We've all made mistakes when it comes to travelling, from misreading flight times to packing too much stuff and missing out on the best deals. Here we've rounded up some of the most common blunders and how to avoid them.

Visa requirements for travel change frequently so it’s essential to check there haven’t been changes a week before you leave, as well as when you first book the flights. If you’re in the UK, check the Foreign Travel Advice website. US citizens should look at the Department of State Travel Advisories. Depending on where you’re heading, you might need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation, and the last thing you want is to be caught out at your destination airport.

We’ve all fallen victim to not reading forms properly, however if you or the whole family is travelling abroad, not checking things carefully can result in a serious mistake. Your form could be rejected for using the wrong coloured pen, writing outside the allocated box or getting your travel dates wrong. You might be in a hurry but if you make a mistake, you could be in for a bigger inconvenience – your application could be rejected and the whole holiday cancelled.

This outrageously silly mistake is, unbelievably, frequently made. It might happen for any number of reasons – you head to the wrong carousel, someone on the flight has the same bag as you, or they grab yours first so you take theirs. Prevent it from happening by tying something like a brightly coloured ribbon on the handle and checking your bag’s tag and contents before you leave. If this does happen to you, notify the airline immediately.

Not reading up on local customs before you go away could land you in unwanted trouble. Seemingly simple social etiquette rules are received differently in different cultures. In Thailand, locals won’t appreciate pointing or gesturing with feet, while rowdy behaviour and drinking too much alcohol in Greece is highly frowned upon. Respect the culture and read up on appropriate clothing, communication, eating, drinking and tipping before you leave.

Even more serious than embarrassing yourself or offending the locals is doing something that could land you in a jail cell. Did you know civilians are banned from wearing camouflage in Trinidad and Tobago, peeing in the sea is prohibited in Portugal, and some nasal sprays are illegal in Japan? For more advice on what you can and can’t do, take a look at the world’s weird laws tourists could fall foul of before heading off anywhere.

Going on holiday is exciting – you study the guidebook from cover to cover, purchase holiday reading and meticulously plan outfits. Then, on arrival at your destination airport, you realise you’ve forgotten one thing – how to greet people, say please and thank you, ask how much something costs or ask if people speak English. Purchase a dictionary that covers key words and phrases, or download a translation app on your phone, and there's no excuse not to learn some lingo. Discover more brilliant travel apps here.

This has been one of the most enforced travel rules for more than 10 years yet every day, airport security staff throw away make-up, perfumes, hair products, water and sun cream by the bucket-load. Know the rules: liquids carried in hand luggage (including pastes and gels) must be in no larger than 100ml (3.4 ounce) containers and carried in a see-through plastic bag, that totals no more than one litre (approximately one quart). Medical liquids above 100ml (3.4 ounce) are allowed as long as you have your prescription. Unlimited liquids are allowed in hold luggage.

This travel blunder has happened to the best of us. We’ve been caught out both in the snow without a coat and sweltered in the sun in jeans and long sleeve T-shirts. Check the forecast before booking flights for seasonal weather like monsoon rains and again, a couple of days before departing. Another foolproof method is to pack for all occasions.

Maybe you miscalculated the different time zone and got the first night of your stay wrong or perhaps you shopped around for better deals on different dates and got confused. Or, it wasn’t your fault at all and the error occurred at the hotel's end. However it happens, there’s nothing more inconvenient and costly than accidentally booking a hotel room for the wrong date (or not booking one at all). Avoid mistakes and call to confirm your reservation before you head off.

We take for granted how easy it is to travel around our home town or city, where place names and address formats are familiar. But when abroad, even the most switched-on of us have erroneously journeyed to the wrong hotel, bus station or airport, because there’s more than one in the area or two with similar names. Check the destination's post code to be sure you're heading to the right place.

One of the easiest ways to ensure a smooth journey is by checking your flight time, date and terminal, with enough time to correct mistakes. It’s no use finding out you mistook 18:00 for 8pm or Terminal A for Terminal B, after heading to the wrong place at the wrong time. Copy details down in your diary as soon as you've booked and be clear on when and where you’re heading from the start.

Have you looked longingly at the door to an airport lounge, assuming it's strictly out of bounds to economy flyers? Many airports have lounges that anyone can access, albeit for a small price. However, most offer complimentary food, drinks, magazines, activity packs for children and wi-fi. Buying all of these in departures could rack up to the same price as lounge access anyway. If you're a frequent flyer, there are several annual membership schemes, giving you access to hundreds of lounges worldwide.

Most hotels will have some rooms that are better than others, but within the same price band. They may have a better view, be more recently refurbished, or further away from the nightly disco. But remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. When booking, chat to reception and ask them which they think is the best room for the price. Here's our guide to getting the best hotel room.

