30 TRAVEL HACKS FOR A PERFECT TRIP
30 TRAVEL HACKS FOR A PERFECT TRIP
- Exploring the globe is one of the most fulfilling things to do on earth. Whether regionally, internationally, or a “staycation,” it can be done with fewer hiccups and costs, using tested and proven tips and travel hacks. Because we all know, nothing in life ever goes as perfectly as we plan. Additionally, there are many things everyone should know about travel to make the journey smoother. Have you ever wondered how some people maneuver their way through travel problems? What tricks or hacks do they use to get out of sticky situations, secure cheaper tickets, accommodation, etc.? I can certainly help with the answers to some of these questions. Please continue reading to find out my 30 travel hacks for a perfect trip.
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TRAVEL HACKS BEFORE YOU BOOK
1. Plan your trip around the off-peak season
Avoid travelling during the peak season, especially if you are a budget traveller or hate crowds. Peak periods are the months June to August (summer period) and November to February (winter period). During this period, ticket and hotel prices are usually higher than the off-peak months.
Also, tourist sites and attractions can be more crowded because of the influx of visitors. Remember Christmas, New year’s Eve, Thanksgiving, and Spring Break are also peak periods or prime seasons. So plan and book at least three months prior (to get the best deals) if you wish to travel during the peak period, or just travel during the off-peak season for less.
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2. Use Google incognito search or browsers like DuckDuckGo to search for flights
Have you ever searched for a flight or any other information on Google, then suddenly advertisements promoting the said item flood your mailbox? It can be both good and bad. If you wish to see advertising with options regarding a particular item, then it’s all good. However, I think it is risky when searching for flights or accommodation. Because after the initial check, you will receive tons of promotional emails, and the prices for the same route skyrockets. I have tested this several times, and it was always the same outcome, even though some may disagree that it happens.
Using Google in incognito mode, clearing your cookies, or using the DuckDuckGo browser (most private browser) will erase your history. It guarantees the airline booking engines will not bombard you with emails, nor will they fill your social media accounts with such advertisements.
3. Airline tickets for travel on specific days and times are cheaper
When purchasing your airline ticket, you must know that travelling on certain days of the week can save you a lot. Tickets bought for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays are usually the cheapest, with Friday and Sundays a bit more expensive.
Additionally, flights early in the morning (dawn) or overnight (midnight onwards) are the cheapest. Purchase at least three months in advance to save even more.
The best compact travel Camera, the Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera, with 18-135mm Zoom Lens.
It is perfect for all travellers and photographers.
4. Book overnight flights to save on lodging
I have done this hack many times, and it is a money saver, even if it is just one night. When you book an overnight flight, you sleep on the plane. It makes no financial sense to book and pay for an entire night at a hotel and check in past midnight/early in the morning.
If you schedule your flight to arrive in a country during these hours, kill time at the airport until dawn, then go to your hotel. It is a possibility you might get to check in on arrival because some hotels allow check-ins before the stipulated time between 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
5. Opt for long layovers to explore other cities
I love long layovers, especially in cities I’m transiting for the first time. What better way to see another city, for eight hours or more at no extra cost? If you like it, return another time for a lengthier stay.
A long layover is a blessing in disguise because you will have a mini-adventure to start your vacation. If you are not rushing to get to your destination, book the flight with a long layover. Most times, they are also cheaper than direct flights or shorter layovers.
Take advantage of the opportunity to tour the city and surrounding areas. Many airports provide luggage lockers at minimal costs. So leave your carry-on luggage at the airport (the airline keeps your checked suitcase in storage) and spend some quality time in the city.
6. Purchase Open-Jaw flight tickets
This is my favorite travel hack of the 30 travel hacks for a perfect trip because, for me, perfect trips start with a cheaper-priced ticket, with options. Open-Jaw, sometimes called multi-city tickets, are gold mines.
What exactly is an Open-Jaw ticket?
Open jaw-ticket means you buy a ticket to one city/airport but leave from another city/airport back to your city of origin or a different one (you use another form of transport to get between the two countries).
They usually price these flights as round-trip fares but are sold as multi-city bookings. So instead of booking multiple one-way tickets, which can add up to a lot more. With open-jaw tickets, they offer flexibility, adventure, and the opportunity to visit two or more amazing countries at a lower price
7. Avoid city center hotels they are more expensive
City center hotels in big cities are convenient and in the heart of the action. They are usually expensive as well. Therefore, to avoid exorbitant prices, it is best to stay outside the city or within walking distance of the city center. If you rent a car, or there is a Metro, bus, or Tram service passing close to your hotel, then even better. There is no need to stay in the city center where it is also noisier at night.
