9 Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling Abroad

If people-watching were an Olympic sport, I’d be on the podium as a travel writer who has been to 70-plus countries. While I primarily observe the locals, I can’t help but notice the common mistakes made by other travelers, especially if I’ve been guilty of them myself. For instance, recently on an 11-hour transatlantic flight, my seatmate was having difficulty getting sound in both ears with the airline headset. I used to face the same issue until I discovered a handy Bluetooth adapter that allows me to use my AirPods, making it much easier to enjoy the in-flight entertainment.

I’ve also experienced my share of international travel missteps behind closed doors that definitely impacted my trips. While skiing in the Dolomites, I was humbly reminded that most hotel rooms in Italy don’t have coffee makers. In hindsight, I should have packed this TSA-approved portable kettle to enjoy my morning coffee without leaving the comfort of my room. If you want to avoid learning these lessons the hard way, keep reading. Below are nine common mistakes I see people make abroad and the best travel accessories and essentials to pack so you can avoid them.

Mistake: Flying on International Airlines With an Oversized Carry-on

What to Do Instead: Pack a 19-inch Carry-on

Americans are spoiled with spacious overhead bins. Many international airlines—especially discount airlines—rely on planes that can’t fit our roomy 22-inch carry-ons, and they’re stricter with their policies. For example, Ryan Air’s max length is around 21 inches—including wheels and handles. When flying on small planes internationally, I always see at least one frustrated passenger being forced to check a bag that would be considered a carry-on at home.

That’s why I recommend flying with this 19-inch Travelpro softside carry-on, which one shopper said has “all the features needed in one bag.” It’s durable and ultra-lightweight and can even expand an additional two inches if needed.

Mistake: Exploring Paris in Heels 

What to Do Instead: Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

Don’t let a cute pair of heels be the reason you can’t make it to all the sights in the City of Lights. While Paris is the fashion capital of the world, I learned while living there that Parisians frown more on tourists who complain than tourists who sacrifice style for sensibility. I recently averaged 22,000 pain-free steps per day in the French capital while sporting these On The Roger Advantage sneakers. Like the best white sneakers, they go with everything. And because they’re a collaboration with tennis legend Roger Federer, an athlete who competes on his feet, they’re super comfy.

Mistake: Bringing Hardside Luggage on a Safari

What to Do Instead: Pack a Duffel Bag

Most safari camps are remote, and reaching them requires flying on small planes or helicopters. For that reason, most camps don’t allow hardside luggage that isn’t flexible. Unfortunately, there’s always someone who misses the safari packing list memo and has to leave their luggage behind at the hangar, toting their stuff to camp in plastic bags. Savvy safari-goers use softside luggage, like this highly rated Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag. Like all Yeti products, it’s built to withstand the elements and is designed to be used for years.

Mistake: Thinking You Won’t Need a Jacket in a Warm Climate

What to Do Instead: Bring a Zip-up Hoodie  

Surprisingly, the first time I went to Dubai, I froze. It was 115 degrees Fahrenheit outside, but every hotel, mall, and restaurant had its air conditioning blasting. For my next visit, the first thing I’m packing is a full-zip hoodie. I can zip it up to my chin if I’m chilly or wear open if I’m just slightly cold, and take off and tie around my waist if I get hot. This $33 jacket at Amazon has an oversized hood, pockets deep enough to fit your hands, and thumbholes in the cuffs. One shopper who owns the hoodie in four colors said it’s their “favorite sweatshirt right now.”

Mistake: Only Bringing Sandals to Costa Rica

What to Do Instead: Pack Closed-toe Shoes for Outdoor Adventures

Most places in Costa Rica require closed-toe shoes for outdoor excursions. I once watched a family in flip-flops get turned away from a ziplining park in Monteverde, so I make it a point to wear adventure-ready shoes whenever I go to Central America. I love my Altra sneakers and just upgraded to the new Lone Peak 9, but the Lone Peak 7 (which I also have) boasts great grip and a breathable mesh upper, too. One shopper wore the Lone Peaks 7s in Costa Rica, where they hiked, repelled down waterfalls, and rafted; they said they’re “great trail shoes” and “dried nicely.”

Mistake: Applying a Chemical Sunscreen Before Swimming in the Ocean

What to Do Instead: Apply Reef-safe Sunscreen

The first time I went to the Maldives, I packed classic chemical-laden sunscreen and got some serious side-eye from more informed travelers in my group. Now, I pack a reef-safe mineral sunscreen with the best sun protection that comes without environmental repercussions. It’s made of “edible-grade” ingredients (i.e., it’s safe to consume), yet it’s still water-resistant and protects against harmful UV rays. Plus, thousands of shoppers have purchased it in the past month alone. “I reapplied every 90 minutes and never had any sunburns,” wrote one shopper, who added that it’s “perfect for the whole family.”

Mistake: Sleeping Through Cruises Due to Motion Sickness Medications

What to Do Instead: Try Acupressure Wristbands

I recently went on a Hurtigruten cruise in Norway. The trip’s rose? Seeing the Northern Lights. The trip’s thorn? Getting seasick. Fortunately, a fellow passenger introduced me to the magic of acupuncture, specifically anti-nausea acupressure wristbands. I bought some in the ship’s gift shop, and they started working within minutes. But don’t just take my word for it—at Amazon they have over 20,100 five-star ratings. Unlike Dramamine or other motion-sickness medications, these wristbands don’t make you drowsy, and you can reuse them.

Mistake: Not Bringing Appropriate Hiking Gear

What to Do Instead: Pack Trekking Poles

Whether hiking in Switzerland’s St. Moritz or Italy’s Alta Badia, I can always tell the tourists from the locals by their lack of trekking poles. They’re also the people slipping and sliding all over the trail. To increase stability, avoid injury, and make the experience more comfortable, pack high-quality, lightweight trekking poles.

With over 18,700 five-star ratings, they’re ranked No. 1 on Amazon’s best-sellers list. Weighing just 10.5 ounces each and collapsing to fit in their carrying case, they’re also incredibly compact and travel-friendly. One shopper, who used them on a 300+-mile backpacking trip in the Alps, said the poles “made it all the way across the Alps, and [they] still use them today backpacking in the Rockies.”

Mistake: Wasting Money on Disposable Umbrellas

What to Do Instead: Invest in a Windproof Umbrella

While most street vendors and tourist shops sell umbrellas for $10 or less, they’re more like parasols because they crumple with the first gust of wind. Whether you’re headed somewhere rainy or not, don’t think twice about investing in this windproof travel umbrella, currently ranked No. 1 on Amazon’s best-sellers list. It’s so popular that over 20,000 were purchased in the past month, and it has over 74,700 five-star ratings, too. One shopper has had it for five years and said it’s the “best umbrella, by far.”

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