Three years ago, I quit my 9-to-5 and hit the road to travel full-time. Since then, I’ve traveled across dozens of countries and learned a lot about what works and what I would NEVER do as a traveler. I’m sharing 9 things I would never do while traveling, from avoiding accommodation mistakes to keeping your money and cards safe, to preventing burnout and more.

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1. Book accommodations for more than a week

Photos can lie, and vibes can shift. A place that looks perfect online might feel totally off once you arrive. The bed may be too hard or uncomfortable, it could be dirty, or neighbors might be noisy. Booking too far ahead can also mean losing money or having to fight to get a refund if things go wrong.

I use Airbnb occasionally, but I’ve learned not to pay large sums upfront for a place I haven’t seen with my own eyes. Even if I’ve stayed there before, I won’t book long-term until I revisit, because things can change. It might cost a little more upfront, but my comfort and peace of mind are worth it.

I book most of my stays through Agoda because they’ve always offered me the best deals, and I’ve never had an issue with their customer service. I’m now a VIP status member since I’ve been a loyal customer for three years. You also can use Booking.com, but because I’m loyal to Agoda, they tend to offer better deals. Build loyalty with whoever gives you the best deal.

Now I only book a week at first. If I love it, I extend. Flexibility is everything.

2. Travel without proper insurance

Things will go wrong, from delayed flights to stolen bags to unexpected medical emergencies. You hear stories of travelers getting seriously injured abroad, sometimes needing a GoFundMe just to get home.

That’s why I never leave without SafetyWing travel and medical insurance, which covers medical emergencies, travel disruptions, and more. It’s flexible, tiered by age, and designed specifically for travelers and nomads. If you enjoy adventure sports or plan to do any strenuous activities, travel insurance is a must. I was in Quy Nhon, Vietnam, and the hike to capture this stunning photo was rocky. I had to watch every step to stay safe.

Also, make sure that if you’re traveling with friends, they understand the importance of travel insurance too. Be cautious if they decide not to purchase any because when something happens, it affects everyone. You don’t want to be stuck figuring out logistics or finances in a crisis.

Peace of mind is priceless.

3. Overpack “just in case”

Three years in, I’ve realized less truly is more. Carrying extra stuff “just in case” adds weight and stress. I now travel with just one suitcase and a backpack, and this ultra-light down packable jacket, and it’s changed my life.

Packing light has helped me overcome airport anxiety since I move so much. Airports are exhausting, and constantly packing and unpacking adds unnecessary stress. Traveling light has made the whole experience smoother, more enjoyable, and far less overwhelming.

It also helps me keep an efficient routine so I don’t lose items along the way. If I really need something, I just buy it locally.

4. Skip researching visa rules

Every country has its own rules. Overstaying even by a day can get messy. Airlines sometimes request an onward ticket before letting you board. When that happens, I show them an onward ticket I purchased for just $16 through Onward Ticket.com. It’s a legitimate reservation that proves your return plans without actually flying anywhere. The itinerary is valid for 24 hours.

Alternatively, you can purchase a refundable ticket and cancel it once you land. Just make sure you cancel to avoid unnecessary charges. Always double-check visa lengths, extensions, and onward ticket requirements before booking. It saves time, money, and unnecessary airport drama.

For example, Vietnam requires an eVisa to enter the country that must be completed in advance of travel for U.S. citizens. It typically takes 3–7 business days to process, excluding holiday closures. I always tell my readers to apply at least two weeks in advance and plan for delays. I personally know over 20 people who waited until the last minute and had to cancel their travel plans or pay extra fees due to the delay.

Airlines WILL NOT let you board without a visa to Vietnam. Don’t make that mistake.

👉 Watch this video to learn about common visa mistakes to avoid.

5. Ignore burnout

Constant movement sounds glamorous until your body and mind are screaming for rest. In my first 8 months of travel, I bopped from country to country, and by August I was completely exhausted. Sitting and resting in Bucharest, Romania was the best feeling ever. When I got to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia the next month, I decompressed and changed my travel style.

Now I plan rest and recharge periods every three months, then travel to a few countries. Over time, I realized even that was too much, so now after resting, I pick one place to explore thoroughly before returning to hibernate for another three months. I’m in no rush anymore. Taking time to recharge keeps the journey sustainable, enjoyable, and fun.

Bucharest is a surprisingly underrated city — Watch this video to learn why it’s now one of my favorite places!

6. Pay for big-ticket items on a debit card

Even before leaving the U.S., I made it a rule never to use my debit card for purchases over $100, and I continue that practice while traveling. Credit cards are safer, offer fraud protection, and make it much easier to resolve any issues abroad. I highly recommend getting a credit card and a debit card with no foreign transaction fees that also reimburse ATM fees.

Some of my favorite travel-friendly cards are the Chase Sapphire credit card and the Charles Schwab debit card. It’s a small habit that prevents a lot of unnecessary stress. Charles Schwab debit card is one of the best for international travel because they reimburse all ATM fees worldwide, which saves you a lot of money over time.

7. Travel without a credit card and without protecting your cards

Before leaving the U.S. or quitting your job, make sure you have at least one, ideally two credit cards as emergency backup. I’ve been a victim of fraud three times abroad, and each time I had to have Chase and Charles Schwab send me new cards.

Beyond fraud, your card can get eaten by the ATM, lost, or damaged. Now I always lock my credit and debit cards when I’m not using them, and I carry a credit card separately for purchases and emergencies. Losing a card on the road is a nightmare. Better safe than sorry.

8. Don’t leverage local travel communities and resources

Before and during your trip, join Facebook groups and online communities for the countries or cities you’re visiting. Ask questions, research local tips, and gather resources from experienced travelers. These communities can help you avoid mistakes, discover hidden gems, and stay safe while traveling. Planning with input from locals and fellow travelers makes your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Building community has been one of the best parts of my journey. Here’s a video on how I built community while traveling over the past three years and the beautiful ladies I’ve connected with sharing their own travel stories, whether they’ve moved abroad, taken a sabbatical, or are out exploring the world.

👉 Watch Building Community 

9. Skip safety precautions

Beyond cards, insurance, and community research, I always make sure to keep my valuables secure with tools like RFID travel pouches, portable door stop alarms, or luggage trackers. I also research safe neighborhoods and stay alert. Traveling is amazing, but it’s better to be cautious than regretful.

My Travel Wisdom

Traveling full-time has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but it comes with challenges that you can avoid if you plan smart. Following these 9 rules has saved me time, money, and stress, and allowed me to truly enjoy the journey.

If you want to travel smarter, I highly recommend the tools I’ve mentioned: SafetyWing for travel and medical insurance, Agoda for accommodations, Onward Ticket.com for visa flexibility, and reliable travel gear and credit cards to keep your journey safe.

Remember, traveling doesn’t have to be about rushing to see everything. It’s about exploring intentionally, protecting yourself, and enjoying every step of the adventure. Start smart, travel safe, and enjoy the ride.

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Until next time, peace!