8. Call the hotel directly to book your room
Booking sites like Booking.com offer great deals, free cancellations, and do not debit your account in advance. However, if you wish to save even more, before booking, compare prices with different booking agents and the hotels, to get the price differences. According to the price differences, you can pay less if you call the hotel and book directly with them (some may even offer you a discount).
9. Buy your tour/site visit tickets in advance
It is best to book your tours and attractions in advance to avoid the long ticket lines or sold-out signs. I remember three places where I was super happy I made advance bookings with Klook. The cable car ride to Lantau Island – Hong Kong, Acropolis tour, Athens – Greece and the Statue of Liberty tours, New York – U.S.A (book at least three months in advance, if you wish to get tickets for the crown). The queue for these attractions was the longest I have ever seen in all my years of travel. You can risk it with less popular tours and attractions and book on the spot. (Klook is usually cheaper than other tour companies and offers excellent service).
10. Pack some dryer sheet
Those like myself who do not use a laundry service while on vacation will like this hack. Packing dryer sheets in your luggage is your solution to travelling with dirty clothes. Because sometimes you might have to reopen your suitcase at the airport for a Customs’ search, and might be embarrass due to odour.
30 Travel hacks for a perfect trip cont..
11. Pack some Panty shield/liners
I learned this hack some years ago from experimenting while on vacation in a tropical country. The problem was I did not pack sufficient blouses, and with the unavailability of laundry service to clean them, I had to reuse them as is.
The Panty Shields/liners came in handy as underarm “sweat absorbers”. This way I reused them several times without worrying about perspiration odour or stains. Not only are they good “underarm liners” but excellent as heel cushions for shoes/sneakers that fit too tightly or chaff the heel.
12. Keep your clothes wrinkle-free
Are you travelling for business or a quick getaway and have no time to iron or possibly no iron in the room? No one wants to wear wrinkled clothes on their vacation or to a business meeting. The trick is in the packing. Folding your clothes will not keep them wrinkle-free after a long flight. Instead, the trick is to roll them as one big bulk roll, unlike individually rolling your clothes to maximize luggage space.
How to do this?
- Start by taking the bulkiest material, such as a bath towel or robe, and roll it tightly like a spool of thread. Then spread out the shirts or dresses, fold sleeves into the center and individually roll them smoothly over this roll. Continue with all the other garments until you have one big roll. Turn jackets inside out to prevent wrinkles.
- Another way to keep your clothes wrinkle-free is to spread them out one on top the other, smoothen them out, sleeves folded inward and fold them along the seams and then roll them along the seams altogether into one smooth roll.
TRAVEL HACKS BEFORE LEAVING HOME
13. Travel With your Universal Adapter
Don’t assume all countries use the same electrical outlet plugs as yours. Some countries use 220 voltage and others 120 voltage. Therefore, you need to get a (#Ad) Universal travel adapter/plug converter. It is a must if you travel to many regions of the world because there is never one readily available for you at the hotel. Here is another hack. If you forget your converter at home, use the USB port at the back of the television to charge your phone.
14. Take along Binder or Bulldog clips
Binder and bulldog clips come in many sizes and are not only for the office. Take them along with you on your vacation to solve simple problems. If you are like me and take along your snacks, they are excellent to keep your leftover packs sealed. Below are some other ways you can use them.
- They are also great for keeping the cords of your headset and chargers neatly folded and tangle-free.
- Use them to keep the blades of your razor covered.
- Great for keeping your money secure without using a wallet which is never encouraged, especially when sightseeing.
- Clipped to the side of your phone the make a stand for your phone.
- If your hotel does not have enough clamping hangers for trousers/pants/skirts, use two clips on the available hangers (works great).
15. Pack your favorite snacks
Another trick I take pride in doing on every trip is packing a snack bag. The same energy I used to pack my suitcase goes into this. I pack everything I love, salt savory, spicy (healthy or not) all my favorites and comfort snacks are in my snack bag.
Consider the convenience of readily having them and not searching for them at the Duty-free shops. Doing this will also save you money because of the exorbitant prices at the airport and on some airlines.
16. Don’t forget your noise-canceling headset
A noise-canceling headset, like the neck pillow, is a travel investment. Both provide peace and comfort on long flights. We all have been there with crying babies, noisy plane engines for the entire flight, or just wanting to lock out the chatter next to us. These headsets are excellent for your noise-free flight comfort.
17. Seat selection is a must and free
Do you want to have an enjoyable and comfortable flight? Then the right seat is the key, to begin with, especially if you cannot afford business class. Many airlines do not offer free advance seat selection, so you must pay for it when you purchase the ticket.
