Home Lifestyle Travel Hacks To Prevent Your Summer Trip From Becoming A Nightmare

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Travel Hacks To Prevent Your Summer Trip From Becoming A Nightmare

Monica July 19, 2022

Traveling is one of the greatest experiences we can have as human beings. Not only does it broaden our horizons, but it grants us insight into the way people live their lives in other countries. You may even have a bucket list of places you want to visit around the world. Crossing off one of those bucket list items is thrilling and exciting. However, as amazing as traveling is, it can still be stressful, which is why there are certain travel hacks to make your next trip as seamless as possible.

Whether it’s packing tips, ways to make reservations in advance, saving money while traveling, or simply traveling more efficiently, this list is here to help you with your next big trip. A good list of travel hacks will save you tons of time and money in the long run, so get informed here before you take off on your next summer trip.

60. Find Cheaper Flights By Going Incognito

Search for flights in incognito. Or, use a private browsing mode. Because information is tracked when you search for flights, flight prices usually skyrocket as you search for them. One second, you’re looking at a $200 flight, and then the next second, it suddenly costs $400.

Prices didn’t actually change that drastically, but the airlines have a clever way of tracking who’s looking at flights and jacking up the prices that way. This travel hack will save you tons of money in the long run once you find the best deals for flights (via Thrifty Nomads).

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59. Bring Snacks To The Airport

There are certain snacks you can bring through security without risking the chance they’ll get confiscated. You can bring wrapped sandwiches, fruit like bananas, apples, oranges, cheese, granola bars, pretzels, cookies, pastries, gum, and chips. Pack them all in a Tupperware in your bag and unpack them once you have a moment to relax at the airport.

Bringing snacks also saves a lot of money since snacks are usually a lot more expensive at the airport than at the grocery store. You could save quite a bit with just a little preparation beforehand. That money saved is money for traveling. That’s enough reason alone to load up your bag beforehand (via Show It).

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58. Freeze Your Liquids

We all know you can’t go through the airport with liquids, but did you know you can pass through security with frozen liquids? It must be frozen solid when presented for screening because melted or even slushy won’t pass. You can use ice packs to keep your liquids frozen. This will be a bit tricky if you’re traveling in a hot country, but it’s still doable and a great travel hack.

If you’re in a hot climate, as long as you stay in an air-conditioned car and head straight into the air-conditioned airport, you should be fine. By the time you get to the gate, your liquids might still be frozen, but if they’re not, it doesn’t matter. This is a great travel hack to get water through security, so you have a nice cold bottle on the plane (via Travel and Leisure).

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57. Make Reservations In Advance

It seems obvious, yet making reservations in advance is one of the simplest and best travel hacks on this list. This can come as a reservation at a restaurant, or even grabbing fast passes before going to an amusement park. For example, there’s the Free Fast Pass at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and Flash Pass at Six Flags, amongst other line-cutting passes for amusement parks. You’ll save loads of time by cutting lines, which means you’ll have more time to enjoy the attractions.

This travel hack could potentially prevent a lot of stress since you can easily rest in the knowledge that you’re guaranteed a spot at a restaurant or have a ride somewhere. Since that part is figured out, you can put time and focus into other areas like transportation (via Smarter Travel).

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56. Get An Airline-Affiliated Credit Card

By getting an airline-affiliated credit card, you’ll have the chance to get extra points and certain special accesses that will benefit you in the long run. You can cut lines at the airport with VIP access, join priority lines, pass queues when boarding, get free checked bags, have extra bin space for your carry-on, and have first-class check-in.

These especially come in handy if you have a long layover at an airport since you can usually use the lounge for buffets and unlimited alcohol. Some lounges even have places to sleep, so it’s a two-for-one kind of deal. You’re spending money just to reward yourself with it afterward and there’s nothing wrong with that (via Smarter Travel).

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55. Buy Tickets Before Traveling

Buy your tickets online ahead of time and print them out or show the QR code. You can do this for airplane tickets, train tickets, or tickets to an event. That way, you won’t have to wait in line when you arrive at a place or risk arriving somewhere to find out that tickets are sold out. Better yet, this prevents the stress that comes with rushing somewhere only to make sure you have a ticket. The only downside is that you might not have a printed ticket to keep as a souvenir.

Again, buying a ticket beforehand guarantees your entry. Additionally, if you buy a ticket beforehand, it’s usually sent to your phone, which means you don’t have to worry about keeping track of a piece of paper while you’re traveling. We all know how easily things get lost when you’re on the move (via Smarter Travel).

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54. Grab-And-Go Toiletries

Toiletries are the items we forget the most since there are so many different ones we need to remember to bring. If you have a ready-to-go toiletry bag, packed and ready before your flight, this ensures you’re prepared and won’t forget anything. You can include items like an in-flight mask and all the essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc.

This especially comes in handy with overnight flights, when all you want to do in the morning is brush your teeth. You won’t have to wait for your checked bag, you can do it on the airplane and arrive feeling and looking fresh (via Travel and Leisure).

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53. Sleep Better In Your Hotel

There’s nothing worse than arriving at a hotel only to find out that the curtains don’t close properly. Suddenly, you’re tossing and turning as streams of sunlight pour into the room. To avoid this, take a hanger out of the closet, turn it to its side, and clip the curtain together (via Travel and Leisure). This is an awesome travel hack that allows you to get a good night’s sleep anywhere and anytime.

When jet lag hits, all you want to do is sleep. This hack is perfect for your mid-day nap, especially after being awake for all those hours on the airplane. Nothing can ruin a trip more than a lack of sleep. It’s also important to get quality sleep so you can keep your immune system up and not get sick.

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52. Only Pack Your Favorite Outfits

This may seem obvious, but if you pack only your favorite outfits, this prevents you from overpacking. It’s one of the best travel hacks on this list. That way, every time you open your bag, you’ll have a selection of only your favorite clothes. Better yet, this leaves more room in your suitcase for other clothes you may purchase on your travels.

There’s nothing worse than seeing a dress you love, only to realize you can’t buy it because you don’t have any extra room in your bag. Buying clothes abroad is one of the best souvenirs you could gift yourself with. “I’ve found that I always have a favorite few outfits I tend to recycle over and over every few months, even at home, so I bring those and not much else,” said travel blogger Megan van Groll (via Bustle).

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51. Protect Razor Heads

Bringing razors while traveling can be frustrating, especially if the blade cuts part of your backpack. To prevent this, use a clip over the razor. Fasten the clip around the head of the razor, and fold the handles down so they rest over the razor. That way, none of your clothes will get ripped or ruined from the razor head.

Since razors can easily ruin a pair of jeans, this prevents an unnecessary trip to the tailor. Your razor will also last longer if you keep it covered, and the razor will stay sharp for longer (via Business Insider).

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50. Keep A Photo Of Your Passport In Your Phone

Having a photo of your passport on your phone is a good idea in case of any emergency. All you have to do is scan your passport photo and send it to yourself via email. That way, if your passport gets lost or stolen, you have a photo of it to show to the embassy, police, or immigration office, so you can get an emergency passport.

This is also convenient at hotels if they only need a photo of your passport for ID. You won’t have to spend all those awkward minutes digging around in your bag to grab your passport. It’s also a good idea to have photos of your credit cards and other important documents in case something goes wrong (via Head Out).

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49. Pack Smarter

Packing efficiently is one of the best travel hacks on this list. If you pack efficiently, you’ll ensure you have tons of space in your backpack and are organized for your trip. To pack efficiently, all you have to do is roll your clothes, use packing cubes, use travel-sized toiletries, put things inside your shoes, wear your biggest pair of shoes, wear your heaviest jacket, and pack neutral colors.

You can also zip up your suitcase, then open it again and add more clothes. That way, it pushes your clothes down as small as they can go. The more room you have leftover, the more room you have for souvenirs and other items you might want to bring home (via Rit).

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48. Download Offline Maps

Navigating a new city can be tough. This is especially true when you have no idea where you’re going, and all the street signs are in a different language. What makes it even tougher is not having a SIM card to use the maps on your phone.

Luckily, Google Maps has a tool where you can download maps to use offline. To do this, search for a specific place, pull up the place information sheet at the bottom of the screen, click save the map to use offline, click save, and give it a name (via Going Awesome Places).

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47. Seat Booking Hack

There’s nothing worse than getting a middle seat on a long-haul flight. Luckily, with this awesome travel hack, you won’t have to worry about that – and you might even score yourself tons of leg room.

