• How to Use Points for Free Flights
  • The Best Carry-On Luggage
  • The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Like a Pro
  • My Favorite Travel Credit Cards
  • lake louise
  • new orleans
  • new york city
  • palm springs
  • packing lists
  • product reviews
  • How to Use Vitamin C Serum
  • Easy Step-by-Step Skincare Routine
  • Drunk Elephant: Best & Worst Products
  • Fitness & Wellness
  • How I Edit My Photos for Instagram
  • Furniture My Interior Designer Loves
  • Best Strapless Bras
  • blogging & business
  • Amazon Finds
  • Hotel Lobby Candle
  • Shop My Faves
  • Promo Codes and Discounts
  • Shop My Instagram

Lindsay Silberman

70 Travel Hacks That Will Change Your Travel Game Forever

airplane flying at sunset

With 57 countries under my belt and more than a decade of traveling regularly, I think it’s safe to say that I’m an expert in the field. I’ve made every mistake you could imagine—missed flights, lost baggage, exploding hair irons—but with each disastrous experience, I’ve grown a little bit wiser, and a LOT savvier when it comes to traveling like a seasoned pro.

These travel hacks for flying, packing, saving money, getting hotel upgrades and more are the secrets I swear by. I hope they’ll help make your next trip pleasurable, memorable, and stress-free.

70 Travel Hacks That Will Blow Your Mind

1. use my “contact lens case” hack for makeup and skincare products ..

This is one of my best space saving packing hacks. People tend to take up unnecessary room in their toiletry bags by bringing full-sized products.

Here’s the trick: put your foundation, moisturizer, eye cream , and any other liquid products into contact lens cases. Every inch counts!

2. Be strategic in your seat selection when booking a flight.  

There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in a seat that doesn’t recline, or ending up in a row next to the lavatory with people hovering over you for the entire flight. I avoid these kind of mishaps by checking SeatGuru before I choose my seat on flights.

Occasionally, I’ll even choose a flight based on the type of plane that SeatGuru tells me I’ll be flying on. The website and app shows you photos of the plane’s interior so you’ll know in advance whether you’re booking an outdated 747, or a brand spanking new plane.

Plus, it gives you warnings about seats that have potential issues, like limited recline or a misaligned window.

3. Pack your own DIY amenity kit for long-haul flights.

I loooove the amenity kits that you get when you fly First or Business, but since I don’t always have that luxury, I decided to start making my own. My “DIY kit” stays in my carry-on bag at all times, and includes a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, sheet masks, moisturizer, hand cream, eye masks , lip balm, and socks.

4. Avoid cankles by wearing compression socks.

They’re basically Spanx for your calves and feet, because feeling swollen after a long-haul flight is the WORST.

travel hacks compression socks

5. Consider choosing an “alternate destination” when you search.

If the city you’re flying in or out of isn’t a main hub, consider flying into a bigger city and connecting or finding a flight (or other mode of transportation) out of that city.

Not only will you save money, but you have the potential to earn more mileage points.

6. Download the Google Translate app to help with language barriers.

You can use it to take photos of text in another language, and it will translate the words in real time. (I have a separate blog post featuring the best travel apps for savvy jetsetters , which you should check out as well!)

7. Use packing cubes.

best packing cubes for long trips

Another space saving packing hack that I swear by? Packing cubes! I truthfully thought these were a scam until I tried them out for myself.

They not only compress your items to give you additional space, but they also help keep you organized—I use a small one for socks and underwear, a medium-sized one for tops, another medium-sized one for comfortable walking shoes and sneakers , and a large one for jeans , pants, and dresses.

8. Look out for price errors.

Often times, there will be glitches on airline or third party sites that offer a ridiculous low fare. Sign up to these sites to keep an eye on them. But know that you will have to act quick, as these companies will typically fix the fare as soon as they catch it. Here are some great resources to keep an eye on for low fare deals.

  • Scott’s Cheap Flights (or Jack’s Flight Club for UK-based people)
  • The Flight Deal
  • Secret Flying (if you’re based out of Europe)
  • Holiday Pirates
  • Airfarewatchdog.com 
  • FlyerTalk Mileage Run (discussion board)

* Bonus Tip: Fill your social media with these sleuths by following them on Instagram and Twitter!

9. Take advantage of generous credit card offers.

capital one venture card

The greatest travel hack of all time? Credit cards and points. Open up a credit card that has a sign-up bonus (assuming you can be responsible enough to pay your bills!), and transfer the points to an airline for a pricey international flight.

Check out my full step-by-step guide to using points and miles for free travel if you haven’t already!

