An estimated two in five of us have plans to travel abroad this year, which equates to around 29 million people. But amid the excitement, many travellers unknowingly make simple mistakes that end up costing them extra money, time and stress.
From unexpected baggage fees at the boarding gate to hidden mobile data charges, even seasoned holidaymakers can fall into these traps. But with a little planning, these common travel errors can be easily avoided, experts say.
Travel Expert Jane Bolton from Erna Low has shared the eight most common mistakes Brits make when travelling, and how to steer clear of them for a stress-free trip.
1. Not reading the fine print in car hire agreements
Hiring a car abroad may seem straightforward, but many travellers get caught out by hidden charges, insurance exclusions or strict return policies buried in the fine print. Some car hire contracts include excess charges of over £1,000 for every minor damage and may add unexpected fees for fuel, mileage or additional drivers.
How to avoid it:
Before signing anything, carefully review the full terms and conditions, including insurance coverage, deposit requirements and fuel policies.
Instead of paying costly damage waivers at the rental desk, consider purchasing an independent excess insurance policy in advance. These can cost as little as £33 for a week and provide much better coverage.
Additionally, always take clear photos of the car before and after use to protect yourself from unfair damage claims on return.
2. Forgetting to check in online or entering incorrect passenger details
Forgetting to check in online can lead to extra charges at the airport. Budget airlines, including Ryanair, now charge passengers who fail to check in online, meaning you could face an unexpected fee if you don’t go through this process before you arrive.
Similarly, entering the wrong name when booking flights, such as a nickname instead of your full passport name, or booking under a married surname when your passport is still in your maiden name, can cause major issues at check in. Some airlines charge hefty fees for name corrections or may even require you to rebook your ticket entirely.
How to avoid it:
Set a reminder to check in online as soon as it becomes available to avoid last-minute stress and unnecessary fees.
When booking flights, double check that all passenger details match the passport exactly, this includes middle names if required.
Before you set off for the airport, ensure the name on your boarding pass is correct to avoid expensive name change fees at the desk.
3. Paying extra to sit together when you might not need to
Many airlines now charge passengers for seat selection, leading travellers to pay extra to sit together when it might not be necessary.
On quieter flights, groups are often seated together automatically, meaning you could be spending money for no reason.
Even on busier flights, some airlines still try to seat families and groups together where possible, so paying for seat selection isn’t always needed.
How to avoid it:
Check the airline’s seating policy before paying extra. Some carriers have family seating rules that automatically keep young children with their parents.
To improve your chances of sitting together for free, check in online as early as possible. Some websites and apps even offer seat alerts, notifying you if better seats become available closer to departure.
4. Doing all your packing last minute
Rushing to pack the night before a trip often leads to overpacking, forgetting essentials or struggling to fit everything into hand luggage.
This can lead to extra baggage fees, last-minute airport purchases or simply a stressful start to your holiday. For instance, some airlines like easyJet, have strict cabin baggage policies. If items like helmets don’t fit within the specified dimensions, passengers may face additional charges.
A lack of preparation can also mean missing key travel documents, adapters or weather appropriate clothing, all of which can be expensive or difficult to replace once abroad.
How to avoid it:
Create a packing list in advance and pack gradually over a few days. Check airline baggage policies beforehand, especially regarding sports equipment or bulky items, to ensure compliance with weight and size limits.
Packing cubes can also help keep things organised and maximise space allowing you to fit more in your case.
5. Not keeping track of valuables at airport security
In the rush to get through airport security, it’s easy to misplace valuables like jewellery, phones, passports, or wallets when placing them loose into security trays. With multiple passengers going through at the same time, items can get mixed up, left behind, or even stolen.
Many travellers also forget to retrieve smaller items in separate trays, such as watches or keys, especially when hurrying to gather their belongings after security.
How to avoid it:
Keep valuables in a separate pouch inside hand luggage rather than placing them loose in the tray.
Once you’ve passed security, move to a table to double-check you have everything before leaving the area.
6. Not being aware of mobile roaming costs in advance
Many travellers assume only outgoing calls will incur charges, but incoming calls, background app data and automatic updates can also rack up sky-high bills.
How to avoid it:
Check your mobile provider’s roaming charges before travelling. Consider turning off data roaming, using a local SIM, or purchasing an international data plan to keep costs under control. Disable auto-connect to public Wi-Fi and download maps for offline use.
For calls and messages, apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime can be a cost-effective alternative but again check to ensure they aren’t automatically linked to a ‘data roaming’ service without you knowing.
7. Using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks
Many travellers connect to free public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels and cafés without realising the risks. Unsecured networks can leave personal information vulnerable to hackers, potentially leading to identity theft or financial fraud.
Even features like AirDrop (on iPhones) and automatic hotspot connections can leave devices vulnerable to hackers.
How to avoid it:
Disable auto-connect to public Wi-Fi and avoid logging into banking apps or entering sensitive details when using an open network. If you must use public Wi-Fi, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides an extra layer of security. Otherwise, stick to mobile data or a secure personal hotspot.
8. Overplanning and not leaving room for spontaneity
It’s tempting to schedule every moment of a holiday to make the most of the time away, but overplanning can leave little room for flexibility. Rigid itineraries can become stressful if plans change, or unexpected opportunities arise.
How to avoid it:
Plan key activities in advance but leave free time for exploring or spontaneous experiences. This often leads to unexpectedly great experiences that you wouldn’t have thought of.
While planning a holiday abroad is exciting, small mistakes can lead to unnecessary stress and costs. By being prepared and making small adjustments, you can save time, avoid unnecessary expenses and enjoy a smoother, more relaxing holiday.
