The World's Worst Travel Advice: 10 Common Myths Debunked by Experts
Imagine a fellow traveler in Kathmandu boasting, "Don't waste money on bottled water—the tap water is fine!" Only to vanish for three days, returning noticeably lighter.
Or someone advising, "Never book accommodations ahead; scout hostels on arrival." Meanwhile, you book your Barcelona room online in minutes, check in, visit a museum, enjoy lunch, and take a nap—while they wander for hours, lugging bags and spending on transport.
Stereotypes like "French people are rude and Brits are polite," from someone who's never traveled abroad.
Man drinking from tap in Varanasi, India. Image by Upperhall Ltd / Robert Harding World Images / Getty Images.
Some travel advice sounds dubious right away. Others require experience—or painful mistakes—to debunk. (Note: Tap water is safe in many places worldwide.)
Save yourself the hassle: Explore these classic and modern examples of bad travel advice, curated by seasoned experts.
1. Women should never travel alone
This nuanced topic sparks debate. It depends on the destination. Solo female travel can be challenging in places like India or parts of the Middle East, but blanket warnings for safe spots like Thailand or England are unfounded. Risks exist everywhere—for anyone. Best advice: Apply the same precautions as at home.
2. Don't eat street food
Street food vendor in Myanmar. Image by Colin Brynn / Robert Harding World Imagery / Getty Images.
Arguably the worst advice ever. Street food offers authentic, affordable insights into local culture. Choose wisely in some areas, but experienced travelers often get sick from upscale restaurants—even in the US or Italy. Embrace it as essential travel.
3. Take traveler's cheques for emergencies
Obsolete since the late 1990s with global ATMs. Few places accept them now. Instead, carry backup cards (stored separately) or cash in stable currencies like euros or USD.
4. Italy has the best pizza in the world
Tourist traps near landmarks serve dismal versions—even of national specialties. Budget travelers know Venice street pizza horror stories all too well.
5. Plan everything (or nothing)
Both extremes need balance. Minimal planning shines on off-season Greece trips but flops for peak Caribbean island-hopping. Most destinations reward a flexible mix.
6. You can't access Facebook in China
Workarounds abound for Facebook, Twitter, and more. A quick search yields current VPNs and tips.
7. Bring more clothes to avoid laundry
Woman carrying bundle of laundry. Image by John Slater / Stone / Getty Images.
Logically true, but impractical. Laundry abroad is often cheap and easy—like $1 at a Vietnam hostel. Extra clothes mean heavier bags, fees, and hassle.
8. Pack enough contact solution, sunscreen, tampons, or meds for the whole trip
Most destinations stock these—often cheaper. Pack essentials, buy the rest locally.
9. Bring a knife for protection in [REDACTED]
Avoid such paranoid, inexperienced advice. It signals trouble at home too.
10. Skip guidebooks; everything's online
Guidebook by Laurel F. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Online info varies wildly—outdated, unchecked, or crowd-sourced. Guidebooks offer vetted, editor-proofed insights from on-the-ground authors. Trust beats endless scrolling.
Leif Pettersen is a Lonely Planet author, freelance travel writer, and polyglot. He's visited 51 countries and can be found at @leifpettersen.
Gain reliable insights from Lonely Planet's Best Ever Travel Tips.