10. Be strategic with flight cancellations.

If you book a nonrefundable ticket and your plans change or you know you won’t be traveling on that flight—do not cancel the ticket until the last possible moment.

Or…just don’t show up. Here’s why: in the rare case that there’s a flight cancellation or schedule change, your nonrefundable ticket could entitle you to a credit or refund. Had you cancelled the ticket, you wouldn’t be entitled to anything.

11. Learn how to avoid long airport security lines.

tsa precheck travel hack

TSA-precheck, Global Traveler, and Clear have been an absolute gamechanger for me, and if you travel more than a few times a year, they are absolutely something worth investing in. If you’re not familiar:

  • TSA Precheck enables you to use a separate line for domestic (US) flights, and you won’t be required to take off your shoes or take out your laptop.
  • Global Traveler is for international flights and (as far as I know) is for the US only. When you’re returning to the US, you use a machine that scans your passport rather than having to wait in line at customs.
  • Clear lets you scan your fingertips at security and then get escorted to the front of line at airports where it is offered.

12. Take a hydration multiplier for long flights.

liquid iv hydration packets

While everyone will tell you to “drink as much water as possible” and “try to stay hydrated” on a long-haul flights, the reality is that if you’re drinking a liter of water on a plane, you’re going to find yourself getting up to go to the bathroom repeatedly.

My hack for this is to use Liquid IV. It’s a “hydration multiplier” that hydrates you 2-3 times faster than water alone. You pour the little packet of powder into your water bottle, shake it up, and then drink.

It tastes pretty similar to Gatorade (the lemon/lime is my preferred flavor) and will keep you hydrated without sending you to use the restroom every 30 seconds.

13. Keep track of itinerary ideas in Google Docs.

I use Google Docs for all of my itineraries—especially when I’m planning a girls trip and there are multiple people involved. I’ll share the link with everyone I’m traveling with to make it more collaborative. It’s also where I keep a running list of recommendations from people for the destination that I’m visiting.

14. Challenge yourself not to check a bag.

Avoid lost baggage nightmares by packing carry-on only for trips under a week. In need of luggage that actually fits a lot of stuff? Here’s a list of the best carry-on bags that help save space with packing.

15. Order a “special meal” in advance of a long-haul flight.

special meal travel hacks

Most major airlines will offer the option to order a special meal when you book your flight—these include vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, vegan, low fat, and sometimes even low sodium options.

People who place orders for “special meals” will always get served first, so if you’re hoping to catch some z’s on the flight, you’ll have more time to sleep while everyone else is waiting for their food to arrive.

16. Save local currency from the country you’re visiting as a souvenir.

My husband and I started doing this many years ago, and now we have what we jokingly call a “world bank” at home. It’s a cool alternative to buying a dumb keychain or t-shirt you’ll never wear.

17. Create a framed collage of foreign currency from your trips after you get home.

foreign currency travel hack

I often find foreign currency to be incredibly beautiful. We’ve taken some of the best-looking bills from various places we’ve visited, and framed them.

18. Do the same with hotel room keys, airline tickets, and baggage tags.

You can use a place like Framebridge to arrange and frame them for you—they’ll even send you a pre-paid envelope to mail in your items.

19. Talk to taxi drivers.

Often, a simple taxi ride from the airport to your hotel will turn into an impromptu city tour if you ask the right questions.

20. Build your itinerary using Go ogle Maps Trip Planner.

google maps trip planner

This might be the greatest travel hack of all time. Did you know that there’s a FREE tool within Google Maps that you can use to create an entire itinerary for your next trip? It’s called Google Maps Trip Planner and it’s incredible.  

21. Don’t exchange money at the airport.

Wait and go to an ATM near your hotel for better exchange rates.

22. Take advantage of layovers as often as possible.

Sometimes, I’ll even choose flights with 12+ hour layovers as a way to see another city for a day.

23. Never miss another photo opp.

Take photos in “burst” mode so you don’t need to worry about missing the shot.

burst mode iphone

24. Carry a photocopy of your passport in your wallet.

Just in case.

25. Speaking of wallets… invest in a good travel wallet.

Trying to keep track of boarding passes, passport photocopies, foreign currency, and receipts can get a bit messy if you’re trying to stuff everything into your regular, everyday wallet.

The best way to stay organized while you’re heading out of town is to use an inexpensive but chic travel wallet that has additional compartments for travel-related items. 

best travel wallet

26. Use a travel agent or tour operator for special trips or multi-city itineraries.

They can often get you better rates and preferential treatment at hotels.

27. Become a points and miles pro.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—I’ve learned everything I know about points, miles, and travel hacks from my friend Brian Kelly, aka The Points Guy . Browse through his site for all the secrets.

