Top Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Kelly Taylor Travel Updated on 6/20/2025 at 2:57 pm

Avoid group travel drama with smart tools like budgeting apps — Clear communication equals a better vacation.

If you’ve ever sprinted to your gate with a bag slapping against your side, only to find out your flight was delayed — or worse, you missed it — you’re not alone. A 2024 survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) found that over 60% of travelers felt stressed before even reaching the plane. But here’s the upside: most of this stress is self-inflicted and totally preventable. From forgotten documents to last-minute packing chaos, these slip-ups add unnecessary friction to what should be an exciting journey. So we’ve compiled a smarter, fresher guide to avoid the classic travel mistakes and actually enjoy flying again.

Ignoring Pre-Trip Coordination

One of the biggest buzzkills on group trips is mismatched expectations. While one person wants to wake up at 6 a.m. to hit museums, another might prefer sleeping in and beach lounging. Before you book anything, talk through your travel styles, preferred locations, and budgeting habits. Laura Lindsay of Skyscanner recommends discussing whether you want city-center lodging or something quieter, and if group dinners or individual freedom is more the vibe.

Even more essential? Budgeting transparency. Use an app like Splitwise so expenses are shared fairly and no one ends up quietly fuming over unpaid restaurant tabs. Keeping the money talk digital removes emotional friction — and makes it easier to stay friends by the end of the trip.

Failing to Prepare Travel Documents

It’s a nightmare scenario: you arrive at the airport, only to be turned away at security because your ID doesn’t meet federal requirements. As of June 20, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID to board any domestic U.S. flight. If your license doesn’t have a star in the upper right corner, it’s not compliant. To avoid delays, check your ID now and book a DMV appointment if needed.

Backup options like a valid passport or permanent resident card are acceptable, but don’t assume you’ll remember everything the morning of your flight. Take 10 minutes the night before to place all essential documents in one travel pouch or app.

Packing Oversized or Ill-Planned Carry-Ons

You may love that expandable suitcase — until it gets gate-checked because it’s just a bit too bulky. Airlines have specific size and weight restrictions for carry-ons, and going over them can mean having to check your bag last minute. That’s more waiting, more stress, and potentially extra fees.

Before you pack, measure your bag (expanded and unexpanded) and weigh it if you’re cutting it close. And always ask yourself: can I comfortably lift this into an overhead bin? If not, it probably shouldn’t be a carry-on.

Trusting Checked Bags With Essentials

Luggage gets lost — not often, but often enough to ruin a day or two of your trip if you’re not prepared. The golden rule? Never pack anything in a checked bag that you absolutely need within 24 hours. That includes daily medications, ID, chargers, valuables, and irreplaceable items like heirloom jewelry or comfort toys for kids.

Your carry-on is your security blanket. Treat it like a survival kit: if your suitcase goes to Denver and you’re headed to Dublin, you’ll still have the essentials to stay afloat.

More time at the gate means fewer gray hairs — Even PreCheck users should play it safe

Leaving Devices Uncharged

Yes, many planes now offer charging outlets. No, you shouldn’t rely on them. Delays, outdated aircraft, and broken sockets are still common enough to turn your Kindle binge into a staring contest with the seat in front of you.

Always charge your devices the night before your flight — and pack a fully charged power bank. It’s a tiny step that makes a huge difference, especially if you’re navigating airports, rideshares, or hotel confirmations on your phone.

Cutting It Too Close

We’ve all seen it: the panicked traveler hopping over ropes, begging to cut to the front of security. Avoid becoming that person by following the rule of thumb — arrive two hours early for domestic and three for international flights. Yes, even if you have TSA PreCheck or Clear.

Many smaller airports don’t support expedited programs, and even major ones can get jammed during peak times. Better to arrive early and relax at the gate than stress about every passing minute in a security line.

Not Leveraging Lounge Access

Airport lounges aren’t just for business travelers. Many premium credit cards — like Chase Sapphire or Amex Platinum — include access to Priority Pass or exclusive lounges with complimentary food, drinks, WiFi, and a calmer environment. Even a $35 access fee often beats spending $50 on a sad sandwich and a bottled water in the terminal.

