Our Biggest, Most Embarrassing Travel Mistakes episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 9, 2026 · 45 MIN

Our Biggest, Most Embarrassing Travel Mistakes

from The Thrifty Traveler Podcast · host Gunnar Olson, Kyle Potter

Travel isn’t always perfect and we certainly aren’t either. This week on the show, Gunnar and Kyle cop to the worst travel mistakes they’ve made over the year. From rehashing Gunnar’s Avianca last name fiasco to entering birthdates wrong to over-scheduling trips, getting fleeced at an expensive restaurant, and even timing bathroom breaks on the road, the guys have screwed up a lot over the years. Join us as we discredit, debase, and humiliate ourselves!  Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - What’s the biggest mistake travelers make? 02:50 - Sylvia welcomes us to the show from Zion National Park 05:15 - The Gunnar Olson Olson Olson story 07:10 - Not checking airfare from more than one airport 09:20 - Think before you swipe: Using the wrong card to book flights 11:55 - Over-scheduling travel – Kyle’s slightly-too-much trip 14:00 - Not paying attention to open hours 16:15 - Birthday fiascos and infant reservations: Don’t wait until the airport! 19:40 - Getting a ski trip shuttered by the weather 22:30 - A word from our sponsor: Don’t miss the next great flight deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium 24:20 - Letting e-credits expire 26:15 - Leaving something in the overhead bin 28:30 - Swiping the same old credit card 30:40 - Check the menu: A crazy expensive meal in Singapore 32:35 - The pre-boarding bathroom break 34:40 - A listener asks: Why the “Yo?” 36:12 - Another listener asks: More on our rebooking strategy 43:05 - The biggest mistake Gunnar has made at Thrifty Traveler Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at [email protected] 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Travel isn’t always perfect and we certainly aren’t either. This week on the show, Gunnar and Kyle cop to the worst travel mistakes they’ve made over the year. From rehashing Gunnar’s Avianca last name fiasco to entering birthdates wrong to over-scheduling trips, getting fleeced at an expensive restaurant, and even timing bathroom breaks on the road, the guys have screwed up a lot over the years. Join us as we discredit, debase, and humiliate ourselves!

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Our Biggest, Most Embarrassing Travel Mistakes

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This episode is 45 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 9, 2026.

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Travel isn’t always perfect and we certainly aren’t either. This week on the show, Gunnar and Kyle cop to the worst travel mistakes they’ve made over the year. From rehashing Gunnar’s Avianca last name fiasco to entering birthdates wrong to...

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