28. Easily share photos with friends/family.

Start a shared album with your the people you’re traveling with at the beginning of a trip, so you’re able to easily exchange photos.

29. Get the experience of a luxury hotel without staying at one.

Dying to stay at a fancy hotel but can’t afford the nightly rate? Pop in to the lobby bar for drinks instead.

30. Plan your trip during “shoulder season” to take advantage of better hotel rates and less crowds.

Shoulder season = the period between high and low season, when the weather is still great but the destination is less busy. In places like Positano , Santorini , and Mykonos for example, shoulder season is generally April through the middle of June, and September through October.

le sireneuse positano

31. Avoid jetlag by getting onto the local time zone as soon as you board the plane.

If it’s technically morning in the destination you’re going to when you board the plane, do NOT go to sleep—even if it’s midnight where you’re leaving from. If you work on adjusting to the time zone while on the flight, you’ll have a better chance of battling jet lag when you arrive.

32. Hire a local guide during the first day of your trip in a foreign city.

It’ll help you get the lay of the land. Then ask your guide for non-touristy recommendations to hit up during the rest of your trip. Also: if you’re traveling with a big group, DEFINITELY hire a guide. It takes the pressure off of one person being put in charge of the itinerary.

One of the best things I’ve ever done was hire a guide for my five-day trip to Tokyo since I wanted to see as many things as I could in a short period of time.

33. Use a sheet mask on long flights to replenish the moisture back into your skin.

I love using these sheet masks on the plane. Instead of looking haggard when you land, your skin looks super glowy and fresh.

dr jart sheet mask

34. Hire a passport/visa expediting service if you’re in a pinch.

I used a company called “It’s Easy” to renew my passport when I was super tight on time, and they were able to get it to me within a few days.

35. Keep a “packing checklist” in your phone.

You can refer back to it every time you’re heading out of town. I have an example of my travel packing checklist here .

36. Always keep your boarding pass.

I usually keep mine until I see that my miles have posted on my frequent flyer account—if you end up having to claim missing miles from your airline, you’ll need to have your ticket number and confirmation number as a reference. Which leads me to my next point…

37. Create a frequent flyer account on every airline you travel with.

There’s no reason not to. If you don’t you’ll be missing out on valuable miles that could potentially be put toward your next trip. I personally have FF account with: American, Delta, JetBlue, United, Cathay Pacific/Asia Miles, British Airways/Avios.

38. Keep your iPhone photos organized.

iphone photo album

Save all of your favorite trip photos into an album in iPhoto so that you can find them quickly.

39. Turn your travel photos into cool animations using free apps.

One of my favorite ways to jazz up my photos following a trip is by using apps like KiraKira and Enlight Pixeloop. (For example, I have a little tutorial that shows you how to add falling snow to your photos in 30 seconds.)

add snow to photos

40. Use a pants hanger to ensure blinds stay closed over night.

There’s nothing worse than waking up at the crack of dawn on vacation because of a small gap in the hotel drapes. I avoid this by using a hanger with trouser clips to secure the two window shades together.

41. To find cheap flights, consider looking beyond the obvious sites like Kayak and Expedia.

If you set the tab or filter to “everywhere” or “anywhere” and are flexible with your dates and travel time, you can find really inexpensive flights and even earn extra miles if you fly an extra leg.

A few of the best “deals” sites are:

  • Sky Scanner

42. Always ask for an upgrade.

hotel room upgrade travel hack

Unless you’re on an unlimited budget or celebrating a special occasion, never book the best room at a hotel—but always ask for an upgrade. I did this on a recent trip to Maui , as well as in the Maldives and St Barths , and totally lucked out!

Make sure to join the hotel’s loyalty program before arriving (they’re free), since they usually honor those requests for members as long as a higher room category is available.

43. Sometimes, the budget airlines have even cheaper flights on their sites.

Also, if you sign up for their newsletter and loyalty clubs, you get added perks and insider info. A few that comes to mind are Norwegian, Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit.

44. Be a “country counter.”

Download the “Been” app to keep track of the countries and states you’ve visited.

been travel app to count countries

45. Get a more authentic “local” experience with your accommodation.

Using sites like Air BnB, VRBO, Booking and others gives you the opportunity to live more locally and at a significantly discounted rate. In fact, sometimes the house share experience is more personalized and luxurious.

46. Book a private room at a hostel to save money.

If hostels are an option (check HostelWorld.com), you can book private rooms for a really cheap rate. This is a great way to 1) save money 2) meet new people (perhaps people you could room with in another country on future trips.)

