Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. But let’s be honest: we all fall into the same traps. In this guide, we break down the most common travel mistakes that cost you more, and more importantly, how to avoid them without complicating your trip. A few small changes = big savings. And yes—you’ll still have just as much fun (if not more).
🧭 Avoid These Travel Mistakes That Cost You More (And Save While You Explore)
💳 1. Not Having a Clear Daily Budget
It sounds obvious, but not setting a realistic daily budget is one of the most common mistakes. A couple of spontaneous dinners and drinks can snowball into a financial headache.
💡 Fix it:
Use an app like TravelSpend or Splitwise to set daily limits for food, transport, and extras. Trust us, future you will thank you.
🧳 2. Overpacking and Paying for Extra Luggage
Big suitcase = more fees and more hassle. Many low-cost airlines charge you a fortune for checked baggage you don’t even need.
💡 Fix it:
Travel with a backpack or cabin-sized suitcase. Pack smart (you don’t need five pairs of shoes). Pro tip: do laundry halfway through your trip.
🏨 3. Staying Too Far from the City Center
Sure, it might look cheaper. But then you spend more on transport and end up eating in overpriced tourist zones.
💡 Fix it:
Stay central. At Superlativo Hostels, for example, you can walk everywhere, meet other travelers, and save on transport and food by using the shared kitchen.
🍝 4. Eating Only in Tourist Areas
High prices and mediocre food are a classic mistake if you don’t explore beyond the main squares.
💡 Fix it:
Ask locals, check recent reviews, or just walk a few blocks further. The best food often hides in places without flashy signs or English menus.
📲 5. Not Managing Mobile Data Costs
Roaming fees, eSIM confusion, shady Wi-Fi… using your phone abroad can become expensive fast.
💡 Fix it:
Check if your carrier offers free EU roaming or get a prepaid eSIM like Holafly or Airalo. Also: avoid public Wi-Fi without a VPN—stay safe and avoid surprise charges.
🎟️ 6. Paying for Activities You Could Do for Free
Many cities offer free walking tours, museum days, and public events. Paying for everything out of convenience adds up fast.
💡 Fix it:
Do some research before arriving. In Málaga, for example, the Picasso Museum is free on Sunday afternoons. There are also free yoga sessions on the beach and outdoor concerts if you know where to look.
✈️ 7. Booking Flights Without Comparing
Booking the first flight you see is rarely a smart move. Add in bad timing or hidden fees and it’s a recipe for overpaying.
💡 Fix it:
Use tools like Skyscanner, set price alerts, and book in advance. Sometimes changing your dates by a single day can save you a ton.
💬 Final Thoughts
Making mistakes while traveling is part of the experience. But wasting money without realizing it doesn’t have to be. Now that you know the most common travel mistakes that cost you more, you’ve got the tools to avoid them—without cutting back on the fun.
Because smart travel isn’t about spending more. It’s about spending wisely and living more fully.
And if you want to start off right, book your stay at Superlativo Hostels—great location, cool people, and no unnecessary spending from day one.