“Instead of booking the aisle or window and putting one person in the middle, book smart. Put one person in an aisle seat and one person in a window seat. This way the middle seat is free and you will have extra space, with a little luck.” If the flight isn’t full, the seat will likely stay vacant. Try this hack with your travel buddy the next time you’re booking flights and see what happens. Luck might be on your side (via Travel Update).

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46. Bring Solid Toiletries

Bringing solid toiletries prevents any accidental spillages from happening. This is a great travel hack that will help you out in the long run. It could ruin the start of your trip if you open your bag, only to find out your shampoo exploded all over your favorite dress.

You can grab items like a shampoo bar, solid conditioner, deodorant travel stick, solid perfume, solid cologne, tooth brushing powder, cleansing bomb, makeup remover, body butter, body sunscreen stick, anti-bug balm, solid mouthwash, and soap bar case (via Pack Hacker).

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45. Pack Like Marie Kondo

The Marie Kondo packing method is a great travel hack to get extra space in your luggage. According to the method, “clothes should be folded and packed upright. Fold suits and lay them flat on top. Pack bras on top, and don’t flatten them. Pack small things such as underwear in a travel pouch, and transfer lotions and toiletries into smaller bottles to reduce volume.”

All of these little hacks are great ways to save space in your bag. Your clothes and toiletries don’t have to take up as much room as you think. If you’re smart, you could get it down to half the size with a few tricks (via Kon Mari).

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44. Use A Clear Bag For Liquids

TSA needs to see your liquids as you put them through security. To do this and prevent any delays, it’s necessary to use a clear bag for liquids. It’s a great travel hack that will keep everything moving efficiently and quickly. Keep your liquids in easy reach on top of your suitcase, so you don’t hold up the line as you’re trying to find your toiletries.

If they’re at the top, you can quickly grab them, place them on the conveyor belt, and waltz on through the metal detector. Traveling has never been easier than ever before (via NY Times).

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43. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Airplanes are incredibly noisy, which is why buying a pair of noise-canceling headphones is a great travel hack. Noise-canceling headphones block out the world and the noises, which is great for an airplane. The noise canceling technology drowns out background chatter and lets you focus and sleep.

These especially come in handy on long-haul flights when all you want to do is sleep. Since it can be difficult to fall asleep on an airplane, anything helps, and these noise-canceling headphones will at least get rid of noise (via Smarter Travel).

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42. Get A Portable Phone Charger

There’s nothing worse than having a low battery on your phone right before a flight. Even though airports have charging stations, they’re usually full. There is usually no spot next to the charging stations to sit, so you end up standing off to the side while keeping an eye on your phone. To prevent this, make sure you bring a small portable charger you can use any time, anywhere. It’s a great travel hack that ensures you’re always well prepared.

It’s also great to have on long-haul flights, or when you’re walking around a city all day. You won’t have to stress about having a low battery on your phone. This could potentially prevent you from getting lost in a new place since you’ll always have your phone to check maps (via Pop Sugar).

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41. Don’t Use Taxis

Taxis are notoriously expensive. By using local transportation, you’ll save tons of money. This is especially helpful when leaving the airport since taxis to and from the airport are usually a hefty price. It’s also a great way to check out the area and travel like a local. It can also be quite a fun challenge to navigate a city using public transportation.

You could also choose to walk around a city since you’ll get exercise at the same time as seeing more of the city. It’s a win-win situation. Better yet, you could even get some shopping done as you walk around and explore. You wouldn’t be able to do that if you were in a taxi (via Pop Sugar).

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40. Skip Contacts During Flight

Wearing contacts during a flight is a bad idea. Contacts dry out your eyes, which can be uncomfortable during a flight, especially a long-haul flight. Wear your glasses on the flight and carry an extra pair of contacts with you. Once you land, you can put your contacts in. This is a great travel hack that ensures you’ll be comfortable when you’re in the air.

When you land, it’s a different story and you can change your entire outfit if you want to. Making sure you’re as comfortable as possible on the flight also ensures that you’ll be well rested when you land, meaning more energy to explore (via Pop Sugar).

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39. Use Those Free Toiletries

Those mini toiletry bottles in hotels are a great thing to take with you when you check out. It’s a travel hack that not only saves you money, but you can use it as the perfect carry-on item. That way, you won’t have to buy carry-on items or use reusable travel bottles, which you’d have to purchase beforehand.

Saving money and getting free shampoo and soap is a wonderful travel hack that could be applied anywhere in the world. Because they’re usually so small, they’ll fit right into your bag (via Pop Sugar).

