As global travel starts to resume after a challenging two years of lockdowns and quarantines, many people are feeling excited to explore the world once again. If you’re eager to make the most of your next trip and want to ensure a stress-free experience, there are some fantastic travel hacks to try in 2023.
Travel hacks are simple yet effective tips and tricks that can help you save time, money, and unnecessary stress when traveling. Some of these hacks are widely known, while others are lesser-known gems. But all of them can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. We’ve compiled a list of our top travel hacks for 2023, so you can enjoy your upcoming travels to the fullest. Have a wonderful trip!
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Smart Tips for Packing Your Luggage
1. Buy a set of luggage scales
Most airlines enforce strict weight limits on luggage, and if you get caught out, you’ll be charged extra. You can easily avoid this by packing light and using luggage scales to ensure you’re within the limit. Luggage scales are relatively inexpensive, and you can even get ones that are small enough to fit in your carry-on bag. Alternatively, you can invest in a suitcase that has a built-in weight scale if you’re feeling fancy and have the budget. These are a little higher end, but they’ll definitely make staying with the weight limit a breeze.
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2. Use packing cubes
Packing cubes are one of the best luggage hacks if you’re looking to pack more efficiently. They help you to compartmentalize your belongings so that everything has a place, and nothing gets lost at the bottom of your suitcase. You can simply pull out the cube containing whatever you’re looking for, rather than having to root through your entire suitcase. They’re also great for preventing clothes from getting creased and come in a variety of sizes at an affordable price.
3. Always Have a Change of Clothes in Your Carry-On
Don’t let a lost luggage situation ruin your trip. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage along with other essentials such as a toothbrush and deodorant (in a container no larger than 100ml unless purchased in the airport’s duty-free shop). This way, even if your luggage gets lost or delayed, you’ll have the basics to get you through the first day or two of your trip. With only 5% of mishandled bags lost each year, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Money-Saving Travel Tips to Make the Most of Your Trips
4. Consider getting a travel credit card
A travel credit card can offer you numerous benefits and rewards to save money on your travels. Look for a card that suits your needs and offers perks such as free travel insurance, access to airport lounges, and points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. With a little research, you can make the most of all the perks and benefits a travel credit card has to offer.
5. Try house sitting to save on accommodation costs
While free travel may not be possible, you can still find cheaper accommodation options. Websites like Trusted House Sitters can connect you with homeowners who need someone to look after their home, pets, and plants while they’re away in exchange for free accommodation. This is an excellent option for solo travelers or couples who want to experience a destination like a local while saving on accommodation costs.
6. Travel during the shoulder season
Consider traveling during the shoulder season, the period between high and low season, when tourism is typically slow. You’ll be able to book popular activities and destinations that are usually sold out during the peak season. Additionally, flight and accommodation prices are usually lower during the shoulder season. According to FareCompare.com, the cheapest times to book travel are during the “dead zones” such as early December, late January, spring, and late August until October. Traveling during the shoulder season can be a great way to save money while still having an enjoyable trip.
Tips and Tricks for Stress-Free Travel with Kids and Parents
7. Bring a fun-filled busy bag for kids
Traveling with kids can be challenging, but you can make the journey more enjoyable by bringing along a busy bag filled with fun activities and toys. This way, your children can stay entertained and avoid boredom during the trip. Pack some crayons, coloring books, and small toys in a small bag that your child can easily carry.
8. Consider traveling overnight with kids
Traveling overnight with kids can actually be a smart travel hack if you get the timing right. Your kids can sleep through most of the journey, allowing you to relax and enjoy the flight or drive. If you’re traveling by car, late-night travel can be peaceful and hassle-free, with quiet back seats and empty roads.
9. Download TV shows and movies for offline viewing
Downloading TV shows and movies from streaming apps like Netflix and Disney Plus can be a lifesaver during long flights or car journeys. Make sure to download your child’s favorite shows or movies ahead of time, so they can enjoy them even when there’s no Internet connection.
10. Use a pacifier to help relieve ear pressure during flights
Young children often experience ear pain during flights due to changes in cabin pressure. Using a pacifier during takeoff and landing can help relieve this pain for babies. For older kids, encourage them to yawn, chew gum, or stretch their jaw to help regulate the pressure.
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Tips for Traveling Stress-Free
11. Keep a copy of your essential documents with you
This is always a good idea, especially if you’re traveling to multiple destinations or going on a long trip. By keeping a copy of your passport, travel insurance, tickets, vaccine information, and other important documents in your carry-on bag, you’ll always have them with you in case of an emergency.
12. Book your transportation in advance
If you’re traveling during peak season or to a popular destination, it’s best to book your transportation in advance. This will save you the hassle of trying to figure out logistics when you’re jet-lagged, and ensure you have a seat on the train, bus, or other mode of transportation you’ll be using.
13. Download an offline version of Google Maps for your destination
This is one of the best travel hacks to avoid getting lost, especially if you’re visiting a city for the first time. By downloading an offline version of Google Maps for the area you’re visiting, you can access it without using data. Just make sure you do this before you lose internet access so you can navigate your way around without any worries.