47. Always have a back-up power source.

Charge an external battery before you travel, and have it with you on the plane in case the seats don’t have outlets.

48. Compare flight prices using Airfare Matrix.

AirFare Matrix is something travel agents use. It is a Google tool and allows you to do some great price comparison without the third party interjection (that can sometimes cause you to pay more if you’re not searching in an incognito browser).

You can’t book directly from the site, but can use the codes as a source to get the cheapest price when you call an agent, or even the airline.

49. Try toggling to a different “home” country when searching for flights to get cheaper rates.

If you’re looking to fly a specific airline, set your country (usually in the top right hand corner or in the website’s footer) to one that has a good FX rate (of the countries available, of course).

This will allow you to view and purchase the flights in another currency, and potentially save big! It will take some time and some trial and error, but if you have the time, it’s worth it!

50. Mark your bag fragile.

It’ll be handled properly and make it to the top of the pile, ensuring your luggage comes out in the first batch!

fragile bag sticker luggage

51. Before you pay for an upgraded cabin, see if the flight is full.

If not, put yourself on the upgrade list as soon as you can. Also, offering to get bumped from a flight and wait for the next flight could give you leverage to negotiate a better seat (and maybe even money or points).

52. Use FourSquare for Wifi.

You can find wifi passwords on FourSquare for restaurants, cafes and other places (just be careful, obviously, as not all of these are secure.)

53. Turn on “Private Browser” when searching for flights. 

Prices do, in fact, fluctuate based on the cookies in your web browser and how many searches you’ve performed for a specific destination. Which is why searching for flights in a private browser (also known as “incognito mode”) is an absolute must.

If you’re using Google Chrome, you can enable Incognito mode by hitting Command + SHIFT + N.

If you’re using Firefox or IE, you can enable a private browser by hitting COMMAND + SHIFT + P.

54. Bring an oversize scarf on the plane that doubles as a blanket.

Then wear it as a chic cape during your trip.

travel phone hacks

55. Save on parking by pairing up with a local.

Garage Pointer is a website that connects you with people who own parking spaces and are willing to rent them (temporarily) to visitors. As of now Garage Pointer is only available in the U.S.

56. Rent a car…from a local.

Ready for the best car travel hack? Look into whether or not Turo is available in your destination. The app and website connects you with people who own cars and are willing to rent them out for a fee that is (usually) much less than traditional car rental.

57. Overwhelmed with what to pack? There’s an app for that.

PackPoint helps you determine what to pack based on where you are going and the length of your trip. It checks the weather in your upcoming destination and then provides a detailed packing list for you. (I would also recommend using my “what to wear” guide if you’re packing for trip to Europe in the winter .)

58. Use a service to ship your clothes ahead of your trip.

Sure, this might not be for everyone, but did you know there was a service that stores, packs, ships and cleans your clothes prior to trips? It’s a company called DUFL . While it’s definitely targeted to a very specific market, DUFL is an incredible concept.

You send them a capsule wardrobe (consisting of clothes you need for every trip, like business travel), and they’ll store the clothes in a “virtual closet,” which you can access through the app prior to your departure. They then send the clothes to your hotel ahead of your arrival, and collect them to dry clean and store when you leave.

59. Use FlightAware to track your flights.

flight aware flight tracking app

The website and app allows you to track your flight (or the flights of loved ones) in real time. It’ll also keep you up to date on important info, like whether the incoming flight is delayed, or if the flight had to be rerouted for any reason.

60. Invest in a good adapter/plug converter.

I like this one because it works in all countries, and also has USB ports.

61. Book tours and experiences through AirBnB.

Did you know that Airbnb can be a great resource for things other than accommodations? Over the past few years, the company has expanded to include incredible local experiences and tours.

62. Wear a travel outfit that looks super chic—but it secretly comfortable.

travel outfits

I have an entire blog post dedicated to this (linked above!) but in a nutshell, I’m a big fan of looking put together when I travel. However, I also wouldn’t be caught dead wearing jeans on a long flight.

There are a few little tricks I use to turn otherwise sloppy outfits into something that you’d be confident walking into a luxury hotel wearing.

The most important thing? A lightweight fringed scarf (which doubles as a blanket mid-flight) and a leather or denim jacket. 

63. Invest in a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

bose 700 noise cancelling headphones

We’ve all been stuck next to a screaming child or chronic sniffler on long flights, and the experience can truly get your trip started off on the wrong foot.

I truly can not tell you how much of a game-changer noise-cancelling headphones are. While everyone else around you is having a meltdown over not being able to sleep or concentrate, you’ll be in your own little zen world.

Pro tip : if you don’t want to spring for the fanciest new technology, buy older or discontinued models of Bose headphones on Amazon for a fraction of the price for latest models.

64. Leverage special occasions for perks.

Celebrating a big anniversary or planning a trip for your honeymoon ? Be sure to let the hotel know in advance. When my husband and I went to Thailand and the Maldives for our honeymoon, we mentioned it to each property that we booked, and ended up with upgrades, bottles of champagne sent to the room, and other extra special perks from hotel staff.

65. Use your h otel’s shower cap to protect your toiletries from exploding.

Nervous about your liquids exploding in your toiletry bag on the flight home? Wrap them in the shower cap provided to you in the room. And if you don’t have a shower cap: use the plastic liner that comes with your ice bucket. 

66. Download the Revolut app.

The popular European banking app recently launched in the U.S., and it allows users to exchange currencies from 55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. 

67. Seek itinerary inspiration through social media.

Use Instagram to inspire your itinerary. Browse through hashtags and geotags to see where people took gorgeous photos—and then go to those places! Alternatively, you can google things like “ The Best Instagram Spots in NYC ” or “ The Most Instagrammable Places in London ” for fun ideas.

instagram photo inspiration

68. Use AirHelp to get compensated for flight delays or cancelled flights.

We’ve all been there: you miss a connection because of a delayed flight, or your flight get inexplicably cancelled, and you know that the airline has to owe you some kind of compensation.

The problem is that actually getting what you’re owed can be a logistical nightmare that involves long wait times, endless phone calls, and unanswered emails. AirHelp essentially plays the middleman by acting on your behalf.

They do charge a fee (which is a percentage of what you’re ultimately compensated) but as someone who has used the service successfully, I can say that it is VERY much worth saving you the headache.

Plus, Airhelp knows exactly what you’re entitled to based on their expertise, so you’ll often end up getting more than you would have received on your own.

69. Do your souvenir research ahead of a trip.

Stéphanie de Bruijn

One thing I always do before I travel is a bit of research about the most unique gifts and souvenirs to buy in the destination I’m heading to. Looking this up ahead of time might top you off to some really cool new boutiques, and it will also guarantee that you don’t end up at an airport gift shop wasting your money on a meaningless memento.

For example, this list of the best things to buy in Paris contains a ton of “hidden gems” within the city you might never have known about otherwise. There’s also something extremely satisfying about going on the hunt for a specific unique item—and then finding it! 

70. Keep a note in your phone filled with travel quotes .

For those times that you desperately want to post an Instagram photo, but you’re at a loss for a caption.

Did you find this list helpful? Are there any travel hacks you love that I didn’t include? Drop them in the comments below!

Thank you to nicole cueto aka @thecubancarrie for her contributions to this piece.

Pin this post for later:

travel hacks

You Also Might Like

what to buy in paris

What to Buy in Paris: 12 Souvenirs You Can’t Leave Paris Without

travel shoes for women

The Best Travel Shoes for Women

best things to do in palm beach

Your Most Common Travel Questions, Answered

' src=

If you’re traveling with an infant/toddler; bookmark, screenshot AND print the rules for taking things like breastmilk/formula/snacks through security as well as the policy about early boarding for families. It helps to be prepared for any hiccups. And even if you just fly once or twice a year with a child, get TSA Precheck. Your child under 12 can go through the line with you, which makes things SO much faster.

' src=

Lindsay Silberman

this is SUCH a good tip (and one i would never have thought of!) thanks for sharing!

' src=

I always get a seat on the plane forward of the wings. Any turbulence the plane encounters dieting the flight is less bumpy in the front half.

' src=

Charles Loes

these hacks help me a lot thanks for such guidance.

I always get a seat on the plane forward of the wings. Any turbulence the plane encounters during the flight is less bumpy in the front half.

' src=

Helen Gaskin

Really a complete guide has never seen such stuff there. I am all the way from Pinterest and your pin is best to attract anyone. And guide too.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Perfect Skincare Routine for Beginners

60 quotes about travel that will inspire your wanderlust.

  • Travel More & Spend Less
  • Travel Inspiration
  • Annual Travel Insurance
  • Airport Lounges
  • Invergordon Cruise Port
  • Loch Ness Tour
  • Coach Holiday Expert
  • Work With Me
  • About Melanie
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

8 Mobile Phone Travel Hacks To Save You Time & Money

Melanie, The Professional Traveller

  • 20 February 2024

Looking for some tried and tested mobile phone travel hacks?

These are all the things related to mobile phones that I use, have, or do!

