Travel Experts Reveal the Biggest Blunders Tourists Make Abroad

Forgetting to buy travel insurance—especially medical coverage—tops the list of common mistakes travelers make overseas, according to Dmitry Gorin, vice president of the Russian Union of Travel Industry. In an interview with Lenta.ru, Gorin warned that skipping this basic protection can turn a minor hiccup into a major headache.

The second most frequent error, he said, is ignoring local laws and customs. Tourists often find themselves in trouble at border crossings or with local authorities simply because they didn't bother to read up on visa rules, required documents, or cultural norms. Gorin stressed that a few minutes of research before departure can save hours of frustration later.

Given today's volatile geopolitical climate, Gorin also advised carrying a financial safety net—cash or a backup card—in case of emergencies. And don't forget a working phone and internet connection, he added, as these are lifelines for communication when things go sideways. The warning comes just after reports of a new scam in Turkey, where con artists target female tourists via social media, offering in-room massage services that turn out to be anything but relaxing.