Travel hacks are tips that can help you save time, money, and unnecessary hassle when you’re on a vacation, holiday, or sightseeing trip. We’ve compiled a list of a few familiar hacks worth remembering and some lesser-known ones that can make your next journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Don’t Keep Valuables in One Place
It’s better to store your money, credit card, and debit card in different places. You don’t want to lose everything if you misplace your wallet or someone steals your purse. Wear clothes with zippered pockets to keep these essential items secure and handy.
Roll Clothes to Save More Space
Rather than folding your clothes into bulky piles that take up more space than necessary, roll them into smaller bundles. You can also use packing cubes for better organization and more space.
Pack a Mini-Medical Kit for Yourself
Make your own mini medical kit. You’ll need things like safety pins, alcohol pads, bandages, blister pads, tweezers, and needles. Also, remember to add an unopened tube of Superglue to your kit; it can fix many things and help bandages stay on.
Download Offline Maps or Get Physical Maps
Avoid getting stranded during your trip by downloading offline maps to help you navigate. For physical maps, you can either print them from your phone or ask your hotel concierge for one.
Get the Hotel Business Card
If you decide to lodge at a hotel, always ask whoever is at the front desk for a business card with the hotel’s address. In case your phone runs out of power, you can show it to a cab driver and have them take you back to the hotel. Remember to make photocopies of the card and carry a few with you.
Bring a Water Bottle
Bringing a water bottle with you is an underrated travel hack. You can stay hydrated with a reusable bottle and quickly quench your thirst on the go, especially at airports, hotels, and restaurants. This helps in saving money and avoiding overpriced water.
Public Transit
Contrary to the widespread opinion, public transport is a great choice if you want to keep your trip budget-friendly. Trains, buses, and subways are not only cheap but also help you mingle with the locals. If you are traveling to a major city, download Citymapper to find out the best routes, modes and prices of public transport.
Leverage Free Airport Amenities
Many airports offer free Wi-Fi, work stations, charging stations, water bottle refill machines, and a comfortable lounge area. These can help you save time and money, including avoiding cell phone data charges. They also have currency exchange services if you need local currency.
Use Noise-Cancelling Headsets
Noise-cancelling headsets are very helpful for blocking out noise, and the loud chatter of people around you. Make sure to choose headsets that are comfortable for extended use, especially on long trips.
Break The Communication Barrier
Nothing can spoil your travels more than not being able to communicate with the locals in a foreign country. Download translation apps, such as Google Translate, and use them to interpret anything you need, including speech, texts or signs.
A Makeshift Traveling Clothesline
If you have no place to dry your clothes after washing them, consider using an elastic jump rope as a clothesline. All you have to do is tie knots on both ends and hook it to a shower head or curtain rod.
Email Important Documents to Yourself
Scan important documents, save them on your phone, and email them to yourself or someone you trust. This can help avoid the hassle of carrying physical copies and keep them safe in case of bad weather.
Buy a Local SIM Card
A local SIM card is a good way to stay connected in another country. You can save data and avoid surcharges while making calls, as you will be charged rates applicable to your location.
Pack Essentials for Emergencies
Getting stranded is the last thing you need when you’re away from home. Make sure to travel with an ID, such as a passport. Ensure your phone is fully charged and pack extra batteries for mobiles with replaceable ones. Travel with a universal adapter and a power strip if you have multiple devices.
Ask Questions, Especially from the Locals
When you travel in a foreign country, talk to the locals and not just the hotel staff. The locals are the ultimate authority on the best sightseeing spots or restaurants in town. You can also ask them about the places to avoid and where they are on the map.
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