WHAT THE SURVEY SAID

OVERPACKING: According to a survey of 2,400 travellers by Global Rescue, a private crisis-response firm, the most common mistake is overpacking, with 75% of travellers admitting guilt. Interestingly, the percentage decreases with age: 100% of travellers 25 and younger had overpacked and only 84% aged 30 to 39 had.

AMBITIOUS ITINERARY: 40% of respondents said they’d created an overly ambitious itinerary. “You want to do and see everything but when you get home you wish you’d had more time to explore nature or relax on the beach,” the report said.

OVERLOOKED INSURANCE: 38% regretted spending all that money on the vacation but without taking any measures to guard against unexpected issues.

TIPPING BLUNDERS: Tipping etiquette varies wildly from country to country. In the US it’s expected, in Japan it’s considered rude. 35% of respondents worried about tipping appropriately while travelling.

PLUG FLUBS: If you plan on charging yourself, remember you may need an international plug adapter. 31% had left theirs behind.

DODGY DRINKING: 29% of respondents drank unsafe water while travelling. Younger travellers are more apt to make this mistake, with 41% aged 25-39 having done so as opposed to 34% between 40 and 49.

INTERNATIONAL FAUX PAS: Not being aware of cultural differences and similarities in the country you’re visiting could ruin a trip, and 18% of survey respondents worry about being culturally insensitive.

COPY FLOPS: 17% of respondents had neglected to make a passport copy before they travelled. Keeping electronic copies of all your vital documents is the best idea.

FORGOT MEDS: Prescription medication is one of the last few things packed but one of the most important — and difficult to replace when you’re in a foreign land. 9% of travellers have forgotten this.

BONUS MISTAKES

● Looking like a tourist

If you want to look like a tourist, wear white lace-up tennis shoes or sneakers with

Velcro on them and a passport holder with a cord around your neck.

● Carrying only cards

It seems like a good idea to use only plastic while travelling — but what if you forgot to notify the bank or your chip malfunctions? Have at least a little cash.

The 2020 Annual Global Rescue Travel Safety Survey was conducted between January 22 and January 28 2020.