Have you ever been told to book flights on a Tuesday for the cheapest price? Or that last-minute deals are always the best? What if I told you these are just myths? There are countless travel “hacks” floating around—some sound convincing, while others are completely wild. But which ones actually work? In this post, I’m breaking down the biggest travel myths that could be costing you money, time, and even the best travel experiences.

From flight-booking tricks that don’t work, to money-saving advice that could backfire, I’m giving you 16 of the most common travel myths.

Travel Hacks or Travel Myths

1. Tuesday is the cheapest day to book flights

This is one that I’ve seen floating around social media as a travel ‘hack’. Honestly, it’s just not true. These flight prices fluctuate throughout the week based on an algorithm, which considers many factors including supply and demand, competition, fuel prices and booking trends.

2. Last-minute flights are always cheaper

Honestly, I used to think this too, and it would make sense. Surely the flight operator wants to fill the remaining seats, right? But in my experience it doesn’t work like this. They probably think, if you really want the flight, you’ll pay the price. One example from my own travels was a trip to Stockholm. I paid just £32 for the return flight. But, out of interest, I looked the day before the flight to see the prices. £193!! I think the best time to book is usually 4-8 weeks out.

3. Booking directly with airlines is always cheaper than third-party sites

I would say that, in general, this is true. But, following on from the previous point, third party providers are usually the better option for last minute flights. Why? Because third party sellers are essentially reselling tickets that they have purchased from the airline. So, they usually do want to sell the tickets. One of the best third party sellers is Omio.

4. eSIM’s are unreliable.

Soon enough, airport sim card exchanges are going to be no more. eSIM’s are taking over the industry, but I have heard some stories of them being unreliable and complicated. This is usual for any new technology, and some eSIM providers are not the best. But, if you find the right provider, they are so easy to use, and so much more convenient than waiting for someone to change your sim card over and trying to remember where you’ve put your normal sim. The best choice for this is Yesim and you can use the code travelpayouts2024 for €3 off.

5. Budget airlines always have hidden fees that make them expensive.

The great thing about budget airlines is that these add-ons are optional. Yes, adding luggage and seat selection can put the price up by quite a lot. But, you don’t have to buy them. If you find a flight for £23, this is the price you will pay for the flight. I never pay for seat selection and I will only pay for extra luggage if I am away for 5 days or more. It’s surprising what you can fit in to the right carry-on bag.

6. Flights are cheaper when booked in incognito mode.

The idea that websites track your searches is not new to most people, and some third party websites will do this. But, if you use sites like Google flights and Skyscanner, they are purely search engines rather than third party sellers. So, you’ll be safe using these sites.

Travel Hacks or Travel Myths

7. You need to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before a flight.

Honestly, with no luggage to check in, I arrive around an hour before my flight, when I fly from Bristol (my local airport). If I am flying from an airport I don’t know, I give myself an hour and a half. Also, airlines suggest 3 hours for long-haul flights. Last time I did a long-haul flight from Heathrow, I arrived 2 hours 45 minutes before my flight and it only took 20 minutes to get through security.

8. Hostels are only for young backpackers.

Hostels don’t have the best reputation. Usually, people imagine dirty, cramped, unsafe dormitory rooms with 10 other people. Of course, the shared rooms are the main concept of a hostel. But many of them also offer private rooms for great prices. The best place for you to find the best hostels is hostelworld.

9. Booking in advance is always cheaper.

Unlike flights, hotels usually want to fill their rooms as much as possible. So, you can find a bargain if you book last minute. When I went to Copenhagen I booked my accommodation on the way to the airport which meant it was £50 instead of £70 which is 30% off! My favourite place to book accommodation is Booking.com.

10. Travel insurance is a waste of money.

I spent years travelling with no insurance and I was very lucky not to need it. However, I recently found out the importance of having it when I had to cancel a trip last minute. Luckily, I now have travel insurance included with a credit card and it meant I could claim the costs of the trip back. You can book great value travel insurance with EKTA.

11. Street food is unsafe.

In my opinion street food is incredible. I find it much more authentic and enjoyable than sitting in a restaurant. I have also never been ill from street food. The only time I have had food poisoning whilst travelling was in Bali, where I didn’t eat any street food. Some tips to keep extra safe are to look for places with longer queues as the food will generally be fresher, and look for places where locals are eating.

12. You never need to print boarding passes.

In todays age of technology, we often assume we can do everything from our phones. And I have definitely made this mistake, twice. I found out in Morocco and Albania, as I was trying to check in online, that I had to have a printed boarding pass. Make sure you know what’s needed for your destinations so you don’t get caught out.

Travel Hacks or Travel Myths

13. Direct flights are always the best option.

Although it is often more convenient to have a direct flights, having a stop can really add to the adventure. Firstly, if you have to transfer somewhere, you could book two separate flights and stay in the country for a day or two. Or, some airlines offer free layover programs where you can stay for a period of time and catch a different flight at no extra cost. Some airlines that offer this are Etihad, Emirates, Qatar, Qantas, TAP, Iceland Air, Iberia, Finnair, KLM and many more.

14. Solo travel is lonely.

You’ll be surprised how friendly most people are, especially when you get out of westernised countries. Solo travel can be lonely, if you want it to be. But, if you want to go on your own and meet great people whilst you’re away, just book that flight and be sociable.

15. English is spoken everywhere.

I think many English speaking nationals have become overly comfortable with how much of the world can speak our language. However, not all countries speak English well. Many countries with less access to education and different cultures may not speak much English. So, make sure you check before you go.

16. If you don’t visit the main attractions, you haven’t seen the country.

Social media has created this idea that countries have these must-visit attractions that make or break your trip. In reality, most destinations are filled with hidden gems and experiences away from these tourist sites. I always book my activities with Get Your Guide.

17. Booking hotels and flights together always saves money.

Package holidays can be an easy, convenient way to book holidays. But, you usually pay a premium for this. For example, on a recent trip to Bulgaria, I met someone who paid around £600 for flights and a hotel. However, for the same number of nights, my flights and accommodation cost just over £200.

18. You need to be rich to travel the world.

This is so far from the truth. In 2024, I did 11 trips between 3-5 days for around £250 each, for ALL my costs. I recently did a 5 day ski trip for £500, and in 2023, I did a 2 week trip to Sri Lanka, exploring numerous different areas, for around £1000. If you want to know where to start with more affordable travel, you can grab your expert guide to cheaper flights. Use the code BLOG for an extra 25% off the marked price.

Conclusion

So, travel is full of so-called “hacks” and insider tips—but as we’ve seen, not all of them hold up. Some myths might make planning your trip harder, cost you more money, or even ruin a great travel experience. The key to smart travel? Do your research, stay flexible, and question the advice that sounds too good to be true.

Have you ever fallen for a travel myth? Or do you swear by a tip that actually works? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts!