21 Game-Changing Travel Hacks That’ll Make Your Next Journey A Breeze
Because every great adventurer deserves a few insider tricks.
Paris taught us a lesson the hard way, and it involved Velib bikes, a suspiciously generous rewards system, and a credit card hold that should have ruined the whole trip.
We were renting the bikes to get around the city like locals, but every time we checked one out, a hold close to $400 got slapped onto our card. The part that made it messy is that the hold sometimes posted like a purchase, and with the travel multiplier, it turned into points on points, about 1,600 each time.
Then we stumbled on the real hack, ride under 30 minutes, drop them, repeat, and watch the rewards stack.
1. Rolling in points! A bike rental hack in Paris that scored thousands in rewards – sometimes, it pays to pedal.
We once racked up over 20,000 capital one points in an unconventional way. We were in Paris and we'd rent the Velib bikes to get around the city. The catch is that everytime we'd rent a bike out, a hold was put on our credit card in case of damage to the bike. The hold was close to $400 each bike, I believe, and It would take a couple days for the hold to be lifted. For some reason the hold would go through as a purchase on our card, and with the travel multiplier, we were getting about 1,600 points every time we'd rent a bike. The best part was that, if you rented the bike for less than 30 minutes the rental was free. So we'd just rent 2 bikes, ride to the next station in less than 30 minutes, drop them off and rent 2 more bikes. We did this an absurd amount of times and got rewarded handsomely. .
robcampos4 , Johan Mouchet2. Now, that’s one way to avoid the security shuffle
When going through security, put all of your pocket belongings into your backpack.Then, you don’t have to worry about using the small trays, or gathering up important things from the conveyor belt :).
SoloTravelPOVYoutube , Andrew Neel3. Power all your devices with one plug overseas. A power board is your ultimate charging ally
marloo1
Travel expert Matt Kepnes emphasizes the importance of flexibility when planning travel itineraries.
That same “why is this happening” energy is what made the security shuffle feel less stressful, because pocket stuff went straight into the backpack before the trays ever showed up.
Staying Connected
Tech expert Tim Ferriss recommends travelers use technology wisely to stay connected without overspending.
4. Merino wool keeps the stink at bay, making travel lighter (and nicer for everyone around).
Inside-Pea-9807
5. If flights make you nauseous, a little spritz of saline spray can work wonders.
jtet93
6. eSIMs: because who has time to hunt down a SIM card abroad?
Might not be obscure to some, but was new to me last month.Esims are a godsend.You can shop around online before starting your trip for the best deal on a temporary esim. I paid 30 cad for a 1 month 12 gig unlimited everything else plan, good for all of Europe. Installed the esim before heading to the airport. As soon as the plane landed, I was able to fire up my esim without any of the hassle of finding a physical sim card. Was in my Uber 10 minutes after leaving customs, it was great.Not all phones support it, but for those that do, they are extremely convenient and cheap.
pentox70 , Opal Pierce
Packing Smart
Professional organizer Clea Shearer advises travelers to consider using packing cubes to maximize luggage space and keep items organized.
Additionally, packing cubes can help travelers streamline their packing process. For instance, categorizing clothes by type (e.g., tops, bottoms) or by day can make unpacking at your destination a breeze. This small change can significantly enhance your travel experience.
7. A savvy trick for flexible plans—but rumor has it the hotels are catching up fast
If you have to cancel a hotel less than 24 hours in advance, call and tell them you need to bump the reservation back a week. Then call the next day and cancel it penalty free because it’s 6 days prior to the reservation.
Blu3fin , Sara Dubler
8. Pro tip: the cleanest airport bathrooms are by baggage claim. You’ll thank us later
Use the bathrooms by the baggage claim. They’re always clean and empty.
holy_cal , Paul Green
9. The sarong is your travel wardrobe’s MVP. Wear it, sit on it, or cover up with it—it does it all!
Always carry a sarong with you when travelling. It’s basically an all in one lightweight tool. You can use it as clothes, raincoat, a rope, a bandage, a beach towel/picnic rug, a bag or a blanket.
PurplePiglett , Sharon Granda
And once you’ve figured out how to keep everything moving in airports, the next headache is charging, so a single power board becomes your whole overseas lifeline.
It also echoes the friend who hid a financial secret after borrowing money.
One of the most overlooked aspects of travel is maintaining a healthy diet while on the go. As the article highlights, attention to nutrition can significantly impact energy levels and overall well-being during your journey. Instead of relying solely on fast food options at airports or gas stations, travelers are encouraged to incorporate local fruits and vegetables into their meals. This not only supports energy but also enhances the travel experience by connecting with the local culture.
Packing portable snacks such as nuts and dried fruits is another practical tip that can keep energy levels stable during long trips. This proactive strategy can transform what might otherwise be a fatigue-filled journey into a more enjoyable and invigorating adventure.
10. Skip the passport line with the Mobile Passport app—your fast pass to a quick entry
If you’re flying internationally into the US and are a US citizen, do the mobile passport option if the airport has it. It’s an app and takes 30 seconds to do. It’s just as fast as global entry. I’ve passed 100s of people waiting at passport control.
u/Inpleinsite , Vlada Karpovich
11. Pens, plastic forks, and garment bags – the unsung heroes of smooth travel
Traveling International? Bring a pen with you. The longest lines you wait for at customs is for the damn pen. Pack a plastic fork and spoon with you. I hate showing up to my hotel with some instant noodles and then having to use the coffee stirring sticks like chopsticks to eat it. If you’re tall, mention you have problems with your knees at the check in counter. Sometimes they’ll find you a seat with more leg room. Traveling for a short period? Use a garment bag instead of a suitcase. I find I can fit 3 outfits, my laptop and other essentials in one garment bag comfortably and it still fit as a carry on. .
Slay-Aiken , Oleksandr P
12. A safety pin and a bit of tape: small but mighty travel heroes for those unexpected moments
PapayaPokPok
The stink problem was next, which is why merino wool suddenly mattered, especially when you’re bouncing between bike stations and packing light.
Finding Affordable Accommodations
She encourages using comparison sites to find the best deals and suggests considering alternative lodging options, like hostels or vacation rentals.
This strategy not only helps in saving money but also offers unique experiences that hotels may not provide. For instance, staying in a local home can lead to cultural exchanges and a deeper understanding of the destination.
13. This is just pure genius
w3woody
14. Scout your stay before you arrive! Google Street View: the ultimate virtual neighborhood check.
If you're not sure of the neighborhood you're booking your hotel or rental stay in, go to Google Street View and "walk around" in the neighborhood. You can see if it looks pleasant, has nearby cafes or local grocery stores, etc etc.
ThaneOfCawdorrr , Jesse Vermeulen
15. Flight plans changed? Upgrade, then cancel for a full refund – it’s all in the fine print
Most flights won't give you a refund on basic tickets. Upgrade them to a higher class ticket then cancel for a full refund.EDIT: I've done this with United/JetBlue I can't speak for other airlines.
Ace-O-Matic , Kevin Woblick
16. Need a spot to snooze? London’s night bus doubles as a budget-friendly ‘hotel on wheels’
There's a London night bus which goes to Heathrow and back. I say this one in particular because it's quite a long route. If you arrive late in the evening and need somewhere to just exist, you can ride it back and forth and sightsee or snooze a little. I discovered this when I arrived via bus from France in the middle of the night but my next bus up to Edinburgh didn't leave for like 6 hours. Seemed pointless to get a hotel room.https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/route/n9/Changi airport in Singapore has something similar, but it's an actual tour bus you can take for free during a layover.https://www.changiairport.com/en/airport-guide/facilities-and-services/free-singapore-tour.html.
Pawneewafflesarelife , Manuel Deiker
17. Give your feet a break! Loose shoes mean happy, non-swollen toes after landing.
Bot-Magnet
18. When the streetlights fail, your mini LED prevails. Never face a dark path (or land crab) unprepared
spookymouse1
By the time flights started making people feel gross and the eSIM hunt showed up, we were already in full “make it easier” mode, from saline spritzes to buying 12 gigs before landing.
In the realm of travel, awareness of cultural norms is vital for a smooth experience.
19. The ultimate long-haul flight survival kit
slykido999
20. Flying US-Canada? Check one-way tickets both ways; it could save you some serious cash.
If flying between the US and Canada, ALWAYS look at buying separate one-way tickets each direction. More often than not, you'll save $100+ due to their strange exchange rate and tax calculations. It doesn't work on every single route, but is always worth a check, and I've been amazed how often it's been much cheaper.
Dorkus_Mallorkus , Longxiang Qian
21. Explore with confidence—even off the grid. Offline maps mean no Wi-Fi, no problem
One of my favorite obscure travel hacks is to use Google Maps offline. Before my trip, I download the maps of the areas I’ll be visiting. This way, I can navigate, find attractions, and even search for restaurants without needing an internet connection. It’s especially useful in places with spotty Wi-Fi or when I want to save on data usage. Plus, it saves a ton of stress and helps me feel more confident exploring new places.
Known-Astronomer8660 , CardMapr.nl
There you have it—21 travel hacks that go beyond the basics and add a little magic to your journey. Remember, travel is all about the experience, and with these tips in hand, you’re sure to have a smoother, smarter adventure. Safe travels, and happy hacking!
Traveling can evoke a mix of excitement and anxiety, but the right approach can transform your journey into a seamless experience. The article presents a collection of innovative travel hacks that go beyond the usual advice. For instance, the suggestion to use packing cubes not only maximizes luggage space but also simplifies organization, allowing travelers to access their belongings with ease.
Moreover, the emphasis on maintaining flexibility in travel plans encourages a more spontaneous and enriching experience. Adopting these strategies, from utilizing tech tools for navigation to exploring local cuisine through apps, not only enhances the adventure but also offers a deeper connection to the destinations visited. Ultimately, the essence of successful travel lies in thoughtful preparation, adaptability, and an open mindset towards new experiences.
The best part is we didn’t just survive the trip, we turned the annoying parts, like holds and hassles, into points and smoother days.
For a totally different kind of travel stress, see the neighbor whose noisy dog disrupted a work-from-home setup.
