The best travel hacks to save you time, money and space
When heading overseas or even interstate, there are so many ‘damn, I wish I’d thought of that’ moments we have. We all want to save time, money and space but when we’re lacking those in the lead-up to our trip, we can get flustered.
So here’s every travel hack you will ever need for getting the most out of your next holiday!
1. Book two one-way flights
It sounds a bit silly but some people swear by booking two one-way flights on different airlines instead of a roundtrip.
2. Change your location when booking flights
A ticket’s “point of sale” i.e. where it is purchased, can affect its price thanks to something called “regional pricing”. Basically, the price of a ticket will be lower in a country with a lower standard of living, or when travel companies are trying to break into a new country.
To change your point of sale when next booking flights, i.e. changing your location to Hanoi, Vietnam instead of Melbourne, simply Google: ‘Google ITA matrix’ and you will be able to search for flights. Compare prices and you will be very surprised!
3. Clear your cookies
Refreshing a window 20 times will not make a flight cheaper, but instead, it make the price go up as it changes based on demand. You can get around this by using incognito browsing or by clearing your search history and cookies. This can be done easily in your browser settings.
4. Check your plane’s seating configuration
Before you get on board your flight and you want to have a sticky beak at what type of plane you have, check out seatguru.com, which has up-to-date seating charts for every single flight in the world, and tells you which rows don’t recline and rates the seats based on reviews.
5. Take a power board
This is my number one travel tip! Take along a power board – you’ll be thanking us later. Instead of having to charge one thing at a time with your travel charger, charge 5 or 6.
6. Keep an extra set of cables
On the subject of electronics, bring a few spare cables so you can prepare in case you lose one.
7. Roll your clothing
One of the best packing tips is to roll clothes to maximise space and minimise wrinkling, then use space compressible plastic bags to push excess air out of the clothes for even more space.
8. Use your shoes for more space
And once you’re done rolling, pop a few smaller rolls into your shoes to utilise that space.
9. Minimise jet lag
Jet lag can really knock you about and takes about a day to adapt, or longer. You can cut down on this recovery time by sleeping more before your trip, as well as shifting your meals and bedtime closer to those at your destination. This takes some forward planning but there are apps that can help, such as Jet Lag App.
10. Order the vegetarian/special meal
When booking your flight, request the special meal – it’ll mean you get served before everyone else on the flight and most people agree, they taste fresher.
11. Go to departures for a cab/just get an Uber
Once you arrive at your destination, head for the departures section. People will be getting out of cabs, making it easy for you to grab one. Otherwise, order an Uber off the app and save a bunch of money.
12. Make free calls and texts
Use Skype, Viber and other free messaging and call apps to avoid spending so much at your destination. This really does pay off!
13. Pill containers
If you have an extra pill container, it an double as a jewellery box, easily organising your earrings and rings.
14. Couch surf or AirBnB
Instead of a hotel, look into reserving a home on AirBnB or staying over for free on someone’s couch through Couch Surfers. You’ll get to meet the locals and more often than not it’ll be a better experience than a hotel or hostel.
15. Scan your documents, ID, passport and itinerary and send them to yourself
This one’s an obvious one but so many people forget to. If you lose anything crucial on your holiday, you have a backed-up copy to help you reorder them.
16. Call bank
Again, it seems obvious but sometimes it is forgotten: call your bank. Your bank needs to know that you are overseas and where so it doesn’t block odd-looking transactions.
17. Bring your own water bottle
Depending on the airline’s policies regarding drinks, having your own water bottle ensures that you have water when you want it. Purchase a flat bottle that expands when water is in it, and fill up after customs.
18. Bring a pen
You’d be surprised how many times you need a pen but forget to bring one! Bring a little case with a few in it.
19. Use ATMs to get local currency
Using money converters in the airport usually come with their own fees and the exchange rates are a rip-off. ATMs always dispense local currency, of course, so use your debit or credit card and get your money there.
20. Download a city guide such as Yelp
Use guidebooks sparingly or expensive maps. Websites such as Yelp are popular because it allows you to discover a few places off the beaten path. Avoid the tourist spots for an authentic experience!
21. Eat locally only
Forget McDonald’s or your creature comforts: if you want to save money and get a taste for local cuisine, see where the locals hang out and go there. It’ll be cheap and tasty.
22. Charge your electronics through a TV
Have you lost or forgotten your wall plug for your charger? Most modern TVs have a USB connector on the back or side. Simply plug in your electrical device.
23. Screenshot any journey confirmations
If you’ve booked any flights, buses or trains, make sure you screenshot them while you have Wi-Fi or internet access so you can access them when you’re no longer connected. It’s much easier than taking print outs.
24. Find travel companions
There are a number of apps out there that can help you make friends out on the road without going through the anxiety of having to approach groups in person. Travel Buddies and Backpackr can help you find travellers nearby and check out their itineraries. And, why not get a local to show you all the best places in town? The Party with a Local app will allow you to get a real feel for life in the town you’re in.
25. Dummy wallet
Get yourself a fake wallet to trick thieves. Put only a couple of dollars in it and then hide your real wallet somewhere close to you.
26. Clothes line
Hand washing clothes can be a reality of travelling, though most developed countries have laundromats or laundry services who can clean your clothes for you. If you have to wash something yourself, invest in a cheap travel clothes line before you go – it can be hung up almost anywhere and will be one of your most handy items.
27. Use Google Maps offline
Obviously you can’t always be online while exploring a city. Thankfully, the latest version of Google Maps now allows you to save map areas directly to your phone and view them later to explore. Once you’ve found the location/area you want, there are three ways you can save it for later:
- Type ‘OK Maps’ in the search bar,
- Tap the microphone icon and say: “OK maps”
- Tap the search bar, scroll all the way to the bottom, then and hit ‘Save a new offline map’.
Do you have any other travel tips to add?
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