The 6 Worst Pieces Of Travel Advice I’ve Ever Heard!

Travel Smarter: Avoid These Terrible Tips That Could Ruin Your Next Trip!

From packing tips to must-see spots, bad advice that nearly ruined my trips (and what you should do instead).Have you ever followed travel advice that sounded like pure genius, only to find yourself standing in a crowded, sweltering metro station in a city where “personal space” is a foreign concept, wondering how your life decisions led you there?

Yeah, me too. The thing about travel tips is that they’re like those one-size-fits-all T-shirts: they sound great in theory but rarely fit in practice.

I still remember the time a friend, let’s call her Susan, insisted I “pack light” for a weekend in London.

By light, she meant one backpack so tiny it could double as a child’s lunchbox. “You don’t want to lug heavy bags around!” she said confidently.

Fast forward 48 hours, and I’m drenched in rain, wearing the same pair of socks for the third day in a row, and begging a hotel concierge for a plastic bag to save my shoes from their soggy demise.

The truth is, even seasoned travelers like me, people who have learned the hard way that manhole covers in Ukraine are not to be trusted and that overwater bungalows in Thailand aren’t nearly as romantic as Instagram makes them look, fall victim to bad advice.

It’s universal, it’s frustrating, and it’s often hilarious… in hindsight.

In this article, I’m taking you on a guided tour of the six worst pieces of travel advice I’ve ever heard, ones that nearly derailed my adventures and cost me both time and sanity.

More importantly, I’ll share what actually works instead.

Because let’s face it: no one needs to suffer through a five-layover “cheap” flight just to save $20. 

Let’s get into it.

1. Pack Light (But Not Too Light)

What’s the bad advice?
“Just pack the essentials, you don’t need much!”

Why it’s bad:
I took this advice far too literally before heading to London for a week.

Armed with a single carry-on bag, I smugly thought I’d outsmarted the dreaded checked luggage fee.

But here’s the thing: London weather doesn’t care about your minimalist packing philosophy.

On day three, I was layering a sweater over a rain-soaked T-shirt while my lone pair of shoes squelched with every step.

To make matters worse, I had completely overlooked packing anything remotely appropriate for the fancy dinner a friend had booked.

Cue me awkwardly underdressed, pretending like I was starting a new “tourist chic” trend.

What to do instead:
Pack strategically. Think of your suitcase as 80% essentials (clothes for the weather, comfortable shoes, toiletries) and 20% “just-in-case” items (one smart outfit, extra socks, or a lightweight jacket).

If you’re headed somewhere unpredictable like London or Tbilisi in spring, pack layers, you’ll thank me when the weather changes from sunny to torrential downpour faster than you can order a flat white.

2. Always Eat Where the Locals Eat

What’s the bad advice?
“If locals eat there, it must be amazing!”

Why it’s bad:
This one sounds foolproof until you find yourself in a line of construction workers grabbing a quick bite at the local equivalent of a gas station deli.

I made this mistake in Kyiv, convinced that following the locals would lead me to some hidden culinary masterpiece.

Instead, I ended up with a lukewarm cabbage roll that had all the flavor of a soggy napkin.

Turns out, locals sometimes just eat where it’s cheap or convenient, not because it’s good. 

Who knew?

What to do instead:
Go where locals recommend, not necessarily where they eat. 

Look for places that source fresh, local ingredients but avoid spots that feel like convenience over quality.

If you can, ask a bartender or Airbnb host for recommendations, they’re often in the know about great local neighborhood spots.

And if the menu has pictures of every dish?

Run!

3. Skip the Tourist Attractions

What’s the bad advice?
“Don’t waste your time on tourist traps!”

Why it’s bad:
Listen, I get the disdain for overpriced tickets and selfie-stick-wielding crowds. But skipping iconic landmarks entirely? 

That’s just travel snobbery. I nearly fell for this when someone told me the Acropolis in Athens was “overrated.”

Thankfully, my better judgment prevailed, because standing in the shadow of the Parthenon as the sun set was breathtaking in a way no Instagram photo could ever capture.

The trick isn’t to avoid tourist attractions, it’s knowing how, and more importantly “when” to experience them.

What to do instead:
See the big-name attractions, but be strategic. Go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid peak crowds. 

Book tickets in advance where possible (your future self will thank you), and balance your itinerary with lesser-known spots.

Visit the Eiffel Tower at dawn, then spend the afternoon wandering the quieter side streets of Montmartre.

It’s all about balance, and the bragging rights of having done it all.

4. Always Go for the Cheapest Flights

What’s the bad advice?
“The cheapest ticket is always the best deal!”

Why it’s bad:
Ah, the alluring $100 international flight, you think you’ve cracked the system until you realize it involves five layovers, three time zones, and an overnight stay at an airport where the only “dining option” is a vending machine that doesn’t take cards.

I once fell for this trap flying from Frankfurt to Bangkok.

Sure, I saved $50, but by the time I paid for that “special budget airfare deal” airline baggage fees and subsisted on overpriced airport snacks, I was wishing I’d shelled out for a direct flight.

What to do instead:
Cheap doesn’t always mean better. Before clicking “book,” consider the hidden costs: baggage fees, transit time, and layover misery. 

Check flight durations, luggage allowances, compare policies, and weigh convenience against cost.

Sometimes, spending a little extra is worth arriving well-rested and not smelling like you just spent 10 hours on a budget airline where legroom is a myth.

5. Only Use Public Transport to Save Money

What’s the bad advice?
“Avoid taxis and rideshares, they’re too expensive!”

Why it’s bad:
Public transport is fantastic… until it isn’t.

Like the time I tried to navigate the Tbilisi’s metro with my non-existent Georgian-reading skills.

I ended up on the wrong train, missed the last one heading back, and spent an hour trying to hail a cab in a part of the city where taxis were as rare as a sunny day in Glasgow.

Public transport can be cheap, but it’s not always the best choice for every situation.

What to do instead:
Strike a balance. In cities with efficient systems (like Tokyo or Vienna), public transport is a no-brainer. 

But don’t rule out taxis or rideshare apps, especially late at night, in unsafe areas, or when you’re hauling around suitcases heavier than your future regrets.

Sometimes, convenience and safety are worth the splurge.

6. Book Everything Last Minute for the Best Deals

What’s the bad advice?
“Wait until the last minute to snag discounts!”

Why it’s bad:
This advice should come with a giant asterisk(*): “*Works only if you enjoy unnecessary stress and the thrill of panic-booking*.”

I learned this the hard way in Frankfurt, when I naively assumed I could snag a last-minute hotel room during peak “Messe” (trade fair) season and the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Results: I ended up in a dingy guesthouse that was conveniently located next to… a very loud construction site way outside on the edges of town.

What to do instead:
Plan smart. Book your essentials, like accommodations and major attractions, early to secure the best options and peace of mind. 

Leave room in your itinerary for spontaneity, but don’t gamble on securing a bed when everyone else is trying to do the same.

Spontaneity is fun, sleeping on a bench isn’t.

Now, Let’s Tie It All Together

Bad travel advice often makes for great stories, but let’s be honest, it’s better to avoid the pitfalls altogether.

Whether it’s packing smarter, skipping those marathon layover flights, or knowing when to treat yourself to a taxi, these are lessons I’ve learned (and occasionally re-learned) the hard way.

What’s the worst piece of travel advice you’ve ever followed? 

Happy Trails!