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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 offenses—what are yours?

 


Most Common Travel Mistakes


 

 

Table Of Contents

 

 

Even after more than ten years of full-time travel, the occasional “whoops” moment still happens.

However, one thing I’ve 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, let’s dive into my top travel mistakes and how to avoid them!

 

 

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Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry On Luggage

 

1. Using a Bulky or Overweight Suitcase in Europe

 

If you’re traveling to Europe, chances are you’ll navigate trains and bustling train stations. Picture this: you’re rushing to catch a train, only to find the escalator is broken, and you’re faced with a massive flight of stairs. Even with a carry-on, you’ll need to lift it yourself.

Now imagine overpacking and lugging a giant suitcase through crowded train aisles or down the wrong platform. Trust me, I’ve seen it all during my years living in England. Save yourself the struggle—pack light and opt for a compact, easy-to-carry suitcase.

 

Here’s how to choose the right luggage for Europe.

 

 

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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.

 

 

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Lo & Sons Rowledge Backpack

 

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!

 

 

common-travel-mistakes

Skechers Go Walk Joy Comfortable Sneakers

 

4. Wearing Difficult Shoes at Security or Mid-Flight

 

Ever tried running to the airplane bathroom in socks—or worse, barefoot—because your shoes were hard to put back on? I have, and it’s an experience I don’t 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.

 

See the top comfortable shoes for airplane travel, as recommended by readers.

 

 

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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 “just one more email” 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!

 

 

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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 airport—problem solved.

 

Here are tips to breeze through security (including not forgetting your water bottle).

 

 

common-travel-mistakes

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 it’s 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!

 

 

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I keep my pen and other in-flight essentials in this cute tech organizer

 

8. Forgetting a Pen

 

When traveling internationally, you’ll 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 it’s 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 I’ve forgotten a pen.

A simple solution: ask for the forms early in the flight if they haven’t come around yet.

 

 

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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 hasn’t happened to me personally, but I’ve 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!


 

For more travel tips, please read:

 


 

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