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38. Bring An Empty Water Bottle

Bringing an empty water bottle to the airport is a great travel hack to help you save money. It’s also good for the environment. Once you pass through security, you can head to one of the water fountains and fill up your bottle. Not only are you saving at least $5, but you’re limiting your use of plastic.

If you’re traveling to a city or country where you can drink tap water, you can continue using your reusable bottle for the duration of the trip, thus saving money on the water again and again. That’s money saved for activities (via Pop Sugar).

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37. Notify Your Bank

This travel hack helps prevent any future hassles where you might be without cash for a couple of days. To protect you from theft, banks will freeze your card if you’re using it in a foreign country, in a foreign ATM. Use this travel hack to prevent this.

Call your bank before you travel, to let them know you’ll be using your card abroad. That way, they’ll put an alert up and won’t block your card. This is also a great hack in case they notice any strange activity on your card, like if your card gets duplicated without you realizing it (via Western Union).

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36. Pack A Scarf

A scarf is one of the most essential items to bring with you when you go traveling. It’s one of the best travel hacks on this list because it’s so versatile. You can use it as a blanket when you’re cold, use it as a dress or skirt in case your luggage gets lost, use it as a sarong over your bikini, or even use it to spice up your outfit.

Because it has so many different uses, it’s one of the best items you can pack with you. You might even purchase several scarves while you’re on your trip, but because they fold up so easily, you won’t have to worry about them taking up a lot of room (via Isabelle’s Travel Guide).

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35. Exercise To Prevent Jet Lag

We’re no stranger to jet lag. It’s one of the worst parts about traveling, which is why it’s necessary to use any tactic possible to prevent it. One of the best travel hacks to prevent jet lag is to exercise.

“Youngstedt and his colleagues examined the effects of exercise on 51 “aerobically fit” participants aged 59-75 years and 48 study participants aged 18-30 years… the scientists determined the participants’ baseline body clock by analyzing their urine samples and determining their levels of melatonin. Melatonin peaks in the evening and drops in the morning… exercising at 7 a.m. or between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. shifts the circadian rhythm to an earlier time while engaging in exercise between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. pushed the body clock back.” Keep this interesting information in mind when you’re trying to adjust your body clock to fit the new time (via Medical News Today).

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34. Be A Housesitter

Housesitting is one of the greatest travel hacks to use to save money. When you’re house sitting, you’re taking care of a local’s house for free in exchange for free accommodation. Not only will you save money, but you’ll get to live like a local. The more you do this, the more money you’ll save.

You could even end up saving over $30,000 USD in accommodation costs, which you can use on other travel experiences. Not only are you saving tons of money, but you’re also helping out someone who needs their house watched. It’s another win-win situation (via Nomadic Matt).

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33. Keep Cash In Your Shoes

Stashing your cash in your shoes is a great travel hack to use to hide your money and prevent it from getting stolen. No one is going to be able to steal money if it’s buried in your shoe!

“The only problem is that your money may endure a bit of wear and tear and eventually end up stinking of feet. Still, even a foot-scented dollar bill is the perfectly acceptable currency in most parts of the world.” Hiding your money and keeping it safe beats having it stolen. There’s no better way to ruin a trip than getting your money stolen (via The Broke Backpacker).

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32. Try Local Food

Trying the local food is a great way to assimilate into a new culture while saving money at the same time. Typically, local food is cheaper – and more delicious (via NY Times). As one of the best travel hacks out there, this will ensure you’re diving deep into a new culture, having a new experience, and maybe even discovering a new favorite food.

You could even choose to take a cooking class when you’re in a new city. It’s a great way to learn a new recipe and even connect with a local. When you head home after your trip, you’ll have tons of new recipes up your sleeve. There’s nothing wrong with learning something new.

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31. Use Google Translate

Using Google Translate in a new country helps you to translate, without the need for an internet connection. This can come in handy when you’re in a foreign country with a language other than your own. This is one of the best travel hacks that might even help prevent any awkward exchanges, or help you with ordering food or asking for directions (via Chrome Unboxed).

As you use Google Translate, you’ll just so happen to learn the words of a new language at the same time. Picking up phrases here and there is a great way to learn another language. Who knows? You may be able to speak a sentence or two in a new language after your trip.

