15 Travel Blunders Americans Must Dodge When Exploring Abroad
Have you ever been to a foreign country, not knowing that a simple gesture or action could make or break you – literally? Travel is one of life’s great learning experiences, but barely more than one in three business travelers who travel abroad (32%) admit they have made cultural faux pas when away, according to a Booking.com survey.
These mistakes range from ignorance of local customs to not bothering to research basic travel etiquette, which is embarrassing and can prevent you from adequately integrating into the destination.
These are 15 travel blunders Americans are prone to when leaving the country and how you can avoid them for an easier time traveling.
Forgetting Travel Insurance
Medical emergencies or disruptions during a trip can easily land you high bills. Before your trip, have travel insurance. When you travel to an exotic or dangerous location, plans like GeoBlue or Allianz are available that will cover everything from medical woes to flight cancellations and emergency evacuations.
It’s a good rule to ensure coverage of at least $50,000 for medical expenses and $100,000 for emergency evacuation.
Overpacking
It is unnecessary to drag those extra-heavy bags (or pay the oversized luggage fees). Bring only the essential clothes.
Pick neutrals that may be mixed and matched and packed using cubes. A single carry-on is usually enough for trips less than a week.
Ignoring Local Customs
You must know what is considered offensive or awkward for locals. Land and do your research into local customs. For example, in Japan, you would never walk up to someone and shake their hand; it requires you to bow.
In many parts of the Middle East, modesty is deeply valued. Websites such as CultureCrossing provide detailed guidance by country.
Relying Only on Tourist Hotspots
You could miss authentic experiences while spending money on overpriced attractions. Arrange your must-see city sights and venture off the beaten path.
For instance, you can explore the Marais district’s lively backstreets instead of following the Eiffel Tower.
Not Learning Basic Local Phrases
While English is our primary language, relying on it exclusively will bewilder the local people and limit honest conversations.
Learn basic phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “I’m sorry” in the local language. You should practice using apps like Duolingo or Google Translate in advance. A little effort can go a long way.
Being Unprepared for Currency Exchange
You often lose your money because airport exchange kiosks have a bad conversion rate. Local ATMs or banks offer better conversion rates.
Secondly, email your bank about your travel plans to avoid card denials. For hotels and travel, your best choice may include travel-friendly credit cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees, such as Capital One.
Disregarding Health and Safety Warnings
Skipping tedious precautions such as required vaccinations or unsafe water can bring avoidable risks to our health.
The CDC or WHO websites offer health advisories by destination. For example, some areas of Southeast Asia recommend malaria pills, while others tell you not to drink tap water.
Not Informing Banks of Travel Plans
Foreign transactions could freeze your debit or credit cards. Let your bank know you’re traveling. Many leading banks offer the option of setting up a travel alert through their online portals or apps. Carry a backup card, too!
Overplanning Every Minute
Packing your schedule can leave you exhausted, and there is no room for surprises. Activity plans are the key, but they leave space for spontaneity.
Wandering around a local market or café now and again is sometimes better than strict adherence to your itinerary.
Not Checking Visa and Passport Requirements
Please check the visa requirements. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of return. This information is available on the U.S. State Department’s website.
Underestimating Transportation Times
Your plans could be ruined by traffic or a failure of public transport to run on time. Google Maps is a good place to start, but make sure you also test out some local transport apps to get those travel times right.
Not Keeping a Digital and Physical Copy of Important Documents
Lost documents such as your passport may cause a stressful issue in a faraway country. It’s good to keep physical and digital copies of your passport, travel insurance, and other documents in different places.
Google Drive or Dropbox is an excellent tool for securely keeping digital backups.
Disrespecting the Environment
Overtourism and waste often damage fragile ecosystems. Practice responsible tourism. Bring reusable water bottles, avoid single-use plastics, and respect local wildlife.
Not Staying Connected with Home
Loved ones won’t be able to reach you in a crisis, which can cause worry. Get a good international phone plan or an eSIM from companies like Holafly.
Apps like WhatsApp let you stay connected for free, provided you have Wi-Fi access.
Falling for Tourist Scams
Pickpocketing, overcharging, and fake “guides” can ruin your trip. Research some of the most common scams in the place of your destination.
In Paris, for example, they might ask you to sign fake petitions while their accomplice picks your pocket. Be on the lookout and go with your gut feeling.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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