Travel Advice You Should Actually Follow

We’ve all heard travel advice from that one friend, travel vloggers, or random TikToks—and a lot of it sounds good until you actually try it. Whether you’re a college student planning your first solo trip or just trying to avoid rookie mistakes, it’s time to break down the worst advice out there—and give you tips that actually make your trip better.

1. Worst Advice: “Just be spontaneous and figure it out as you go.”

❌ Why it’s bad:** It sounds adventurous, but in reality, "winging it" leads to wasted time, missed experiences, and unnecessary stress—especially in busy cities or countries where booking ahead is essential.

✅ Better Advice: Do your research. Learn the basics: local customs, top sights, transportation options, and restaurant recommendations. Plan the framework of your trip—then be spontaneous within it. That’s how you find hidden gems without falling into chaos.

2. Worst Advice: “Go ahead and check a bag—it’s more convenient.”

❌ Why it’s bad:** No, it’s not. Checked bags slow you down, cost extra, and risk getting delayed or lost. For trips under a week, there’s no reason to haul a giant suitcase—especially when most places have laundry options or you're only packing for 3–5 days.

✅ Better Advice: Be intentional and pack carry-on only. With a personal item and a small roller or backpack, you’re covered. Use packing cubes, mix-and-match outfits, and skip the “just in case” items. Unless you're carrying specialty gear like golf clubs, checking a bag is unnecessary drama.

3. Worst Advice: “Digital copies of your travel docs are enough.”

❌ Why it’s bad:** Phones die. Wi-Fi fails. Screens crack. And not every country accepts digital confirmations.

✅ Better Advice: Keep printed copies of your passport, visas, accommodation bookings, and emergency contacts. Store them in a different bag than your real passport, just in case.

4. Worst Advice: “Avoid tourist spots at all costs.”

❌ Why it’s bad:** The idea sounds cool—go off the beaten path, right? But sometimes “touristy” spots are popular for a reason. Avoiding them out of pride might mean missing some iconic experiences.

✅ Better Advice: Do both. Visit that famous museum or food market and explore a neighborhood cafe or random park. Balance is everything.

5. Worst Advice: “Just Uber everywhere.”

❌ Why it’s bad:** Ride shares add up quickly, aren’t always available in smaller towns, and you miss out on real local life.

✅ Better Advice: Learn the local transport system. It’s almost always cheaper and gives you a more authentic feel for the city. Use ride shares strategically—for late nights, bad weather, or hauling luggage.

6. Worst Advice: “Push through and do everything—you’re only there once!”

❌ Why it’s bad:** Burning yourself out ruins the experience. Packing in 12 activities a day sounds productive, but it often leads to stress, fatigue, and no real memories.

✅ Better Advice: Prioritize. Pick 1–3 must-do experiences per day, and leave time to relax, wander, or nap. Travel should feel good—not like a race.

Conclusion:

The best trips aren’t built on trends—they’re built on intention. Skip the bad advice, trust your research, and lean into smart decisions like packing light, planning ahead, and being flexible within structure. The right preperation will make your travels smoother, cheaper, and way more fun.