Traveling can be an enriching and thrilling experience, but it’s easy to let avoidable mistakes overshadow your adventures. On my last trip, I made several blunders that I’m determined to never repeat. Learn from my experiences and ensure your next trip is as smooth as possible. Here are ten mistakes I made—and how you can avoid them:

1. Overpacking

Planning your itinerary and outfits ahead of time is a game changer. Take a few extras but avoid overdoing it. If you love dresses, pack those—they’re one piece versus separates, which require pairing. For tropical destinations, stick to lightweight, non-bulky pieces. If separates are a must, pack two non-descript jeans that you can pair with several tops. Re-wearing jeans is your secret weapon—no one will notice they’re the same pair. Similarly, choose lightweight tops that won’t take up too much space.

2. Too Many Shoes

Admit it—you didn’t wear half the shoes you carried last time. Shoes are bulky and can’t be compressed, making them quite possibly the biggest space hogs in your suitcase. I brought so many pairs of sandals and a couple of heels for just in case I went out one night (never happened, I knew I do not go out at night anymore). Watch my videos and you will see how many different shoes I wore, Spoiler, I wore the same darn one 85% of the time. Instead of packing so many unnecessary pairs, pick versatile shoes that match several outfits. A pair of comfortable walking shoes, stylish sandals with a heel and one or two cute flats will often suffice. (And this is for the ladies.) This is a herculean task; let’s see how I do with this one next time.

3. Last-Minute Packing

Procrastination leads to forgotten essentials. Start packing early! I usually open my suitcase two weeks ahead and toss in items as I remember them. This strategy also allows me to rethink and remove unnecessary items. I knew I was traveling months in advance. I filled my shopping cart then forgot to check out. Two weeks before the trip I ordered my items but because it was Christmas, items were out of stock and on back order or just took a while to be delivered. By the last day before my flight I was frantically foraging in my closet for items I could re-wear. The night before the flight I was still packing. Because of my tardiness and procrastination I forgot key travel accessories like my inflatable neck pillow that I have been dying to try out, my new initial necklace, my new tripod with a light and microphone—trust me, packing last-minute guarantees you’ll leave something behind.

4. Not Packing Extra Chargers

Electronics are lifelines during travel. Always pack more than one charger—you’ll thank yourself when one mysteriously stops working or decides to go into hiding for the duration of the trip. The can also use a power strip that can charge multiple devices. A charging station can charge 4 or more devices simultaneously. Check out this one.

5. Neglecting Jewelry Organization

Keeping your jewelry organized while traveling can save you a lot of hassle and ensure your favorite pieces are always ready to wear. A pillbox is a genius way to store small jewelry items. You can use each compartment to separate dainty necklaces, earrings, rings, or bracelets, preventing them from tangling or getting lost. Alternatively, invest in a travel jewelry box from Amazon, which often comes with designated slots and hooks to keep your pieces secure and organized. This small step ensures you’ll have all your favorite accessories ready to complement your outfits without the hassle of untangling delicate chains or searching for missing studs.

6. Forgetting to Notify Your Bank

Imagine you’re at a charming Parisian café, savoring the best croissant of your life, and when it’s time to pay, your card gets declined. The waiter’s raised eyebrow feels like it’s saying, "Another broke tourist?" while you scramble to explain in broken French that your bank isn’t aware you’ve left the country. Same scenario, picture it in Jamaica, add cashier’s judgmental stare or eyeroll that’s saying “A weh she a go wid a har bruk self man?” Avoid this embarrassment by calling your bank before leaving the country to notify them of your travel plans. Some banks even allow you to do this online, offering a convenient option to ensure seamless transactions while traveling. Trust me, future you will thank you.

7. Relying on one Limited Credit Card

This is one you do not want to have happen. You stood on the KFC line for what seemed like an eternity, it’s finally your turn; you confidently hand over your Amex, only for the vendor to shake their head and say, "We don’t take dat here." Flustered, you try Discover—no luck. The line behind you grows, and you finally pull out your trusty Visa or Mastercard, saving the day. Moral of the story? Discover and Amex are not widely accepted outside the U.S., and Jamaica is no exception. Always carry a Visa or Mastercard as a backup. My Mastercard has been universally accepted, unlike my Amex, which is persona non grata in many places (and don’t even get me started on Discover). Save yourself the awkwardness of being that tourist who holds of the KFC line because your card is "unwelcome."

8. Ordering Online Too Late

Waiting until the last minute to order travel essentials is a rookie mistake, and trust me, it doesn’t end well. I filled my shopping cart from September when I booked my flight; forgot to checkout because I got distracted by shopping for the cold weather; remembered two weeks before the flight. Of course there was no way all my made in China was getting to me in that time, especially during the Christmas holiday. I got one set in time but two other packages languished on the open seas while I was foraging in my closet in a mad scramble to find stuff to pack. If you’re ordering from international vendors, place your order at least a month in advance. Delays happen, and no one wants to head to the airport without that perfect outfit or must-have gadget - Best laid plans of mice and men they say.

9. Buying Local Currency at Cambios or Banks

Cambios and airport ATMs might seem convenient, but they often come with poor exchange rates that eat into your travel budget. Instead, use your card for transactions whenever possible to benefit from local rates. Need cash? Withdraw it from an ATM after you’ve arrived. It’s a smarter and more cost-effective option. Paying with your card at POS is also more thrifty. My sister was quoted $280 for a purchase but when she checked with her bank they only took $273 in USD. While we are at it, if you hope to travel often, get a travel rewards credit card and ask for one with no transaction fees for overseas purchases.

10. (Again) Overpacking

Yes, I’m repeating this one because it’s that important. Overpacking is the ultimate travel rookie mistake, and I’ve fallen victim to it far too many times. Imagine (for the last time) that your Airbnb is on the third floor of a walk-up and you’re dragging a fifty-pound suitcase up those stairs, after your head was splitting from a migraine that felt like twelve on the Richter Scale, accompanied by severe nausea, so bad that you emptied your stomach at the gate of the BNB upon arrival. Yeah, that happened! Now you have to drag three unnecessarily heavy bags up the steps, in the dark and you have vertigo and a fear our outdoor steps when the ground is visible between the steps(for my sins). Keep it light, and your shoulders, suitcase wheels, and travel experience will thank you. Use a travel checklist to ensure you don’t forget essentials, but also to keep your packing minimal and practical. Overpacking doesn’t just weigh you down physically—it could weigh down your wallet, too, if you’re hit with overweight luggage fees. Plus, less luggage means greater freedom of mobility.

Final Thoughts

Travel is meant to be enjoyable, not stressful. By planning ahead and avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll spend more time making memories and less time dealing with inconveniences. Happy travels!

10 Mistakes I Made on My Last Trip - And How You Can Avoid Them