Travel is full of space for mistakes: tracking every rule and regulation is so tiring that when you get a boarding pass, you have already won another vacation.
I’ve been in full-time crisscrossing full-time for six years and I’ve seen my tears breaking and raucous battles while waiting in line at the boarding counter. From forgotten visas to passport mistakes to luggage misfortunes, there are numerous problems that arise once you arrive at the long-awaited holiday at the airport. Therefore, to prevent heartbreak, avoid these common travel mistakes and accelerate entry regulations for new visas and the world’s largest travel destinations to avoid making new visas.
Pay attention to your passport expiration date
Recently, an acquaintance on social media posted in tears about how she turned around at the airport while trying to sign in to Norway’s Bomon. She doesn’t know Most countries Require your passport to be valid for at least six months before expiration. Once you realize this error, it is usually too late to correct it before missing the travel window, as it can Spend a few weeks Used to process new passports.
Pay attention to the page in the passport
A US passport has 32 pages or 52 pages depending on the one you choose (for reference only, 52-pager is not available for additional charge). For most travelers, filling in every page is a dream, but that doesn’t mean you should turn a blind eye to blank pages. Most countries Need two blank pages Before you enter your country, in your passport, some African countries like Zambia and Botswana need three countries. If you see the passport page fill, start the process of obtaining a new passport; otherwise, you may be denied boarding.
Don’t be a victim of a luggage trap
A few years ago, when I left Japan, I didn’t buy an additional weight allowance on my luggage when booking my tickets. Many airlines in Asia, especially budget airlines, allow checked baggage and 7 kg (15 lbs) of carry-on luggage (including suitcases, backpacks and leather bag combinations) to 20 kg (44 lbs). I didn’t expect the airline’s check-in waiter to weigh my check-in bags and my various carry-ons. I was wrong, the extra kilogram would cost me $650, hundreds more than my ticket price. I had no choice but to discard my entire carry and all of my content. Since then, when I buy tickets to avoid high prices at the check-in counter, I always buy a weight margin of 10 kg (22 lbs) (for most airlines, buying an extra weight in advance is higher than buying an extra weight at the check-in counter, you have to buy an extra fee at the check-in counter where you have to cough the extra fee).
Shoot your accommodation and car rental videos
Unfortunately, one too common travel scam is claiming to damage a vacation rental, hotel room or car rental. I’ve heard horror stories about couples being accused of hundreds of stained carpets or scratched cars, though without fault. When you stay in the accommodation or pick up a car rental, use long detailed videos of all surfaces and areas. This may come in handy when you make any unforeseen damage charges on your credit card.
Remember your departure airport
Sometimes, I see crazy passengers turning around to safety after realizing they are at the wrong airport. When I was studying abroad in Europe, I made the same mistake while traveling to Italy. Fortunately, our taxi drivers took us to the right airport on the other side of the city with speeding action. This usually occurs at destinations at multiple airports, such as London, Tokyo, Washington, DC and New York City. So, head to the right airport for three checks before you order Uber or jump on the train.
Make sure you have a real ID
The Department of Homeland Security has been saying that for years, Americans will need a real ID card to travel on domestic flights. But as of May 7, 2025, this is finally a reality. U.S. passengers over 18 will need one Real ID– A driver’s license or passport planned within the United States. Previously, all they needed was a valid state driver’s license. Officials advise citizens to make an appointment with their local DMV as soon as possible; the waiting time is expected to be long.
Watch out for new travel restrictions in the UK
Have you ever dreamed of seeing Big Ben or driving the Scottish Highlands? Now, travelers heading to the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) will need one Electronic travel authorization (ETA). The new ETA costs around $12 and can take up to three days to get approval. Once approved, it will last for two years. Remember that regular visa and accommodation regulations still apply and should be studied before booking a trip.
Study destination travel taxes and fees
When you are on your ideal vacation budget, be aware of the travel tax that may add up. To fight tourism, Greece raises daily accommodation and cruise fees based on hotel floors, apartments or vacation rentals, and the port where you dock. During peak season (April to October), accommodation in a five-star hotel costs $15 a day, while stopping in the crowded Santorini costs up to $20 a day. In the already expensive Maldives, the daily green tax charged to visitors through its resorts will double, with a daily $12 per person per day for a resort of more than 50 rooms and a 50-room resort of up to $5 per day. Book a 50-room resort.
Apply online or enter 30 countries in Europe via the app
Check it before organizing summer trips to Europe European Travel Information and Authorization System (Etias). The official date for the request has not been announced, but it is scheduled to begin in mid-2025. However, once the plan is completed, visitors must apply online or through the mobile app to access 30 European countries, including France, Greece, Italy and Portugal. ETIAS costs about $7, and most people only need a few minutes to process, although the website warns that it can take up to four days. Once approved, take a photo of your ETIA application number, which is valid for three years. Regular visa and accommodation regulations in the Schengen region of Europe still apply and should be studied before you travel.