Let’s face it—we’ve all made travel mistakes that end up eating away at precious holiday time. Maybe you’ve stood in line way too long for a mediocre tourist-trap meal or frantically searched for an offline map when the Wi-Fi wouldn’t cooperate. These little slip-ups can turn a dream trip into a time-sucking nightmare.
Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom. Before your next getaway, check out these classic travel mistakes that can cost you time—and how to sidestep them. TL;DR: a little planning goes a long way.
No one wants to get lost in a maze of confusing routes and wasted time abroad, so it’s crucial to research the local transport system before you go: what are the operating hours? What payment methods are accepted? Is that really the most efficient way to get around? Don’t assume your familiarity with Singapore’s MRT will cover you everywhere—each city has its own quirks.
Some places might not even have public transport, so be sure to check alternatives like taxis, ride-sharing apps, or bike rentals. And don’t forget about ticketing systems: some cities use smart cards, while others rely on single tickets or day passes. Knowing what to buy will save you a lot of time and hassle.
Major attractions may be bucket-list worthy, but that doesn’t mean you can just stroll up and snag a ticket. Some, like Japan’s Ghibli Museum, require advance reservations—no walk-ins allowed. Others, like the Louvre in Paris or the Colosseum in Rome, sell out fast or come with painfully long queues, leaving unprepared visitors sulking outside.
That won’t be you when you book in advance. A quick online search can save you hours of waiting or missing out. Many attractions also offer timed entry, allowing you to dodge the crowds and make the most of your visit. Plus, booking early often unlocks exclusive deals you won’t get at the door.
Relying on public Wi-Fi or mobile roaming data for navigation can backfire, especially in places with spotty or nonexistent internet. Forget to download offline maps, and you might find yourself lost and scrambling for directions when your signal drops.
Stay clear of this conundrum by downloading maps in advance. On Google Maps, open the app, tap your profile picture in the top-right corner, select “Offline maps”, then “Select your own map” and adjust the area you need. With that sorted, you can explore freely without worrying about losing connection. A little prep now can save your trip—and your sanity.
TikTok-famous food spots may get all the oohs, ahhs, and likes—but that doesn’t always mean they’re worth the wait. Spending hours in a queue with other gullible tourists for a dish that’s just “okay” can quickly turn your holiday from exciting to exhausting.
Instead of falling for the hype, ask locals for alternatives that offer the same—or even better—flavours without the long wait. Reddit and local forums are great places to find (legit) hidden gems that aren’t overrun by tourists. You’ll save time, get authentic meals, and escape food regret.
In Singapore, we rarely face drastic weather shifts beyond rain or shine, but elsewhere, conditions can flip like a switch. Imagine trekking up a mountain and getting caught in a snowstorm with no winter jacket, or wandering through Europe in summer, only to be hit by an unexpected evening chill, leaving you shivering in your shorts.
To avoid this, check the forecast before you pack and read up on how unpredictable the local climate can be. The temperatures in mountainous regions, for example, change fast. Pack layers, waterproof gear, hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes—especially if you’re exploring rough terrain. A little prep can save you from frantically shopping for overpriced gear or, worse, getting stuck in a situation you’re unprepared for.
While you’re never far from a bite in Singapore, where most eateries are open all day, the dining scene is different in places like Italy and Spain. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, so arriving at 3pm expecting a meal might leave you hungry and wasting time. This is also common in smaller towns in countries like Japan, where eateries may shut down for a few hours or close early.
Say goodbye to hangry scrambles by planning your meals around local dining hours. If you find yourself caught between meals, look for cafés or bars with lighter options, or book accommodation with kitchen access and whip up your own dishes.
Cash may have once been king, but now, mobile payments rule. In countries like Sweden, South Korea, and China, being cashless is the norm or even the preference, so you could find yourself unable to pay for a coffee or souvenir if you haven’t set up your mobile payment apps.
On the flip side, some spots still only accept cash, especially in more rural areas or at local markets. To avoid issues, set up your mobile payment apps, like Apple Pay or Google Pay, before you go, make sure your cards are linked and ready, and keep a small amount of banknotes as a backup for places that don’t accept digital payments.
Staying connected overseas is key—not just for sharing your holiday outfits on social media or keeping your family updated on your whereabouts, but also for last-minute research or real-time updates. However, the last thing you want after landing is wasting time queuing for a physical SIM card. Finding the right kiosk, standing in line, filling out forms, and then waiting for your SIM card to activate is a drag, especially when you’re itching to start your adventure.
The Nomad eSIM lets you skip all that. Set it up before you fly (it takes minutes), and you’re good to go as soon as you land—no SIM-swapping, no fumbling, and no worrying about losing your local SIM.
With coverage in over 200 destinations worldwide, they offer both unlimited data packages and flexible fixed-gigabyte plans to suit your needs. So, whether you’re streaming your favourite shows on a long cross-city train ride or just checking texts and maps on the go, you’ve got options.
The fixed-gigabyte plans offer great value as data tiers increase. In Europe, for example, you can pay $14 for 5GB or just $8 more for 10GB at $22—essentially 1.5x the price for double the data. In comparison, other providers charge $20 for 5GB and $37 for 10GB—almost double the price. Nomad also prioritises transparency with tools like their Data Calculator, helping users avoid over- or underestimating their data usage.
And here’s a bonus for the wanderlust crew: if you’re new to Nomad, you can snag 20% off your plan with the promo code <TSLWANDER20>, while returning users get 15% off with <TSLWANDER15>.
While you’re busy putting that exciting itinerary together, don’t forget to take some time to handle the ‘dull’ but necessary stuff that will save you time later. Whether it’s planning for connectivity, booking tickets in advance, or adjusting to local customs, small steps can save you hours of frustration and help you make the most of your well-deserved holiday.
This post was brought to you by Nomad.
Cover image adapted from: pixelshot via Canva, Tokyo Updates
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