As with everything, mishaps can happen while traveling—but with the right preparation, they can be avoided. We've summarized the five most common ones for you:
1. Poor Preparation
The first mistake many make is poor preparation. When you're juggling a thousand things at once, our comprehensive travel checklist can help. Download it as a PDF and check off each item one by one.
2. Overpacking
Who hasn’t done it? Packing everything you can think of, only to realize you’ve brought way too much—whether it’s a second bikini or another pair of shoes that just make your luggage unnecessarily heavy. In the end, you often find you didn’t even use or wear half of it. Usually, the items that seem essential are the ones you don’t actually need.
Our tip: Create a priority list. Keep in mind that the list may vary depending on your destination. In the end, your luggage will be much lighter, and you’ll have the chance to shop locally at your leisure :-).
3. Falling into Tourist Traps
You may have experienced being ripped off abroad. Classic examples include incorrect exchange rates, overpriced food, clothing, etc. When it comes to exchanging money, we recommend doing so only at banks or reputable exchange offices where you receive a receipt and can check everything calmly. Also, find out the average prices for food and other items, and where to find affordable local restaurants.
4. Sticking to Tourist Hotspots
This point ties in a bit with number 3. We often rely on travel guides or forums, which leads us to typical tourist attractions that are loud and crowded. Traveling is about getting to know new cultures and stories and making new connections.
Editor’s tip: Mingle with the locals or take a walk without a “must-see” list or a set destination. You surely won’t regret it.
5. No Travel Insurance
Although safety is a major concern for most of us, many travelers still go on vacation without adequate insurance. To enjoy every moment of your trip, we recommend taking out travel insurance with Europäische Reiseversicherung (European Travel Insurance).