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30. Use Free WiFi

Using Free WiFi in a city, especially when you’re lost, is helpful. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to find WiFi spots. Places you can keep an eye out for with free WiFi include auto service and dealerships, bookstores, courthouses, fast food restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, gyms, laundromats, parks, museums, and some bus lines (via Breaking Travel News).

This is one of the best travel hacks to make sure you’re always connected. It’ll especially come in handy when you need to call an Uber or check the location of a restaurant. Just pop into a place with free WiFi and you’ll have access to any information you may need.

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29. Mark Your Bag As Fragile

We all know how much our bags get tossed around in the airport. Luckily, marking your bag as fragile, ensures your luggage is handled correctly and equally. Even if you don’t have any fragile items in your bag, you can still use the fragile tag. Your luggage will be handled with care and it will be kept in a safe place.

On an airplane, it’ll be kept at the top of the pile. On a bus, it will be packed in the trunk and not with other bags, so it’s one of the best travel hacks to use to ensure your items are kept safe (via Sidomex Entertainment).

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28. Always Have Travel Insurance

Buying travel insurance is one of the smartest moves you can make before traveling. Because medical emergencies can be expensive, buying travel insurance will give you a safety net in case something does happen, so you’re not left dry of all your funds (via Allianz Travel Insurance). This travel hack will help with any future mishaps.

Travelers have saved tens of thousands of dollars just from travel insurance. If something happens, your hospital bill could cost thousands. If you don’t have travel insurance, you’d need to pay it out of pocket. It’s always best to keep it safe and have travel insurance just in case.

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27. Pack A Towel

Packing a towel is a great travel hack. It’s a necessary item that can be used at the beach, on a picnic, or to dry off after the rain. Carrying a small towel is easy to pack and won’t add much weight to your suitcase, and is an awesome travel hack for added ease and comfort.

Most hotels will provide towels for showers, but if you happen to head to the beach, or want to have a picnic, then you’ll need to have a towel with you. You could even pack a big tapestry and use it as a blanket or towel. Either way, you’ll be glad you have the option (via Bag4Days).

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26. Try Solo Travel

Solo traveling is an awesome travel hack that grants you complete freedom and control to go wherever you want, whenever you want. They cost less, and you’ll be able to make your own decisions instead of relying on a travel companion to make choices for you (via The Points Guy).

It’s also a great way to meet people, explore exactly as you wish to explore, and help you feel empowered as you traverse around new cities and countries. This is a great travel hack to get the most out of your trip as possible.

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25. Learn Some Language

Learning important words or phrases in a new language is a great way to assimilate yourself into a new culture, and help prevent any future emergencies. For example, if you take any medications or have any illnesses, knowing a few keywords in a new language will help you in the case of an emergency. Additionally, knowing words for accommodation or certain foods you’re allergic to will only help you in the long run, and is a great travel hack that will come in handy.

Even though Google Translate is helpful, it’s always a good idea to have a few words or phrases in the back of your head just in case (via Go Overseas).

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24. Avoid Crowds

This is one of the best travel hacks to save time. There are many ways to avoid crowds when traveling. Some ways to avoid crowds are arriving early or late, booking tickets in advance, traveling off-season, talking to people to learn about the city’s attractions, signing up for special tours, and visiting during the week.

You can also choose sites off the beaten path, avoid school holidays, skip photo ops, and adjust meal times to visit an attraction during a time when most people are eating. If you apply any or all of these tips, you’ll avoid the crowds at least once or twice during your trip (via Readers Digest).

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23. Go Grocery Shopping

Grocery shopping is a simple trick that will save you loads of money on food. It’s always more expensive to go out to eat at a restaurant, so stocking up on items like bread, fruit, cheese, and a few slices of meat to put into a sandwich will only set you back a few dollars.

With advanced planning, like preparing a small grocery list or marking where the grocery stores are near your hotel, you’ll save both time and money. That’s time and money you can put towards exploring a new attraction, and is one of the best travel hacks out there (via Smarter Travel).

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22. Take Walking Tours

“If you are going to a new place, sitting in your room, or going around in a tour bus, get up on your foot and walk around a little. This is the only way to get the real flavor, the real feel of the place” (via Traveling to Asia). A lot of the time, walking tours are free and are arranged by your hostel or hotel. Since the locals know the city inside and out, you’ll get the inside scoop on the best places to eat, drink, and explore.

