minute. As the departure date gets closer, prices climb, options are reduced, and the best deals are usually gone. If you want to save both money and stress, booking well in advance is always smarter.

Being rude to hotel staff

Image: Quang Nguyen Vinh

Both frequent travelers and long-time hotel employees share an interesting tip: always be considerate toward the staff. Yes, it’s basic human decency, but some people forget to be kind when they’re frustrated by a booking error or a last-minute cancellation. Still, it’s always better to stay friendly, as this often leads to better service and a more helpful response. Kindness is usually repaid with kindness.

Exchanging money at airports and hotels

Image: Ali Mkumbwa

Even if you’re carrying a credit card, it’s smart to have some cash on hand for emergencies. But if you’re traveling abroad, the site where you exchange your money matters. One of the most common mistakes is doing it at the airport or the hotel. These spots usually have the worst rates and highest fees, often costing travelers 10 to 15% more. For a better deal, local bank ATMs are usually the best option.

Booking nonrefundable hotels

Image: Fabian Blank

We’ve already mentioned a great hotel hack: booking well in advance comes with many benefits. While that’s totally true, there’s also one detail you should never forget. Make sure your tickets and, above all, your hotel reservation are refundable. The future is unpredictable, and having the option of a refund can save you a lot of stress if you need to cancel or change your plans.

Driving on your own

Image: Ed 259

No matter how experienced a driver you are, getting behind the wheel in an unfamiliar city can bring you a lot of trouble. You don’t know the roads, the driving habits, or which areas to avoid, and all that can turn a simple trip into a stressful one. It’s better to use public transportation or grab a taxi. You’ll get where you need to go more easily, avoid unnecessary headaches, and save your energy for actually enjoying the trip.