If you’ve heard the expression “life hack,” then you probably know that it means a tip or tidbit that will make your life just a little easier. These are usually simple, easy things that we wonder why we didn’t think of. And the good new is, the travel industry is full of them.
This is a long list of travel hacks designed to make your business trips and fun vacations a little better. Depending on the kind of trip you take, you may end up using quite a few, or you could only find a few useful. But for future reference, you’ll definitely be glad you have them.
Air Travel Hacks
- Download the airline’s app. You’ll get real time updates on gate changes or delays.
- Pack your own snacks. Avoid buying the overpriced unhealthy snacks and drinks at the airport. Packing nuts, cereal bars, dried fruit and chips will tide you over until your plane lands and keep you full if your flight is delayed.
- Bring an empty water bottle and fill it after you get through security. Congratulations, you’ve just saved $5 or more.
- Pick the security checkpoint farthest to your left. Statistically, it’s the one least likely to have a long wait time. Most people tend to go right.
- Wear your heaviest items if you’re worried about the weight of your luggage.
- Pack wet wipes. It’s easy to catch a cold on the plane, and that way you can keep your hands clean without getting up to wash them.
- Download the Google Maps app in case you find yourself without WiFi when you land and you have somewhere to be.
Car Rental and Road Trip Hacks
- Looking for a car rental discount? Rent for longer. If a rental company doesn’t charge a fee for early returns, you might actually save money by reserving it for longer, but dropping it off before your rental period is up.
- If you don’t need to drive much and you really don’t care what kind of car you drive, take whatever car the agent needs to get rid of. Simply ask if there are any cars that they need to get off the lot. It’s a great way to get a very cheap rate, even if you end up in a less than desireable car (they all have to pass safety inspections, so you’ll be fine).
- To have a shot at a newer car, rent at the airport. Airports usually have the most up-to-date fleet of vehicles. It’s where they start before eventually being sent to other branches.
- Sometimes it’s best to be direct… so if you’re looking for an upgrade, just ask. If you’re flexible, you might be able to get an upgrade for far less than the cost of booking the next class of car. The car rental agent will want you to spend more than your original reservation, even if it’s by a few dollars. Just ask if they have any car rental deals and you could drive off in a luxury car rental.
General Travel Hacks
- Check your credit card for travel perks. Will you get a free room for signing up? Is there any kind of cash back deal for booking at certain hotel chains? You might have a deal at your fingertips and not even realize it.
- Place a dryer sheet in your luggage to keep your clothes smelling fresh and to reduce static.
- Save suitcase space by rolling your clothes instead of folding them.
- When you pack your suitcase, wrap your shoes in shower caps to prevent them from touching your clean clothes.
- If you’re staying at a hotel, don’t use the “Clean Room” sign on your door when you leave. It will alert housekeeping, but it will also tip off unsavory types that your room is empty.
- Call your credit and debit card companies before you leave to tell them you’ll be traveling. Otherwise, the company might flag your account for suspicious activity and leave you without access to your funds.
- Add plastic wrap between your toiletry bottles and caps to prevent explosive messes.
- For a road trip, throw a shoe organizer over the back of your seat and use it to corral phone chargers, cords, tissues, snacks and children’s activities.
- Turn a plastic cereal container into a trash can for long road trips.
Blog post categories: