Traveling is one of life’s greatest adventures. Whether you’re exploring new cities, hiking through remote mountains, or simply immersing yourself in unfamiliar cultures, the journey can be incredibly rewarding. However, even the most seasoned travelers face bumps in the road. I was no exception. My first big travel mistake became a turning point, forcing me to reconsider many habits I once thought were essential. The following are ten travel habits I dropped after that pivotal experience, and how they reshaped the way I explore the world today.
1. The Habit of Overpacking
For years, I prided myself on being prepared for anything and everything during my travels. The idea was simple—bring as much as possible to avoid unexpected situations. I’d pack for every scenario: casual outings, formal dinners, rainstorms, and even long hikes. I had it all: multiple pairs of shoes, outfits for every occasion, extra toiletries, and more.
However, my first big mistake taught me that overpacking doesn’t lead to preparedness; it leads to unnecessary stress and discomfort. On a trip to Europe, I found myself dragging a cumbersome suitcase through cobbled streets, struggling to navigate crowded public transport, and dealing with luggage fees. I realized that I was carrying items I would never use, which wasted both my time and energy.
After this experience, I learned to pack light. I started adopting a minimalist mindset, choosing versatile clothes that could be mixed and matched, and only bringing the essentials. This habit change has not only made my travels more enjoyable but also less stressful. I can now focus on the experience rather than the burden of managing a large suitcase. Overpacking had once felt like a necessity, but now I know that less truly is more.
2. The Habit of Over-Scheduling
In the early days of my travels, I treated every trip like a checklist. The goal was to see as many sights and attractions as possible, often cramming my itinerary with back-to-back activities. I believed that a packed schedule was the key to a fulfilling trip, ensuring that I didn’t miss anything important.
That mindset worked… until I found myself exhausted and overwhelmed. My first major mistake occurred during a trip to Japan, where I scheduled multiple sightseeing tours in one day without considering the logistics or my energy levels. As a result, I found myself rushing through famous temples, barely appreciating the beauty and history of each site. I was so focused on ticking off my to-do list that I failed to engage in the moment.
The mistake was a wake-up call. I realized that over-scheduling detracts from the essence of travel. Now, I prioritize quality over quantity. I focus on a few key experiences each day, allowing myself the freedom to explore at a leisurely pace. By adopting this habit, I’ve been able to immerse myself more fully in the places I visit, taking time to truly connect with each destination.
3. The Habit of Sticking to Tourist Traps
Like many first-time travelers, I was drawn to the most popular tourist destinations. After all, these are the places everyone talks about, and they promise iconic experiences. My first big mistake occurred when I spent too much time in well-known tourist spots, like crowded museums, overpriced attractions, and heavily commercialized neighborhoods. These places often felt more like spectacle than authentic experiences.
On a trip to Paris, I followed the usual route: I went to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Montmartre. While these locations were impressive, they didn’t offer the cultural immersion I had been hoping for. The throngs of people, the long lines, and the expensive souvenirs took away from the magic of the city.
After this experience, I made a conscious decision to explore beyond the typical tourist traps. Instead of waiting in long lines at famous attractions, I sought out lesser-known neighborhoods, local cafés, and off-the-beaten-path art galleries. I learned that some of the best experiences happen away from the crowds, where you can truly engage with a city’s character and meet the people who bring it to life. This shift allowed me to connect more deeply with the places I visited and created memories far more meaningful than any souvenir could provide.
4. The Habit of Relying on Guidebooks
In the beginning, I relied heavily on guidebooks and online resources to plan my trips. While these sources offered valuable information about destinations, restaurants, and activities, they also made me feel confined to a set itinerary. The more I traveled, the more I realized that relying on these guides too much limited my ability to truly explore and experience a destination on my own terms.
My first major mistake occurred during a trip to Thailand, where I followed a guidebook’s recommendations for dining and sightseeing. Although the places were good, they felt scripted and didn’t reflect the true spirit of the country. It became clear that I was simply following a path laid out by someone else rather than discovering my own journey.
Since then, I’ve shifted away from following guidebooks to embracing spontaneity and local recommendations. I now allow myself to wander aimlessly, exploring areas not listed in guidebooks. I ask locals for suggestions and trust my own instincts to find hidden gems that may not make it into print. This new approach has led to some of the most authentic experiences of my travels, from stumbling upon secret beaches in Greece to finding hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Vietnam.
5. The Habit of Being Distracted by Technology
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to stay connected to the world through technology. I used to rely on my phone for everything: navigating cities with Google Maps, taking photos, checking social media, and even translating languages. But after a mistake during a trip to Morocco, where I spent more time on my phone than engaging with the surroundings, I realized that technology was keeping me from fully appreciating the moment.
While traveling through the vibrant souks of Marrakech, I was so focused on documenting every moment for social media and checking notifications that I missed out on the opportunity to truly immerse myself in the local culture. The colors, sounds, and scents of the marketplace faded into the background as I scrolled through my phone.
Now, I’ve learned to disconnect more intentionally during my travels. While I still use technology for practical purposes like navigation or booking accommodations, I limit my screen time and prioritize being present in the moment. I leave my phone in my pocket when exploring local markets, having conversations with locals, or simply enjoying the scenery. This habit change has made my travels richer and more meaningful, as I’m able to focus on what truly matters: the experience itself.
Traveling is a personal journey, and what works for one person might not work for another. My first big mistake was a turning point in my travel habits, forcing me to reconsider how I approach every trip. Dropping these ten habits has transformed the way I explore the world, allowing me to have more enriching and fulfilling experiences. By learning from my mistakes and evolving my travel approach, I now embrace the freedom and joy that travel is meant to offer.