Before you fly, check your credit card perks or consider a day pass. You’ll never go back to hard chairs and overpriced snacks again.

Landscape from The Plane Porthole — Seats near have limited visibility due to the location or overlapping of the window with the wing.

TSA Liquid Rules Blunders

This one’s a classic — and still too common. You toss a full-size sunscreen or bottle of shampoo into your carry-on, only to have it confiscated at the security checkpoint. TSA’s liquid rule is strict: all liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml). All those items must fit in a single, quart-sized, clear plastic zip-top bag. That’s known as the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces, 1 quart-sized bag, 1 bag per passenger.

Avoid holding up the line (and losing your favorite product) by pre-packing this essentials bag and keeping it at the top of your carry-on for quick access.

Skipping the Snacks

Airport food is overpriced, limited, and often unhealthy — especially if you’re short on time or options. One of the smartest moves you can make? Pack your own snacks. Whether it’s protein bars, dried fruit, nuts, or a sandwich, having your own food means you’re not at the mercy of a $16 vending machine sandwich.

This is especially important for families. Keeping kids fed and happy without scrambling for last-minute options can save your wallet — and your sanity.

Making Laptop Access a Nightmare

Picture this: You finally reach the security conveyor belt… and now you’re unzipping your entire suitcase just to dig out your laptop. Awkward, slow, and completely avoidable. Invest in luggage or a backpack that has a dedicated, external laptop sleeve — bonus if it opens flat for TSA screening.

This tiny upgrade keeps the line moving and saves you the stress of having your personal items sprawled out in public.

Not Downloading Airline Apps

Don’t miss key updates — let the app do the work — Boarding passes, alerts, seat changes — all in one place

Hate downloading apps you’ll only use once? In this case, it’s worth it. Most major airlines have excellent mobile apps that let you check in, store your boarding pass, track your bag, get flight delay notifications, and even rebook on the fly. You’ll be the first to know about gate changes, cancellations, or boarding group updates.

Instead of refreshing your email or listening for unclear loudspeaker announcements, the app keeps everything one tap away.

Tuning Out at the Gate

The boarding area is noisy, crowded, and often chaotic — so it’s tempting to plug into a podcast and tune everything out. But this is when announcements matter most. Gate agents regularly update passengers about boarding group changes, required documents, and even last-minute seating offers.

Keep one ear open. Missing a single call could mean losing your seat or delaying your journey.

Arriving Abroad Without Cash

You’ve landed abroad, need a taxi… and they don’t take cards. While many countries are increasingly card-friendly, not all accept foreign credit cards — especially in markets, taxis, or rural areas. That’s why having local currency on hand is a must.

Many banks offer free or low-fee currency exchange services if you order in advance. Skip expensive airport exchange counters and travel with peace of mind.

Assuming Entry Requirements Stay the Same

Rules change — and not always with much notice. Visa requirements, health documentation, and entry processes can shift suddenly, even in countries you’ve visited before. For example, the UK now requires electronic travel authorization even for frequent visitors, and Indonesia recently changed its on-arrival visa process.

Always check official government travel sites before you go, even if you’ve traveled to that destination in the past. A few minutes of research can save hours of airport stress (or a denied entry).

How Expedia Can Rescue Your Travel Plans

Avoiding these travel mistakes is easier when you use tools designed to make flying smoother — like Expedia. Whether you’re booking last-minute flights or planning a complex international journey, Expedia offers flexibility, savings, and powerful user-friendly features.

Check out Discounts and Coupons for Expedia here!

With the Expedia+ loyalty program, you unlock up to 40% off through exclusive member pricing and deals. Plus, earn and redeem points, enjoy perks like VIP hotel upgrades, and sync other rewards programs for double benefits. Their mobile app puts real-time updates and itinerary management in one place — no more juggling emails or paper confirmations.

Expedia helps you make smarter choices with less effort, so you can focus on the adventure, not the chaos.