The trick is not to pay, but instead, wait for when the web check window is open (24 – 72 hours before the flight) and choose your favorite seat for free. (Remember those who are first will get their best choice because other passengers will do the same). It is also another of my top 5 must-do’s of the 30 travel hacks for a perfect trip
18. Travel with an extra-large scarf
Not all airlines offer a (free) blanket, but the big airlines do. It can get to freezing temperatures the higher the altitude of the plane. So not only will a scarf keep the neck warm but double as a blanket.
19. Travel with a water bottle
Water is expensive at airports, and many times passengers have to discard their water to pass through the security check points. If you travel with an empty water bottle, you can fill it up at the airport or even ask the flight attendant to fill it before disembarking the airplane. That’s because some people with “iron stomachs” can eat and drink just about anything from anywhere, without becoming ill.
Others who travel with a Steripen can feel confident about drinking tap water without worrying about bacteria or germs. In some countries like Iceland, the water has minerals. Iceland was also the first and only country where I consumed tap water. It was also the best tasting and saved me money because I did not buy bottled water.
30 Travel hacks for a perfect trip cont..
20. Minimize the effects of jet lag
Jet lag results from crossing one or multiple time zones. It is the side effects felt by the body because of the abrupt change of the internal clock or sleep rhythm. As a result, your body becomes stressed, resulting in health issues such as fatigue, insomnia, etc. Here are some tips to minimize the effects;
- Start readjusting your sleep time a couple of days in advance to match the time in the country you will visit.
- Get more sleep before and during your flight and do some exercise on board, no matter how small.
- Stay hydrated during the flight, drink more water, less caffeine and alcohol.
- Most importantly, readjust your bedtime to the country you enter, which means if you arrive in the day, stay awake, do not sleep no matter how tired you are. In fact, get as much sun as you can. Similarly, if you arrive at night, whether or not you are sleepy, try to get some rest until you fall asleep. By the next day, your sleep pattern will slowly adjust accordingly.
21. Place a fragile sticker on your luggage
I learned this hack a few years too late. It was only after an airline damaged my luggage and attached a fragile sticker to my newly bought luggage that I saw the benefits of the sticker. I observed luggage with a fragile sticker receives the utmost care and is first to exit baggage claim. So, the next time you travel, request a fragile sticker from your check-in attendant and give your luggage some priority treatment.
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products, information and suggested uses.
For MUST-READ BOOKS (#ad) Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who are looking to improve their life and personally grow and develop. (#ad) How to win friends and Influence people another self improvement and and social skills development read. (#ad) The Art of Travelling Alone For those who wish to learn how to save, plan, and travel alone on a budget. All offer an excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight. CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions
Disclosure
CoraDexplorer Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links on this blog/website are affiliate links, and if you purchase products or services through these links a commission may or will be paid to the owner of this website. The amount of commission varies from product to product. All commission earned helps in the funding of this blog/website.
Caribbeansolotraveller.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
As an Amazon Associate, this site also earns from qualifying purchases.
Prices will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or not, you will NOT pay more by clicking through said affiliate links. You are guaranteed a 100% safe link in helping to keep this site going.
The best compact travel Camera, the Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera, with 18-135mm Zoom Lens.
It is perfect for all travellers and photographers.
TRAVEL HACKS ON ARRIVAL
22. Do not change your money at the airport or hotel
Do not change your money to local currency at the airport or your hotel. I can guarantee you will get the lowest exchange rate. However, I will advise you to convert enough for transport from the airport to your hotel (if you did not include Booking.com transport pick up when booking your accommodation package with Booking,com). You will always get a higher exchange rate at some local stores or any of the local Cambios in the city. Just look for the ones that do not charge fees and commissions. Another alternative will be to use the ATMs to withdraw in local currency.
23. Download Google Translator
Want to travel to a country but do not speak the language? No worries! Download Google translator or any other translator. It is the best solution for travelling to any country you desire, without worrying about overcoming the language barrier. In many countries, but mainly Russia and Germany, I was heavily dependent on my translator. It allows a stress-free, communicative, and confident travel experience.
24. Download a VPN
I have been to countries (the four remain unmentioned) where they block video calling from/to some of the more commonly used apps. Downloading a VPN is a sure way to get around this. Another good reason to have a VPN is to avoid hackers accessing your information on your phone or computer via sketchy WI-FI connection.
25. Download Google Maps - Offline
Do you wish to visit an unfamiliar location without having data or WI-FI access? I have the solution to this problem. As we all know Google Maps without an internet connection is useless. Therefore, your best option is to use Google Maps in offline mode. Here are the steps; before leaving your location, where there is internet access.
*Download Google Maps *Go to the area you want to save for later (or intend to visit) *In the search bar and type “Ok Map” then *press “download a map of this area”. All set, you can now use Google Maps offline, even in airplane mode.
