If you are planning to go on a vacation, you will know just how much time and effort, not to mention money, goes into planning the big trip, so the last thing you want is for anything to go wrong and you end up with a vacation that is less than everything you hoped it would be. 

Basically, you want to travel like a seasoned traveler, not a novice, and that being the case, it would be a good idea to take a look at some mistakes that seasoned travelers never make, so that you can (hopefully) avoid making them too, and ensure your next vacation is as epic as you dreamed it would be.

1. Overpacking – Everyone’s Favorite Faux Pas

First on the list, we have what is probably one of the most common travel mistakes of them all and one that no self-respecting travel expert would ever make – overpacking. So many people think they need to pack an outfit for every possible situation, but this just leaves them weighed down when they should be free and having fun.

Seasoned travelers avoid this by curating a capsule travel wardrobe that can be mixed and matched and which works for pretty much any occasion. You should work on doing the same.

2. Letting the Passport Lapse

You would think that it would be obvious that, if you are going to travel, you should check that the validity of your passport has not lapsed well before you are due to flu, but so many people do not do this and end u[ grounded and out of pocket.

This is why experienced travelers know to check their passport validity months ahead of their trip, especially since some countries require that your passport be valid for six months beyond your travel dates.

3. Skipping Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can seem like an unnecessary expense, and you might be tempted to use that extra cash to book an additional excursion or buy some souvenirs to bring home, and this might not feel like a mistake,  until you really need it.

Seasoned globetrotters never skip out on travel insurance as it can be a lifesaver in case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Make sure, no matter where you are traveling, you follow their lead!

4. Forgetting to Inform Banks About Travel Plans

Imagine being in a foreign country and having your credit card declined because your bank thinks it’s a fraudulent transaction. It could mean you cannot visit those cool tourist attractions or even buy dinner each night! Experienced travelers always inform their banks of their travel plans to avoid such scenarios.

5. Ignoring Local Customs and Etiquette

Every seasoned traveler knows, only too well, the importance of respecting local customs and etiquette when they are out and about exploring. Whether it’s dressing appropriately for the location or learning a few phrases in the local language, showing respect for local traditions goes a long way in enriching your travel experience, allowing you to meet and enjoy the company of locals without offending them, and more importantly, ensuring you do not end up on the wrong side of the law!

6. Renting the Wrong Accommodation

One huge mistake you will never see seasoned travelers make is renting a hotel room when everyone knows that Snowmass Village rentals offer better views and access to the skiing and mountains, or renting a bed and breakfast when they want plenty of privacy and the local 4-star hotel is barely more expensive.

They take the time to think about what they will be doing, and what they will need from their accommodation, and they do their research before booking accordingly. Be sure to take a leaf out of their book!

7. Neglecting to Back Up Important Documents

Losing your passport or travel documents can be a nightmare that ruins your vacation, sometimes before it has even started. That’s why savvy travelers always have backup copies – both digital and physical.

They often email themselves copies of important documents, so they’re easily accessible online, and can be used to verify who they are should the unfortunate need arise. It just makes life easier.

8. Not Embracing Flexibility

Travel isn’t always as smooth sailing as we would hope it would be when we are planning our next big vacations. Flights get delayed, reservations fall through, and sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate.

Seasoned travelers know the importance of having a flexible mindset and a Plan B (or C), and they are not prone to complaining when things do not go exactly their way – they look at it as being part of the adventure.

9. Failing to Research Local Scams

It’s a sad fact of modern life, but every destination has its share of tourist traps and scams. From overpriced taxi rides to street scams, experienced travelers do their homework and stay alert to avoid getting duped, so they can keep most of their money free for skiing, scuba diving or eating out at that Michelin restaurant.

10. Avoiding Street Food

Many travelers are wary of street food, fearing it might lead to food poisoning and a night spent in the bathroom.

However, seasoned travelers know that street food is not only safe (if you choose wisely) but also offers an authentic taste of local cuisine that will enrich the experience, so do not be afraid to give it a go.

11. Sticking Only to Tourist Hotspots

While popular landmarks are popular for a reason, experienced travelers know that sometimes the best experiences are off the beaten path. They explore local neighborhoods, eat where the locals eat, and discover hidden gems that aren’t in the travel guides.

Although you can never be sure that you’ll get through a whole trip without something going wrong at some point, it is totally fair to say that, if you adopt the habits of seasoned travelers and you avoid the lines of mistakes they have learned, through years of trial and error and thousands of air miles, to avoid, you can have a much better time of it all round. So, be sure to pay attention to the faux pas above!