Okay so travel planning mistakes—yeah I’ve got a PhD in those apparently. Right now I’m literally sitting cross-legged on my couch in [somewhere in the US like Texas or Colorado, keeping it real], rain tapping the window, my third coffee of the day going cold because I got distracted rewriting this post. The screen’s too bright, my back hurts, and I’m staring at old trip pics thinking “why do I do this to myself every time.”
Like honestly, I thought by now I’d be a pro but nope. These common travel planning mistakes keep sneaking up on me, especially here in the States where everything feels urgent and last-minute deals are everywhere tempting you. Anyway here’s the five biggest ones I make over and over (with some self-roast included because why not).
Not Actually Researching the Destination Before Hitting “Book”
I do this constantly. See a cheap flight to say Nashville or Seattle and boom—booked. Then I get there and realize it’s festival weekend or the whole city’s torn up for construction. One time I went to Austin during SXSW without knowing—couldn’t get into anything, lines for tacos were two hours, I ended up eating Whataburger in the hotel like a sad person.
Always always google “[city] events [month]” or check Visit [city] websites. Read recent reviews too—hotels can go downhill fast. I booked this “charming” Airbnb in Savannah once… turns out the AC was broken and the host ghosted me. In July. Humid hell.
Tip from someone who’s learned painfully: Use Google Flights explore map thing and always read the fine print on cancellation policies.
Stuffing the Schedule So Full There’s No Room to Breathe
This is my fatal flaw. I make color-coded Google Docs with every hour planned. “8am breakfast, 9am hike, 11am museum…” By lunch I’m hangry and everything’s behind. Did a Southwest road trip—Grand Canyon to Zion to Vegas—and scheduled sunrise shots, hikes, dinners, shows. We saw zero sunrises because traffic and exhaustion won.
Now I force myself to cap at 2 big things a day. Leave white space for coffee runs, random detours, or just sitting because US national parks are pretty enough to stare at for hours.
Quick list for future me (who will probably ignore it):
- Max 2-3 activities per day
- Always add 1-2 hour buffers
- Schedule “do nothing” time—it’s not lazy it’s smart
Skipping Insurance Because “It Won’t Happen to Me”
Lol famous last words. I used to think travel insurance was a scam. Then a hurricane delayed my flight home from Florida and I ate $400 in change fees and hotel nights. No coverage. Nothing.
Videos, Pictures Show Stranded Passengers, Luggage Amid Flight Chaos
These days I check what my credit card gives (Capital One Venture or whatever) and buy extra if needed. Also passport—mine expired mid-pandemic and I almost missed a domestic trip because renewals take forever now.
For real advice check this out: NerdWallet’s take on when you actually need travel insurance.
Ignoring the Small Stupid Details That Snowball
Baggage fees? Forgot Spirit charges for carry-ons now—paid $80 extra last minute. TSA liquids? Still get flagged because I shove full-size toothpaste in. Phone plan? Roamed in Mexico once on a cruise stop and came home to a $200 bill.
Also offline maps—got lost driving through rural Georgia no service, arguing with my partner over directions like idiots. Download everything ahead.
And set reminders for check-in, bag drop, passport validity. I almost missed a flight because Southwest changed gates and I was zoned out.
