"Hacks" is often a term used to describe unique tips to help you do something easier and more affordably. According to an Microsoft article by someone calling themselves Nomad Veronica LLC, here are 44 travel hacks to make travelling easier.
You also might see me add a few of my own. You might also see me add some info to each one if I have done it or seen it. My takes on each item will be listed after "Pro tip" because I have done that item and it works for me.
Hacks for packing
-We've all either been there or known someone who has been there. The person who has travelled all over the world and knows every little hack in the book. Here are some simple ways to make packing easier.
1. Roll your clothes
-This is a time tested and proven method of conserving space in your luggage. Not only does it save space, but it also is a nice way of folding your clothes to avoid wrinkles
-Pro tip: I do this and it works wonderfully. My clothes are not wrinkled, my suitcase has plenty of room. It works beautifully
2. Use packing cubes / crates
-These are a game changer. If rolling your clothes is not something you prefer, instead use packing cubes to put your clothing in. You can fold your items inside these cubes and it will keep them nice and tidy without looking like security already went through your belongings
-Pro tip: I also use packing cubes. I put my bulkier items in there, like jean shorts, t-shirts, camisoles, etc.
3. Pack a multi-use scarf or cover up
-Use a multi use scarf, cover up or sarong as a makeshift blanket, towel or accessory to outfit. Sometimes people bring blankets with them, but it would be wise to check with the airline or airport before doing this
4. Stuff small items into shoes
-Utilize the maximum amount of space in your luggage and also avoid losing small items by stuffing them inside your shoes. It not only keeps you from losing said small items, it helps you use every inch. Or you can put them into a plastic bag to keep them in one place
5. Put dryer sheets in between layers of clothes
-To reduce static cling and keep your clothes smelling laundry fresh, slip a few dryer sheets in between your clothes
6. Use plastic wrap under caps
-To keep hats from getting unnecessary spills on them, utilize plastic wrap on plastic bottles. Put a piece of plastic wrap on bottles and then put on the lids. For extra protection, use tape around the lid
7. Carry an emergency kit
-Always be prepared for the worst. Have an emergency kit on hand. This should be easily ready and accessible from your carry on. This emergency kit should include all necessary first aid supplies, medications and other items deemed important
8. Follow the 1-2-3 rule for shoes
-There is a rule for shoes in luggage. This helps people choose shoes. It's called the 1-2-3 rule. One pair of dress shoes, two pairs of casual shoes, 3 pairs of socks per pair of shoes. It also comes down to where you are going and what you'll be doing that determines the type of footwear you'll be wearing / bringing
9. Seal / separate toiletry bag
-Keep this bag separated from other items in your luggage and keep it sealed tightly. Use clear plastic bags to make getting through security easy peasy (they'll appreciate you making it easy for them)
-Pro tip: most travel sections at stores have clear bags for toiletry items that are safe for security. They have clear fronts so security knows there are toiletry items inside
10. Use the bundle packing method
-If rolling clothes doesn't work for you and the packing cubes don't suit you, try this time-tested method. Using a bundle pack method. This involves wrapping clothes around a central core, the wrinkle-prone items on the outside, the tougher stuff on the inside. The idea is that it will save space and reduce folding lines
Airport / flight hacks
-Now that you're at the airport, it's now time to get through security, sometimes called TSA. These people make sure you're not taking anything suspicious out of the country. Follow some simple rules designed to streamline your process through security and get you through faster and easier
11. Download boarding passes
-Make sure that you have all of your necessary travel documents in one place prior to leaving for the airport. Because if you leave for the airport and realize, when you get there, that you have forgotten something, you won't have time to go back and get that item without the risk of missing your flight. It's always good to triple check you have everything before you leave. If you are the kind of person who likes to take things digital, consider downloading your boarding pass on to your phone. It avoids the hassle of printing and making the boarding process easier. But if you like to keep the boarding pass as a memento, put the boarding pass inside the same folder as you keep your passport and then put your passport inside your carry on.
-Pro tip: Invest in a passport holder. Not only will this keep your passport secure, you can also keep other important documents in there as well, including boarding pass, flight information, a pen for filling out international forms and more.
12. Wear extra layers
-To save space in your luggage and ensure a comfortable trip, consider wearing extra layers. You can use these clothes for extra warmth
-Pro tip: look at the weather forecast for the area you are currently living in. Even if it's summer time when you're traveling, it'll be different temperatures up in the friendly skies. You'll want to wear long pants and bring a hooded sweatshirt to wear because once you're up in the skies, it can get mighty cold
13. Charge devices prior to travel
-Make sure all of the devices you plan on bringing are fully charged. Outlets at airports might be tricky to find or everyone is using them to charge their devices last minute. Making sure that your devices are fully charged will ensure that you keep informed and entertained
-Pro tip: invest in a universal adapter. These handy little devices allow you to charge things overseas. Just use the right adapter for the country you're in and you can charge your devices. These handy little devices will have the appropriate electrical prong setup for whatever country you're in because voltage differences can vary from country to country. These nifty little devices will run you no more than $10-$20 at most stores and will be found in the travel department
14. Carry portable charger
-This nifty little item is a game changer. Carry a portable charger with you to charge your devices. Keep it with you, along with a universal adapter, to keep you charged up on all of your devices
15. Bring your own snacks
-Airports can be expensive. The stores are counting on travelers being hungry. Bring your own snacks with you to keep hunger at bay. It means saving massive amounts of money at the airport and healthier options, especially if you have dietary restrictions
16. Stay hydrated
-Staying hydrated is key to fighting off and preventing jet lag. You can bring a reusable water bottle to fill up after getting through security to ensure you stay well watered throughout the flight, since flying dehydrates you
17. Choose an aisle seat for long flights
-Long flights can be tedious, especially if you are in the window or middle seat. Choose an aisle seat so you can stretch out without disturbing others. The aisle seat allows easier access to your carry on.
-Pro tip: store your carry on underneath the seat in front of you. Not only will you avoid disturbing others by incessantly getting up to go to the overhead bin, but you'll have all the important items you need closer
18. Wear slip on shoes
-While wearing flip flops to the airport might get you through security faster, they are not always the right choice of footwear, especially in the case of an emergency or once you get up in the air. Wear slip on shoes or gym shoes to the airport. Slip on shoes make it faster to get through security and also maximize comfort on the airplane. Not only that, but they keep your feet warmer too once up in the air
19. Keep a pen with you
-When travelling internationally, you will need to fill out entrance forms or other forms. Keep a pen at the ready to fill these out so you can enter the country. It will save boatloads of time to have a pen at the ready rather than wait for airplane staff to hand out pens. Keep a pen inside your passport holder
-Pro tip: invest in a passport holder. These can include slots for important papers, pens, your passport and more. When looking for a passport holder, invest in one that has a loop for a pen, storage for papers and your passport. This will keep you not only organized but ready with a pen and all your important documents together in one place
20. Book early morning flights
-To reduce delays and enjoy a quieter travel experience, book early morning flights. Statistics show that early morning flights are more enjoyable and a lot less likely to be delayed than flights later on
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