5 Game-Changing Travel Hacks That Will Make Your Life Easier

With the worst of Covid seemingly behind us, flight travel like we did back in the day has fully resumed. Airports are crowded again, we aren’t having to spend our paid time off on a park bench across the street anymore, and we’re packing our bags and heading off to Tahiti or whatever. But with ticket prices being as expensive as they are, we could surely use some travel hacks to get us through the stress. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered! Here are 5 ways to improve your vacationing experience.

1. Find great deals on flights

There are actually a ton of ways to save money on flights, but a lot of travelers don’t realize this. Although the pricing options aren’t great if you’re buying at the last minute, if you are able to plan things in advance, you could save hundreds of dollars. Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper are all good websites for comparing prices. Use a low-fare calendar to get the cheapest deals if you have some flexibility in your travel schedule. If you’re a frequent flyer, why not sign up for a credit card that offers you miles on all eligible purchases? You can apply them towards free flights or upgrade to business class at extremely reduced rates.

2. Download Google Maps offline

When you’re traveling – especially to some far-flung destination or internationally – it could affect your internet connectivity or cause you to rack up expensive roaming charges if you’re using a data plan. But thanks to the Google Maps feature that allows you to download maps and access them offline, you will never get lost and can even search for the nearest Starbucks just as you would if you were connected to the internet. Just note that the cycling, walking, and transit features don’t work offline, but you’ll still be able to navigate your way around regardless.

3. Use fabric softener sheets to keep your clothes smelling nice

When you’re tightly packing your clothes into the same suitcase as other items, they can quickly lose their freshness – this is especially true if you’re traveling for a couple of weeks. An easy hack that will keep your clothes smelling their best is to toss a few fabric softener sheets into your suitcase. Will crowds of tourists and even the locals in Barcelona stop you to ask how you smell so great? You’ll never know the answer if you don’t try!

4. Store your jewelry in cling wrap to keep it from getting tangled up

The best way to keep your jewelry organized is by purchasing a travel jewelry case. But if you’re going on a trip at the last second or just don’t want to buy one, we have an alternative hack. Simply extend the chain of your jewelry and roll them up in cling wrap. It doesn’t take up much room in your bags and when you get to your hotel you aren’t wasting time trying to untangle your necklace.

5. Bring a zippered pillowcase to free up luggage space

Here’s something we can all relate to: while off in Rome you decide to buy a keepsake or twelve. You’ve got friends back home who want souvenirs too, after all. But the problem is, how are you going to fit all of that stuff in your luggage bag? Well, if you bring along a zippered pillowcase, that completely solves that dilemma. See, most airlines count pillows as a carry-on item. So if you’re worried about your check-in bag being overweight, just stick some of your things into the pillowcase. Just make sure it is still able to fit under the seat in front of you, otherwise it will have to be checked in and that will entirely defeat its purpose.