Links You Might Find Helpful: Super Long Power Lead – A Travel Essentials Travel Power Adapter with USB Sockets Check Out All My Recommended Travel Essentials

1. Mobile Phone Travel Hacks – Take a Super Long Power Lead

Table of Contents

Have you checked into your hotel room, unpacked your belongings, made a cup of tea, and then realised there is no electrical socket near the bed. Oh, the disappointment!

Have you then ended up crawling around on your hands and knees looking under desks and behind curtains only to find an electrical socket some distance from your bed?

You plug the lead on and despite moving a chair or a table you find you can’t actually reach your phone for the bed. This means you go to bed worrying if the alarm will wake you up in the morning. Make sure you set the volume to the maximum so you don’t miss it.

The next morning you are awoken by your alarm going off at full volume, so loud that it sounds as if it could wake most of the hotel. You scramble out of bed trying to turn it off before you wake everyone else.

Instead of a nice gentle start to the day your day has started with a real bang.

Like you, I have also spent lots of time crawling around to find electrical sockets. Given that I am usually travelling for work I am on call during the night so I always like to keep my phone right beside me in case of emergency.

I have also spent quite a bit of time crawling around in guests’ rooms trying to help them find a socket too. They have been all over the place – under desks, in the floor, behind curtains, and generally not where you would expect to find them.

Of course, the ideal is to have an electrical socket next to the bed but this isn’t always the case, especially in older hotels. Short of lobbying hotel designers there isn’t much we can do about electrical socket locations.

That’s why extra-long leads have been a travel essential of mine for some time!

A long electrical lead still means you need to do a bit of detective work to find the electrical socket, but once found you can generally get the phone to the side of your bed fairly easily, without having to rearrange furniture to balance your phone on.

This means you can relax, going to sleep with your alarm set at a sensible volume for the morning.

If like me you are working, you know the phone is right there in case anything happens.

Below you can find the link to the leads I use – they are long, really long in fact, but they have gotten me out of trouble on many occassion.

These leads are 4.5m long which is 19’6″. This means they should ensure your phone is right beside your bed.

These particular ones are the leads only which means you can plug them into your adaptor which then goes into your electrical socket.

These leads help me to sleep better when travelling which is why it is top of my mobile phone travel hacks list!

Mobile Phone Travel Hacks

2. AroundMe – My Absolute Favourite Travel App

AroundMe hasn’t been off my phone since I found it many years ago. It is still one of my favourite travel apps, helping me to find ATMs, supermarkets, and restaurants when I travel.

Having used AroundMe in a variety of countries I have never managed to catch it out yet and it has always come up with some suggestions.

Like many apps, it uses geolocation to show things nearby.

Things you can see nearby are;

  • Coffee Shops
  • Movie Theatres
  • Movies (this is movies showing nearby)
  • Petrol Stations
  • Restaurants
  • Supermarkets

There is a paid version of AroundMe but I have never used it because the free version is so good. Despite not travelling anywhere for a year I have still kept this app on my favourite – because that’s how much I love it!

Finding this app has helped me all over the world and it’s been one of the best mobile phone travel hacks I’ve used.

3. Google Translate

Learning a few words of the language of the country you are travelling to is always a great idea. Having a translation app on your phone is also extremely helpful and Google Translate works extremely well.

I really like the fact you can show or play the translations which can make it easier if you are asking something or trying to communicate in general.

Google Translate also has a handy feature where you can download the language so it will work when your mobile phone doesn’t have a signal which is really handy when travelling.

It’s also free!

Google Translate has certainly helped me when travelling for work and having to deal with foreign drivers, where we don’t share a language. It’s been one of the mobile phone travel hacks which has really helped me as a Tour Manager.

4. Ticketless Travel Apps

How did we manage when we actually had to carry tickets? I can’t tell you how many times guests lost flight tickets over the years, leading to lots of anxiety and of course delays at check-in while new tickets were printed. Yes, actually printer, on paper!

Thankfully many organisations now have travel apps enabling you to keep your tickets on your phone. This applies to airlines such as Easyjet and British Airways and it can make checking in much easier, with of course flight updates being sent to your phone as well.

Sometimes there is an issue with screen resolution, so I would recommend boosting your screen brightness before you try getting it scanned but also remember to change it back again in order to save your mobile phone battery.

Of course, it’s not just travel companies that offer travel apps – Booking.com has a great app where you can easily search and book hotels and of course, keep all your bookings to hand. This is certainly handy in the case of any problem as you have all the booking details right with you.

Tiqets enables you to book tickets for activities and attractions with no need to print them out which can make booking things on the go handy too.

