Travel myths that cost you money and sanity!

Stop believing those costly lies!

The internet is full of confident travel tips. Some are helpful. Some will cost you money, time, and unnecessary stress.

Let’s clear up a few of the biggest myths I see and get to what actually works instead.

Myth 1: Book as early as possible for the best airfare

Airlines adjust pricing constantly, often 15 or more times before departure. Booking too early can mean paying a panic premium. Waiting too long can also cost you.

The sweet spot is strategy, not superstition.

My client Nicole waited, hoping prices would drop. Instead, fares climbed and ended up about 40 percent higher by the time she booked. Tracking and timing matter more than simply booking as early as possible, or even as late as possible.

Remember: Earlier is not always better. Smart timing wins.

Myth 2: Budget airlines always save you money

That low base fare (I’m talking about Frontier and Spirit) rarely tell the full story.

Add-ons often include:

• Carry-on and checked bag fees

• Seat selection charges

• Lower weight limits

• Extra fees for small conveniences

A couple of my clients chose a lower fare that cost $100 cheaper per person up front. After paying seat fees, baggage charges, and connection-related add-ons on multiple legs, they spent more than they would have on a full-service airline. With a LOT more stress included.

Remember: The lowest sticker price up front is not always the best value.

Myth 3: Travel insurance is a waste

“I never use it.”

Until you do.

About 1 in 5 trips face some kind of disruption. Medical care abroad can cost thousands. Emergency evacuations can be tens of thousands.

A family I worked with had to cancel one traveler’s cruise because they booked early and got a great rate, but then she got pregnant. Turns out she would have been more than 23 weeks along when the cruise happened, which is a no-go with cruise lines. Because they had coverage, they received full reimbursement. Without it, that would have been a complete loss.

Remember: Insurance protects your investment, not just your luggage.

Myth 4: Tuesday at 3 pm is the magic booking time

There is no universal secret hour for booking flights.

Airfare pricing is driven by demand, algorithms, and route competition. If one magic time worked for every route, we would all use it.

Remember: Travel planning depends on algorithms, and flight prices don’t change just once a week.

Myth 5: Cruises are fully all-inclusive

Cruises include a lot. They do not include everything.

Common additional costs:

• Gratuities

• Specialty dining

• Excursions

• WiFi

• Spa treatments

Some cruise lines bundle more than others, but understanding what is included before you sail prevents surprise charges later.

Remember: Know what is included so your final statement does not surprise you.

Myth 6: Booking direct always gets you the best rate

Hotels advertise best rate guarantees. Sometimes that is true.

But travel advisors (like me!) often have access to the same rate plus value-add perks like:

• Complimentary breakfast for two

• Resort credits

• Room upgrades

• Early check-in or late checkout

Often it is not about paying less. It is about receiving more.

Remember: Value is about the full experience, not just the number on the screen.

Myth 7: I will figure it out when I get there

Flexibility sounds freeing.

Until hotels are sold out because of an event you did not know about. Or tours are fully booked. Or last-minute rooms that cost twice what they did earlier that day.

One couple on a “we’ll just book hotels as we’re there” road trip learned that the hard way when every hotel in town was full late at night. When they called me and explained their predicament, I found them a room quickly, but it cost more than it would have with earlier planning.

Remember: A little planning protects your peace of mind AND your pocketbook.

Myth 8: DIY is always cheaper

Sometimes. Not always.

When one client’s flight was canceled at the gate, he called me while others stood in line for hours. He was rebooked while the first person was still hoping for a solution.

That is the advantage of having someone in your corner. Aren’t you glad you have me!?

The bottom line

Not all travel advice is created equal.

If you ever catch yourself wondering, “Is this actually true?” I love getting those questions. It means you care about your investment and the experience you are creating.

Which myth have you believed at some point? I’d love to know (and if you have a travel story to go with it, even better)!