The Most Pointless Travel Tips Ever – Do This Instead for a Better Trip

Think you’ve heard all the best travel tips? Think again!

Here Are The 10 Most Useless Travel Tips And What To Do Instead

1. “Just go with the flow”

Sure, wing it! What could go wrong? Flights, hotels, and restaurants always have room for spontaneous travelers, right? And everyone loves it when you show up unannounced.

What You Should Do Instead – Have a rough itinerary with key reservations in place. Leave some flexibility, but securing accommodation and transportation ahead of time can save you from sleeping in an airport terminal.

2. “Pack light, you don’t need much!”

Right, because who needs more than a toothbrush, a swimsuit, and one pair of socks for a 3-week backpacking trip across Europe? Laundry services and shops selling essentials are on every corner, and they’re all free, of course!

What You Should Do Instead – Pack light, but don’t skimp on basics. Bring enough clothes to avoid daily laundry duty and pack weather-appropriate items, especially for unpredictable climates.

3. “Eat where the locals eat!”

Perfect! Just walk around until you spot a bunch of locals eating. Be sure to awkwardly stare at them until you figure out if it’s “authentic” enough, then struggle with a menu entirely in a language you don’t speak. What could possibly go wrong?

What You Should Do Instead – Research restaurants ahead of time, especially if you have dietary restrictions or preferences. Apps and blogs often feature highly recommended spots where both locals and travelers dine.

4. “Don’t bother with a map – get lost and explore!”

Fantastic idea! Getting lost in a foreign city with no sense of direction or native language will certainly make for a great adventure, and Google Maps is so overrated anyway. Who needs reliable navigation when you can accidentally wander into sketchy neighborhoods instead?

What You Should Do Instead – Exploring without strict plans can be fun, but always have a map or offline navigation app handy. Knowing where you are is key to avoiding sketchy areas and wasting hours backtracking.

5. “Make friends with everyone you meet!”

Every stranger is a potential best friend, right? Whether it’s your taxi driver, the overly friendly guy at the hostel, or the random person who insists on buying you drinks, everyone has pure intentions. Say yes to everything and worry about red flags later!

What You Should Do Instead – Be friendly and open but cautious. Not everyone is out to scam you, but use your instincts and set boundaries. It’s okay to say no, especially when something doesn’t feel right.

6. “Always bargain for a better price!”

Haggle relentlessly. It doesn’t matter if it’s a chain store, airport duty-free, or a high-end boutique—everything is negotiable if you’re persistent (and obnoxious) enough.

What You Should Do Instead – Bargaining can be appropriate in some cultures, but know when and where it’s acceptable. Research local customs and be respectful of prices in places like small, independent shops or markets where the livelihood of the sellers depends on it.

7. “Avoid the tourist spots – they’re overrated!”

Of course, the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum are just glorified tourist traps. Why would you want to see the things that people travel across the globe to experience? Stick to back alleys and side streets—you’ll find something better (maybe).

What You Should Do Instead – Famous attractions are famous for a reason. Mix iconic sights with off-the-beaten-path experiences to get the best of both worlds. It’s okay to be a tourist sometimes!

8. “Buy souvenirs for everyone you know!”

Sure, go ahead and blow half your travel budget on keychains, shot glasses, and t-shirts for your entire family, your boss, your boss’s dog, and the mailman. Customs and extra baggage fees are just part of the fun.

What You Should Do Instead – Be selective with souvenirs. Choose meaningful, local items for your closest loved ones (or just yourself) that reflect the place, rather than generic trinkets.

9. “Live like a local!”

Easy! Just quit your job, learn the language overnight, master the public transport system, and make lifelong friends on day one. You’ll fit in perfectly within the week. Don’t forget to buy groceries as if you know exactly what you’re doing.

What You Should Do Instead – Immerse yourself in local culture by participating in activities that are accessible to visitors—walking tours, food tours, festivals, or cultural classes—while remembering that a short-term stay doesn’t equate to “living like a local.”

10. “Instagram or it didn’t happen!”

Because what’s the point of having amazing experiences if you don’t spend the entire trip curating content for social media? Your followers definitely need to see every single meal, sunset, and awkward selfie.

What You Should Do Instead – Capture the moments that matter, but don’t forget to be present. Some of the best travel memories aren’t made for social media—they’re made for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More