11 Unexpected Travel Mistakes I’ve Made (So You Don’t Have To!)

Whether you’re new to travel or a seasoned traveler, unexpected situations are part of the adventure.

But learning from others’ mistakes can help you avoid them or be better prepared.

In this post, I’m sharing 11 uncommon travel mistakes you might encounter—and how to handle them.

Not-So-Obvious Travel Mistakes

Some of the following may be obvious things to do for some people, but they may not be so obvious for others.

1. Check the weather before and during travel

Living on a tropical island, the weather doesn’t vary much, so what we wear isn’t a big concern.

We mainly check when and how much it will rain since getting wet is usually the worst that happens.

But when traveling, failing to check the weather can be a real issue—sometimes even dangerous.

This is especially true in spring and fall, when temperatures and conditions can change drastically within a week or even the same day.

If you’re not used to layering, a warm afternoon can quickly turn into a freezing night, leaving you unprepared while waiting for a ride or walking back to your hotel.

Beyond just looking at average temperatures, always check the 10-day forecast and stay updated on weather changes throughout your trip.

When traveling in spring or fall, pack for warm days but prioritize layering. This way, you can easily adjust to fluctuating temperatures throughout the day.

2. Not Researching Local Events, Strikes, or Closures

Another unexpected disruption that can derail your plans is a local strike, especially those involving transportation, like truck drivers’ unions.

These can lead to road closures, fuel shortages, or major delays.

Always have a backup plan in case you get caught in one of these situations.

Remember to be patient and keep an open mind; some of the best travel stories and lessons come from the unexpected!

3. Check the traffic Report early

I’m the type of traveler who would rather wait an hour at the airport than arrive just as the doors are closing.

Whether you’re heading to the airport or need to reach your next destination by a specific time, always check traffic reports early in the morning.

Accidents, road closures, and detours can throw off even the best-laid plans.

A few years ago, I was on a road trip in California and forgot to check the traffic report.

I had planned to drive from Carmel to San Francisco for two hours, but a road closure turned it into a three-hour journey.

By the time I reached the airport, I had only an hour to drop my bags and get through security.

Thankfully, having TSA PreCheck saved me, but the stress of cutting it so close was not the way I wanted to end a wonderful vacation.

Lesson learned—always check the traffic before heading out!

4. Always Keep Extra Cash on Hand

While most countries accept major credit cards and contactless payments, there are still places where, for no clear reason, your card might not work.

I learned this the hard way and thought I had ruined my vacation.

For two days, every meal was stressful as I had to ask if they accepted my credit card. Then it hit me—I had cash!

I always travel with cash, yet I had completely forgotten about it. Sure, the exchange rate at a currency exchange office wasn’t ideal, but it gave me local currency and peace of mind.

It may not be the most modern or convenient habit, but carrying at least $100 in cash can be a lifesaver when things go wrong.

Don’t let a card issue ruin your trip—be prepared with a cash backup.

5. Check Electrical Requirements

If you’re a seasoned traveler, this may already be on your packing checklist. (If you don’t have one, we’ll send you ours for free when you subscribe to our newsletter!)

On a recent trip to the UK, I made this costly travel mistake.

I forgot to check the type of plug I’d need, assuming I could use the hotel’s USB ports to charge my devices, but when I arrived, I realized the hotel didn’t have any—and the adapter I brought was the wrong one. Bummer.

Luckily, I was able to buy the correct converter the next day, but had this happened outside a major city, it could have been a much bigger problem.

This seemingly simple travel mistake also cost me time, stress, and cash that I had not budgeted for.

These days, we rely on our phones for travel documents, tickets, maps, and communication.

If you can’t charge your devices, it can derail your trip.

Always check the plug type and voltage requirements before you go—and make sure you pack the right adapter!

6. Don’t forget your Medical Devices

If you travel with a medical device that requires charging, like a nebulizer for asthma, don’t assume you can plug it in without a converter. (This also applies to hair tools.)

Many hotels don’t have USB ports, and even if they do, they may not support the specific type you need—especially if your device uses a USB-C connection.

To avoid any issues, pack all necessary cables and the correct adapter to ensure you can use your device safely.

Otherwise, you might end up burning it out… like a certain family member I won’t name (LOL).

7. Don’t Overlook Health and vaccination requirements

Most developed countries don’t have mandatory vaccination requirements, but some destinations do.

