16 Brilliant Travel Hacks You Should Know For Your Next Trip
We all love traveling, yet heading to a foreign country can be stressful. It can be quite challenging to ensure you don’t spend a fortune, choose the perfect location that matches your expectations, and avoid getting sick from the food you are not used to. Plus, figuring out all your visa requirements and vaccinations can sometimes take ages. Luckily, with the right tips, you can enjoy the perfect vacation! Here are 16 genius travel hacks every vacationer needs to know before booking a trip.
Sign Up For Alerts
Sign up for alerts if a flight is too pricey during your initial search. You will receive flight deals for your destination on or around your dates. Be flexible and devise a reasonable timeframe, as deals might not be available on your intended departure date. With a bit of patience, you will soon receive an email offering you a great deal on your flight or accommodation.
Book On Sundays
Years ago, the best day to book travel was Tuesday, but recent data has shown it’s now Sunday. According to Expedia’s 2024 Travel Report, travelers can save up to 15% on flights booked on Sundays compared to any other day. Why? This is most likely because Sunday is the day when people usually come back from holiday, meaning that there will be more seats available.
Compare Across Travel Platforms
Google Flights and Skyscanner offer low prices, but you can always compare them to flights on Momondo. They pull data from smaller carriers to ensure the absolute best price. Insider tip: Try searching using incognito mode in your browser. Once you’ve found the best airlines, go on their direct page to see the real prices, as these platforms are not always accurate.
Exchange Money Before Departure
Exchange counters in airports and cities charge an astronomical fee to swap cash. Before departure, call your local bank and ask if the currency you need is available. Here, you can guarantee an exact exchange rate. Or, why not take your credit card with you and pay with that wherever possible? While this is impossible in some countries, in most Western countries, it is absolutely fine.
Get a Luggage Scale
There is no better packing gadget than a luggage scale. Checking your bag’s weight before arriving at the airport will eliminate extra baggage fees. You have no idea how much airlines can charge for a few extra kilos, so you better invest this money! Make sure to check your airline luggage requirements as it can vary from the airline you traveled before.
Consider the Off-Season
In popular destinations, you sometimes have to share your experience with others. Planning vacations in the shoulder season is a fantastic way to escape the crowds and secure the year’s best travel deals. Make sure though that you check the temperature, rain and wind forecast to avoid disappointment. Or, if you don’t mind a bit of rain, fully embrace the bad weather!
Open a Travel Credit Card
Consider a travel card to avoid foreign transaction fees. Credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred do away with international fees and allow massive points earnings for any travel-related purchase. However, keep in mind that this may only be convenient for those traveling a lot. Lastly, don’t forget to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your cards abroad.
Download your Boarding Pass
As online check-in becomes prevalent across airlines, you can access your boarding pass before arriving at the airport. Saving your pass lets you pull it up digitally, even offline. Plus, consider downloading helpful travel apps for real-time updates and local recommendations. Remember that if you’re traveling to developing countries, you may still be asked to print your ticket.
Skip The Airport Lines
There are several ways that US citizens can put airport lines in the past. With TSA Precheck, passengers fly through security in a breeze. Global Entry allows you to instantly complete customs, though appointments are usually unavailable for months. If approved, you can complete your interview in the United States upon arrival. Alternatively, the CBP Mobile Passport Control App has a separate, 5-minute customs line.
Always Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes maximize luggage space. They keep belongings organized and free up more space. Don’t have any on hand? Use resealable bags in a pinch. Consider using compression bags for bulky items like sweaters or jackets. Compression bags can significantly reduce the volume of these items, allowing you to pack more efficiently and make the most of your luggage space.
Get Crafty
Be innovative by using items for reasons other than their intended purposes. Duct tape fixes everything, binder clips can be repurposed into razor covers, and contact lens cases double as small jewelry holders. This is a great way to save space in your luggage, allowing you to pack more things for your trip and ensuring you will have everything you need.
Track Flight Prices in Other Countries
With your VPN, you can set your location to another country and check out cheaper flights to your destination. For example, setting your location to Thailand or Vietnam can often reduce flight prices from Phuket to Saigon.
Now, you can use several hacks to find affordable flights and eliminate the risk of extra spending. In addition, they allow you to travel with peace of mind, with everything taken care of before you step onto the plane.
Consider Spending The Night At The Airport
Are you flying at 7:00 a.m.? Then you will have to find a hotel close to the airport to spend the night. Unfortunately, these can be extremely pricy, but there’s a ‘but.’ While not all airports allow this, some establishments let passengers flying early in the morning spend their night there. Bring a blanket and a yoga mat, and save hundreds of dollars.
Check The Airport’s Facilities
Some airports have plenty of amenities for their passengers, such as gyms, spas, and libraries. It may be worth checking its website before departure if you are forced to spend hours on a layover in a big airport. You may use the time for a quick workout session, a work meeting, or a relaxing massage. Some airports are literally tiny cities with plenty of amenities to choose from.
Drive Rather Than Fly
There is a very good chance that there are many incredible destinations within driving distance from where you live. Rather than book an expensive flight and spend time at the hectic airport, consider driving to your vacation. Not only will you save money, but you will also get to see some amazing things along the way. Plus, you will have your car with you, making it easier to get around once you reach your destination. A road trip can be quite an adventure!
Cat or Dog Sit
If you are on a budget, your main expenses will be your flight and accommodation. We have a great tip to help you avoid paying for the latter. Websites such as Trusted House Sitters give you the chance to spend weeks, sometimes even months, in someone else apartment. In exchange, you will take care of their pet while they are away. This is a great solution if you love animals and need to save money.
