Planning a trip is a uniquely exciting experience when you’re new to travel, whether it’s a weekend getaway or your first big international holiday. Between the flight bookings, outfit planning, and late-night itinerary research, it’s easy to get swept up in the thrill of what’s ahead. But while anticipation is part of the fun, it can also leave you vulnerable to missteps that could quickly derail the plans you were so excited for in the first place.
When you’re just starting out, it’s natural to assume everything will go smoothly, especially if you've done some research or booked through familiar platforms. But travel involves a lot of moving parts, and experienced explorers know that you can run into setbacks in the unlikeliest places. Without the benefit of trial and error, new travelers are often caught off guard by details they didn’t know to pay attention to.
That’s where having the right support system matters. We at Maya, the Philippines’ #1digibank, are here with expert advice and top-tier personal finance tools so you have more time to enjoy the trip and less time stressing over logistics. And if you're looking for an exclusive credit card with premium travel perks like real-time spend tracking, lounge access, and reward points, the Maya Black Credit Card makes for a reliable companion wherever you’re headed. Allow us now to walk you through some common mistakes rookie travelers make and how to steer clear of them.
Not Checking Entry and Visa Requirements Early
Few things are more frustrating than showing up at the airport only to be denied boarding over paperwork. Entry requirements can vary widely across destinations, from visa-on-arrival rules to mandatory vaccinations or insurance. Some countries need advance applications that take days, or even weeks, to process. Give yourself time to review embassy guidelines, check expiry dates on your passport, and gather supporting documents well before your departure. It’s a small step that can save you from major setbacks.
Booking Flights or Accommodations without Flexibility
Locking in the cheapest fare might feel like a win until your plans change. You never know when you’ll run into unexpected schedule shifts, illness, or natural delays, and rigid bookings can end up costing more in rebooking fees or last-minute alternatives. Look for options that allow for rescheduling or free cancellation, especially for accommodations. In many cases, flexibility costs only a little more upfront; just think of the expense as a way to eliminate stress and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Overlooking Travel Insurance and Emergency Coverage
One unexpected medical bill or flight cancellation can wipe out months of savings. While it’s tempting to skip travel insurance to cut costs, this is one area where going without is rarely worth the risk. Many policies are affordable and cover everything from lost luggage to medical emergencies and missed connections. Even better, some countries require proof of insurance for entry. Make it part of your pre-trip checklist so that if something does go wrong, you won’t be left navigating the fallout alone.
Only Relying on One Payment Method While Abroad
Having your only card declined in a foreign country can bring your entire trip grinding to a halt. It might be due to fraud alerts, network issues, or something as simple as a forgotten PIN; regardless, relying on a single card to pay puts you in a vulnerable position. Cash isn’t always accepted either, especially for services that typically prefer contactless payments like online bookings or ride-hailing apps. The key is to build in redundancy, so you're never caught off guard when things don't go as planned.
The Maya Black Credit Card is the black card Philippines’ travelers always need in their toolkit before flying—and that’s not just because it’s a VIP lounge credit card packed with perks. As part of the global Visa network, it's also accepted internationally and backed by app-based controls that let you freeze, unfreeze, or block the card, and also monitor your spending in real time. Since it’s a numberless credit card and comes with a dynamic CVV, it’s also ultra-secure, ideal for managing expenses in unfamiliar environments. If you're looking to avoid payment hiccups while earning rewards for future travel, it’s a practical companion to bring along.
Not Budgeting for Currency Conversion Fees or Hidden Costs
A well-planned travel budget can still fall short if you overlook the extra costs that sneak in around the edges. Think foreign transaction fees, dynamic currency conversion, airport transfers, data roaming, or even service charges at restaurants. These small line items add up quickly. A modern credit card like the Maya Black Credit Card helps give you better visibility into what you're actually spending, while also allowing you to track everything in real time through the Maya app.
Every trip is a learning experience, but that doesn’t mean you need to make all the mistakes yourself. With the right habits and reliable tools like the Maya app and Maya Black Credit Card, you can travel smarter and spend more confidently from start to finish.
Depending on your profile, you might qualify for a standard Maya Black Credit Card right away, or you could be offered the Maya Black Express Credit Card, which gives you access to the same great perks, even if you’re just starting out or rebuilding your credit. To apply for a Maya Black Express, all you need to do is make an Express Deposit of at least PHP 12,500 in the Maya app. This deposit will serve as the basis for your credit limit.
What’s even better is that by using your Maya Black Express responsibly, you could become eligible for an upgrade to a standard Maya Black Credit Card in as little as six months. Plus, your deposit will earn 3.5% annual interest. You’ll get back your initial amount along with the interest it generates.
Apply for a Maya Black Credit Card online today, and you’ll be all set for your next getaway!