In fact, requirements can vary depending on which part of the country you’re visiting.

Take Peru, for example. If you’re only visiting Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, no vaccinations are needed.

But if you plan to explore the Amazon, you’ll likely need a yellow fever shot.

Always check health and vaccination recommendations before you travel to avoid last-minute surprises.

I once saw a traveler denied entry to a country because they didn’t have their vaccination card.

The best way to know about any international travel requirements for US Citizens, including visas and inoculation, is to visit the State Department Page.

Check with the equivalent office for your country before you travel.

8. Mistakes related to Food

One thing I’ve learned while traveling is to eat whenever I have the chance.

Have you ever skipped a meal at the airport, bus stop, or a small town because you were excited to dine at the perfect restaurant in your destination—only to arrive too late, after it had closed, and end up starving with few or no options?

I’ve also made this simple travel mistake.

I’ve found myself stranded at a train station with no snacks and no open cafés, forced to wait until morning before I could eat.

One experience like that was enough for me. Now, I make sure to eat whenever I can.

I don’t overeat, but I keep myself fueled throughout the day so that if I arrive late or get stuck somewhere, I won’t be left hungry and miserable.

9. Always carry snacks

In addition to keeping myself fueled, I like to be prepared for the unexpected.

That means always carrying snacks in my purse or carry-on bag.

I used to make this travel mistake often when I started traveling.

Today, I seldom do, and I even save the snacks occasionally still given on planes.

This is especially useful in South America, where airlines are surprisingly generous with in-flight snacks.

On a trip from Santiago, Chile, to Patagonia, my flight made two stops along the way.

Even though we stayed on the same plane, new passengers boarded at each stop—and each time, we were given a snack box filled with treats.

At first, I considered leaving some behind (after all, there are only so many dulce de leche alfajores one can eat), but I decided to take a few just in case.

Two days later, after a long day of hiking, I returned to my hotel late—only to find that everything had closed early.

With nothing but a kettle in my room, those trusty Alfajores and a cup of tea became my lifesavers.

Having a snack stash, even something as simple as cookies, can make all the difference—especially if you have a medical condition that requires you to eat regularly.

10. Traveling Light

Many people praise the benefits of traveling light, often highlighting how it makes getting on and off planes easier.

But as a woman traveling alone or with my daughter, packing light is also a matter of safety.

There’s a big difference between struggling with multiple suitcases on cobbled streets, uneven sidewalks, or through an unfamiliar city and moving freely with a manageable bag while staying fully aware of your surroundings.

In many countries, elevators are scarce, and carrying a heavy suitcase up narrow stairs can be a real challenge.

Traveling with less not only makes things easier but also keeps you from being at a disadvantage.

I love looking great and being ready for different activities on vacation.

That’s why I always recommend planning your outfits based on the experiences you have planned (or hope to do).

Then, edit your suitcase down to the essentials—ideally, to just one bag.

11. Avoid Back-Packs in Larger Cities

I’ve always preferred backpack-style purses at home. I love the convenience of having my hands free for whatever I need to do.

But I quickly learned that this isn’t the best choice when traveling.

While in a large city, I nearly had my backpack stolen by a pickpocket. I was lucky that a local saw the attempt and intervened.

Since then, I have used a backpack only during air travel and immediately switch to a crossbody bag once I arrive at my destination.

A crossbody bag keeps my hands free and my valuables close, making it much harder for a pickpocket to grab and run.

This is also why I’m not a fan of fanny packs. Unless you’re wearing it crossbody, fanny packs are one of the easiest targets for thieves.

I once witnessed a woman on a tour who had her backpack stolen while waiting in line for an activity.

A thief ran by, ripped it off her back, and was gone before she even realized it. It was a horrible experience.

Using a crossbody bag minimizes the chances of such an incident. It makes it much harder for a pickpocket to succeed and helps you stay safer overall.

Look at Mistakes as Lessons

I’ve made many other mistakes over the years, but these are the ones that aren’t often talked about.

As with everything in life, travel mistakes are lessons that help us grow, learn, and become more resilient.

Keeping an open mind and adapting to the unexpected often leads to stories we remember and share forever.

I hope that by sharing these experiences, I can help you plan better and avoid making the same mistakes I did.

What uncommon mistake have you made while traveling? Share it in the comments below.