Travel hacks
I'm all about making my life easier, so I wanted to share my best tips here!
Roll, Don’t Fold: Maximize suitcase space by rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Not only does this save space, but it also helps prevent wrinkles.
Download Offline Maps: Avoid data roaming charges by downloading offline maps through Apple Maps or similar apps. This way, you’ll never get lost, even without Wi-Fi.
Charge with the TV: If you forget your wall plug (make sure to get a universal one by the way) but have your charging cable, most hotel TVs have USB ports you can use to charge your devices.
Carry a Power Bank: Long days of sightseeing can drain your phone battery. Keep a small power bank in your bag to ensure you’re always powered up, especially if you rely on your phone for navigation or photos. I have one from Primark, it was GBP 10, and lasts me 2 travelling days.
Use Google Translate’s Camera Feature: When you're in a foreign country, use Google Translate's camera feature to instantly translate menus, signs, and labels by simply pointing your camera at the text. Just make sure you enable Wi-Fi or speak to your phone carrier beforehand to ensure your roaming data is active.
Wear Your Heaviest Clothes During Travel: If you're flying with limited baggage space, wear your bulkiest items—like boots, jackets, or sweaters—to save room in your luggage and avoid extra baggage fees. It's a classic RyanAir move but hey, it works!
Global Entry / Clear: this one's long-term but if you're a frequent traveler it might be worth investing in Global Entry if you're in the US. It'll save you time and the hassle of taking out electronics / shoes at every airport by automatically making you Pre-check.
Travel size products: I grew up thinking these were a waste of money, until I realized how convenient they actually are when you travel frequently. Nowadays I only buy travel size make-up and skincare (even for my everyday use). This has proved especially helpful for short trips when I'm not checking a bag and trips in Europe where they only allow a quart sized Zip-Loc of liquids through security. Also save your perfume samples for those trips too to minimize the size and weight of your toiletries bag!
Red-eye flights: will give your the most out of your day. It's always worth checking with your hotel if they'll let you check-in early when you get there, otherwise they allow you to leave your luggage with them until your room is ready.
Take photos of your documents / tickets / luggage: with all the things one has to manage while on vacation, make your life a little bit easier by taking pictures incase anything gets misplaced. Also take pictures of your luggage incase it gets lost.
Local currency: exchange currency with your bank before your trip, this will usually give you the best rate, but sometimes it takes them 5+ days to get the currency in so make sure to plan ahead of time.
Luggage trackers: if you'll be checking luggage, I highly recommend you put your information on it, i.e. phone number and email, so the lost and found are able to contact you if need be. I also recommend nowadays to drop in a Tile / AirTag to track it via phone to ensure it's not left behind (I find Tile is more reliable than AirTag).
With these small hacks, you’ll be ready to conquer any travel challenge, save money, and stay organized on your trips! Safe travels and please share any tips I missed in the comments!
- LB
Comments