For many people, traveling is is one of life’s greatest joys. It’s an opportunity for new experiences, exploring, different, cultures, and of course, making having a great vacation. Yet, even the most seasoned travelers can make major mistakes that turn the ideal, trip into a complete disaster. To help ensure that your trip is not only enjoyable, but runs smoothly, it’s important to know the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Not Doing Your Homework

One of the biggest rookie mistakes is believing that everywhere in the world is created the same. However, certain countries and destinations are known for lacking certain comforts. For example, if you are a senior citizen with mobility issues, then you probably want to make sure that you avoid places with a lot of stairs or lack of wheelchair access.

If you’re traveling with small children, then you want to make sure that you are going somewhere with plenty of children-friendly activities, and proximity to conveniences like restaurants or grocery stores. Skipping this step could totally spoil your trip, so always do a little research before leaving.

Not Knowing Health Protocols

Even before the worldwide pandemic, travel restrictions, and health protocols have already existed all over the world. They can significantly vary depending on where you’re going, and may require full vacations to even enter the country.

Being unaware of these, or worse—ignoring these protocols altogether could lead to being denied entry into a country. After you paid for a flight, spent a significant amount of time arriving at your destination, and finally arriving at customs, this can be a huge inconvenience. What’s worse, it could even result in fines, or even legal issues!

Overpacking

Overpacking is a one of those seemingly innocent mistakes that can lead to stress and extra luggage fees. Most airlines have strict baggage policies, and going over their weight limits can result in significant fees.

Not to mention, hauling around heavy bags can be painful, stressful, and downright tiring. Instead of packing your entire closet, opt for versatile clothing that can be used in a wide variety of scenarios and climate— prioritize essentials!

Remember, most destinations, even third world countries have laundry services. In other words, instead of overpacking, bring only what you need, and pay for laundry service as needed.

Not Getting to Know The Culture

Unfortunately, Americans are some of the most ethnocentric people on the planet. This can be a problem, not only for the locals in the countries they are visiting, but it can also be a problem for you, the traveler.

Making a cultural faux pas, can not just be comfortable for everybody involved, they can even lead to danger and hostility. You need to get to know local customs, and traditions, and make sure that you respect them!

This won’t just do you a favor, but also future travelers, as you won’t be encouraging the stereotype that foreigners are rude and disrespectful.