By going on a walking tour, you can explore a new city locally, stop at any places you want to head into, talk to local people, and simply have a more intimate experience of the city. This is one of the best travel hacks that you can apply anywhere at any time.

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21. Don’t Overplan

Overplanning only creates stress and added hassle. If you plan too much, more things can go wrong. You can end up missing your reservation, missing a train departure, or ruining an entire day altogether. Going on an unplanned adventure is one of the greatest parts of traveling. Leave your days open, and don’t make many plans. You can choose things you might want to see, but the best part about traveling is spontaneity.

Leaving room for the unexpected is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself while traveling (via Two Upright Tray Tables). That way, you have the chance to meet new people, try restaurants you wouldn’t think to try, and end up on an amazing adventure somewhere unexpected. This is one of the best travel hacks on this list.

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20. Call The Hotel

Call the hotel for better rates. Usually, if you book directly with the hotel, you’ll get a better rate than you would online. Because you avoid the booking fees when you book directly, you could end up with a room that costs five or 10 percent less than it does online.

You might even get a discount from the hotel if you book for a week or longer. There’s nothing wrong with these awesome travel hacks that end up saving a bit of cash here and there (via Happy to Wander).

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19. Choose Your Seat Before Flying

If you choose your seat before you fly, you can pick exactly where you want to sit, without having to worry if you’ll be squished in the window seat or trapped in the aisle seat. If you prefer the window, then try and book a window seat online before your flight. The same thing goes for the aisle.

You might have to pay a bit extra, but if it’s a long flight, it could be worth the expense. This is one of those travel hacks that could potentially make your flight so much better. It wouldn’t be very enjoyable to be trapped in a seat for 12 hours you didn’t want to sit in (via Happy to Wander).

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18. Travel Buddies Or Backpackr App

With the Travel Buddies or Backpackr App, you can easily connect with other travelers on the road. If you’re traveling solo, this app is a fantastic way to meet people. Traveling solo can feel lonely at times, which is why this app is one of the best travel hacks in the world.

Other people on the app are also looking to make friends and connect. There’s nothing better than exploring a city with someone else who’s new, too. Who knows, you could end up finding a new friend with the app (via Headout).

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17. Honey Chrome Extension

Use the Honey Google Chrome extension to find discounts. While this could be applied to shopping, it can also be applied to attractions around the world. You might find awesome discounts, which could save you money in the long run.

Make sure you check this chrome extension before visiting any major tourist attraction, to make sure you’re not missing out on a deal. Always keep an eye out for deals that pop up (via Happy to Wander).

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16. Use Social Media

This one seems apparent in this day and age of technology but look through Pinterest or Instagram for travel destination inspiration. Chances are, you’ll find tons of photos of your travel destination from travelers who have previously gone there.

A lot of the time, you’ll even see photos of places you didn’t know existed. This is one of the best travel hacks to find out off-the-beaten-path destinations and lesser explored areas of a city or country (via Headout).

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15. Travel During Shoulder Season

Traveling in the high season guarantees crowds. If you travel during the shoulder season, you’ll have the chance of having more places to yourself.

The shoulder season is just before peak season so the weather is usually very beautiful without all the crowds. This is one of the best travel hacks to ensure you have plenty of space to explore, without any of the people (via Headout).

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14. Clothespin Holder

Having a clothespin holder automatically means you’ll always have a toothbrush holder. Sinks are notorious for being dirty. If there’s no other place to prop up your toothbrush, then a clothespin holder is the best alternative.

That way, your toothbrush won’t touch the sink, and thus, prevent you from getting sick or picking up some nasty germ (via Happy to Wander).

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13. Frequent Flier Account

If you make a frequent flier account, you’ll gather miles you can use towards your next trip. The more miles you collect, the more likely you are to get a free flight. What’s better than a free flight? Not much.

With your frequent flier miles, you might even have the chance to get upgraded to business class or use one of the airport lounges at a discount. This is one of the best travel hacks to travel around the globe as cheaply and budget-friendly as possible (via Headout).

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12. Long Layovers

If you opt for a long layover, you’ll have an opportunity to explore a new city. Let’s say you have 12 hours in London, you could technically leave the airport, head into the city, grab a meal, visit a museum, and sit in a park, all before your next flight.

That’s a wonderful use of your time that you might have otherwise used sitting at the airport (via Headout).

