The Five Biggest Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them This Summer
Here are the biggest travel mistakes people make. Whether it's forgetting travel insurance or paying unnecessary luggage fees, here's how to avoid them.

Even the most seasoned tourists can make travel mistakes when planning a vacation. Some blunders can be minor infractions, but others can cost travelers a lot of money and heartache.
But there are steps you can take to avoid travel mistakes. Here are six slip-ups that travelers may make this year, plus tips on how to avoid them.
1. Forgetting travel medical insurance
Christopher Elliott, a consumer advocate and founder of the nonprofit Elliott Advocacy, says many people don’t consider purchasing travel medical insurance.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
“People often think nothing bad will happen before or on their vacation, but then they get injured overseas and need to go to the hospital, and the next thing they’re looking at is a $10,000 hospital bill.”
Indeed, nearly one in four Americans report they’ve experienced a medical issue while traveling abroad, according to a 2023 survey sponsored by GeoBlue, an international health insurance company.
Unfortunately, most U.S. healthcare plans — including employer group plans, Medicare and Affordable Care Act plans — offer limited or no medical coverage outside the U.S.
How to avoid: One solution is to purchase a travel medical insurance policy, a type of insurance that provides coverage for a range of medical emergencies while traveling abroad, from minor injuries to major events like heart attacks and strokes, to medical evacuation and emergency transport in the case of severe emergencies.
The average travel medical insurance plan costs $89, according to Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison website. Squaremouth advises international travelers to obtain a policy that provides a minimum of $50,000 in emergency medical coverage and at least $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage.
Some travel insurance policies include emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation coverage up to certain limits.
Medication Tip: Follow our guide to international travel with medications. Even prescription drugs may be confiscated at the border.
Faye Insurance offers travel insurance with 100% digital claims and real-time support.
Explore plans at www.withfaye.com.
2. Paying unnecessary luggage fees
You may have heard that a number of airlines — including American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue Airways — recently raised their prices for checked bags. But one thing a lot of travelers aren’t aware of, Elliott says, is that some are now charging customers more if they check a bag at the airport versus paying to check a bag in advance.
For instance, JetBlue customers flying within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada can save up to $20 on their first two checked bags ($10 savings per bag) when they add them to their flight reservation at least 24 hours before departure.
How to avoid: Make sure to pay ahead of time for any bags that you plan to check.
3. Getting hit by hidden hotel fees
Wi-Fi fees, early check-in fees, gym fees — hotels today charge guests no shortage of extra fees and surcharges. It’s a widespread problem: In an April 2023 survey by Consumer Reports, nearly four out of 10 (37%) U.S. adults said they had experienced a hidden or unexpected hotel fee in the previous two years.
How to avoid: Many hotels offer to reduce or, in some cases, waive certain fees to guests who join their loyalty program, which is free in most cases. Also, sometimes simply asking an employee at check-in to waive certain fees could do the trick.
This 20-inch carry-on features a built-in USB port to keep your devices charged and a handy cup holder for your airport coffee.
4. Not factoring in Airbnb extra fees
Like hotels, Airbnb rental property owners often tack on extra fees, such as cleaning fees, fees for additional guests beyond a certain number, and service fees. These additional costs can add hundreds of dollars to your bill.
How to avoid: Elliott praised Airbnb for introducing a feature in December 2022 that allows guests to view a stay’s total costs, before taxes, when searching for rental properties. But he says there’s a caveat: “If you’re in the U.S., you need to change a setting in order to see the full rate when you search for rentals.”
To enable the feature, click the slider on the upper right of the search page that says, “Display total before taxes.”
5. Paying full price for car rentals
First, the good news: “The rental vehicle shortage has improved,” Elliott says. That’s resulted in a stabilization of rates, with rental car prices recently averaging $42 a day, up only 3% from 2023, according to a report from the travel search company Hopper. The bad news? Renting a car is still more expensive than it was before the pandemic, especially for travelers who pay full freight.
How to avoid: There are several ways you can avoid paying full price. Big-box stores such as Costco, BJ’s and Sam’s Club provide their members discounts on certain rental cars. AARP and AAA also offer their members discounted rates. Finally, consult third-party sites like Expedia or Booking.com for deals.
- AARP members save up to 30% on base rates at Avis and Budget.
- AAA members save up to 20% on Hertz rentals.
- In addition, a number of credit card companies offer certain cardholders discounts when they book a vehicle from specific rental car companies.
You may also be able to nab a lower rate for your car rental by prepaying when you book a reservation. And, some rental car companies offer limited-mileage plans at a lower cost, which could be a good option if you’re planning to take just a short trip.
Tip: See if your credit card offers rental car insurance before you pay for insurance from a rental car company.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Va. His work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, and Money magazine, among others.
-
Are COVID Shots Still Covered By Medicare?
Getting the new COVID-19 vaccine covered by Medicare isn't as easy this year as it was in the past. Here's what you need to know before you take a trip to your pharmacy.
-
How Digital Platforms Are Changing the Way You Invest in Gold
Investing in gold is easier than ever thanks to digital platforms. Learn how online tools are lowering costs, increasing transparency and making gold accessible to all investors.
-
Confused About the New COVID Vaccine and Medicare? What You Need to Know
Getting the new COVID-19 vaccine covered by Medicare isn't as easy this year as it was in the past. Here's what you need to know before you take a trip to your pharmacy.
-
How Digital Platforms Are Changing the Way You Invest in Gold
Investing in gold is easier than ever thanks to digital platforms. Learn how online tools are lowering costs, increasing transparency and making gold accessible to all investors.
-
This Is How Life Insurance Can Fund Your Dreams Now
Beyond a death benefit, life insurance can provide significant financial value and flexibility through 'living benefits' while you are still alive, helping with expenses like education, business ventures or retirement.
-
Potential Trouble for Retirees: A Wealth Adviser's Guide to the OBBB's Impact on Retirement
While some provisions might help, others could push you into a higher tax bracket and raise your costs. Be strategic about Roth conversions, charitable donations, estate tax plans and health care expenditures.
-
How to Plan Your First International Trip After Retirement
Retirement paves the way for a world of exciting (and intimidating) experiences. An overseas journey can be an ideal way to embrace this new phase of life.
-
My First $1 Million: Retired Magazine Editor, 70, Boise, Idaho
Ever wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
From Mortgages to Taxes to Estates: How to Prepare for Falling Interest Rates
As speculation grows that the Federal Reserve will soon start lowering interest rates, now is a good time to review your financial plans for housing, estate, taxes, investing and retirement to make the most of potential changes.
-
This Is How Lottery Winners Build Lasting Legacies, From a Financial Professional
Winning a massive lottery jackpot, like the recent $1.4 billion Powerball, requires seeking immediate legal and financial counsel, protecting your identity and winnings and planning your legacy.