Travel advice seems to follow us everywhere—from well-meaning relatives to travel guidebooks that haven’t been updated since 2010. While some traditional travel wisdom stands the test of time, many so-called ‘rules’ deserve to be challenged or completely abandoned.
Here is a list of 20 travel rules that everyone follows but that you should reconsider on your next adventure.
Skip the Famous Landmarks
The Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and the Statue of Liberty draw millions of visitors annually, but they also come with hours-long lines and hefty entrance fees. Instead, explore lesser-known attractions where locals spend their time.
You’ll often find more authentic experiences and better photo opportunities without the crowds pushing you.
Ditch the Rigid Itinerary
Planning every hour of every day might seem efficient, but it leaves no room for serendipity. The most memorable travel moments often happen when you stumble upon a local festival or follow a recommendation from someone you just met.
Leave at least half your days unscheduled and see where curiosity leads you.
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Avoid Tourist Restaurants
Those places with menus in eight languages and pictures of food outside? They’re designed for tourists, not food lovers. Walk at least three blocks from major attractions to find where locals eat.
The food will typically be better, cheaper, and served with genuine local hospitality rather than rehearsed, tourist-friendly phrases.
Stay Away from City Centers
While convenient, city centers often present a sanitized, tourist-friendly version of the culture. Consider booking accommodations in residential neighborhoods instead.
You’ll get more authentic surroundings, better prices, and a chance to experience everyday life in your destination.
Don’t Overpack
That fifth pair of shoes won’t make your trip better—it’ll just strain your back and complicate your transit. Most travelers wear about 20% of what they pack.
Bring versatile items that mix and match easily, and remember that laundry services exist almost everywhere people live.
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Skip Hotel Breakfasts
That $25 hotel breakfast buffet doesn’t favor your wallet or cultural experience. Instead, venture out to local bakeries, markets, or cafes.
Morning routines offer fascinating glimpses into local culture, from Italian espresso bars to Japanese fish markets.
Ignore “Must-See” Lists
Those ’10 Things You Can’t Miss’ lists create artificial pressure and often steer travelers toward overrated experiences. Your interests should dictate your destinations, not some universal checklist.
The world’s most ‘unmissable’ attraction holds little value if it doesn’t spark joy or curiosity for you.
Don’t Exchange Money at Airports
Airport currency exchanges offer terrible rates that can shrink your travel budget before you’ve even left the terminal. Instead, withdraw cash from local ATMs once you arrive or use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
The difference can easily save you hundreds over a two-week trip.
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Skip Guided Tours
While convenient, large guided tours often create a barrier between the visitor and the destination. They funnel visitors through predetermined routes and offer scripted information.
To discover places at your own pace, try self-guided tours using apps, audio guides, or simply wander with a good old map and guidebook.
Don’t Fear Street Food
Many travelers avoid street food, fearing digestive disasters, but miss out on culinary treasures and cultural exchanges. Street vendors with long local lines typically serve the freshest food—their reputation depends on it.
These humble stalls often serve the most authentic regional specialties at a fraction of restaurant prices.
Ignore Official Taxi Ranks
Official taxis sometimes operate like loosely organized cartels with inflated prices. Ride-sharing apps or local transportation methods often provide better value and more transparent pricing.
Public transportation is the fastest option in many cities, bypassing traffic altogether.
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Skip the All-Inclusive Resort
All-inclusive resorts isolate guests from the actual destination. Their money stays within the corporate property rather than supporting local businesses.
Consider locally owned accommodations and explore nearby restaurants and shops to understand the community better and contribute to the local economy.
Don’t Always Pre-Book
While securing accommodations for your first couple of nights makes sense, booking everything months in advance limits flexibility. Travelers often discover they’d prefer more time in one location and less in another.
Leaving some bookings open allows you to adjust your plans based on what you’re enjoying.
Skip Peak Season
Traveling during shoulder seasons (just before or after peak tourist times) often provides better experiences, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
The weather might not be perfect, but the trade-off is worth it when you can enjoy attractions without massive crowds and inflated rates.
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Don’t Stick to English
While English is widely used in many tourist areas, learning even a few phrases in the local language opens doors to richer experiences. Locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.
Simple greetings, such as “please,” “thank you,” and “number,” can transform your interactions and show respect for the culture you’re visiting.
Avoid Souvenir Shops
Those shops selling miniature landmarks and mugs with city names rarely offer authentic mementos. Look for local markets, artisan workshops, or everyday items locals use.
A beautiful kitchen tool or locally made textile is a more meaningful reminder of your trip than mass-produced trinkets.
Skip the Travel Insurance Upsell
Basic travel insurance through your credit card or existing health plan might be sufficient, making expensive comprehensive policies unnecessary for many travelers.
Read the fine print of your coverage before purchasing additional protection. Money saved can fund another adventure.
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Don’t Follow Social Media Trends
Those picture-perfect Instagram locations often prove disappointing in reality, with crowds of people all trying to capture the same shot. Instead of recreating someone else’s carefully curated moment, search for your own meaningful experiences.
True travel satisfaction comes from personal discovery, not social validation.
Skip Hotel Minibars
Those conveniently placed snacks and drinks have astronomical markups of 300% or more. Instead, take a short walk to a local market and stock up on similar items at normal prices.
This simple habit can save you significant money while giving you a glimpse into everyday local food products.
Don’t Rush Between Destinations
Cramming six cities into a seven-day trip means spending more time in transit than experiencing places. Slower travel allows deeper connections with locations and people.
You’ll remember the afternoon spent chatting with locals in a neighborhood cafe far longer than another rushed landmark photo.
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Beyond the Rulebook
Travel rules emerge from valid concerns—safety, efficiency, and maximizing experiences. However, the most rewarding journeys happen when we step beyond conventional wisdom.
Your most memorable travel experiences will likely be those in which you decide to break the rules.
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