5 Things We Never Do on Vacation—And Why You Shouldn’t Either

When it comes to travel, we’re all about making the most of every trip—without burning out, blowing our budget, or missing the magic. After years of globetrotting together, we’ve learned a few lessons the hard way. So today, we’re flipping the script and sharing the don’ts that have made our travels infinitely better.

Here are five things we never do on vacation anymore—and why you might want to reconsider them too:

1. Overstuff Our Itinerary

We used to think a packed schedule meant a successful trip. Museums at 9, lunch at 12, a walking tour at 2… you get the idea. But guess what? We came home more tired than when we left.

Now, we aim for one meaningful experiences per day, and leave room for spontaneity. The best moments often aren’t planned—they’re stumbled upon.

2. Exchange Money at the Airport

We learned this one early. Airport exchange rates are notoriously bad, and the fees can be steep. Instead, we either withdraw local currency from an ATM once we arrive (using a card with no foreign transaction fees), or we use a credit card that gives us the best conversion rate with travel perks baked in.

3. Eat Every Meal Near Tourist Hotspots

It’s tempting to grab the nearest bite after a big day of sightseeing—but that’s usually where the prices are high and the flavor is low. We’ve found some of our favorite meals by walking just a few blocks away from the main attractions or asking locals where they eat. Bonus: You’ll get a more authentic taste of the culture.

4. Ignore Travel Insurance

We used to skip it. Then came the flight cancellations, the pandemic, and lost bags. Now, we always get coverage—either through a trusted provider or a credit card that includes travel protection. It’s peace of mind we’re not willing to travel without.

5. Expect It All to Go Perfectly

Delays happen. Weather changes. A dreamy sunset tour can turn into a rain-soaked mess. But that’s travel. It’s part of the story. Instead of stressing over every hiccup, we’ve learned to embrace the imperfect. Flexibility and humor go a long way.

Final Thoughts

Travel is deeply personal, but if there’s one universal truth, it’s this: your mindset matters more than your schedule. By ditching these five habits, we’ve created more space for joy, connection, and the kind of memories we’ll talk about for years.

Want more no-fluff tips to help you plan smarter, spend better, and travel deeper? Check out our travel guide Travel Smarter—it’s packed with the strategies, tools, and hard-earned lessons we swear by.

What’s something you never do when you travel? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear your travel “don’ts”!