How do you pack for holiday? The chances are, you cram in an outfit per day, a change of clothes for each evening, plus a bulging washbag and several pairs of shoes. But when you return home a week later, several T-shirts and those sparkly heels haven’t seen the light of day. Next time, lighten your load by laying out your packing, then cutting the quantity in half. Be realistic about what footwear you really need and decant toiletries into smaller bottles. Read our packing guide for more useful tips and never bother taking these items on holiday.

Amid all the excitement of planning a trip, it’s easy to put vaccinations to the back of your mind. After all, most of us would rather immerse ourselves in researching which beach to hit first than think about typhoid or Japanese encephalitis. But to ensure you’re properly protected, you should start your inoculations at least eight weeks before you fly. For more tips on how to travel healthily, see our doctor's guide. 

Long-haul fights can leave you exhausted and tempted to hit the pillow as soon as you check-in at your hotel, but to beat jet-lag you need to adapt to your new time zone. If it’s daytime, help your body clock adjust by getting out in the sunshine. When the night draws in, keep the lights low and help your body wind down by not looking at screens in the two hours before you hit the sack. Here's our guide to getting over jet-lag.

Most of us assume that queuing is a necessary evil when it comes to travel, but you don’t always have to stand in line. For a small charge, many airports offer a dedicated fast-track security lane and several airlines allow you to book priority boarding for an additional fee. If you’re travelling by cruise ship, priority boarding and disembarkation is available.

With all-you-can-eat buffets and unlimited drinks, all-inclusive resorts sound tempting. But knowing you’ve already forked out for your meals binds you to the hotel and deters you from experiencing local restaurants. It’s also a fast way to pile on the pounds – paying a flat fee for food and drink somehow makes us lose all sense of perspective when it comes to portion control. Next time, try booking bed and breakfast, or half-board, then get out there and enjoy some local flavours. We investigated the package vs indepdendent holiday debate here.

When it comes to getting an overview of your destination, guidebooks can be invaluable but try not to rely on them entirely or you might find yourself missing out. For the most current information on what’s hot and what’s not, chat to locals and other travellers. The chances are a new café or attraction will have opened since your guide went to print. Here are a few more ways to see your destination like a local. 

The best laid plans can go awry and this is especially true when travelling. Save yourself a great deal of stress by accepting this before you set off and try to go with the flow. If your luggage goes AWOL, find a shop and embrace the chance to buy something new, probably for less than you’d pay at home. Miss your bus? Find a local café and get chatting to the locals or other travellers – who knows, you might make a connection you'll remember for years to come.

If you’re planning a city break, pack light and just take hand luggage. While everyone else is enduring check-in queues and jostling at the baggage carousel, you’ll sail past with a smile. 

Don't let hotels always be your de facto accommodation option. There are plenty of other options, all with their own pros and cons. Try a serviced apartment for that hotel-style service but the flexibility of a holiday home. Book through Airbnb if you're on a budget and want your own space, or try a homestay to live like a local in your chosen destination.

When it comes to finding accommodation, online booking giants offer a low fuss, tried and tested solution. But if you’re prepared to find and contact providers yourself, the chances are you might get a better deal. Smaller, independent hotels and holiday cottages often prefer to avoid paying commission by taking bookings direct and they’ll make it appealing to travellers by offering a cheaper rate.

Airplane food often tastes as unappetising as it looks but many airlines offer the chance to pre-book an alternative meal. For example, British Airways customers flying long-haul from Heathrow can choose a ‘gourmet’ four-course meal, costing from £15 ($20). If you stick with the basic options, we've got 12 top hacks for upgrading your meal, DIY-style.

The thought of solo travel might be daunting but don’t let that put you off. Not only is it exhilarating, it’s also a fantastic way to build your confidence. You’re also far more likely to connect with other travellers and the chances are, before long you’ll find you’re not on your own at all. For more tips, read our guide to travelling alone.

We all want to avoid getting an upset stomach when we’re travelling but plastic water bottle waste is taking a huge toll on our environment. Although they are recyclable, it’s estimated around half the bottles produced wind up in landfill or polluting our oceans. Instead, take a reusable water canister and, if the tap water isn’t safe to drink, use purification tablets. Check out our guide to eco-friendly travel gear here.

Granted, hotel complexes offer security and the advantage that everything you need is under one roof. But when you stayed in that resort in Barbados, how much of Barbados did you actually see? Next time you book into a resort, resolve to get out and explore what's beyond the big hotels. You won’t regret it.

Excitement and enthusiasm make it tempting to plan your itinerary in microscopic detail before you’ve even left home turf. But talk your inner control freak into keeping a few days free and you’ll give yourself the freedom to enjoy unexpected experiences. You’ll be able to take the time to visit places recommended by locals and take advantage of unanticipated opportunities.

