This post come from experience as a new traveler, but many people make these common mistakesFirst-time tourists often make various mistakes when traveling to a different country due to unfamiliarity with local customs, culture, and norms. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not researching the culture: Failing to research the cultural norms, customs, and etiquette of the destination country can lead to unintentionally offending locals or being disrespectful.

• Knowing the time difference: Being from the Central United States, much of my international travel has been across the Atlantic. This has caused time differences from seven hours in Africa all the way to 11.5 hours in Sri Lanka. When I first traveled to Asia, I didnt prepare myself well for the time adjustment and spent the first few days on my trip sluggish and adjusting to the time zone. This left me slightly disengaged from the activities that I wanted to do while I was there.

• Overpacking: Bringing too many clothes and items can be a hassle to carry around and might limit your mobility. Pack wisely based on the weather and activities you plan to do.

• Ignoring local laws: Not being aware of local laws and regulations can lead to serious consequences. Familiarize yourself with the laws related to things like jaywalking, littering, and public behavior.

• Exchanging money at the airport: Airport exchange rates are often less favorable than those at local banks or exchange offices. If you know local, ask them where the best place to exchange currency is. My first time to India, I lost more than four rupees for every dollar that I exchanged. This is only about $0.05 per dollar exchanged, but the more you exchange the more you lose. It adds up quickly. Research currency exchange options beforehand. Even as we move into a more global economy, relying solely on credit cards might not work everywhere especially if your in more rural locations. Having some local currency on hand can be helpful, especially in smaller shops or markets.

• Over-tipping or under-tipping: Different countries have varying tipping practices. Some places include service charges, while others rely on tips. Research the tipping norms for your destination. This has caused some uncomfortable situations in which the local was standing there waiting for a tip that I wasn’t expecting to give. out of the pressure, you are likely to over tip.

• Not learning basic phrases: Learning a few basic phrases in the local language, like greetings and polite expressions, can go a long way in building rapport with locals.

• Being overly flashy: Wearing expensive jewelry or displaying wealth can make you a target for theft. Blend in by dressing modestly and avoiding flashy items. Not only can this be a safety concern, it can also hit your wallet in small ways. Locals are very keen on identifying tourists and are likely to uncharge on many things if they know you have the money.

• Not respecting dress codes: Some countries have strict dress codes for certain places, like religious sites. Make sure you’re aware of and adhere to these guidelines. I love going to these major locations in various country and many of these locations are religious sites. be respectful wherever you go and honor the culture you’re in.

• Underestimating travel time: Failing to account for transportation times, traffic, or unexpected delays can cause you to miss flights, tours, or reservations.

• Not notifying your bank: If you plan to use your credit or debit card abroad, inform your bank beforehand to prevent them from flagging your transactions as potential fraud. This may be super simple, but if you are relying in credit and debit cards internationally, then this becomes high priority. I suggest always having enough cash to cover your food and living expenses in case your card doesn’t work.

• Ignoring local cuisine: Sticking to familiar foods and avoiding local cuisine means missing out on a big part of the travel experience. To me, food is such a large part of a country’s culture. Don’t stick to your known foods, get outside your comfort zone to try and experience local cuisine.

• Not backing up important documents: Make copies or digital backups of your passport, identification, travel itinerary, and important contacts in case they’re lost or stolen. Always make sure you have back up for your documents. Whether thats plane tickets, visas, or passports, always have a backup. In our modern world, we can tend to rely on technology a little too much. don’t make the mistake of losing or nt having access to these documents because that could serious disrupt your experience.

• Booking too much in advance: While planning is essential, leaving some flexibility in your itinerary allows you to adapt to unexpected opportunities or changes.

Remember that travel is a learning experience, and even if you make mistakes, embracing them and learning from them will enhance your future travels. Learn from my lessons and make your experiences even better. the keys points will allow you to enjoy more and worry less while also saving some serious cash.