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Travel regrets (and how to avoid them)
Ready to snag a Black Friday trip deal? Here’s how to avoid the most common holiday regrets.
If you’ve ever come home with a fabulous tan and great photos, yet one nagging question - “Why did I do that?” - you’re not alone. A recent RACV poll has uncovered Victoria’s top holiday regrets, from poor planning and overlooked passport expiry dates to hours lost in sight-seeing queues.
Whether you’re arranging a big trip or ready to snag a Black Friday deal, here’s how to avoid the most common holiday regrets, including the biggest one of all: not travelling.
Before you go, tick off your overseas travel checklist, and learn how to protect your passport and mobile phone while travelling.
The RACV Travel & Experiences Black Friday Sale is on now and will continue until 2 December 2025 (Travel Tuesday).
The 4 biggest travel planning regrets
The RACV "travel regrets" poll suggests travel remorse falls into two camps: before you leave and once you’re there. Many sorrows are a result of the early stages of trip planning, before you’ve even left home.
The poll reveals these four common travel planning regrets:
Regret 1: Not taking the trip to begin with
RACV Executive General Manager Leisure Craig Peachey reveals the biggest regret travellers face isn’t a bad hotel or missed flight – it's the trip they never took.
"We see customers every day who've put off their dream destinations, thinking there's always next year," says Peachey. "But life circumstances change quickly – health issues, family commitments, and financial situations can suddenly make travel impossible.”
How to avoid: Make the most of RACV Travel & Experience’s Black Friday Sale and avoid travel planning regret.
Regret 2: Wasting time in sight-seeing queues
Ironically, while planning is crucial, being too rigid with schedules causes travellers to miss unexpected opportunities. Of nearly 500 respondents to the poll, 37 per cent said they regretted spending too much time queuing for attractions, wishing instead they’d left space in their itinerary for spontaneous discoveries and authentic local experiences that make travel truly memorable.
How to avoid: Buy tickets online in advance, visit during off-peak times (such as weekdays or the off-season), arrive early in the morning or go at night, and explore alternative entrances or lesser-known viewpoints.
Regret 3: Cutting corners on quality
Choosing the cheapest flights and accommodation options often backfires, with 33 per cent of poll respondents saying they regretted cutting corners on quality. Budget carriers with poor customer service and hotels that prioritise price over quality consistently feature as travellers' biggest regrets.
How to avoid: Switch your thinking to value over the cheapest price, book with expert travel consultants, and take advantage of deals, like the upcoming Black Friday Sale.
Regret 4: Being overly ambitious with the itinerary
Ironically, rigid planning also instils travel remorse. Whether it’s cramming in too many ‘must-sees’ or leaving insufficient time between connections, tight schedules can lead to missed connections, added stress, and no space for spontaneity. The RACV poll shows 16 per cent of participants had regrettably missed a flight.
How to avoid: RACV Travel and Experiences can help you plan, allowing sufficient time between connections for international flights to help avoid stress and ruined plans.
Poor planning can lead to issues at airports, including missing a flight. Image: Getty
5 insider tips on holiday mistakes to avoid
A traveller’s tale is a rite of passage. Some make for great stories (after the fact); others become cautionary tales. The RACV Leisure and Sales teams share their top travel regrets, so you don’t have to make the same mistakes.
1. Not bringing cash
“I regret not getting cash out before I left. You don’t realise how cashless Australia is – and that you need it in other countries.”
It’s easy to forget that Australia’s tap-happy habits aren't global, leaving you short in cash-only markets, cabs, and cafés.
How to avoid: Arrive with a modest amount of local currency, bring a no-FX-fee card, and make ATM withdrawals during business hours.
2. Ignoring sun safety
“I got sunstroke after exploring Dubrovnik Old Town in the blistering heat without a hat – all for the sake of a suntan! I regret the tan, the stupidity, and the missed experiences the next day.”
Lobster-red shoulders, painful peeling, and heatstroke are no joke. Australia’s harsh sun is well-known, yet it’s common to cross the equator and forget our long-drilled “slip, slop, slap” mantra.
How to avoid: Apply SPF frequently, wear a hat, hydrate often, and make plans to be out of the midday sun.
3. Forgetting to book tickets in advance
"I wish I had brought theme park skip-the-line tickets, rather than waiting in lines all day.”
If you’re heading to a major theme park or famous attraction, you’ll likely spend a long time waiting with regular entry.
How to avoid: Splurge for a fast-lane pass or pre-book timed entries to maximise your visit and walk to the front of the line.
4. Eating unfamiliar food
“My biggest travel regret was trying the iguana stew. I was very sick the next day.”
Food is a big pleasure on a trip, from sampling specialty dishes to sizzling street food. It pays to be cautious, however, with adventurous menus.
How to avoid: Say yes to local food at busy places with high turnover. If you’re sensitive, ask for a milder regional dish.
5. Failing to put safety first
“I regret standing too close to Diwali celebration fireworks and being hit in the face by one.”
Street parties, national day celebrations, and special events are joyous - and unpredictable. Not every event has high safety standards, leaving you to be vigilant.
How to avoid: Follow local advice, enjoy festivities from a sensible distance, and stick to official vantage areas.
Book in advance for popular tourist sites, such the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, or you'll have to settle for an exterior photo. Image: Getty
Plan your holiday and avoid impulse spending
From dodgy fashion choices to overpriced souvenirs, the RACV poll suggests impulse choices often lead to regret.
“We tell our clients: if you need to ask yourself ‘should I?’, the answer is probably ‘no’”, says Peachey. “But these are the stories that make holidays memorable, even if they make you cringe later.”
Book early with no regrets
RACV Travel and Experiences’ Black Friday Sale is an ideal time to apply these helpful hints and avoid travel remorse – especially the number one regret: not travelling at all.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or once-in-a-lifetime international adventure, book early to access a range of popular destinations and experiences.
