Traveling can be one of the most fulfilling experiences, but without the right tips and tricks, it can quickly turn stressful. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just starting to explore the world, these 70 best travel hacks will save you money, time, and energy.
So you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Packing Hacks
- Roll Your Clothes
Save space and avoid wrinkles by rolling clothes instead of folding them. - Use Packing Cubes
Keep your suitcase organized by sorting items into packing cubes. - Pack a Reusable Water Bottle
Avoid overpriced airport water. Carry an empty bottle through security and fill it at a water station. - Bring Dryer Sheets
Place dryer sheets in your suitcase to keep clothes smelling fresh. - Wear Bulky Clothes on the Plane
Save space by wearing your heavy shoes and jackets during flights. - Use Ziplock Bags for Liquids
Prevent spills by keeping toiletries in resealable bags. - Pack Multi-Use Items
A scarf can double as a blanket, pillow, or accessory. - Stuff Shoes with Socks
Maximize space and keep shoe shapes intact by stuffing them with socks. - Use a Pill Case for Small Jewelry
Store earrings, rings, and necklaces in a weekly pill organizer. - Bring a Digital Luggage Scale
Avoid overweight fees by checking your suitcase weight at home.
Saving Money While Traveling
- Book Flights in Incognito Mode
Prevent price hikes by searching for flights in a private browser window. - Fly Mid-Week
Flights are often cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. - Use Price-Tracking Tools
Tools like Skyscanner and Hopper notify you when flight prices drop. - Book Accommodations with Kitchens
Save money by cooking some of your meals. - Travel Off-Season
Avoid peak prices by traveling during less popular months. - Opt for Public Transportation
Skip taxis and save by using buses, trains, or metros. - Look for Free Walking Tours
Many cities offer free tours where you pay a tip based on satisfaction. - Use Local SIM Cards
Avoid costly roaming fees by purchasing a local SIM card. - Download Offline Maps
Use Google Maps offline to save on data costs. - Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
Use a credit card that doesn’t charge international fees.
Flight and Airport Hacks
- Check In Online
Save time and secure a better seat by checking in early. - Bring Snacks
Airport food is expensive. Pack healthy snacks to avoid hunger. - Choose a Layover Wisely
Longer layovers can help you explore a new city for free. - Bring an External Battery Pack
Ensure your phone and devices stay charged at all times. - Download Airline Apps
Airline apps give you instant updates about gates, delays, and more. - Use a Neck Pillow
Improve comfort on long flights with a good-quality neck pillow. - Wear Compression Socks
Prevent swelling on long flights by wearing compression socks. - Keep a Pen Handy
For international flights, you’ll need a pen to fill out customs forms. - Avoid the Middle Seat
If flights aren’t full, choose a seat near the back for a better chance of an empty neighbor. - Travel Early in the Day
Early flights are less likely to be delayed.
Accommodation Hacks
- Negotiate on Airbnb
Message hosts to ask for discounts, especially for longer stays. - Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
Earn free nights and perks by joining hotel rewards programs. - Book Hotels Directly
Some hotels offer lower rates when booking through their website. - Use Hostel Dorms for Solo Travel
Budget-friendly hostels offer cheap accommodation with a social vibe. - Ask for Free Upgrades
Be polite and inquire at check-in for any available room upgrades. - Check for Hidden Fees
Avoid surprise costs like resort or Wi-Fi fees by reading the fine print. - Stay in Business Districts on Weekends
Business hotels often offer lower weekend rates. - House-Sitting or Pet-Sitting
Get free accommodation by watching someone’s home or pets. - Sleep at Airports
If you have a long layover, use sites like SleepingInAirports.net for tips. - Split Costs with Friends
Sharing accommodations with friends reduces the per-person expense.
Travel Tech Hacks
- Download Entertainment Before Flights
Load up your phone with shows, books, and movies to enjoy offline. - Use Noise-Canceling Headphones
Block out airplane noise for a peaceful trip. - Carry a Power Strip
Charge multiple devices with a single adapter. - Backup Travel Documents Digitally
Store copies of your passport, visa, and itinerary in the cloud. - Get a Portable Wi-Fi Device
Stay connected with portable hotspots. - Use Flight-Tracker Apps
Apps like FlightAware let you monitor flight status. - Enable “Find My Phone”
Track lost devices by enabling this feature on your smartphone. - Use Offline Translators
Google Translate works offline to help communicate in foreign languages. - Organize Cables with a Glasses Case
Keep chargers and cables tangle-free in a spare glasses case. - Carry Extra Memory Cards
Never run out of storage for photos.
Health and Safety Hacks
- Bring a First-Aid Kit
Pack band-aids, medications, and antiseptics for emergencies. - Use Hand Sanitizer
Stay germ-free, especially in airports or public spaces. - Download Safety Apps
Apps like SafeTrek or bSafe provide safety tools for travelers. - Avoid Tap Water
In some countries, stick to bottled or purified water. - Carry a Money Belt
Keep your passport, cards, and cash safe under your clothes. - Scan Your Travel Documents
Email copies of important documents to yourself as a backup. - Learn Basic Emergency Phrases
Know how to ask for help in the local language. - Use a Travel Insurance
Protect yourself from trip cancellations, theft, or health emergencies. - Stay Aware of Scams
Research common travel scams for your destination. - Keep Your Hotel’s Business Card
If you get lost, you can show it to taxi drivers.
Food and Shopping Hacks
- Eat Where Locals Eat
Avoid tourist traps and find authentic, affordable food. - Shop at Local Markets
Buy souvenirs and snacks at local markets for better deals. - Avoid Airport Currency Exchange
Use ATMs for better exchange rates. - Carry Reusable Utensils
Save money and reduce waste with your own utensils. - Try Street Food
Affordable and delicious, street food is often the highlight of trips.
Miscellaneous Hacks
- Learn a Few Local Phrases
Knowing basic words like “hello” and “thank you” goes a long way. - Photograph Your Luggage
Take a picture of your suitcase in case it gets lost. - Use Google Lens
Instantly translate signs or menus by pointing your camera. - Bring a Travel Journal
Document your experiences for lifelong memories. - Set Up Price Alerts
Monitor flight prices to snag the best deals.
Final Thoughts
Traveling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
By following these 70 best travel hacks, you’ll be able to explore the world smarter, safer, and more affordable. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or a family vacationer, these tips will ensure your next journey is smooth and unforgettable.