Of course, the list goes on – there are all sorts of travel apps. Just remember not to go too crazy otherwise you will have no battery left and no phone memory!

mobile phone hacks the professional traveller bedroom

I love Calm . It’s been on my phone for a couple of years now and it’s one of the few apps that I am prepared to pay for.

It does lots of things – meditations, breathing exercises, self-improvement talks, and podcasts.

It also does Sleep Stories.

Sleep Stories are like bedtime stories for grown ups and I absolutely love them. Most of them I have never heard the end of because I am usually sound asleep.

My favourite ones are of course the travel sleep stories and there are lots of them including;

  • Crossing Australia by Train
  • The Nordland Night Train
  • The Trans-Siberian Express
  • Crossing Ireland by Train – read by the wonderful Cillian Murphy
  • Elephants of Nepal – read by Joanna Lumley
  • Blue Gold – read by Stephen Fry

And many many more.

Matthew McConaughey read Wonder which is a lovely fiction story.

I use Calm at home and when I travel I find the familiar voices a very soothing part of bedtime and as such it helps me have a better night’s sleep.

Sometimes an unfamiliar room or bed can cause a few problems getting to sleep but Calm lessens those and before long I am drifting off thinking of travelling adventures. What a fab way to fall asleep!

6. Online Banking App

If you are confident using online banking then why not consider using an online banking app?

This can be very helpful when you are travelling, particularly if you are travelling with bank or credit cards.

Many of these apps have the ability to immediately switch off cards in the event that they are lost, giving you some time to try and find them, or to cancel them completely.

Over the years I have spent hours on the phone with clients who have been trying to get through to their banks to try and get their cards cancelled having lost them, or very occasionally having had them stolen.

These calls generally take place at the most inconvenient or difficult times, adding to the stress of an already stressful situation.

Knowing I have the ability to pause or cancel my cards when travelling gives me great peace of mind.

7. Hopper App

Hopper is a great app for checking flight prices and seeing if they are likely to go up or down.

It is very simple to use and a colour coding system gives you information on flight prices.

It can be a helpful double-check if you are in the early stages of planning a trip.

Hopper has now expanded to cover hotels and flights.

8. Emergency Phone Charger

We all rely on our mobiles when travelling, and having been travelling for work I often have a whole group relying on my mobile phone working.

You can guarantee if your mobile phone is going to die it will do it at the most inconvenient time.

That’s why I always travel with an emergency mobile phone power bank. I can keep this in my bag so that I can easily access it in case the battery dies.

The great thing now is that you can also get really good solar mobile phone chargers, which means you can also top up while travelling away from mains power sockets too.

Further Reading

If you have found this mobile phone travel hacks article useful you might be interested in my 6 Fab Flight Hacks – to help find cheap flights and interesting destinations.

Check out my Travel More and Spend Less page for more tips and hacks to help you save time and money.

Other Articles

how to find cheap flights to anywhere

  • Work + Money
  • Relationships
  • Slow Living

logo

99 Travel Hacks To Make Your Next Trip A Little Easier

Henah - Headshot

I’ve never cared about brand-name purses or clothing, much less cars or makeup. Instead, I spend whatever leftover money I can on travel. Traveling has exceptional “memory dividends” long after the money’s gone and is the best way to experience all the world has to offer (at least, in my humble opinion).

I’ve now been to 30+ countries and hundreds of cities—from rural northern Thailand to Moorea in French Polynesia to most of the United States—so I’ve picked up quite a few hacks here and there to make traveling the best experience it can be. Below, I’m sharing 99 of my best tips so you can spend less time planning and questioning and more time experiencing and enjoying. Got more? Share them in the comments; we don’t gate-keep here!

Wherever you’re heading—whether by plane, train, or bus—safe travels and happy exploring! 🌍

1. To save time, only pack a carry-on ; no more waiting at baggage claim! 

2. If you decide to check a bag in, throw an Airtag into your suitcase, so you can always track where it is and ensure it’s reached your destination.

3. For the best possible travel deals, be flexible on your destination and dates. I’ve scored deals to multiple European cities for under $200 by leveraging that flexibility.

4. Perhaps the most important tip of all: Always buy travel insurance . Always.

5. Allocate all your spending on a credit card that racks up points which can later be redeemed for travel—my preferred option is Chase Sapphire Reserve or the AmEx Gold.

6. Sign up for credit card bonuses that offer up to 150,000 points once you hit a minimum spending bonus—I like to check Nerdwallet’s top credit card offers (updated monthly) to see the best bonuses.

7. Search for flights leaving at off-peak times (for example, mid-week, red eyes, or with a layover) if you’re trying to save money.

