Frequent Travel Errors and How to Steer Clear of Them

Peak travel seasons, like summer and winter holidays, present wonderful chances for adventure and relaxation. However, with a surge in travelers eager to get away, mistakes are more likely to occur during these busy times.

This guide is designed to help you maximize your travel plans — from managing points and miles to sidestepping common travel missteps.

Here’s what you should know to navigate some of the most typical travel errors we encounter at TPG.

Procrastinating During Busy Travel Periods

The summer and winter holiday seasons are among the most hectic times to travel each year. Consequently, flights, accommodations, and sought-after attractions tend to fill up rapidly. Waiting until the last moment could lead to steeper prices and limited choices, or even worse: no options available. This is particularly pertinent for those looking to utilize points and miles, as award availability can be severely restricted during these peak periods.

While it may sound like tired advice, being overly prepared is always a good strategy. If you know you’ll be traveling during a busy season—especially if it’s a yearly routine—you should secure your bookings well in advance. For those who typically book last minute, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much less stressful the process becomes and how much money you can save on flights and accommodations.

Consider setting up fare alerts on Google Flights or similar platforms to receive notifications when prices drop. By booking early, you often enhance your chances of landing the best deals. If you get a price drop alert after you’ve booked your tickets, many airlines permit you to rebook without incurring a change fee. For additional tips, check out this Google Flights guide.

For award bookings, tools like ExpertFlyer can help you track seat availability. Another approach is to bookmark your favorite hotels and regularly check for award openings. This way, you’ll be ready to seize the best deals as soon as they become available.

Being inflexible with travel arrangements

Let’s say you didn’t have the chance to plan ahead and book in advance this time. What alternatives do you have? One suggestion we always make (even for non-last-minute bookings) is to remain flexible with your plans. If you can adjust either your travel dates or destination, it can lead to significant savings at any time of the year. Often, simply traveling midweek or during off-peak seasons can result in better prices and a more enjoyable experience.

Utilize the date grid and calendar features on flight booking platforms to compare prices across various days. If you’re using points, consider shifting your travel dates by a few days to check if award availability improves. While you might not always find the best deals for your exact travel dates, it’s worth the effort. You’d be surprised by how much prices can vary within just a few days or weeks.

Squandering points on low-value redemptions

During peak cash pricing periods, such as summer, it can be an excellent opportunity to utilize your points and miles. However, it's crucial to ensure you’re obtaining good value for them. Steer clear of redeeming points for low-value options that don’t maximize your return.

Start by understanding the cash price for a flight or hotel reservation, then compare it with the award redemption for the same booking. You can find the value of most loyalty program points in our monthly valuations here. This will help you determine if the points cost is a wise investment, or if you’ll be spending an excessive amount of points for minimal value relative to the cash price.

Strive for a value of at least 1.5 to 2 cents per point for flights and hotel bookings. Utilize tools like TPG's awards versus cash calculator to assess whether you’re scoring a good deal. You might also think about using transfer partners of your credit card's loyalty program to enhance value. Transferring points to an airline or hotel can sometimes reveal better redemption rates by earning bonus points, effectively lowering the number of points required for the award.

To monitor the value of your points, consider bookmarking our TPG points valuation guide. If you're interested in tracking loyalty point transfer bonuses, you might want to bookmark our monthly transfer bonus guide.

Bringing too much and incurring additional fees

Packing too much can result in unwelcome baggage fees and the inconvenience of lugging around heavy bags at your destination. Let’s be real: We’ve all returned from a trip only to realize we needed just a fraction of what we packed (and then felt frustrated that we couldn’t fit in any souvenirs because of our overpacking).

And that’s not even the worst part. Think about those unfortunate travelers who arrive at the airport and face either hefty baggage fees or have to channel their inner Joey from "Friends" by wearing multiple outfits for the flight.

Avoid leaving your packing until the last minute. Instead, draft a packing list based on your travel itinerary and the weather conditions a week or a few days prior to your departure. Review that list carefully and ask yourself: Do I truly need all of these items? To gain perspective, try imagining you’re evaluating someone else’s list to be more objective.

Opt for clothing that is adaptable and can be easily mixed and matched. Consider using packing cubes to keep your suitcase tidy and make the most of your space. Always check your airline's baggage policy in advance to avoid unexpected fees, and if possible, use only a carry-on to skip the delays at baggage claim.

Traveling without insurance coverage

Travel insurance can be invaluable, covering a range of issues from flight cancellations to lost luggage and medical emergencies. While you may never have to use it, forgoing travel insurance is a risky decision that could lead to significant costs if something goes awry. It's often most needed right when you don't have it.

Before opting for a separate policy, check the travel insurance benefits offered by your credit card. Many premium cards provide trip cancellation or interruption coverage, baggage delay protection, and other emergency assistance. If you're planning an extended journey, going to remote destinations, or carrying high-value items, consider additional coverage to ensure you’re fully protected.

Neglecting to utilize travel benefits and protections

Many travelers miss out on the valuable perks and protections offered by their travel credit cards. These benefits can help you save money, offer peace of mind, and enhance your travel experience.

Prior to your journey, take the time to understand your card's benefits, including lounge access, trip delay reimbursements, rental car insurance, hotel status upgrades, and a variety of other enticing perks.

Ensure you're using a card that optimizes your rewards, allowing you to earn points or miles on all your purchases, along with additional benefits. For instance, the American Express® Gold Card is an excellent choice for travelers. It comes with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), offers up to $120 in annual Uber Cash for U.S. purchases (after registering and enrolling your Amex Gold Card in the Uber App), provides up to $100 in hotel credits each calendar year (through The Hotel Collection, with a minimum two-night stay), includes baggage insurance* up to $1,250 for carry-on items and $500 for checked bags, and allows for increased point earnings on flights, hotels, and dining.

*Eligibility and benefit levels differ by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For further details, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Being an ignorant, stereotypical tourist

Respecting the local cultures and customs is crucial for an enjoyable travel experience. Keep in mind that just because you're on holiday, it doesn't mean everyone else is. You are visiting someone else's home, and being an uninformed tourist can lead to awkward situations or even offend the locals.

Before your trip, research your destination to familiarize yourself with its customs, traditions, and social norms. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, and pay attention to dress codes, especially in religious or conservative areas. Show respect for local etiquette, such as tipping customs or queueing behaviors, to better integrate and appreciate the culture.

Forgetting the basics

With so many details to juggle while traveling—from timing and logistics to ensuring passports are packed—it's easy to overlook essentials like staying hydrated or keeping devices charged for GPS and itineraries.

Bring along a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day to keep hydrated. Don't forget to apply sunscreen frequently, especially if you're at the beach or on a hike. Make sure to carry any medications you need and consider a small first-aid kit for minor injuries.

Download offline maps and travel apps, such as Google Maps and language translation apps. It's wise to have hard copies of important documents, like your itinerary and hotel bookings, in case your phone dies or you lose internet access. Look into an international phone plan or get a local SIM card to stay connected, and be sure to pack a portable charger to keep your devices powered all day.

Final thoughts

Summer travel is an exciting adventure, but it's also a period where mistakes can occur more frequently. By adhering to these dos and don'ts, you can sidestep common errors and ensure a more seamless, enjoyable journey. From booking in advance and packing wisely to grasping your credit card benefits and being ready for unforeseen disruptions, a bit of planning can greatly enhance the success of your summer getaway. Safe travels!