Planning a trip abroad can be exciting, overwhelming, and full of advice—some of it helpful, much of it… not so much. Between viral TikToks, travel influencers, outdated blog posts, and unsolicited tips from friends, it’s easy to fall into traps that can ruin your travel experience before it even begins. While intentions may be good, not all advice is created equal—especially when it comes from people who haven’t actually done the kind of travel you’re planning.
Whether you’re heading to Europe, Southeast Asia, or Latin America, bad travel advice can cost you time, money, and even safety. From booking every single day in advance to relying on airport currency exchange, some “classic” travel tips are flat-out outdated—or simply wrong for today’s modern traveler. Worse, some of these common myths can leave you frustrated, stuck, or spending way more than you should.
In this post, we’re calling out the 10 worst pieces of travel advice you’ll hear—and explaining why you should ignore them. This is all about helping you plan smarter, travel smoother, and avoid rookie mistakes that too many people still make.
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Quick & Easy Travel Planning Tips
Start flexible, then tighten your plans: Don’t overbook—leave room for spontaneity.
Use local SIMs or eSIMs instead of overpriced international roaming.
Always compare transportation options (train vs. bus vs. budget flights) before booking.
Book direct with airlines or hotels when possible to simplify changes and refunds.
Ask locals—not influencers—for restaurant and experience recommendations.
One common problem is the over-romanticization of “travel like a local.” While it sounds appealing, blindly following this advice can lead to unsafe situations, cultural misunderstandings, or missing out on iconic experiences you actually want to have.
Another piece of misguided advice is to “always book last-minute for the best deals.” In reality, this can work in some places but backfire badly in peak season or remote destinations, leaving you with overpriced options or no availability at all.
Finally, the idea that “avoiding all tourist attractions” guarantees authenticity is misleading. Many so-called “tourist traps” are popular for a reason—they hold historical, cultural, or scenic value. Avoiding them entirely can mean missing some of the most memorable parts of a trip.
Worst Travel Advice to Avoid
1. “You Don’t Need Travel Insurance”
Why It’s Bad Advice:
Skipping travel insurance to save money might seem tempting, but it can lead to huge financial losses if something goes wrong, like a medical emergency, trip cancellation, or lost luggage.
What to Do Instead:
Always purchase travel insurance that covers health, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings. It’s a small investment that can save you from major expenses and stress.
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2. “Only Visit the Tourist Hotspots”
Why It’s Bad Advice:
Focusing solely on tourist hotspots can lead to overcrowded, overpriced, and less authentic experiences. You might miss out on discovering the true culture and hidden gems of your destination.
What to Do Instead:
While it’s great to visit famous attractions, make time to explore lesser-known areas, local neighborhoods, and off-the-beaten-path locations. These often offer a more authentic experience.
3. “Exchange Money at the Airport”
Why It’s Bad Advice:
Airport currency exchange services often have poor exchange rates and high fees, which means you’ll get less money in return.
What to Do Instead:
Use an ATM at your destination to withdraw local currency, as this usually offers a better exchange rate. If you must exchange cash, do it at a reputable bank or exchange office away from the airport.
4. “Don’t Bother Learning the Local Language”
Why It’s Bad Advice:
Assuming you can get by with just English can limit your experiences and may come across as disrespectful to locals who appreciate even a basic effort to speak their language.
What to Do Instead:
Learn a few key phrases in the local language, such as greetings, please, thank you, and asking for directions. It shows respect and can enhance your interactions.
5. “Pack for Every Possible Situation”
Why It’s Bad Advice:
Overpacking can lead to heavy, cumbersome luggage, making travel more stressful and expensive (due to potential baggage fees). You might also find it harder to navigate through airports, trains, and city streets.
What to Do Instead:
Pack light and smart. Focus on versatile clothing that can be layered and mixed, and consider doing laundry during your trip. Pack for the activities you plan to do, and leave unnecessary items at home.
6. “Eat Only at Restaurants You Recognize”
Why It’s Bad Advice:
Sticking to familiar chain restaurants deprives you of the opportunity to experience the local cuisine, which is often a highlight of travel.
What to Do Instead:
Be adventurous with your food choices. Seek out local eateries, street food, and markets to try traditional dishes. Ask locals for recommendations to find the best and most authentic places to eat.
7. “You Can Sleep When You Get Home”
Why It’s Bad Advice:
Pushing yourself to the limit by not resting can lead to burnout, illness, and an overall less enjoyable trip. Exhaustion can also make you more vulnerable to mistakes or accidents.
What to Do Instead:
Balance your itinerary with time for relaxation. Ensure you get enough sleep, and don’t feel pressured to pack every moment with activity. A well-rested traveler is a happier and safer traveler.
8. “Book Everything Last Minute for Better Deals”
Why It’s Bad Advice:
Waiting until the last minute can result in higher prices, limited availability, and unnecessary stress. You may also miss out on popular attractions, tours, or accommodations.
What to Do Instead:
Plan and book key aspects of your trip, such as flights, accommodations, and popular attractions, in advance to secure better prices and availability. If you want to stay flexible, book accommodations with free cancellation policies.
9. “Skip Travel Alerts and Warnings—They’re Overblown”
Why It’s Bad Advice:
Ignoring travel alerts and warnings can put you in unsafe situations or prevent you from being fully prepared for potential risks.
What to Do Instead:
Stay informed by checking travel advisories from reputable sources like government websites. Take necessary precautions based on the information provided, and always prioritize your safety.
10. “It’s Fine to Wing It Without a Plan”
Why It’s Bad Advice:
While spontaneity can be fun, having no plan at all can lead to missed opportunities, wasted time, and unnecessary stress. You might struggle to find accommodations, transportation, or even basic amenities.
What to Do Instead:
Have a loose itinerary with flexibility built in. Know the must-see attractions, but leave room for spontaneous activities and discoveries. This way, you can enjoy your trip without feeling overwhelmed or unprepared.
Final Thoughts
Bad travel advice often comes from outdated habits or one-size-fits-all thinking. What works for someone on a two-week luxury tour won’t help a budget traveler or a long-term backpacker. The key is knowing what’s true for your travel style—and letting go of advice that doesn’t fit. Travel has changed, and so should the way we plan.
The truth is, some of the best travel moments happen when you’re open, curious, and unburdened by rigid expectations. That’s why modern travelers need to be more intentional and less reactive—use tools and tips that reflect today’s global travel landscape, not advice from a decade ago.
So as you pack your bags and double-check your plans, skip the myths and stick with practical, firsthand advice. You’ll not only save money and time—you’ll also enjoy the kind of meaningful, stress-free travel that inspired your trip in the first place.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.