21 Game-Changing Travel Hacks That’ll Make Your Next Journey A Breeze
Because every great adventurer deserves a few insider tricks.
Traveling is one of life’s greatest adventures, but let’s be real—getting there isn’t always a breeze. Sure, the internet is flooded with travel tips, but how many times do we need to hear, “roll your clothes to save space”?
What if you’re looking for advice that’s a little less obvious and a lot more useful? We’re talking insider tricks that only veteran globetrotters know. That’s where we come in!
We’ve put together this list of 21 lesser-known but super useful travel hacks that’ll make you feel like a jet-setting pro. These hacks come from a blend of real travelers who’ve been there, done that, and shared their wisdom. They’ve earned their badges as seasoned adventurers, who know how to navigate the unexpected.
Imagine breezing through airport security, never scrambling for Wi-Fi passwords, and always having that one tiny item that you didn’t know you’d need but are so glad you packed. Amazing, right?
These are the kinds of tips that help you avoid rookie travel mistakes and even save some cash along the way.
So, whether you’re a frequent flier or planning your first adventure, get ready to add some fresh hacks to your travel toolkit. Trust us, you’ll want to bookmark these for your next trip!
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. He suggests that having a rough outline is beneficial, but travelers should remain open to spontaneous adventures.
This approach not only enriches the travel experience but often leads to unexpected discoveries, such as local festivals or hidden gems that aren’t in travel guides. By allowing for changes, you can make the most of your journey and create lasting memories, which are often the heart of travel.
Staying Connected
Tech expert Tim Ferriss recommends travelers use technology wisely to stay connected without overspending. He advises downloading offline maps and essential apps before departure, which can save on roaming charges.
Moreover, utilizing Wi-Fi calling apps can reduce international calling costs. Ferriss also suggests setting aside specific times to check in with family and friends, allowing travelers to maintain connections while fully immersing themselves in their adventures.
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. She notes that this method allows for easier access to essentials without the chaos of rummaging through a suitcase.
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
Health and wellness expert Dr. Michael Greger recommends that travelers pay attention to their diet while on the road. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced diet to avoid travel-related fatigue.
Incorporating local fruits and vegetables into meals can boost energy levels and improve overall health. Dr. Greger suggests packing portable snacks, like nuts and dried fruits, to keep energy levels stable during long journeys. This proactive approach can greatly enhance your travel experience.
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
Finding Affordable Accommodations
Financial expert Jean Chatzky highlights that travelers can save significantly by being flexible with their accommodation choices and booking times. 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
Behavioral economist Dr. Daniel Kahneman discusses the psychological impact of travel on happiness. He points out that anticipation plays a crucial role in enhancing well-being, as planning trips can boost mood even before the journey begins.
To leverage this, he suggests creating a travel vision board or journal to visualize and plan future trips. This practice not only keeps motivation high but also provides a sense of accomplishment when goals are achieved.
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
Navigating Cultural Differences
Cross-cultural communication expert Dr. Pepper Schwartz advises travelers to research cultural norms and practices before visiting new countries. Understanding local customs can prevent misunderstandings and promote respectful interactions with locals.
For instance, knowing appropriate greetings or dining etiquette can enhance your experience. Dr. Schwartz recommends engaging with local communities through social media to learn about their culture, which can lead to more meaningful connections during your travels.
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
Travel psychologist Gretchen Rubin emphasizes the importance of self-care during travel. She suggests that maintaining a familiar routine, even while away, can help reduce stress and enhance enjoyment.
For example, dedicating time each day for meditation, journaling, or exercise can provide a sense of stability amidst the chaos of travel. Incorporating these practices can help travelers return home feeling rejuvenated rather than exhausted.
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!
Solutions & Coping Strategies
Traveling can be both exhilarating and daunting, but implementing expert advice can significantly enhance the experience. By incorporating insights from professionals like Matt Kepnes on flexibility and Healthline on health, travelers can navigate their journeys more effectively.
Furthermore, by leveraging resources and strategies shared by financial experts and psychologists, one can not only save money but also enrich their overall travel experience. The key to successful travel lies in preparation, adaptability, and a willingness to engage with the world around you.
