How to Avoid the Most Expensive Mistakes Most Travelers Make

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Planning a trip is no easy task, and little errors can add up to significant expenses down the line. Avoid these twelve common and costly travel mistakes to maximize your vacation budget. 

Booking at the Wrong Time

The closer to the departure date, the more expensive airfare will be. Aim to book flights three months in advance for domestic trips and up to eight months for international travel. The strategy for hotels differs, with the absolute cheapest time to book being the week of travel, according to Skyscanner. However, those who choose to wait may risk being unable to find a room. If you plan to secure your hotel well ahead of time, Skyscanner suggests booking domestic hotels on a Thursday and international hotels on a Friday for better deals.

Booking a Tight Connection

Rebooking a missed flight is a surefire way to rack up extra travel expenses. Pay close attention to connection times between flights, especially if the connection requires you to recheck your luggage or pass through customs. Research your airport’s minimum connection time and leave at least that amount of space between the legs of your trip to avoid getting stranded. 

Not Using Flight Alerts

Have you ever booked a flight only to see the same route on sale later that week? Avoid paying more than you have to on airfare by setting up flight alerts with airfare search sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or SmarterTravel’s sister site, Airfarewatchdog. These services will send you personalized alerts when the fare for your route drops. 

Ignoring the Airline Luggage Policy

When booking your plane ticket, pay close attention to the airline luggage policy. That too-good-to-be-true fare may not include a carry-on and size limitations may have you checking your bag at the gate for a fee, especially on budget carriers. This becomes even more vital  on international trips, since many non-US airlines limit carry-on weight in addition to size. Invest in a sturdy carry-on that can fit beneath the seat in front of you to avoid any drama at the gate. 

Not Using Miles and Cashback

Frequent travelers may benefit from opening a travel credit card, which offers opportunities to earn miles directly with an airline or points to convert to miles with the credit card’s airline partners. Many of these cards offer extra rewards points on travel-related purchases, particularly when booked through the company’s travel portals. Even without a travel-specific card, travelers can use cashback to offset travel costs when applied strategically. For airline brand loyalists, ensure you’re signed up for the airline loyalty program so your flights count towards your next trip. 

Paying for What Your Credit Card Covers

If you have a credit card, odds are you have a few perks you haven’t uncovered. Many cards will reimburse you for the fee to apply to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Others may provide car rental insurance, saving you from shelling out for the pricey rental agency plans. While taking stock of your wallet, check in with your bank as well—you may be able to make ATM withdrawals at designated overseas partners without a fee. 

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Skipping Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an upfront expense many travelers are tempted to skip, but it will pay for itself in the event that you need it. Travel insurance can reimburse expenses incurred by trip cancellations, luggage loss or theft, delays, and more. Of course, there are certain situations that travel insurance won’t cover, so famliiarize yourself with your particular policy. Even if you decide to forgo an umbrella travel insurance policy, consider paying the upcharge for free changes and cancellations on airline, train, and event tickets when offered.

Eating Up International Cell Data

Don’t get hit with a high bill when you return home or have to spend your trip topping off your data plan. Set yourself up for success by turning off roaming and cellular data when not in use, staying connected to Wi-Fi or a personal hotspot whenever possible, and downloading offline maps for navigation. For extended trips abroad, consider swapping to a local SIM card for cheaper data, calls, and texting on the regional network. 

Converting Your Currency at the Wrong Time

Whether using cash or a card, there are tricks to not overpaying while shopping or dining out overseas. If you plan to pay with cash, order local currency from your bank well before your trip to avoid high ATM fees and inflated fees at touristy currency exchange stops. For purchases on a card, always pay in local currency when given the option. Converting to US dollars at the point of sale incurs a Dynamic Currency Conversion fee on top of the credit card foreign transaction fee. It is better to skip the extra charge and let your credit card take care of it on their end. 

Missing Out on Tourist Passes

Many cities offer transit and attraction passes to tourists exploring their cities. Options like The London Pass, RomaPass, The New York Pass, and the Discover Seoul Pass offer discounted or free admission to historical sites, museums, and events, along with transportation options. In addition to city-sponsored options, CityGO has many bundle passes for destinations worldwide. 

Leaving Discounts on the Table

Missing out on discounts can cost you. Many venues and organizations offer discounts to children, families, students, and seniors. Always double-check the age limit for these discounts; some senior discounts start much younger than the typical 60-years-old, and some youth discounts, like the Eurail, can extend to travelers in their late twenties. Existing memberships like AAA, AARP, and Costco may also entitle you to discounted entry fees, transit tickets, and more. Take stock of your memberships and investigate ways they could save you. 

Not Reading the Reviews

Nobody wants to waste their money on a miserable experience. While you may have a confirmed booking, if you don’t read the reviews ahead of time, you may be stuck in a subpar hotel or scammed by a less-than-reputable tour operator. Ensure your money is well-spent by checking out customer reviews on third-party websites like TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google Reviews, and HostelWorld.

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