18 Common Travel Misconceptions Debunked

You’ve probably heard or seen a lot of stories about how great, exotic, but also tiring, expensive or fulfilling travel is. And just as there are many different ways to travel, there are also many common travel misconceptions that I felt were important to talk about, but more importantly, debunk.

So, without further ado, here are 18 of them!

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1. Travel is expensive

It’s probably one of the most common travel misconceptions I’ve heard a thousand times: travel is expensive!

But news flash: it doesn’t have to be and I’m actually proof that traveling on a budget is possible, whether it’s for a long time or for short stays.

Want to know my little secrets for visiting a destination and sometimes staying for months? Forget going out and eating out every weekend, using your car, buying clothes you don’t need and allocate that budget to your travel piggy bank!

It’s also a good idea to plan your trip a little in advance (~3 months at least), and once at your destination, prioritize street food, free and cheap activities such as a walking tour, use public transport or walk…

Oh, and another important thing: you don’t need to travel to the ends of the Earth to really travel, you can visit your own country or take a day trip, a weekend trip or longer somewhere nearby!

2. Solo travel as a woman isn’t safe

Yes, well, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Whether you’re a man or a woman doesn’t matter, traveling can be scary for both, since you’re stepping out of your comfort zone.

Of course, women will always be perceived as weaker, fragile and more at risk than men, but that shouldn’t prevent you from exploring the world, even if you’re on your own.

With a few simple safety rules and some common sense, solo travel will turn out to be the best decision you ever made, trust me!

For more tips on how to travel with confidence as a woman, read my post on the don’ts of traveling solo or you can also check out my 9 harsh truths about life as a solo female traveler!

3. Only extroverts can travel alone

Fortunately for me, no! Otherwise, the big introvert in me would never have left home!

Of course, traveling alone as an introvert is, let’s be honest, a little more difficult because you usually have to be more social, come out of your shell but also find time for yourself to recharge your batteries.

But as difficult as it may seem, it isn’t, as people tend to automatically go towards a solo traveler than a couple or a group of friends. You just need to be open and ready to answer a few questions, and sometimes a simple “hello” in your hostel room or common area is all you need to start a conversation and make friends who will also become travel companions.

Not to mention all the wonderful experiences I’ve had and people I’ve met, traveling solo as an introvert has not only opened my mind, but also helped me overcome my shyness far more than I ever thought possible!

Still afraid of taking the first step as an introvert? Here’s a guide to traveling as one!

4. Street food is dangerous

Yes and no! It’s a tricky question, but I’d say it’s usually not! To avoid getting sick when you try street food, you do have to be careful about a few things, though.

Try to only eat boiled food, go to places where people are cooking in front of you, and where there are a lot of people around, and avoid iced drinks, especially if you don’t know where the ice comes from or if it’s from tap water.

But don’t skip out on street food, as it’s often the best meal you’ll have and the best way to learn about the country’s culture and delicacies. And truth is, I’d say you’re more likely to get sick from eating in a restaurant or fast-food than from a street food stall!

5. The travel bug is real

It fact, it really depends on the person. Some people say that travel is a bit like an addiction: once you’ve started, it’s hard not to travel again!

But in reality, this isn’t always the case. I know a few people who simply don’t like to travel and even find it boring, too tiresome, unappealing… and prefer to stay at home.

People are different, and while traveling is a true passion for me and a dream I’ve always had, the desire to see other countries and cultures isn’t ingrained in everyone. And that’s okay!

6. Couples always travel together

Another common misconception in the world of travel!

Some people tend to think that because you have a boyfriend/girlfriend, you come as a package and can’t have different perspectives or hobbies, so of course they assume that couples always travel together.

But it’s not true! I have a few couple friends who love to travel, and although they often love to take a trip together, they also sometimes choose a different destination and travel alone or start their trip, spend a few days/weeks alone and meet up again at another destination to continue their trip together!

And I even know couples where only one of them likes to travel, and who don’t mind their better half taking a trip on their own while they stay at home or go camping.

7. Travel is just a way to avoid your problems

Does it look like I’m escaping my problems, or do I just look really happy? You decide!

I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard the question: why do you travel? And while more people than you think will criticize you for trying to escape your problems by traveling, the majority of us have a simpler reason!

For me, traveling is a way to broaden my horizons, to fall in love with different cultures, to make friends all over the world, but above all to experience that feeling of freedom and fulfillment that I find nowhere else but by traveling. But it’s also a way of taking a step back and seeing how lucky I am to be living it all.

8. Booking your flight on Tuesdays is cheaper

I don’t actually know if this was ever true, but it’s become one of the travel misconceptions over the years.

