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Whether you’re planning the ultimate U.S. road trip or flying to a tropical island for an all-inclusive getaway, there are tons of tactics to save money on your vacation. But not all travel hacks are as smart as they seem.

For instance, the recent TikTok trend of “airport theory,” which encourages travelers to show up just 15 minutes before their flight, led to another trend: missed flights. Searches for “I missed my flight” soared by 645% between February and March, travel experts at Netflights told the New York Post.

Spending less time at the airport can reduce the temptation to buy overpriced food, drinks or souvenirs. But most airports still recommend giving yourself two hours for domestic flights and three for international travel. Travelers follow “airport theory” at their own peril and could spend more than they expected to reach their destination if they miss their flight.

What other so-called travel hacks appear to save money but may backfire?

Not Investing In Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can add hundreds of dollars to the bottom line of your trip but can save you thousands in the event of an emergency. Travel insurance typically costs between 4% and 10% of your trip but varies based on coverage levels, according to CNBC.

Still, it’s an important investment.

“We always strongly recommend travel insurance to our clients,” said Michael Kahan, owner/president of Kahan Travel, an affiliate of Travel Edge Network. “Most travel insurance policies are comprehensive, meaning if cancellation protection is purchased, the ‘post departure coverage,’ which includes medical expense and emergency medical evacuation, will be included.”

Before you invest, it’s important to know exactly what your insurance covers. Also, if you have a travel rewards credit card, see what protection your card provides before you spend too much on a separate policy.

Booking Through a Third-Party Website

Third-party websites like Expedia have rewards programs and low prices on flights, hotels and rental cars. But you may run into surprising problems, such as shoddy customer service or overbooked hotels or flights.

If you’re on a road trip and getting tired, that third-party reservation you made from your phone on the highway as your traveling partner downed their second cup of coffee may not have processed by the time you arrive at the hotel. That’s another risk.

Plus, you’re missing out on frequent flyer or hotel rewards points when you book third-party. Most hotels are willing to match or beat third-party rates if you call the hotel directly to book your reservation.

Budget Airlines

Budget airlines may provide cheaper tickets, but they often make up that difference in added fees. For instance, Southwest Airlines announced the end of free checked bags for many customers, beginning in May. Southwest, as well as other airlines, also charges for seat selection.

That’s not to say budget airlines can’t save you money, especially if you pack light and don’t care where you sit. But when you compare fares, make sure you compare apples to apples and include all the fees.

Travel Rewards Cards

Travel rewards cards can help you save money when you cash in rewards points for hotels or flights. They often include perks like airport lounge access, TSA PreCheck and more.

“You can get free checked bags, perks for renting cars … and free upgraded seats if they’re available,” Instagram influencer Megan Golden noted in a previous GOBankingRates article.

But if you don’t pay off your cards when the bill is due, the interest charges can erase any money-saving benefits.

Renting a Vacation Home Instead of a Hotel

Airbnb or VRBO properties have been hot in recent years. If you’re seeking separate bedrooms for a big family, want to save money by cooking meals on vacation or just prefer a private retreat, a vacation rental makes sense.

Similarly, if you’re seeking a unique stay with “original artwork” and “interesting books,” as Allianz Travel Insurance phrased it, the right vacation rental delivers.

But by the time you factor in added costs such as cleaning fees, the price of meals — no free breakfast! — and potentially staying off the beaten path of tourist attractions, a hotel might be a better value. Some vacation rentals require you to bring soap, paper towels, toilet paper and even sheets and towels, which can be an added expense — especially if the bed sizes don’t line up with what you have at home.

As with budget airlines, make sure you’re evaluating all factors when you choose between a vacation rental or a hotel.

Final Take

It’s smart to seek ways to reduce travel costs. But it’s important to step back and make sure your choices actually make sense and won’t cause stress or added expenses during your vacation.