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It doesn’t matter whether you’re going on a two-week holiday, a weekend break or a global adventure; we all know too well some of the struggles of travelling. From organising your passport and making sure you don’t overpack to finding budget-friendly accommodation and experiencing the culture as best you can, there is so much to consider when you’re going away.
The good news is that over the years, seasoned travellers have found new and useful ways to make these journeys much easier and your trip far more enjoyable. Best of all, the internet means they have been able to share their worldly wisdom with people far and wide. And that includes you!
In this guide, we have put together a list of nine of our favourite travel hacks that you absolutely have to try this year.
1. Buy a luggage scale
Travel hack number one is simple but effective and could save you an unexpected fee at the airport. Buying yourself a set of luggage scales is a very worthwhile investment.
That way, before you leave, you can ensure that your bag is definitely within the luggage limits and that you won’t be facing any unexpected baggage fees when you go to check-in. And hey, this is a future-proof purchase if you like to travel a lot, as you can use it for years to come.
2. Use packing cubes
Are you forever fighting with your clothes, trying to find the best way to fold them without leaving them creased beyond ironing when you arrive?
Packing cubes are the perfect way to organise your clothes and other belongings and make packing and unpacking feel far easier and more enjoyable. Plus, these are fairly cheap to buy and easy to get online.
3. Always pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage
It is an unfortunate reality of travel that sometimes your bag can go missing, or things can go wrong. This is why it is a good idea to keep a spare change of clothes in your hand luggage.
These don’t have to be fancy; in fact, the smaller the items the better. For example, leggings, a T-shirt and a pair of pants and socks will suffice.
Having these clothes as a backup means that if something does happen, such as spilling a drink down yourself or, worst of all, your luggage is delayed, you won’t have to wear the same clothes you travelled in for the next couple of days.
4. Print you’re important documents
Nowadays, most things are done online or through digital devices. For example, you can check in for your flight using your mobile phone. However, you can’t always rely on technology, and for peace of mind, it’s best to make sure you have a printed copy of all the important documents with you, such as flight details, accommodation information and travel insurance.
It can also be a good idea to have a photocopy of your passport with you just in case you misplace it along the way. This will make getting a new passport or at least getting back home much simpler and less stressful.
You should keep all printed documents in your handbag or hand luggage, so they are with you if you need them.
5. Travel during quieter times
If you want to save money on your trip and avoid the crowds, there are certain times of the year, week and day that you should travel. These are sometimes referred to as the shoulder periods as they take place between peak and off-peak times.
The best time to travel will depend on the location you’re going to, so you need to do your research and find out when the busiest season is. In terms of choosing when to fly or get the train, use transport websites where you’ll be advised on the more budget-friendly and quiet time to travel. These might be unsocial hours, such as late at night or really early morning, but the savings can be worth it, and you might even get a spare seat next to you!
6. Book activities ahead of time
You might not wish to plan every detail of your trip in advance. Alternatively, you might be someone that loves an itinerary, either way, it can be helpful to plan some activities before you leave. This is particularly true if you need to buy tickets for an event that might be sold our by the time you get there.
An example of this could be catching a show that you really want to see, and you want to ensure you bag the best seats. You might also want to book yourself on boat trips, walking tours, in top restaurants or anything else you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
7. Travel with a portable charger
If you are on the go a lot or you know that your journey is going to be a long one, having a portable charger with you means you can keep your devices charged. This can be more important if you need them for work or for finding your accommodation when you arrive. But even if you just use them for entertainment, no one wants their tablet or phone running out halfway through a journey – especially if you’re travelling with children and need to keep them occupied.
8. Buy a universal adapter
One of the most essential travel accessories and hacks we can offer you is to buy a universal adapter. This can be very beneficial if you are travelling from country to country and the local plugs are likely to change. But no matter what, this essential purchase means you’ll never be without power, no matter where you go in the world – unless you choose to be, that is!
9. Sign up to house sit
Last but not least, this hack will completely depend on where you’re going and how long you plan to be away for, but why not sign yourself up to house sit to save money on accommodation?
There are lots of websites and apps out there that make this possible; all you need to do is sign up and get looking.
