Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
Taking over 500 flights and traveling full-time for a decade, I consider myself a pretty experienced traveler. Yet, no one is perfect, and some mistakes seem to repeat themselves. These are my worst offensesâwhat are yours?
Most Common Travel Mistakes
Table Of Contents
Even after more than ten years of full-time travel, the occasional âwhoopsâ moment still happens.
However, one thing Iâve mastered is my travel gear and airport outfits. Before diving into my most common mistakes (and the lessons learned), here are a few wins:
Now, letâs dive into my top travel mistakes and how to avoid them!
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry On Luggage
1. Using a Bulky or Overweight Suitcase in Europe
If youâre traveling to Europe, chances are youâll navigate trains and bustling train stations. Picture this: youâre rushing to catch a train, only to find the escalator is broken, and youâre faced with a massive flight of stairs. Even with a carry-on, youâll need to lift it yourself.
Now imagine overpacking and lugging a giant suitcase through crowded train aisles or down the wrong platform. Trust me, Iâve seen it all during my years living in England. Save yourself the struggleâpack light and opt for a compact, easy-to-carry suitcase.
Hereâs how to choose the right luggage for Europe.
Taos Footwear Star Fashion Comfy Sneaker
2. Wearing the Wrong Shoes for a Flight
This is a mistake I no longer make, but it caused a few regrettable moments in my earlier travels. Running through airports with flip-flops, flimsy sandals, or worn-out ballet flats is a disaster waiting to happen.
Airport terminals can be massive (hello, Heathrow!), and tight connections or delays often mean sprinting between gates. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential for these unexpected scenarios.
Check out my complete guide to the most comfortable travel shoes and avoid learning this lesson the hard way.
3. Overpacking or Carrying Awkward Bags
Overpacking used to be my Achilles heel. Carrying multiple bags or a heavy, unbalanced carry-on slows you down, especially when dashing through airports.
Now, I prioritize packing smartly and minimizing what I carry. Need help mastering the art of packing?
Learn the secrets that cured my overpacking habits!
Skechers Go Walk Joy Comfortable Sneakers
4. Wearing Difficult Shoes at Security or Mid-Flight
Ever tried running to the airplane bathroom in socksâor worse, barefootâbecause your shoes were hard to put back on? I have, and itâs an experience I donât recommend.
Choose slip-ons or shoes with zippers or Velcro for easy on-and-off access. Avoid lace-up boots, sandals with tricky clasps, or anything that slows you down in security lines.
Â
See the top comfortable shoes for airplane travel, as recommended by readers.
Click here to access the editable Google Doc printable checklist that corresponds to this article. You can also download the print-friendly, PDF version here .
5. Underestimating How Long It Takes Me to Get Ready
Despite years of experience, I still occasionally misjudge how long I need to get ready. Even with everything prepared the night before, I sometimes answer âjust one more emailâ or move too leisurely.
To avoid a last-minute rush, I now give myself a solid two hours to get ready before heading to the airport.
Download our free travel packing checklist to streamline your pre-trip routine!
Loving my new Stanley The Aerolight Iceflow 24 oz Bottle
6. Forgetting Water in My Carry-On
Despite taking over 500 flights, I often forget about the water bottle in my bag when going through security. I travel with a reusable water bottle to avoid plastic waste and overpriced airport water, but sometimes I leave it full before security.
To prevent this, I now only fill my bottle halfway before leaving for the airportâproblem solved.
Here are tips to breeze through security (including not forgetting your water bottle).
INIU Portable Charger Smallest 22.5W 10000mAh Power Bank
7. Assuming Every Plane Has Charging Points
Not all planes have charging outlets, so I never fly without a portable charger. I use my phone for boarding passes, lounge memberships, and entertainment, so itâs essential to stay powered up.
For long-haul flights, I charge my devices during connections or on planes with outlets to maximize battery life.
Check out these long-haul flight essentials to keep you prepared!
I keep my pen and other in-flight essentials in this cute tech organizer
8. Forgetting a Pen
When traveling internationally, youâll often need to fill out customs or immigration forms. I usually keep a pen in my in-flight kit, but every so often, I switch bags and forget to transfer it.
To avoid this, I stash a small pen in my purse where itâs easy to access.