I’d honestly say there aren’t really any better days to book your tickets, the trick is to be flexible, plan ahead, prefer off season and don’t wait for the perfect travel deal that often never comes.

9. Overnight trips save money

This is another yes and no, where it all depends on the country you’re traveling to.

For example, I’ve found that in Southeast Asia, overnight travel most often not only saves you a night in a hostel/hotel, but also saves you money. But in Europe it can, in fact, be more expensive as night trains aren’t always the most affordable or comfortable option.

So, before choosing to take an overnight trip, always remember to find out the different factors that could make the trip cheaper or not, and ask yourself if it’s the best choice for you.

For more tips on overnight travel, check out my article here!

10. English will take you places

Or not! Thinking that speaking English will allow you to travel and be understood everywhere is a myth. If you choose to travel to remote areas that don’t see lots of tourists, or to a country where English isn’t widely spoken, you may be in for a surprise.

That’s why learning a few local words is always a good idea, as will as having a translation app on your phone.

Don’t forget that the simple use of your hands and signs has always been a tried and proven method too!

11. Planning more than 6 months in advance is the best solution

One of the most popular travel misconceptions is to plan and book your trip as early as possible, the earlier the better.

And while this can definitely help you save money, planning more than 6 months in advance is a bit extreme, as even most airlines haven’t set their prices yet and it could actually cost you more.

My rule of thumb: between 2 and 6 months for an international trip and between 1 and 3 months for a domestic one.

12. Hostels are only for young and party people

Although it started out that way, hostels have since improved and become a meeting place for travelers of all ages, not just those who like to party and keep you up until dawn.

Today, there are also quiet, comfortable and even luxurious hostels that feel more like a home than a bar. From digital nomads to backpackers to the elderly people…, people from all horizons can be found in hostels.

Personally, I’m not only grateful that hostels exist on my budget, but also because without them, I wouldn’t have met half the fabulous friends I have!

13. You can’t miss the famous attractions

You can! No one said you had to visit a famous attraction if you didn’t want to!

Because of social media, people tend to develop a strong sense of FOMO, to the point of feeling like an outsider if they haven’t seen or experienced what others have done.

The whole point of traveling is to expand your mind, discover new places, meet people and try things you’ve never done before, but if you hate crowds, have a limited budget or simply don’t like ruins or palaces, no one is forcing you to waste your time and energy visiting something you don’t even like, just to do like everyone else.

Forget about others’ influence and don’t feel guilty about missing out on this famous attraction! Embrace JOMO instead!

14. Travel is amazing

It definitely is, but it can also be overwhelming, depressing and lonely. You may miss your loved ones, feel out of place, misunderstood or just too tired to do anything. You’ll also have a few mishaps, get sick… which often end up being the best stories of your travels!

That’s why, whether you travel or not, you should always put some time aside to look after yourself, recharge your batteries and take a breather.

Whether you choose to talk for hours on the phone with your family, get a massage or listen to the sound of the waves at the beach, self-care is just as important abroad as it is at home.

15. There’s always a better season

No, just because the temperatures and weather are the most agreeable at a specific time doesn’t mean you have to book your trip at that period.

Sure, if you don’t mind the high prices and crowds that comes with the best season, go for it!

Otherwise, I always recommend that you plan your trip according to your own preferences and schedule. Just keep in mind to be flexible!

16. Travel isn’t environmentally friendly

Yes, flying has an impact on the environment, but criticizing people who travel is far from helpful!

With a few simple tips, we can all be more responsible and respectful. Want to reduce your ecological footprint?

Try taking a direct flight, visit underrated destinations, opt for slow travel, walk and use public transport, support the local economy and travel somewhere close to home!

17. Hitchhiking is the riskiest way to travel

I feel that many movies have contributed to this travel misconception by portraying hitchhiking as dangerous and the surest way to be abandoned in the middle of nowhere, left to coyotes or worse.

For someone who has done it a few times, hitchhiking has proved to be a nice way of meeting locals and having interesting conversations, even if you’re not completely safe from sometimes running into quirky people.

As always, you need to be careful, so always share your location, license plate of the vehicle, don’t hitchhike at night, but above all, trust your instincts!

18. Travel insurance is overrated

If you’re not afraid of having an accident and spending all your savings on hospital bills, certainly!

I don’t think I can stress enough how important travel insurance is, and how it can really save you money and give you peace of mind.

So, please, even if you think you’re the cautious type and won’t need it, even for a 2-week vacation, get one. Better safe than sorry!

That’s it! I hope these debunked travel misconceptions help you see the reality of travel! Any other travel myths you’d like to share? Leave them in the comments!

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