I've Traveled to 70+ Countries, and Tourists Always Make These Mistakes Abroad-Plus What to Do Instead

"While I primarily observe the locals, I can't help but notice the common mistakes made by other travelers, especially if I've been guilty of them myself. For instance, recently on an 11-hour transatlantic flight, my seatmate was having difficulty getting sound in both ears with the airline headset. I used to face the same issue until I discovered a handy Bluetooth adapter that allows me to use my AirPods, making it much easier to enjoy the in-flight entertainment."

"I've also experienced my share of international travel missteps behind closed doors that definitely impacted my trips. While skiing in the Dolomites, I was humbly reminded that most hotel rooms in Italy don't have coffee makers. In hindsight, I should have packed this TSA-approved portable kettle to enjoy my morning coffee without leaving the comfort of my room. Below are nine common mistakes I see people make abroad and the best travel accessories and essentials to pack so you can avoid them."

"Many international airlines-especially discount airlines-rely on planes that can't fit our roomy 22-inch carry-ons, and they're stricter with their policies. For example, Ryan Air's max length is around 21 inches-including wheels and handles. When flying on small planes internationally, I always see at least one frustrated passenger being forced to check a bag that would be considered a carry-on at home."

Frequent travelers encounter predictable mistakes that complicate trips and reduce comfort. Airline headsets often fail to deliver sound in both ears; a Bluetooth adapter enables use of personal AirPods with in-flight entertainment. Many hotel rooms in Italy lack coffee makers; a TSA-approved portable kettle provides morning coffee without leaving the room. International and budget airlines commonly enforce smaller carry-on size limits and tighter overhead bins; a 19-inch softside carry-on avoids unexpected checked-bag fees. Packing targeted accessories and selecting appropriately sized luggage can prevent common hassles and save time and stress while traveling abroad.

Read at Travel + Leisure