Travel mistakes you’ve made

Though I have made my share of blunders along the road, like most travelers, traveling the world has been an amazing experience. I want to share some of the important things I’ve learned from each of them with you so you don’t make the same mistakes.

My failure to adequately prepare for the weather was one of my worst errors. I didn’t realize how hot it would be when I got to Rome in the midst of summer while traveling through Italy. As I hiked around the historic remains of the city, I felt myself overheating due to the temperatures, which rose above 100°F. In retrospect, I should have done more study on the weather and adjusted my packing. I now make careful to pack light, breathable clothes for warmer climates and warm layers for colder ones, and I always check the forecast before I leave.

Another mistake I made was underestimating the importance of travel insurance. On a trip to Thailand, I ended up getting a stomach bug after eating some street food (something I should have been more cautious about). I had to cut my trip short and seek medical care, and the experience taught me the value of travel insurance. Since then, I’ve always made sure to get comprehensive travel insurance before any trip — it’s worth the peace of mind knowing you’re covered for unexpected situations, whether it’s illness, cancellations, or lost baggage.

I have also been guilty of packing too much. I believed I needed options for any situation, so I used to pack a huge bag for every trip. However, it just made things more stressful and made it much more difficult to move around cities or use public transit. I now concentrate on bringing only the necessities, such as cozy shoes, clothing that work for several occasions, and lightweight, portable accessories.

Last but not least, I erred by failing to consider regional etiquette and customs. Tipping a restaurant waitress during a trip to Japan was an unintentional cultural faux pas. Tipping is not expected in Japan and may be interpreted as impolite. In order to respect the customs of the locations I visit, I’ve since developed the habit of learning about the local way of life before I go.