After visiting 25 countries, I've made plenty of mistakes while traveling. But luckily, I can pass on my wisdom about things to avoid and stop doing.
Dominique Mills
According to survey responses from American Express Travel, more people are planning big trips this year — and nearly 70% of them are going solo.
International travel, especially solo travel, can be daunting. But visiting over 25 countries has taught me some invaluable lessons.
Here are 10 mistakes I wish I'd known to avoid when I first started traveling and tips for a smoother journey.
In my early days of travel, I spent countless hours searching individual airline websites for the best deals. I soon realized that flight-comparison websites not only save time but often uncover cheaper options.
Platforms like Skyscanner allow me to compare prices across multiple airlines, ensuring I get the best deal.
Some even let me filter by my budget and home airport to produce a list of places I could travel to next.
Dominique Mills
I used to stuff my backpack until it was bursting at the seams, thinking I needed outfits for every possible scenario.
This made my bag inconveniently heavy and also left me with no room for new purchases — if I wanted to buy a souvenir, I had to sacrifice some less-loved clothing.
Since then, I've learned that packing light with versatile clothing makes for a more enjoyable trip. If I run out of outfits, I can always do laundry on the go.
During my first solo trip, I meticulously planned and booked every part of my trip weeks in advance, from accommodation to transport and activities.
This might seem like a good idea (it did to me at the time, at least), but it left little room for spontaneity and sometimes resulted in missed opportunities.
Now, I only book essentials and leave room in my itinerary to explore and make last-minute decisions and changes.
I learned the hard way that using a regular bank card can result in hefty foreign transaction fees.
Switching to a travel card saved me a significant amount of money.
Travel-specific credit cards often offer better exchange rates and lower fees (or no fees), making them a must-have for any money-savvy frequent traveler.
Dominique Mills
I think it's key to keep an emergency travel fund for unexpected expenses.
Whether it's a missed flight, sudden illness, or some other emergency, setting aside a portion of my budget provides peace of mind and ensures I'm prepared for the unexpected.
One of my worst travel experiences was my card getting unexpectedly blocked because my bank flagged my foreign transactions as suspicious activity.
Now, I always inform my bank of my travel plans to ensure seamless access to my funds while abroad.
Like many new travelers, I used to gravitate toward touristy restaurants because I thought they were safer choices. But I quickly learned that many of these spots are less authentic and more expensive than local eateries.
Getting recommendations and eating where the locals dine has led to some of my best experiences, with authentic flavors, lower prices, and great atmospheres.
Dominique Mills
Taxis and private shuttles are costly, and they've limited my cultural experiences.
Using public transportation in a foreign country can be daunting, but I think embracing buses and trains in a new place is a fun challenge that offers a unique glimpse into local life.
Plus, it's often much more efficient than driving in bustling cities.
I used to cram my itinerary with as many activities as possible, thinking I needed to see everything. This approach often left me exhausted and stressed.
Leaving time for rest days during trips has been a game changer. It allows me to truly enjoy each destination and explore at a leisurely pace, which helps me avoid burnout.
Fashion over function is a mistake I've made many times. Now, I prioritize comfort, especially when it comes to footwear.
Investing in a good pair of walking shoes that don't give you blisters is essential for any traveler.