26. Locate and use Meet-up guided tours
Are you travelling alone and or low on sightseeing funds? Then Meet up guided tours can solve your dilemma. You will meet other travellers and tour the city at a minimal cost. (Check TripAdvisor for those in the area near you). These free city walking tours are in many big cities worldwide, and local tour guides, familiar with the most famous parts of the country, organize them.
They will meet you and other visitors at a designated spot, show you around the city, and communicate information on the architectural history, the vibe, etc. At the end of the tour, you offer the tour guide a small donation for their time and help.
27. In-room Hacks
Sometimes we find ourselves in situations that we either gripe about or improvise to solve. Below are some tried and true hacks I have used during my previous hotel stays.
- It is winter, the heat in your room is not optimal, regulated, and centrally controlled, your room still feels cold. You call the front desk, but they have no portable heater nor wish to turn the heat up. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Running the shower at the hottest temperature (with the washroom door opened) warms the room in no time (of course, no hotel will be happy to hear this). However, it is temporary comfort to solve a problem.
- No iron in the room? No problem. Use the blow dryer to get wrinkles out of your clothes, or a flat iron if you travelled with one.
- Did you forget your universal charger and need to charge your phone, tablet, or iPod? The USB port at the back of your television will charge your phone.
- Get rid of the stale hotel room air by turning your AC unit into a humidifier. Dampen a towel and hang it near your air conditioner and enjoy.
- Block hallway noise, at least minimize it, by tucking a bath towel into the gap under the door.
- Your shower caps can be used for wrapping or covering leftovers, or to secure all your liquids before repacking them in your luggage. On return to the airport, slip them on your feet before removing your shoes to protect your feet from germs.
The best compact travel Camera, the Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera, with 18-135mm Zoom Lens.
It is perfect for all travellers and photographers.
CoraDexplorer Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links on this blog/website are affiliate links, and if you purchase products or services through these links a commission may or will be paid to the owner of this website. The amount of commission varies from product to product. All commission earned helps in the funding of this blog/website.
Caribbeansolotraveller.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
As an Amazon Associate, this site also earns from qualifying purchases.
Prices will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or not, you will NOT pay more by clicking through said affiliate links. You are guaranteed a 100% safe link in helping to keep this site going.
28. Invest in a Transport pass or City/tourist card
As you touch down in a country, purchase a city/tourist pass or card (if available) and start enjoying its benefits right away. These cards are usually for economical transport use (taxis excluded) in and around the city, for one flat price. They allow access to all the public transport and, some even offer an airport shuttle.
They pack these cards with lots of travel bonuses and incentives such as bundled deals for a free museum, ferry rides, and train passes. Additionally, some offer discounts on the hop on hop off city sightseeing tour buses, which cost a lot. It is an excellent money-saving trick because it is cheaper than paying separately for these services.
29. Be polite and extra complimentary at the check-in counter
It’s the end of your vacation, and it is time to head back home with lots of souvenirs and overweight luggage (most unnecessary sentimental crap). How do you get it all home without dumping some of it or paying overweight charges? Being polite and super-complimentary to the check-in attendant works so well, that I have been using this trick for many years. On most occasions, it is deserving, especially if I had an excellent time in their country.
Here’s how I work my magic; As soon as I get to the check-in counter and they accept my passport, I start by relaying the wonderful time I had in the country. I am always complimentary about the food, people, etc. I get real chatty and lay it on thick. Usually, they smile and appreciate the sentiments, and even though they will inform me of my luggage being overweight, 99.9% of the time, they will give me a Bligh. That has worked for me worldwide. (now my secret is out… ha!).
30. Wear your Bulky clothing such as Coats instead of packing them
Wear your bulky coats and jackets instead of overloading and occupying precious space in your luggage. Once you are on board, use the overhead luggage space to store them. On return home from my last trip, besides a cardigan, I wore two coats plus carried two winter coats (fitted into each other) over my arm. I also remember seeing a woman at the check-in counter putting on jeans on top of the pants she was already wearing.
It might be funny to some, but she was trying to avoid paying overweight charges. As long as the extra weight is not in your luggage, it doesn’t matter how you get it done. These hacks work and are legitimate.
In Summary
You now have 30 travel hacks for a perfect trip. Travel hacks can help you improvise and solve minor issues for a better, more enjoyable, and stress-free vacation. They will not only save you time and money but prevent some travel-related headaches using simple tricks. There are many other essential travel information, tips, and travel mistakes you should not make, which will further enhance your next trip. So now get out there and hack your way through a perfect vacation.
I am curious to hear about some of your travel hacks. Please share!
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