When it comes to booking holidays, the early bird often catches the worm – flights are usually cheaper and you’ll have more choice. But, if you’re flexible on where and when you travel, and you’re prepared to take a gamble, last-minute bookings can pay dividends. Waiting it out is likely to be more successful for city breaks than long-haul holidays but, if you hang on in there, there’s a chance you’ll get a cracking deal in the four or five weeks before your planned departure. For more tips, see our guide to booking a last-minute holiday. 

The chances are you’ll never need to use it but it’s always wise to take a copy of your passport ID page abroad. Either keep a scanned image on your email or take a photocopy (just keep it separate from the real thing). If you lose your passport or it gets stolen, the copy will make it much easier to organise a replacement.

When it comes to accommodation, it pays to do your homework. Read the reviews for valuable insight into which are the best (and worst) rooms, as well as handy pointers about things like pool temperature. After all, there’s no point in forking out for that turquoise infinity pool if it's too chilly to swim in. Make sure you check out travellers’ photos too – the reality might look markedly different to the cleverly marketed website. Decode what the brochure says versus what it really means with our handy guide.

Yes, holidays are for resting but what better way to kick-start your day than with a spectacular sunrise? Ask locals for the best viewpoint, check the weather forecast and set your alarm. Then head to your location armed with a blanket and a flask, and prepare to be amazed. It’ll be an unforgettable experience, unlike snoozing in bed. Britain has some spectacular dawns and if you’re in the USA, check out our guide to the best sunrise spots in every state.

Solo travellers are often penalised by single supplements but before you book, it’s worth checking whether your tour operator offers specific dates when they don’t charge an excess. Alternatively, travel with a specialist singles operator like Friendship Travel or Solos Holidays, or join forces with a fellow traveller in advance. Thelma & Louise specialises in helping women find like-minded travel companions.

Suitcases emblazoned with brightly coloured stickers shouting ‘fragile’ are often seen floating round the luggage carousel. But, with all the good will in the world, busy baggage handlers probably don’t have time to give extra TLC to every labelled bag. And even if they do, your suitcase will still thump around the carousel along with everyone else’s. If you’re packing something fragile, try to take it in your hand luggage. Here are a few more things you should know about baggage handlers.

From taxi drivers to bartenders and baristas, nobody gets under the skin of an area like a local. Pluck up the courage to get chatting and the chances are you’ll hear about some incredible, secret spots. From restaurants off the beaten track to a waterfall hidden deep within a forest, you’ll get an experience that takes you well and truly beyond what you might expect.

You’ve finally made it onto the plane and now all you want to do is watch an in-flight movie and knock back a few glasses of wine. But before you start drinking, keep in mind that alcohol dehydrates you and it’s widely believed that it hits you harder at altitude. Avoid starting your holiday with a hangover by taking it easy and drinking plenty of water. Here are more effects that flying has on your body and how to deal with them. 

In years to come, would you rather look at a photo of your pouting face or the once-in-a-lifetime view that’s obscured behind your smile? Try putting down that selfie stick and closing down that social media app once in a while, and really live in the moment. We’re not saying don’t take photos, just try to soak up your surroundings before you get snap happy. Try these brilliant travel cameras and read these tips on getting great shots of your adventures.

Family hotels are fantastic if you have kids. You can relax, safe in the knowledge that if tantrums happen, fellow diners won’t be glaring at you over their newspapers. But if you’re after a romantic break, steer clear of places that push their family-friendly credentials. Alternatively, accept that your peaceful swim sessions might be interrupted by screaming and splashing.

Smartphones make it easier than ever to stay connected when you're abroad. While it’s tempting to use free wi-fi hot spots, they can leave you vulnerable to cyber crime. If you have to use wi-fi, only access password-protected networks and avoid sharing any sensitive information or checking your bank account. Or, why not switch off altogether and try a digital detox holiday instead? 

It might save time but buying foreign currency at the airport definitely won’t save you cash. Exchange rates are notoriously poor – you’re a captive audience, after all. Instead, make time to shop around for the best deal before you travel. For more information on currency, check out our guide to peer-to-peer currency exchange.

Diving into a new book is one of life's biggest pleasures but don’t be tempted to load your suitcase full of novels. Not only does it take up valuable room, it adds a considerable amount to your luggage allowance and makes bags heavy to lug around. Instead, invest in an e-reader. The latest Kindle models can store thousands of books and the specially designed screens make them readable even in bright sunlight.

Organising a trip yourself definitely has its advantages but don’t discount your local travel agent. They often have great deals which you won’t find online, plus a good agent will also offer expert knowledge and advice into the bargain. Even if you’ve decided on your destination, try phoning them to see if they can give you a better deal before you part with your cash. For more tips, read our guide to booking holidays with a travel agent.  

It's not the most exciting part of booking your holiday, but it's still essential. Go away without insurance and you could face hefty medical bills if disaster strikes. Or you'll end up out of pocket if a natural disaster gets in the way of travel plans. Don't be left stranded and cash-strapped: use this guide to buying travel insurance on our sister site, loveMONEY. 

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