The Biggest Mistake Americans Make When Planning a Trip Abroad

Americans often pack their vacations as tightly as their suitcases—but abroad, that approach can turn anticipation into frustration. The mistake isn’t making an itinerary, it’s building one so rigid that it leaves no room for the pace of another culture.

A YouGov survey found that nearly two in five American travelers—about 38 percent—rely heavily on advice from friends and family when planning itineraries, reflecting a preference for predictability and structure. But rigid expectations can clash with how other countries operate.

France offers a vivid example. Dining alone illustrates the contrast: the French spend an average of two hours and 13 minutes at the table each day, compared to just over an hour for Americans, according to French Coffee Break, a cultural research outlet. Workplace lunches can last one to two hours, as noted in studies on European school and workplace meals, underscoring a cultural norm of sitting down and taking time rather than eating on the go.

Meals themselves stretch far longer than most Americans expect. Cheese is served before dessert, and dinners often begin closer to 9 p.m. than 6. Many shops close at midday so employees can return home for lunch. On Sundays and Mondays, don’t expect much at all, as many restaurants and stores are shuttered.

I learned this lesson the hard way. One morning in Paris, I forced myself toward a crowded metro train, assuming the doors would reopen like they often do at home in the US. Instead, they clamped shut on my arms until a fellow passenger pulled me free. She calmly told me, “You only have to wait for the next one.” That small moment revealed what statistics alone show: life in France is not built for speed.

The lesson isn’t to abandon planning—it’s to plan differently. Build itineraries that include space for long meals, slower service, or unexpected closures. Accept that a three-hour dinner isn’t a delay but part of the experience.

And the principle applies beyond France. In Vietnam, buses and tours can shift unexpectedly. In Italy, trains may run late. In Japan, the opposite is true—punctuality is exact, and travelers must plan accordingly. The most successful trips combine preparation with flexibility, allowing travelers to adapt to the rhythm of where they are.

Travel isn’t about racing the clock—it’s about aligning with a culture’s rhythm. The world doesn’t run on American time, and leaning into that difference won’t compromise your trip. It will make it unforgettable.

By Samantha Gilstrap