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11. Travel Wallet

Buying a good travel wallet will help you stay organized and tidy. You can place tickets in one section, money in another, and important cards in another. It’s much better than having everything spread out throughout your bag.

This also prevents things from getting lost or stolen. The more organized you are while traveling, the smoother your trip will be (via Headout).

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10. Groupon Discounts

Groupon is known for its discounts around the world. Like Honey, Groupon offers coupons that’ll save you tons of money. Attractions that usually cost hundreds of dollars might cost pennies in comparison if you find a good deal on Groupon. Always keep an eye out on their website, especially as the days to your trip creep closer and closer. You never know what you might stumble across.

You could end up finding a 2-for-1 meal, or a free ticket to a famous attraction. Remember, that money saved can be used somewhere else (via Happy to Wander).

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9. Don’t Exchange Money At The Airport

If you exchange money at the airport, you’re setting yourself up to lose tons of money. The exchange rates at the airport are always horrible. Either take the money out of an ATM or exchange it in the city. You’ll find a much better rate far away from the airport.

You can also choose to go to your bank and exchange money there before you head on your trip. Your bank should have one of the best rates out there, and they’re more trustworthy than the exchange booths at the airport (via Headout).

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8. Batteries In The Fridge

When you store your batteries in the fridge, they end up lasting up to 90% longer. Because the fridge provides cool temperatures, batteries end up having a longer life.

This is one of those travel hacks that could certainly help you in the long run, especially if you plan on taking tons of photos with your camera. It could ruin an entire day if your camera decides to run out of batteries right at the start of the day (via Headout).

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7. Tic-tac Box For Pins

If you’re someone who puts pins in their hair, then you’ll want to carry around a Tic-tac box. With this repurposed box, you won’t have to worry about losing your hair pins or having them disappear into the bottom of your bag.

It wouldn’t be ideal if you’re digging around in your bag and suddenly, you prick yourself with a sharp pin. You wouldn’t want that to happen while you’re on an adventure somewhere (via Happy to Wander).

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6. Purchase Flight Add Ons

If you want an extra meal, extra legroom, extra checked baggage, or anything else during your flight, it’s a good idea to purchase those things while booking your flight.

They’ll always be cheaper than if you book them at the airport or purchase it while on your flight. If you know you’re going to want one of these add-ons before flying, then definitely make sure you purchase it in advance (via Headout).

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5. Wear Compression Socks

Wearing compression socks on the airplane helps with circulation by preventing swelling. Overall, this will help you feel more comfortable on the journey.

It wouldn’t be very enjoyable to arrive at the airport with swollen feet and having to wait for them to go down before you could walk around and enjoy a new city (via Happy to Wander).

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4. Freeze A Sponge

If you freeze a sponge, you can bring it through airport security and automatically have an ice pack. If you’ve tried to freeze your liquids before and they end up melting, then a frozen sponge is your next best bet.

That way, you can cool down the liquids you might buy on the other side of security or keep any food you have with you cold (via Happy to Wander).

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3. Bring A Pillowcase

This is one of the best travel hacks in case you ever need a pillow. If you have a pillowcase, you’ll automatically always have a pillow. All you must do is throw some clothes inside the pillowcase, fluff it up, and you’re good to go.

This is especially handy if you end up booking a hotel that has less than par pillows, or ones that hurt your neck. It’s always better to have a good rest than not (via Happy to Wander).

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2. Private Rooms at Hostels

Hotels can be costly, especially if you’re in an expensive city. If you stay in a private room at a hostel, you’ll get a much cheaper price than a hotel room, but with all the same privacy. You’ll even have more of a chance of meeting people since you’re still in a social environment.

If you head down to the common area of the hostel or head on one of the free walking tours or pub crawls, you’ll have the chance to meet cool people and also explore the city. It’s another one of the best travel hacks on this list (via Headout).

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1. Bring An Extension Cable

Don’t forget your extension cable. This especially comes in handy if you happen to stay at a busy hostel, or your hotel room only has one outlet. It can be frustrating to only be able to charge one thing at a time, so an extension cable allows you to charge your laptop, phone, camera, kindle, and anything else you need, all at the same time.

That way, you know that when you wake up in the morning, all your gadgets are ready to go. Nothing can delay a trip more than a phone without a battery (via Headout). We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of travel hacks and that the hacks actually bring some joy to your next summer trip.

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