17 Incredible Travel Hacks
When it comes to traveling, strategy is key! The better prepared you are, the smoother your trip will go. Today we’re going to discuss 17 incredible travel hacks; whether you’re an experienced traveler or a novice planning your first big trip, you’re sure to find something on this list you never considered before.
1. Roll your clothes
This simple step will save you so much room in your luggage! Take your shirts, pants, underclothes, and even bulkier things like sweatshirts, and roll them as tight as you can before piling them into your suitcase. You’ll be surprised just how much you can fit when you pack this way, and your clothes will likely be less wrinkled than if you folded them.
2. Try Packing Cubes
Try stacking those tight rolls into some packing cubes! You can either use small cubes to pack individual outfits (making getting dressed in the morning a breeze), or you can use bigger cubes and sort by type (shorts, shirts, etc.) These compression cubes are highly recommended and could help you save even more space!
3. Pack Layers, Not Bulk
Another hack in the packing department is to plan to wear layers. Unless you’re headed to Siberia, you probably don’t actually need a big puffy jacket. Try layering a shirt, sweatshirt, and windbreaker to keep warm without having to wrestle a winter jacket into your luggage.
4. Stuff Your Carry-on
If you have both checked bags and carry-ons, make sure you take advantage of all the space! If you’re worried your checked bag is over a weight limit, put heavier things into your carry-on bag to avoid charges. You can also transport more fragile souvenirs this way, especially if you use a hard-sided carry-on like this Samsonite option!
5. Keep Extra Essentials With You
You never know what will happen to your checked luggage, especially on long travel days when you have multiple flight transfers. It’s good to get in the habit of keeping a spare set of clothes (as well as a few small toiletries) in your backpack or “day bag,” just in case your luggage gets lost or delayed.
6. Download Google Translate
You never know what will happen to your checked luggage, especially on long travel days when you have multiple flight transfers. It’s good to get in the habit of keeping a spare set of clothes (as well as a few small toiletries) in your backpack or “day bag,” just in case your luggage gets lost or delayed.
7. Bring a Pillowcase
Not a pillow, just the case. Why? Pillows take up lots of room, but an empty pillowcase can become an emergency pillow with just a few pieces of clothing from your suitcase. The pillowcase can also work as a stuff sack or even a makeshift laundry bag.
8. Change Currency at Your Bank
This is one of the more well-known travel hacks because airport currency exchanges are known for having astronomically high rates. Take the time to change your money ahead of time at your local bank, if you can. Otherwise, try and wait and find a bank or currency exchange outside of the airport to get a better rate. Make sure to get yourself a bank account that offers free ATM withdrawls. I use CapitalOne
9. Pack Some Laundry Soap
Whether you use a laundry soap bar like Febreze Fabric Refresher or a detergent specifically designed for traveling like Febreze To-Go Fabric Refresher, you’ll definitely want to have something on hand. Many times when traveling internationally, you won’t have access to a washing machine, so you’ll want to be prepared to wash your clothes in the sink.
10. Consider These Line Skipping Hacks
- TSA Precheck allows you to get into a dedicated line at US airports, usually much quicker than the regular security line. ($85 for five years.)
- Global Entry is a program that expedites your reentry into the US through customs. This program includes TSA Precheck and may be the best bang for your buck. ($100 for five years.)
- Clear is a company operating in major US airports that checks you in using biometrics, then skips you straight to the front of the security line. ($179 each year.)
11. Pack Some Dryer Sheets
“Wait, I thought you just said I probably wouldn’t have a dryer?” While you may not have access to a dryer on your trip, dryer sheets are always a good idea. They help keep your luggage smelling fresh and clean, and you can even toss one in your dirty laundry bag to keep it from stinking.
12. If You Need WiFi, Find a Restaurant or Coffee Shop
Often, you will find spots where you have to pay for WiFi in airports. Before you do that, try finding a restaurant or coffee shop in the airport that has free WiFi—I promise you, there more than likely is one.
- Touch VPN with safe and limitless online within just 3 steps, within 3 minutes. No technical knowledge is required. VPN is available for all devices.
- ZenMate VPN with safe and limitless online within just 3 steps, within 3 minutes. No technical knowledge is required. VPN is available for all devices.
13. Stuff Your Shoes
All that space inside your shoes is wasted when you’re packing a bag! Try stuffing your shoes with socks, underwear, t-shirts, or even small toiletries; this will help you maximize your packing space!
14. Bring a Shower Cap
This is one of my favorite travel hacks of all time! There’s nothing worse than having your dirty, dusty, grimy shoes next to your toothbrush or clean clothes. A shower cap makes a great shoe cover so you can keep everything sanitary. (If I stay in hotels with free shower caps, I always snag them for this trick!)
15. Compression Socks for Long Flights
If you’ve ever flown on a long international flight, you’ve probably experienced the swollen feet and ankles that often accompany long air travel days. One remedy for this is to wear compression socks on the plane! This will keep the blood flow in your legs moving better, even when you’re sitting still.
16. Bring an Empty Water Bottle
This is great for international or domestic flights—no more buying $5 bottles of water at the airport! Bring an empty reusable water bottle, and then refill it once you’ve gone through security. Whether you use a simple Nalgene like this one or a lightweight, collapsable collapsible water bottle, bringing your own is good for your wallet and good for the environment!
17. Carry Copies of Your Documents
This one is super important because you never know what will happen when you’re traveling. I always take a couple of photocopies of my passport, visas, itinerary, other forms of ID, etc., and stick them in all my bags. This way, if (God forbid!) I lose my passport, my phone dies, or I get pickpocketed, I still have a way to try to prove who I am or figure out where I am going.
Conclusion
These are just a few of my favorite travel hacks. What are your favorite travel hacks? Is there anything you think I missed? Let me know!
