The 19 Worst Things to Buy When You're Travelling

Travelling is almost like living in a parallel universe. None of the regular rules apply. You don’t have to get up to go to work. If you have a to-do list, it’s short. And you’re more inclined to spend money without thinking about it. However, you should think about what you’re buying. Ask yourself: Do you need it? Do you want to drag it along with you during your journey? Is it a waste of money? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you probably shouldn’t buy it.

To help, we’ve put together a list of tempting things you really should avoid buying while travelling. You’ll not only save money, but you’ll also have fewer headaches (and extra baggage fees).

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Airplane WiFi

The major airlines are rolling out in-flight WiFi services across their fleets. While you may think this is a great thing, remember that it can be expensive, slow and you'll have to deal with spotty coverage. Not only that, connecting your laptop or phone/tablet to WiFi will drain your battery much faster. Instead, download some content to your device and watch/listen in airplane mode. Or, go analog and read a book.

When you land, avoid using paid WiFi in the terminal. It's one of the biggest rip-offs at the airport.

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Liquor

You might find a special wine or spirit that you want to bring home and share with your friends. But remember that liquids must be packed in your checked luggage if you're flying. This includes duty-free booze, if you're changing planes and go through security again. Remember that packing a bottle in your bag is a gamble. If it breaks in transit, you'll ruin everything else in your suitcase.

Plus, don't make the mistake of purchasing any of these things you should never buy at the duty-free.

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Full-Size Toiletries

Full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner and other toiletries take up space, add weight and have the potential to leak in your bag. Instead, buy travel-size bottles or use small refillable containers. If you're staying at a hotel, grab extra toiletries for so you'll always have some on hand. Small bottles are also essential for getting through airport security as fast as possible.

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Valuable Items

You might be tempted to buy a snazzy watch or a beautiful ring on your trip. While you may save money, you're also making yourself a target for criminals. Ask yourself if you really need the item, if the discount is worth it and if you want to carry it with you for the duration of your trip.

Here are some other dangerous things you may be doing when travelling (without even realizing it).

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Property

The dream for many Canadians is to buy property in a tropical paradise. But beware. If you're seriously considering foreign property, do your research first. Don't let your emotions guide you. Due diligence back home is key. Never buy on the spot.

Remember that in most cases, renting a holiday home makes more sense. This way, if anything goes wrong (like a natural disaster or a coup) you can simply return the keys to the landlord and walk away.

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Bottled Water

Staying hydrated when you're travelling is important. But one of the worst things you can buy is bottled water. Not only is it expensive, the plastic bottles are bad for the environment. The solution is a refillable water bottle, like this one from Manna Hydration.

If you're travelling somewhere where you think the water might be sketchy, pick up a bottle that has a filter.

And if you're looking for amazing waters to frolic in, try one of these spots with the clearest waters in the world.

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Fragile or Heavy Souvenirs

You may be tempted to pick up a souvenir of your trip. But fragile or heavy souvenirs are a pain. Not only will you have to lug them around, but you could also end up paying overweight baggage fees. If you spot something you can't live without, ship it home. It might be expensive, but it'll be way easier.

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Fruit

Carrying fruit as you travel is fine unless you're crossing an international border — even by air. Many countries have rules restrict the importation of fruit and some other foods. At best, you'll have to throw away the forbidden fruit, at worst you could be detained and fined.

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Tacky Souvenirs

As with heavy and fragile souvenirs, tacky items take up valuable room. They're also a waste of money because they'll likely end up in a drawer or box when you get home. Are you really going to wear that Mexican sombrero to the company picnic? Why not just take a picture? It's cheaper and doesn't take up any room in your suitcase.

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New Clothes

You might be tempted to buy clothes emblazoned with your destination. Again, these take up room in your bag. If you really must buy something, take out an item of clothing you brought with you and donate it to charity. It's an easy way of getting new clothes without adding extra weight to your bags.

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Shoes

If you're on holiday you're more likely to make an impulse purchase. But ask yourself if you need a new pair of shoes. If the answer is yes, hop online and compare prices at home. In most cases, there won't be a significant difference and you won't have to worry about finding room in your suitcase or paying duty when you return.

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A Tattoo

Everyone at the hostel is getting one, why not you? Well, because a tattoo is something you should give great thought to. The worst time to get ink is when you've been drinking or from someone that may not be very skilled or very clean. Avoid the buyer's remorse and support a local tattoo shop when you're back home — and rethink that design.

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Electronics

You might see some fantastic deals on electronics when you travel abroad. But be aware that the warranty may not apply in Canada. You could also end up with a counterfeit version or a device that doesn't work correctly back home. Not only that, you might also have to pay duty. It's simpler to buy at home, or if you must buy abroad, do your homework.

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Tickets

Usually buying transportation and tour tickets in advance can save you money. When you buy on the spot, you'll nearly always pay full price. For example, I've purchased a train ticket in Scotland for about $10 in advance. If I had waited until the last minute, the same seat would have cost nearly $40. Many tour operators also offer a discount when purchasing online and in advance.

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Accommodation

There are two schools of thought when it comes to booking accommodation. Book it on the spot for the best deal or book in advance, so you don't have to worry about being left in the cold.

I tend to go with the second option, especially when travelling somewhere for a special event or festival where there is a good chance everything will be nearly sold out and what's left will be super expensive. Booking in advance can often lock in a much lower rate. Add some extra excitement to your holiday by staying in an unusual hotel.

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Foreign Currency

Buying currency at your destination can be a huge rip-off. Generally speaking, you'll get poor exchange rates at airport exchange bureaus and from unofficial traders at land borders.

Use a credit card where possible as you'll get a better rate. ATMs can offer decent rates, too, but make sure they're connected to established banks. And you can always buy a little bit of the currency you'll need before you leave home.

Heading across the pond soon? Here are some great ways to save money while travelling in Europe.

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Medicine

In many countries, drugs that are available only by prescription in Canada are available over the counter. This makes it easy to self-medicate. But be aware that there are many counterfeit drugs being sold as the real deal. Even if you're buying legit medicine, it might be illegal to carry it across international boundaries without a prescription.

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Illegal Drugs

Buying and using drugs in a foreign land is one of the most dangerous things you can do when travelling. Many countries have strict drug laws and what might be tolerated at home could land you in prison abroad. There's also the danger of taking something that has been laced with another, more powerful drug. You could wind up in the hospital or worse, dead. Ignore the temptation.

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Hotel Meals

Restaurant meals in your hotel are expensive and room service is even more so. If you're on a budget, you'll find plenty of affordable options at almost any destination. If you're arriving late or leaving early, pick up some granola bars or bread and cheese for a quick bite. Don't be afraid to try street food, either.