Upgrade the way you travel with these helpful and money-saving travel hacks. As an expert traveler who has traveled solo to over 15 countries and lived in 4 foreign countries, I’ve made a lot of travel mistakes. I’ve spent money on unnecessary things, I’ve over-packed and under-packed, and been completely unprepared. But you don’t have to!
Keep reading to find the best travel hacks to ensure your trips are as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. 👇
1. Stuff socks into shoes and fill purses with accessories
This clever packing hack is perfect for maintaining the shape of your shoes and purses. While it also ensures that you’re maximizing space in your luggage. Plus, it allows you to easily find your socks and accessories once you’re at your destination.
2. Pack a hat strategically
There are a few ways you can prevent your hat from getting crushed in your luggage. Pack it upside down and fill it with small items like belts and scarves. While also building your clothes around it on the outside, will help to maintain the shape. Another trick is to use a pant hanger! Simply clip the brim of your hat to it and carry it on or clip it to your backpack. Both of these tricks will ensure that your hat arrives in pristine condition! You’ll be camera ready for those vacation photos straight off the plane.
3. Choose the best window seat
For those who always book a window seat because they love a great view – this tip is for you! Studying the flight route beforehand allows you to pick the side of the plane with the most picturesque window views. Whether it’s for takeoff or landing you can Google “which side of the plane to sit on arriving in X city”. For popular destinations, the answer will immediately come up but if it doesn’t you can figure this out on your own. Figure out the flight path, time of day, and where the landmark is in relation to the airport. This will help you to figure out which side of the plane to sit on for your next destination.
4. Gift your loose change and leftover currency to locals
If you’re left with a pile of unused foreign currency at the end of your trip, a thoughtful and generous option is to distribute it among local street performers, waitstaff, or other individuals who could benefit from the extra cash. Not only will this action bring a smile to their faces, but it’ll also lighten your load on the return journey.
5. Keep your suitcase fresh with dryer sheets
Placing a few dryer sheets in your suitcase can work wonders in keeping your clothes smelling fresh and clean throughout your travels. Additionally, they can be used to reduce static and prevent your clothes from sticking together.
6. Pack a power strip for charging all your electronics
As a solo traveler, staying connected is essential. Packing a compact power strip ensures you’ll have enough outlets for charging all your electronic devices at once. This is especially beneficial in destinations with limited or inconveniently located outlets.
7. Use Google Maps offline
Even if you are planning to buy a SIM card, it’s still helpful to download offline maps for your destination before you leave. Oftentimes when you arrive at an airport it may be too early or too late to grab one. If you’re arriving at a bus or train station, you’ll need to travel somewhere else to buy a SIM card. By downloading offline maps for your destination in advance, you can prevent expensive data roaming charges or being completely stranded. Even with a SIM card, it can be good to have an offline map as a backup when the internet is spotty. Which often happens in foreign countries.
8. Inform banks and credit card providers of your travel plan
Most banks now allow you to do this within your banking APP and sometimes you can enter multiple countries if you’re country hopping (common in SE Asia and Europe). This simple precaution will ensure a hassle-free shopping experience during your trip and prevent any potential card blocking due to suspicion of fraud.
9. Roll your clothes and use packing cubes
Rolling your clothes helps to save space in your luggage and minimize wrinkles. To further enhance organization, packing cubes can be used to compartmentalize your belongings and make it easier to find items when you need them. Read more about the benefits of Packing Cubes in my post here!
10. Label your suitcase as fragile
A “Fragile” sticker on your suitcase can encourage baggage handlers to handle your suitcase with extra care. In addition, your suitcase is usually loaded on top or last meaning that it’s more likely to arrive first on the baggage carousel. This should only be used if you have an airport transfer where you have to pick up your bags and physically transfer them or if you are transferring by another form of transportation.
11. Bring a portable water purifier for free, fresh water
A portable water purifier has many benefits the first one being the most obvious – safe access to drinking water! In addition, in most countries, water is not free at restaurants and not often provided like it is in (most places) in the United States. This ensures you stay hydrated and healthy on your travels without spending tons of money on bottled water.
12. Extend rechargeable batteries’
Sticking your rechargeable battery in the fridge will extend the shelf life. Especially beneficial for traveling in warmer climates. This surprising tip can help your batteries last longer while traveling, so you don’t need to constantly purchase replacements.
13. Ask your accommodations about toiletries
Especially if you’ve booked with Agoda or Airbnb, you should ask your host in advance what toiletries are available. Hotels usually have this information available on their site at booking but if it’s not there, don’t be shy and reach out before your stay. Knowing this information will allow you to pack accordingly, prevent you from packing unnecessary items, and save space in your luggage.
