Common Myths About International Travel That Americans Still Believe

This myth likely grew from real experiences in specific regions — parts of Latin America, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa do have water systems where caution is genuinely warranted. But blanket avoidance of tap water everywhere abroad is unnecessary and wastes money on bottled water in places where the municipal supply meets rigorous standards. Before any trip, check the CDC or your destination country's own health authority for current guidance on water safety in the specific cities or regions you'll visit. The answer is often more reassuring than travelers expect.

The most expensive scenario isn't a cancelled flight — it's a medical emergency abroad. Emergency medical evacuation alone can cost $50,000 or more, depending on location and circumstances. US-based health insurance plans typically provide little to no coverage outside the country, meaning travelers without supplemental coverage are personally liable for those costs. Understanding how healthcare works in other countries is an important step before any international trip. Even on a short trip, unexpected events — a broken leg on a hiking trail, a family emergency requiring early return — can make a policy well worth its cost.

Learning a few local phrases is genuinely appreciated and worth the small effort — locals notice it and respond warmly. But the idea that you'll be hopelessly stranded without fluency is simply not accurate in most tourist-frequented destinations. In much of Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond, hotel staff, airport workers, and restaurant employees routinely speak functional English. Offline translation apps on your smartphone can handle menus, signs, and basic conversations effectively. That said, venturing into very rural areas or highly localized communities does present more communication challenges — so adjust expectations accordingly based on your actual itinerary.

Processing times do fluctuate based on application volume, and it's true that periods of unusually high demand — such as the post-pandemic travel surge — led to extended waits. But under normal conditions, routine applications are processed in a matter of weeks, with expedited service available for an additional fee. The application itself is straightforward: a completed form, a qualifying photo, proof of citizenship, and a government ID. The State Department publishes current estimated processing times on its official website. Apply well ahead of your trip and the process is rarely the obstacle people imagine it to be.

Treating the entire non-European world as uniformly dangerous is both inaccurate and causes travelers to miss out on remarkable destinations. Countries like Japan, New Zealand, Iceland, Chile, and many others consistently rank among the safest in the world by various global indices. Even within countries that carry higher overall risk, specific cities or tourist regions may be entirely safe to visit. The right approach is to consult the US State Department's official travel advisories — which use a tiered system and are updated regularly — and research conditions at the specific destination, not the country as a whole.

Pre-trip currency exchange through a bank or credit union can make sense for small amounts to cover arrival expenses, but exchanging large sums at US airport kiosks typically comes with poor rates and high fees. Once abroad, ATM withdrawals using a debit card linked to a fee-reimbursing bank account often yield competitive exchange rates — closer to the interbank rate than any exchange counter. Credit cards without foreign transaction fees are another solid option for most purchases. Understanding these dynamics before departure helps travelers avoid overpaying on every single transaction.