Travel Regrets: Mistakes I Made Abroad So You Don’t Have To

Let me save you from some of the painful, awkward, and downright expensive lessons I learned the hard way while traveling abroad. Travel can be thrilling, transformative, and downright magical, but it also has a way of humbling you fast. Here’s a brutally honest breakdown of my biggest travel regrets and how you can avoid making the same mistakes.

1. Not Buying That Damn SIM Card at the Airport

I thought I’d be fine. I told myself I’d just find Wi-Fi, download offline maps, or ask for directions like in the old days. Spoiler: I wasn’t fine.

Landing in a new country and not having data is like walking blindfolded into a maze. You can’t call an Uber, check for scams, or translate anything. I spent an hour trying to find my hostel in Bangkok, sweaty and confused, asking strangers with broken English and pointing at screenshots. It was stressful, and frankly, unnecessary.

What to do instead:

Get a local SIM card as soon as you land or buy an eSIM online before your trip. It’s cheap, easy, and you’ll thank yourself later when you’re navigating a new city like a local.

2. Trying to “Do It All”

In Rome, I had a checklist. Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, all in one day. I was rushing from spot to spot, barely looking up from Google Maps. By the end of the day, I was exhausted and barely remembered anything except the blisters.

Here’s the thing: travel isn’t a sprint. Trying to cram every attraction into one short stay can suck the joy right out of the experience. I remember more from a slow morning sipping espresso in a side-street café than from elbowing through crowds at the Vatican.

What to do instead:

Pick 1–2 must-see spots per day, and leave room to wander. Some of the best moments come when you stop planning every second.

3. Not Checking Visa Requirements Properly

This one hurt. I showed up at the airport ready to head to Vietnam… only to be told I needed a visa in advance. I had assumed I could just get it on arrival, like in some other countries.

The result? I had to cancel my flight, rebook for three days later, and cough up extra fees. The worst part? It was avoidable.

What to do instead:

Before booking anything, check the visa requirements for your nationality on official embassy websites. Some countries require you to apply weeks in advance, and others won’t let you in without proof of onward travel or hotel bookings.

4. Trusting the Wrong People

I’m usually skeptical, but travel can make you vulnerable. You’re tired, disoriented, and sometimes you just want to believe the friendly local who offers to help.

In Istanbul, I met a guy who offered me a “local” nightlife experience. Long story short: I ended up in a shady bar, pressured to buy overpriced drinks, and barely escaped without emptying my wallet.

What to do instead:

Be friendly, but cautious. If something feels off, trust your gut. Stick to public places, say no politely, and do a quick Google search before saying yes to a stranger’s offer.

5. Skipping Travel Insurance (Yes, Really)

I used to think travel insurance was a scam. Why pay for something you’ll probably never use?

Then I got food poisoning in Mexico. Bad. Like, IV-drip-in-a-clinic bad. Without insurance, that could’ve cost me hundreds of dollars. Thankfully, I had bought a basic policy, and it covered everything.

What to do instead:

Always get travel insurance, especially for trips longer than a week or to countries where healthcare costs are high. It’s not just for medical emergencies. It can cover lost luggage, cancellations, and even theft.

6. Not Backing Up Important Documents

My passport got soaked during a downpour in Sri Lanka, and the ink on my visa smudged beyond recognition. Cue panic at the airport.

I didn’t have a printed copy, didn’t have a digital backup, and couldn’t prove anything on the spot. I had to scramble to get a new printout from an internet café, wasting hours and risking missing my flight.

What to do instead:

Scan or photograph all your important documents, passport, visa, ID, travel insurance, and bookings. Save them to the cloud and email a copy to yourself.

7. Overpacking Like I Was Moving Abroad

I once lugged around a 23kg suitcase through cobbled streets in Lisbon. My back still holds a grudge. Worst part? I didn’t even wear half the clothes I packed.

Overpacking makes you slower, stressed, and sweaty. And when your airline suddenly decides to weigh your carry-on (hello, budget airlines), you’re the one repacking at the check-in desk while strangers judge you.

What to do instead:

Lay everything out, then cut it in half. Choose versatile, lightweight clothes and pack with a carry-on mindset, even if you check a bag. You’ll never miss the extra stuff.

8. Ignoring Local Customs and Culture

In Morocco, I walked around in shorts and a tank top. I didn’t mean to offend anyone, but I got a lot of stares and uncomfortable comments. Turns out I had completely ignored the dress norms of a conservative country.

Travel isn’t just about you; it’s about being respectful wherever you go. That includes how you dress, act, and speak.

What to do instead:

Do a quick etiquette check before you arrive. Learn a few local phrases, know what’s considered polite (or rude), and adapt. You don’t have to lose yourself, but showing respect goes a long way.

9. Not Keeping an Eye on My Budget

There’s a difference between “treating yourself” and hemorrhaging cash. I used to swipe my card left and right, thinking, “I’m on vacation!” Then I’d come home to a gut-punch credit card bill and that sinking post-trip regret.

What to do instead:

Set a daily budget, even loosely. Use apps like Trail Wallet or just your phone’s calculator. Track what you spend and leave room for spontaneity without going broke.

Final Thoughts

Travel is supposed to be a mix of excitement and learning, and yes, sometimes learning means screwing up. But the more prepared you are, the more you can focus on the good stuff: the flavors, the views, the people, the stories.

Take these regrets and turn them into your travel wins. Learn from my mistakes, plan smart, and enjoy the ride. Just don’t forget the SIM card.