Travelling abroad can be thrilling, but minor oversights can lead to major hassles. A lack of preparation often comes at a cost, from missed flights to denied entries. Whether it’s forgetting to buy international travel insurance or misreading visa rules, simple mistakes can derail your plans.
Here are the top five errors travellers often make, and how to avoid them for a safe, stress-free international experience.
5 Mistakes Everyone Should Avoid When Travelling International
Make sure your dream trip doesn’t turn into a nightmare by steering clear of these common travel missteps:
1. Misunderstanding Visa Requirements
Visa confusion is a major common mistake. Every country has its own rules, timelines, and document checks. For instance, many countries, such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles, now offer a visa on arrival for Indians. But that doesn’t mean you can arrive unprepared.
Each visa-on-arrival destination still has specific conditions, such as a confirmed return ticket, hotel bookings, a minimum passport validity of 6 months, and adequate funds. Failing to meet even one requirement can result in denial at the border.
A Schengen visa is essential for popular European destinations. Indian travellers must apply in advance, provide biometric data, and demonstrate travel insurance coverage that meets Schengen standards. Here’s a helpful guide to the Schengen visa process for Indian passport holders, outlining the required documents, fees, and timelines.
Always verify the most recent visa rules on the official embassy website or VFS portal. Don’t rely solely on blogs or social media posts for visa accuracy.
2. Ignoring Currency Exchange Basics
Many travellers assume they’ll get better rates abroad or withdraw directly from ATMs without understanding international banking fees. But relying solely on debit or credit cards can lead to unexpected charges and declined transactions.
Worse still, exchanging currency at the airport usually comes with poor conversion rates. A lack of small currency denominations can also create awkward situations during local transport or tipping.
Always carry a mix of international currency and prepaid travel cards. Use reputable forex platforms to lock in rates before you fly. If you’re visiting a country that widely accepts USD, carry some dollars along with the local currency.
3. Not Planning for Connectivity and Local Transport
Another overlooked aspect of travel is communication and commuting. Travellers often land in a new country without a working phone, relying solely on airport Wi-Fi or public hotspots. This becomes a problem when accessing hotel bookings, ride-hailing apps, or emergency contacts.
Similarly, not understanding local transport systems can result in unnecessary cab expenses or wasted hours figuring out directions.
Get an international SIM card or an eSIM before departure. Research metro cards, rail passes, or city-specific travel apps for cost-effective commuting. Also, download offline maps and language translation tools for smooth navigation.
4. Skipping International Travel Insurance
One of the most overlooked aspects of trip planning is international travel insurance. Many travellers assume that nothing will go wrong until it does. Flight delays, medical emergencies, lost baggage, or cancelled bookings can turn an exciting trip into an expensive nightmare.
International travel insurance offers a safety net for such uncertainties. Depending on the policy, it covers emergency hospitalisation, trip cancellation, passport loss, and even COVID-related delays.
Countries such as Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE have even made it mandatory for visa applicants to provide proof of valid travel insurance. Don’t just choose the cheapest policy.
Compare what’s covered, especially medical emergencies, cashless claims, and coverage in multiple countries. Insurance providers like Digit Insurance cover everything from medical emergencies to trip delays so that you can focus on the journey, not the worries.
Remember, having international travel insurance is not just about cost recovery; it’s about travel confidence.
5. Overlooking Country-Specific Rules and Safety Practices
Every destination has its dos and don’ts, ranging from dress codes and tipping etiquette to photography restrictions. Ignorance isn’t just embarrassing; in some cases, it can be illegal. For example, chewing gum is banned in Singapore, and certain gestures in the Middle East may be considered offensive.
Also, avoid walking into politically sensitive zones or assuming all neighbourhoods are tourist-friendly. Overconfidence can lead to trouble.
Read government-issued travel advisories and cultural guides before your trip. Save the local Indian embassy’s contact details. And always inform someone back home of your travel route.
Why You Should Not Delay Travel Preparations Till the Last Minute?
Procrastination is a travel enemy. Delaying bookings, vaccinations, forex, or visa paperwork can leave you scrambling and lead to higher expenses. In some countries, vaccination records are required to enter. Similarly, submitting last-minute visa applications can result in premium processing fees or rejection.
Likewise, rushing to buy international travel insurance right before departure may mean missing out on valuable coverage, such as trip cancellation or coverage for pre-existing health conditions.
International travel can be deeply rewarding, but only when you’re prepared. A missed document, an expired passport, or an uninsured mishap can spoil weeks of planning. That’s why skipping international travel insurance, ignoring visa rules like visa on arrival for Indian passports, or underestimating basic planning are risks not worth taking.
So, travel with a safety-first mindset. Select the right travel insurance, understand the visa requirements for your destination, and allow time for cultural respect and preparation.
