What are the major mistakes first-time travellers make when booking overseas tours — and how to avoid them?

Jan 12, 2026

Depending on the country, travelling internationally for the first time can be an exciting task, but also a confusing one, in case you are not well versed in the process. Novice travellers mostly make mistakes that are not necessary--in most cases this is due to making a rushed booking or making assumptions. Being aware of these pitfalls may enable you to have more relaxed and tension free international holidays.

1. Reserving Visa Requirements without Checking

The most widespread mistake is to think that all countries have relaxed visa regulations. There are a lot of travellers who not only book the flights and the hotels, but also forget about checking whether they can get an e-visa, visa-on-arrival or a regular embassy visa. This is more critical when it comes to tourist destinations like Vietnam and Thailand which are also affected by regulations on entry depending on the nationality.

How to avoid it: Never book your trip without going to the official embassy. Check the required documents, time of processing and the recent travel advisories.

2. Neglect of Local Festivals and Seasonal Weather

Many travellers will base their destination decision just on the pictures they view on the internet. They do not even bother to check weather conditions or significant events that take place in that country. As an example, it rains heavily in Bali during the monsoon seasons, and most cities in Europe close down during some holidays.

How to avoid it: Research the most optimal time to travel somewhere and find out the climate information for the month you are scheduling the trip. This minor measure will save you time, money, and disappointment.

3. Getting the Wrong Travel Insurance 

Lots of first time flyers believe that travel insurance is optional. Nevertheless, some nations compel people to have insurance, particularly when it comes to medical emergencies. Even a minor visit to the hospital may cost a lot without appropriate coverage.

How to avoid it: Select a policy that provides medical emergencies, flight delays, baggage loss, and cancellations. The terms should be read thoroughly and then paid.

4. Overpacking and Lack of Understanding 

The additional baggage fees may be outrageous during international flights. Essentials are neglected in the case of first time travellers who tend to carry everything they believe they might need rather than what is necessary.

How to avoid it: Confirm the weight limits, the cabin baggage and a list of prohibited items of your airline. Be able to carry only what is necessary.

5. Not a Study of Local Transportation and Connectivity

It is a myth to believe that it will be so easy to find a taxi or use ride apps everywhere. Most of the countries rely mainly on transport such as the public transportation and foreigners may find the data available on the internet to be costly.

How to avoid it: Find out the way people move around, is it easy to get a SIM card and are the metro systems or buses good?

Conclusion 

To anyone looking at international holiday packages in Delhi or looking at popular tours such as a Vietnam tour package in Delhi or Thailand tour packages in Delhi, these are just the basic errors that one should steer clear of in order to make his travel to a much better experience. In case you are in doubt, there are the seasoned travel planners. Justrip helps travellers by providing trusted information, latest information and well arranged itineraries in order to make the first overseas experience simple and strain free.