Common travel mistakes and how to avoid them

Popular travel periods, such as the summer or winter holidays, are fantastic opportunities for adventure and relaxation. However, with so many people traveling, rushing and stressing to get away, travel mistakes can happen more frequently during those periods.

This guide will help you make the most of your planned trips — from navigating points and miles to avoiding common travel pitfalls.

Here’s what you need to know to avoid some of the most common travel mistakes we see here at TPG.

Waiting until the last minute during peak times

Summer and winter holiday seasons are some of the busiest times to travel throughout the year. This means that, almost without fail, flights, hotels and popular attractions book up quickly during these times. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll likely face higher prices and fewer options, or worse: no options at all. This is especially true if you're hoping to use points and miles, as award availability can be extremely limited during peak times.

It seems like tired advice, but we mean it when we say that you can never be overprepared. If you know you're due to travel during a busy period — because you do it every year — you should book well in advance. If you're a perennial last-minute traveler, you'll be astonished at how much less stressful it is in the long run and how much money you can save on your tickets and reservations.

Set up fare alerts on Google Flights or other platforms to get notified when prices drop. By booking earlier, you often have a better chance of securing the best deals. If you get a price drop alert after securing your tickets, most airlines allow you to rebook without paying a change fee. Check out this Google Flights guide for more advice.

For award bookings, you can use tools like ExpertFlyer to monitor seat availability. Alternatively, you could bookmark some wishlist hotels and then periodically check award availability. That way, when the best deals or prices come in, you'll be ready to pounce immediately.

Not being flexible with travel options

OK, let's say that on this occasion, you didn't have time to plan ahead and book early. What other options do you have? One thing we'd always suggest (even if you're not booking last minute) is to be flexible with your plans. If you have some leeway between either your travel times or destination, this can be a great way to save money any time of year. Sometimes something as simple as traveling midweek or during off-peak times can lead to lower prices and a much more relaxed experience.

Use the date grid and calendar features on flight booking websites to compare prices across different days. If you’re using points, try adjusting your travel dates by a few days to see if award availability improves. You might not always get the best deals for exactly when you need them, but it's always worth checking. It's amazing how much prices can fluctuate between a few days or weeks.

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Wasting points on low-value redemptions

When cash prices are high, like during the summer, it can be the perfect time to use your points and miles. However, it’s important to ensure you’re getting good value for them. Avoid redeeming points for low-value options that don’t give you the best return.

It's worth first getting an idea of what the cash price for a flight or hotel reservation will be, then looking at an award redemption for the same booking. You can check the value of most loyalty program points in our monthly valuations here. From there, you can work out whether the points price will save you money and offer the best bang for your buck, or if you'll end up splashing out an extortionate amount of points for little value compared to the cash price.

Aim for a value of at least 1.5 to 2 cents per point for flights and hotel stays. Use tools like TPG's awards versus cash calculator to gauge whether you’re getting a good deal. You might also consider leveraging transfer partners of your credit card’s loyalty program to maximize value. Sometimes transferring points to an airline or hotel can unlock better redemption rates by accruing bonus points. This effectively reduces the number of points you would normally use to book the award.

To keep track of the value of your points, you should bookmark our TPG points valuation guide; if you're looking to keep track of loyalty point transfer bonuses, you could bookmark our monthly transfer bonus guide.

Overpacking and paying extra fees

Overpacking can lead to unnecessary baggage fees and the hassle of managing heavy luggage at your destination. Let's be honest: We've all been away on vacation and realized on the final day that we only needed half of the things we packed (and then fumed when we realized our surplus packing meant we now didn't have suitcase space to bring back souvenirs).

That's not even the worst-case scenario. Spare a thought for the poor souls who reach the airport and have to either pay extra baggage fees or go full Joey from "Friends" and wear two weeks' worth of clothes on the flight.

Don't leave packing for the night before or the morning you travel. Instead, create a packing list based on your itinerary and the weather forecast a week or a few days before you're due to leave. Take a good hard look at that list and ask: Do I need all of these items? If it helps, pretend you're judging someone else's list, so you can be truly objective.

Choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Consider investing in packing cubes to keep your suitcase organized and maximize space. Don’t forget to check your airline’s baggage policy beforehand to avoid surprise fees, and if possible, stick to a carry-on to bypass baggage claim delays.

Traveling without insurance coverage

Travel insurance can be a lifesaver, covering everything from flight cancellations to lost luggage and medical emergencies. Sure, you may never need to use it, but skipping travel insurance is a gamble that could cost you significantly if something goes wrong. You always need it the most when you don't have it.

Review your credit card’s travel insurance benefits before purchasing a separate policy. Premium cards often include trip cancellation or interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage and other emergency benefits. If you’re taking an extended trip, traveling to remote areas or carrying expensive items, consider additional coverage to fill any gaps.

Forgetting to use travel perks and protections

Many travelers overlook the valuable perks and protections that come with their travel credit cards. These benefits can save you money, provide peace of mind and make your journey more comfortable.

Before your trip, familiarize yourself with your card’s benefits, such as lounge access, trip delay reimbursement, rental car insurance, hotel status and many other great perks.

Make sure you’re using a card that maximizes your rewards to earn points or miles on every purchase, along with other perks. For example, the American Express® Gold Card is a great card for travelers. It has no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees); up to $120 in annual Uber Cash per calendar year on U.S. purchases (Amex Gold must be a method of payment in your Uber account and you can redeem with any Amex card); up to $100 in hotel credits per calendar year (with The Hotel Collection*; minimum two night stay required); baggage insurance** of up to $1,250 in coverage for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage; and increased points earning on flights, hotels and restaurants.

*Eligible charges vary by property.

**Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Being a stereotypical, uninformed tourist

Respecting local cultures and customs is essential for a positive travel experience. Always remember that just because you're on vacation, not everyone at your location is doing the same. You are, after all, visiting someone else's home. Being an uninformed tourist can lead to uncomfortable situations or even cause you to offend locals.

Research your destination beforehand to understand its customs, traditions and social norms. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, and be mindful of dress codes — especially in religious or conservative areas. Respect local etiquette, such as tipping practices or queueing behavior, to blend in better and show appreciation for the culture.

Forgetting the essentials

There are so many things to remember when traveling, from general timing and logistics to ensuring everyone has their passport. So it can be easy to forget necessities like staying hydrated or having fully charged devices to access GPS or itineraries.

Carry a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day to stay hydrated. Apply sunscreen regularly, especially if you’re spending time at the beach or hiking. Bring any necessary medications, and consider packing a small first-aid kit for minor injuries.

Download offline maps and travel apps, such as Google Maps and language translation tools. Keep a hard copy of important documents, like your itinerary and hotel reservations, in case your phone dies or you lose internet access. Consider an international phone plan or purchase a local SIM card to stay connected. Also, make sure you have a portable charger to keep your devices powered throughout the day.

Bottom line

Summer travel is filled with excitement and adventure, but it’s also a time when mistakes can happen more easily. By following these dos and don’ts, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable trip. From booking early and packing smart to understanding your credit card benefits and staying prepared for unexpected disruptions, a little foresight can go a long way in making your summer vacation a success. Happy travels!

Related reading:

• The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
• Best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.