According to survey responses from American Express Travel, more people are planning big trips this year, and about 70% of those trips are solo.
International travel, especially solo, can be daunting, but visiting over 25 countries has taught me valuable lessons.
Here are 10 mistakes I wish I’d known when I first started traveling, along with some tips to make your journey smoother.
Airline websites usually don’t have the best flight deals
When I first started traveling, I would spend hours scouring airline websites for the best flight deals. I soon discovered that flight comparison websites not only saved me time, but often also found me cheaper options.
Using a platform like Skyscanner allows you to compare prices across multiple airlines to ensure you are getting the best deal.
Some even let you filter by budget or home airport to create a list of where you can travel next.
Packing too much stuff isn’t going to help anyone.
I knew I needed clothes for every situation, so I packed my backpack until it was full to capacity.
This made my bag heavy and inconvenient, and I couldn’t afford to buy new things. If I wanted to buy souvenirs, I had to give up some clothes I didn’t really love.
I’ve since learned that traveling is much more enjoyable if I pack versatile clothes and pack lighter, and if I run out of clothes I can always do laundry on the go.
You don’t need to book everything in advance
For my first solo trip, I meticulously planned and booked every part of the trip, from accommodation to transportation to activities, weeks in advance.
This may seem like a good idea (at least it seemed to me at the time), but it leaves little room for spontaneity and sometimes leads to missed opportunities.
Now, we book only what we need and leave room in our itinerary for exploring and making last-minute decisions and changes.
Don’t be put off by unnecessarily high ATM fees
I learned the hard way that using a regular bank card can result in hefty foreign transaction fees.
Switching to a travel card has saved me a significant amount of money.
Travel-specific credit cards are a must-have for money-conscious frequent travelers, as they often offer favorable exchange rates and low (or no) fees.
Being stranded without an emergency fund is asking for trouble
I think it’s important to have an emergency travel fund set aside to cover unexpected expenses.
Whether you miss your flight, suddenly get sick, or have another emergency, setting aside some of your budget can give you peace of mind and prepare you for the unexpected.
Don’t forget to tell your bank where you are going and when.
One of the worst experiences I’ve had on my travels was having my card suddenly blocked because my bank flagged an overseas transaction as suspicious activity.
Now, I always keep my bank informed of my travel plans to ensure smooth access to my funds while I’m abroad.
Don’t just eat at tourist restaurants
Like many new travelers, I was previously drawn to tourist restaurants because I thought they were a safe option, but I soon discovered that many of these places were less authentic and more expensive than local eateries.
We dined after listening to locals’ recommendations for where to eat and had the best experience – authentic flavors, low prices and great ambiance.
It’s a waste to waste money on taxis.
Taxis and private shuttles are expensive and limit your cultural experience.
Using public transport in a foreign country can be intimidating, but I find that using buses and trains in a new place is a fun challenge that gives me a unique glimpse into local life.
Plus, it’s often much more efficient than driving in a crowded city.
Planning a trip can be tiring and stressful.
In the past, I would cram as many activities as possible into my itinerary, thinking I had to see it all, and this approach often left me exhausted and stressed.
Building rest days into my travels has made all the difference – it allows me to really enjoy each destination and explore at a slower pace without exhausting myself.
Walking shoes need to be comfortable, not cute.
Putting fashion over functionality is a mistake I’ve made many times, and now I prioritize comfort, especially when it comes to shoes.
Investing in good walking shoes that don’t cause blisters is essential for any traveler.
