Traveling to new destinations is exciting, but even seasoned globetrotters can make costly mistakes. After exploring 94 countries, we’ve learned a thing or two about what to do—and more importantly, what NOT to do. Below, we’re sharing the top travel mistakes we’ve made and how you can avoid them to save money and enhance your travel experience.
Watch the video on our YouTube channel…
Key Takeaways
- Maximize hotel loyalty programs: Focus on earning elite status with a couple of hotel brands to get perks like upgrades and free meals.
- Recheck prices regularly: Prices on bookings, especially hotels and car rentals, often drop. Always choose flexible rates and rebook at a lower price.
- Leverage credit card rewards: Use the right card for the right expense, maximizing points for travel, dining, and more.
Mistake #1: Not Maximizing Hotel Loyalty Programs
One of our early travel mistakes was not taking advantage of hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, Hyatt Globalist, or IHG Rewards. These programs offer incredible benefits such as room upgrades, free breakfasts, and even late checkouts. For instance, Platinum Elite at Marriott offers 4 p.m. checkout, which can save you from paying for an extra night if you have a late flight.
Why focus on loyalty? When you travel frequently, staying loyal to one or two hotel chains can lead to substantial savings and perks. Lounge access with complimentary meals, early check-in, and free drinks are just some of the benefits you can expect. Focusing on two hotel brands also makes it easier to achieve higher statuses, which brings even better rewards.
Tip: Steer clear of Airbnb if you’re after loyalty benefits. They don’t offer any, even after multiple stays.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Price Fluctuations on Bookings
Most people assume that once they book a hotel, flight, or car rental, the price is locked in. But in actuality, prices fluctuate often, and you can save money by rechecking them. For example, we once saved $400 on a rental car by rebooking just before our trip.
How to Save:
- Always opt for refundable bookings. You may pay a bit more, but this flexibility allows you to cancel and rebook if prices drop.
- Check prices regularly on your bookings. You can use tools like Google Flights or Kayak to monitor these changes, or simply set a calendar reminder to check rates manually every few weeks.
Tip: Avoid non-refundable rates unless you’re 100% sure of your plans (and happy with the price you paid). Paying a little extra for a flexible booking can save you a significant amount in case plans change or prices drop.
Mistake #3: Failing to Optimize Credit Card Multipliers
Many travelers overlook the points they can earn through credit card rewards. Each card has its own category bonuses, like extra points for dining, travel, or groceries. Not taking full advantage of these multipliers is a missed opportunity.
Our mistake: We once missed out on tens of thousands of points by not using the right cards for dining and travel. Imagine how many free flights or hotel stays those points could have earned!
Solution: Make a list of your credit cards and categorize the rewards they offer. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3X points on travel, and the American Express Gold Card offers 4X on dining. Use a sticky note on each card or create a cheat sheet to easily remember which card to use.
Pro tip: If you’re overwhelmed by multiple cards, consider defaulting to a good general-purpose travel card like the Capital One Venture X, which offers 2X points on every purchase. That way, you’ll always be earning rewards without overthinking it.
See all the top travel credit cards and their current offers here.
Mistake #4: Letting Credit Card Perks Expire
Many premium credit cards offer significant annual credits—like the $300 travel credit with Chase Sapphire Reserve or Uber credits with Amex Platinum—but these perks expire if you don’t use them.
We once forgot about a Capital One travel credit that required booking through their portal, resulting in wasted money. We don’t typically book through their portals, but we will to grab a reward!
Key Tips:
- Keep track of all your card benefits. Some, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, automatically apply credits, while others need you to book through specific portals.
- Set reminders to use benefits like airline credits, hotel credits, or ride-sharing perks.
Using these credits can offset your card’s annual fee, often saving you hundreds of dollars.
Mistake #5: Booking Too Late (or Without Flexibility)
When you procrastinate on bookings, prices tend to skyrocket—especially for rental cars, flights, and popular hotels. Early bookings give you more options and better prices.
Example: On a recent trip to San Diego, we waited too long to book a rental car, which ended up costing us twice as much as it would have if we had planned ahead.
Pro tip: Always book early and select refundable options. This way, if prices drop or your plans change, you can rebook or adjust your reservations without penalty.
Mistake #6: Overpaying for Cruise and Airline Upgrades
It’s easy to get caught up in upgrade bidding wars, whether it’s for a cruise cabin or an airline seat. We’ve learned that bidding too much for upgrades can actually cost more than the original price.
Our strategy: When booking, note the original cost of upgrades like suites or first-class tickets. Decide in advance how much you’re willing to bid, and never exceed 50% of the upgrade cost.
Start with a great deal on any cruise by checking out CruiseDirect.
Mistake #7: Not Getting Travel Insurance
Many travelers skip travel insurance, thinking it’s unnecessary—until something goes wrong. Whether it’s flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies, travel insurance can save you thousands of dollars.
We now use SafetyWing for long-term international travel. It’s affordable and provides worldwide coverage, which is especially important for extended trips or remote work abroad.
FAQs
1. Is it better to book a refundable hotel or a non-refundable one?
If your travel dates aren’t set in stone, always opt for refundable bookings. Non-refundable rates might save you 5-10%, but flexibility is worth more if plans change or prices drop.
2. How do I earn hotel loyalty status faster?
Focus on two hotel brands to accumulate points and stay loyal to those programs. We like Hyatt and Marriott. Using a co-branded credit card can also help you earn points faster.
3. What credit card should I use for general travel purchases?
The Capital One Venture X or Chase Sapphire Reserve are great options for travelers, offering solid point multipliers and transferable points.
4. How often should I check prices after booking?
We recommend checking every couple of weeks or when you hear about price drops. Tools like Google Flights or Price Alerts can help automate the process.
5. Do I really need travel insurance for every trip?
It depends on your destination and the length of your trip. For international travel, it’s always a good idea to have coverage in case of emergencies. For domestic trips, you may not need it unless you’re worried about cancellations or lost luggage.
By avoiding these top travel mistakes, you can save hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars and enjoy a more seamless travel experience. Whether it’s booking smart, using the right credit cards, or staying loyal to hotel programs, a little planning goes a long way.
So, remember: book early, be flexible, and make the most of your travel rewards. Happy travels!
Summary: Top Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Summary: Avoid these common travel mistakes to save money and stress on your next trip. From hotel loyalty programs to credit card multipliers, each of these tips can improve your travel game and your wallet.