Speaking of immigration forms, I sometimes miss the flight attendants when they pass them out. Filling out forms after landing slows me down, especially if Iâve forgotten a pen.
A simple solution: ask for the forms early in the flight if they havenât come around yet.
Traveling with the Lo & Sons O.G. 2.0 and my Away The Carry On Suitcase
9. Not Locking the Airplane Bathroom Door Properly
This mistake hasnât happened to me personally, but Iâve seen plenty of passengers caught off guard mid-use. To avoid a similar fate, always double-check that the door is fully locked before settling in and wear an airplane outfit you feel comfortable getting in and out easily!
Travel is a constant learning experience, even after a decade on the road. By sharing my mistakes, I hope you can skip the trial and error and enjoy a smoother journey.
What travel mistakes have you made, and what lessons did you learn? Share in the comments below!
Â
For more travel tips, please read:
- How to Survive Long Flights Over 20+ Hours
- 5 Flight Essentials for International Travel
- These are the 101 Best Travel Tips According to Our Readers
- Our Readersâ Top Tips for a Stress and Anxious-Free Flight
LIKE THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
Iâve looked and looked but the Blondo ankle boots are no longer being manufactured. I found a pair on Poshmark in my size but they were way too big – they run at least a full size large! I had to resell the pair I found online. My Ecco Chelsea boots are pull-ons with the smallest tab on earth, so theyâre a hassle to get on and off. Iâll have to take a look at your other suggestions. Still on the hunt for a great pair of ankle boots for travel. Thanks for your posts – I refer to your site a lot.
Thank you Jennifer!
My husband and I had a good chuckle over your list. We scored 100%.weâve done them all. And hopefully have learned from our mistakes. Thank you.
You have always given great travel advise and shared the things you use to make traveling easier. Iâve been following you on Pinterest for quite a few years. I recently got an email advising about your Facebook problems. I hope that is all resolved and taken care of. Though Iâm not on Facebook or Instagram Iâd be disappointed if you lost those contacts because Iâm sure those that follow you on those forums would be missing out on your great travel advise. Keep up the good work. Iâm a great fan of yours,
Thank you so much, that is so kind of you!!! â€â€â€
Thankfully we did manage to resolve it!
Good tips! Definitely wearing my zip up shoes to travel so I can slip them on and off easily. And the airplane bathroom đź – I always check and double check. Will revisit these tips again before traveling.
Thanks for the tips
Hope this helps you not make the same mistakes as me!
Thank you so much for all the travel advice and information, it is very helpful.
Safe travels and continue being happy and safe ? !
Thank you so much Marlene, we really appreciate your support ? You too!
Hi again Alex,
The ONLY thing I canât seem to find, is my â perfectâ travel handbag! Drives me crazy!
Right now am carrying a Patagonia very lightweight, nylon, crossbody bag….which works well with my Tortuga Air bag.
However, itâs had a lot of wear snd tear and
needs to be replaced….hopefully with something similar. Any suggestions from you and fellow travelers would be HUGELY appreciated!!!
Thanks,
Connie Q
Hi Connie, you might find this article a good place to start in your search for a new purse: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-purse/
If you like a crossbody style, we have a wide range of options here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/cross-body-purses-the-best-travel-shoulder-bags-for-women/
Hope this helps you in your hunt! ?
I forget fashion when it comes to my travel bags… Travelon is a GREAT brand with RFID protection and locking zippers. I have a backpack and two small purse-type bags! They are fabulous!
Doesn’t Patagonia have a policy to repair or replace their items? Check it out!
Getting a seat on an overnight flight that is too close to the bathroom. The slamming door will keep you awake all night long.
Thank you for sharing your travel mistake Holly, that be so annoying!!! ?
Where did you get that awesome bag in the picture with the converses your wearing??? I love that bag!
Hi Karen, it’s the Nomad Lane Bento Bag: https://bit.ly/2FX8K90
Back in February I filmed my review for the Nomad Lane bag while I was doing a photo shoot and I have just shared it on the TFG FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/permalink/3525315894186226 I also shared it on IGTV, so you can also catch it by heading over to Travel Fashion Girls instagram account.
Travel Fashion Girl readers can save 10% on the Nomad Lane bag with the code TFG10! ?