10 of the Stupidest Travel Mistakes People Have Ever Made

Man running to catch the bus

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you haven’t gone out of town in years, everyone messes up from time to time. An online message board asked frequent travelers what their worst travel blunders were, and we’ve got some doozies for you! These stories can help you avoid pitfalls or silly snafus on your next adventure.

Bag Alarm

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One solo traveler shared, “I had a personal alarm on my bag, one where if you pull the strap, a loud alarm goes off. I got it because I’m a solo traveler and hike a lot and wanted something to set off if I twisted my ankle in the middle of the woods. I forgot about it and left it on my bag that I don’t normally check, got my bag back without it attached. I imagine the cord got pulled during handling and the poor airport employees had to smash it to get it to stop yelling at them. Sorry guys.”

Bus or Train?

this train is known as the world's end train, and works in ushuaia, inside of the argentinian patagonia

Booking travel plans in other countries can sometimes be confusing. “I booked a train from Venice at the trenitalia site. When the train never arrived I discovered I’d booked a bus. We missed it,” said one European traveler.

Check The Dates

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The Anne Frank museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a meaningful tour that many people frequent year-round. One visitor said, “I booked a ticket to the Anne Frank museum tour and stood inline. Ticket was for the following year.” Don’t forget to check the dates closely any time you book something!

Current Passport

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“Not me but my husband. The night before our first trip to Barcelona he noticed his passport had expired. Hotels were nonrefundable at that point so I waved goodbye and did the trip solo,” said one user. Passport drama can affect many international travelers, especially since it can take a while to renew with the government.

Make Sure You’re in The Right Airport

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One commenter said, “I arrived in Paris-Orly airport from the United States, so I went back to that airport for my next flight from France to Italy. I wandered around looking for my flight departure time for a bit before asking an Air France assistant about it. She had the most apologetic look on her face when she told me I was in the wrong airport. Called an Uber. Hopped on and asked him kindly to STEP ON IT to Paris Charles de Gauelle airport (about an hour away). I somehow made my flight that day, only because my travel anxiety made me show up to the first airport 3 hours before my flight.” Many major cities can have two or more different airports, so if your ticket says New York, don’t just assume it’s JFK Airport.

Cash Only

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“Leaving all cash and IDs in my safe in the hotel room in Mexico and going into town with only one credit card. Didn’t realize it until I had to try and get a ride back to the hotel and no one had ability to take credit. No banks would give me cash advance obviously. Had to beg a shop keeper to charge my card for cash – he charged me $80 and gave me $30,” said one traveler. It’s always a good idea to have some cash when traveling!

BYOB?

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“Mine was being an inexperienced 19 year old traveler bringing lots of German beer to Liverpool in a duffel bag. About 10 or 12 bottles broke and the bags on the conveyor belt were soaked in beer and the people were angrily mumbling over it. Then mine came, the whole bottom was drenched, and eyes were all over me as I quietly snuck out,” said a German beer lover.

Check the Weather

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“I booked a trip to Istanbul in December, assumed it would be warm because it was on the Mediterranean and in the Middle East, didn’t check the weather predictions, didn’t pack any warm clothes, and it was snowing when I arrived.”

AM or PM?

Woman sitting with suitcase in hotel lobby or in an airport lounge
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“Arriving at 1:00 pm for a 1:00 am flight…12hrs too late. The flight was from India to the US, so it was a very expensive mistake,” said one disappointed traveler. Time listings can vary by country. In some countries, they use a 24-hour clock, so if it’s 1:00pm, it will say 13:00, while it will say 1:00 for 1:00am. This can be confusing to some Americans who are used to seeing 1:00 for both AM and PM.

Don’t forget your underwear!

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“I forgot underwear on a three week trip to South America. No offense to the Brazilians here but let’s say their men’s style of underwear was not my idea of comfortable,” said one user.

Source: Reddit

10 Horror Stories From Hiking Trips Shared by Adventurers

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Hiking through lush forests, scaling rugged peaks, and forging paths through untamed wilderness can be exhilarating and transformative. Yet, for all the awe-inspiring beauty nature has to offer, it also harbors its fair share of mysteries and terrors. In this gripping compilation, we delve into the spine-tingling accounts of adventurers who ventured into the great outdoors only to encounter the unexpected. Brace yourself as we unravel the eerie and unsettling experiences that continue to haunt those who dared to explore the unknown. 

Read more: 10 Horror Stories From Hiking Trips Shared by Adventurers

12 Incredible Travel Tales That Will Leave You Breathless

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Do you have a travel memory that sticks out in your mind? A moment where you felt alive, connected, or in awe of the world around you? Recently on an online platform, people have shared some unique travel experiences.

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10 of the Scariest Places in the U.S. According to Americans

Galveston, Texas. Cityscape colors in spring season.
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Recently, on an online platform, people shared their encounters and impressions of the scariest places in the U.S. 

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12 of the Strangest Things Tourists Have Done in The U.S.

YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA, USA MAY 24, 2018: Outdoor view of unidentified people taking pictures of huge american Bison in the road in Yelowstone National Park
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The United States of America, with its diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, attracts millions of tourists from around the world each year. While most visitors come to experience the country’s natural wonders, historical sites, and renowned attractions, some travelers manage to stand out by engaging in truly peculiar and unexpected activities. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey as we unravel the bizarre and unforgettable experiences that have left both locals and fellow tourists scratching their heads in disbelief.

Read more: 12 of the Strangest Things Tourists Have Done in The U.S.

The Weirdest Tourist Attractions in Each of the 50 U.S. States, According to Travelers

Hooper, Colorado - July 14, 2014: An alien statue at the UFO watchtower near town of Hooper, in the state of Colorado, USA.
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Whether you’re a lover of the bizarre, a seeker of the peculiar, or simply intrigued by the extraordinary, these unique destinations offer a glimpse into the eccentricities and hidden gems that lie scattered across the country. Join us as we embark on a journey through the fifty states, unraveling the oddest and most intriguing tourist attractions each state has to offer.

Read more: The Weirdest Tourist Attractions in Each of the 50 U.S. States, According to Travelers