14. Bring a universal adapter
It’s easy to forget, but packing a universal adapter can save you a lot of hassle when traveling to a different country. This will allow you to charge your phone, laptop, or camera no matter where you are in the world, and you won’t have to spend a lot of money buying one at the airport.
Tips for Easy and Enjoyable Group Travel
15. Select your travel partners wisely
Traveling in a group can be enjoyable, but it’s not for everyone. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, consider traveling solo or with a small group of like-minded individuals. If you do decide to travel with a group, make sure to choose your companions carefully. Look for individuals with similar interests and travel styles, and ensure that you get along well with them. Being stuck on a long trip with incompatible people can be unpleasant.
16. Join a guided tour
Organizing travel and accommodation for a group can be stressful, particularly if you’re trying to please everyone. A fantastic approach to reduce the stress of group travel is to join a guided tour. This way, you can sit back and enjoy the excursion without worrying about planning logistics. Guided tours are also an excellent way to meet new people and make friends, making them ideal for solo travelers.
17. Designate a group leader
While it’s unfair to put all the planning responsibilities on one person, nominating a group leader can be beneficial. With one individual in charge of checking off the items on the group’s to-do list, group travel can be less stressful for everyone. This doesn’t imply that the group leader has to do everything; everyone should contribute and help out where possible. However, having one person in charge can ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Travel Tips from TikTok
18. Turn your pillow into an extra carry-on
Tiktoker @cheaptravelexpert (Chelsea Dickinson) shares a simple hack for packing more clothes. She uses a travel pillow as an additional bag by unzipping the cover, removing the pillow, and stuffing it with clothes. This trick can save you from paying extra fees for a carry-on bag that doesn’t fit under the seat.
19. Use compression bags for more space
Tiktoker @mylifesatravelmovie uses compression bags to shrink the size of clothes in her luggage. This hack frees up more space, making it easier to pack light or fit more into your suitcase.
20. Book flights at the right time for the best price
Travel hacker @kingcredit advises booking domestic flights five weeks in advance and international flights 2.5 months in advance for the best deals. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, this timing has worked well for him and could help you save money.
Travel Tips for the Holiday Season
21. Travel on less congested days
To ensure a smoother holiday travel experience, consider traveling on days that are less congested. Avoiding “bottleneck days” like the weekends directly after Thanksgiving and between December 23rd and 26th can help you avoid the worst of the crowds.
22. Travel early in the day
If you’re willing to wake up early, traveling during the early morning hours can be a great way to avoid peak travel times and large crowds. In addition to a more peaceful travel experience, early morning travel can often be cheaper as well.
23. Book in advance
To avoid last-minute price hikes and limited availability during peak holiday travel times, it’s best to book your travel far in advance. Booking your flights in late summer for Christmas travel or during the winter for a holiday in August can help you secure better prices and options.
Tips for Using Technology While Traveling
24. Maximize your travels with Google Translate’s camera feature
One of Google Translate’s little-known features is the ability to translate text in real-time using your phone’s camera. Simply open the app, tap on the camera icon, and point it at the text you want to translate. With augmented reality technology, the app will display the translation on your screen, making it easier for you to navigate foreign places.
25. Keep your devices charged with a portable charger
Being on-the-go can be frustrating when your phone runs out of battery and there’s no outlet in sight. With a portable charger, you can keep your devices charged and never have to worry about being stranded without a working phone. While they may take a bit longer to charge your device, having a portable charger is a lifesaver when you need it most.
26. Enjoy your travels in peace with noise-canceling headphones
For those who love to travel with their favorite music or audiobooks, noise-canceling headphones are a game-changer. They block out background noise such as crying babies and chatty seatmates, allowing you to enjoy your tunes in peace. Investing in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones is worth the expense, especially for long flights or train rides when you want to catch up on some sleep without any disturbance.
Tips and Tricks for Booking and Flying
27. Sign up for flight alerts
One of the best ways to save money on airfare is to sign up for flight alerts on a flight aggregator. By subscribing to flight alerts, you’ll receive notifications when there are price drops on flights to your chosen destination, making it easy to snag a great deal on airfare.
28. Bring a refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated and save money at the same time by bringing a refillable water bottle with you when you travel. You can fill it up at water fountains or in the bathroom at airports or train stations, and many places even have filtered water available. Plus, using a reusable water bottle is an eco-friendly choice.
29. Download all your boarding passes offline
Don’t risk missing your flight because you can’t access your boarding pass online. Avoid this stress by downloading all your boarding passes offline before you get to the airport. Most airlines have apps that allow you to store your boarding pass offline, so you can have peace of mind knowing you have everything you need right on your phone.
30. Enjoy Traveling with These Stress-Free Travel Tips
Traveling is a wonderful experience, but it can also be stressful at times. From planning and packing to dealing with jet lag, there are many challenges that can arise during a trip. However, with proper organization and a positive mindset, you can avoid most of these stressful situations. By implementing the travel tips mentioned above, you can stay ahead of the game and make your travels even more enjoyable.
