New travelers are bound to make mistakes — it’s part of the fun! But here’s a cheat sheet to avoid the most common pitfalls.

1. Overpacking

Mistake: Lugging around heavy bags ruins mobility and comfort.
Fix: Choose versatile clothing pieces you can mix and match.

2. Overscheduling

Mistake: Trying to cram 10 activities into one day leaves no room for surprises.
Fix: Plan 1–2 must-dos per day. Leave space for wandering.

3. Ignoring Local Customs

Mistake: Accidentally offending locals by not respecting their culture.
Fix: Research basic etiquette — like dress codes for temples or tipping practices.

4. Skipping Travel Insurance

Mistake: Thinking “nothing will happen to me” — until it does.
Fix: Always buy insurance. Always.

5. Poor Money Management

Mistake: Only carrying one credit card, or exchanging money at a terrible rate.
Fix: Bring backup cards, some cash, and use trusted ATMs or exchange bureaus.

6. Getting Scammed

Mistake: Falling for taxi scams, fake tickets, or pickpockets.
Fix: Stay skeptical of “too good to be true” offers, and research common scams in your destination.

7. Not Backing Up Photos

Mistake: Losing precious travel memories if your phone breaks or gets stolen.
Fix: Regularly upload photos to cloud storage.

8. Jet Lag Mismanagement

Mistake: Wasting the first days exhausted because you didn’t prepare.
Fix: Adjust your sleep schedule before you leave, stay hydrated, and get sunlight upon arrival.