Prioritize early morning flights; they’re the least likely to be delayed or canceled.

8. If convenience is more important than money, prioritize early morning flights; they’re the least likely to be delayed or canceled.

9. Use Google Incognito or a VPN to search for flights. Searching on the same browser and internet connection tells the airline that you’re looking to book and allows them to hike the price up. 

10. Once you find a flight you like—if you’re not ready to book—set up an alert to be notified if the price changes. If it drops, great! If not, you’ll know to book soon or keep an eye on it in case it comes back down.

11. Not sure when to go? Check out apps like Skyscanner or Hopper to find the best prices and times of year to head to your destination.

12. Sign up for loyalty programs with every airline you can; you never know when you’ll need to use them, and you can rack up miles for later use.

13. If you’re used to one specific airline, see if they have an airline-specific credit card for additional bonuses and perks. For example, United Airlines has major hubs in both our hometowns and our current cities so we have the United MileagePlus cards, which offer early boarding, free baggage, and 60,000 points each.

14. Keep an eye out for points sales , like Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals, 30% off transfer premiums, and more. (This is always a good option to keep in mind if you just need a few more points for a mostly-free flight!)

15. Look into mistake fares (deeply discounted fares mistakenly shared by an airline). They can sometimes be canceled or refunded, but many times, airlines will honor them anyway. One time, I was able to travel to Milan, Prague, and Amsterdam for $197 one-way from New York.

16. Subscribe to real-time alerts from The Points Guy , The Flight Deal on Twitter, and more.

17. If you have a few bucks to spare, sign up for flight deals from Going (previously known as Scott’s Cheap Flights). You’ll share your departure airports of choice, and you’ll receive deals right in your inbox.

18. Sign up for TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry to expedite the security process.

19. Once you’re past security but before you get to the gate, check out the Priority Pass, which will give you access to hundreds of lounges around the world. Both Chase and AmEx offer cards with Priority Pass access, and once you get to a lounge, you can stock up on free food, drinks, WiFi, and more.

20. Heading abroad? Use a third-party encrypted program like WhatsApp, Viber, or Signal for international texts and calls—you can avoid extra data and call charges!

Alert your credit and debit card companies about your travel so you don’t get flagged for fraud.

21. If you need access to international calls, buy a SIM card locally—you can usually find kiosks in the airport after arrival, or sometimes your carrier will offer a global SIM card for temporary use.

22. Alert your credit and debit card companies about your travel so you don’t get flagged for fraud.

23. Get a no-fee ATM for international destinations; my favorite is the Charles Schwab.

24. Only ask for ATM withdrawals in the local currency, not your native one.

25. Same for credit card charges; if you’re in Italy, pay with your card in Euros, not USD (for example). Then you’ll avoid fees and often score better conversation rates.

26. Download the airline app before you fly for easy access to your boarding pass, checking in, and seat or meal selection.

27. While you’re at it, you can check out the seat map on most flights to see what’s open and change seats accordingly.

28. You may even find an open seat in First or Business Class—consider politely asking for an upgrade. You never know if they’ll say yes!

29. If your travel plans are flexible, volunteer for a later flight when they’re offering compensation to offset the cost of the airfare.

30. If you decide to volunteer, try and wait to see if they’ll increase the compensation before you agree. Sometimes, you can get thousands of dollars in flight vouchers if you hold out long enough.

31. Buffer in extra time for delays—always.

32. Have a connecting flight? Aim for at least a 90-minute layover in between to avoid missing your flight in case of delays, security issues, etc.

33. Travel during shoulder season (i.e., not quite peak time yet). For example, if June-August is the best time of year to visit Greece, consider going in May or September for lower prices but still preferable conditions.

34. Don’t cut costs over convenience either, though—if you know you suffer from insomnia and back pain, taking a red eye in economy to save $100 may not be worthwhile. Similarly, don’t go for the cheapest hotel without thorough vetting; you don’t want to be stuck three miles from the beach without a bike because you didn’t know how far it was!

35. Check out alternative modes of transport besides the typical plane or car: Trains, bikes, public transportation, buses…the list goes on. These are often cheaper, better for the environment, and more accessible.

Create a default packing list for yourself that you can copy and tailor for each trip.

36. Create a default packing list for yourself that you can copy and tailor for each trip. This way, you’ll know you’ve included all the necessities most important to you, like specific medications, chargers, and toiletries.

37. Wear layers while in transit—it’s easier to pack your luggage, and you can stay warm (or cool) as needed.

38. If you suffer from swollen ankles or potential blood clots when sitting in one place for hours, get a pair of compression socks. There’s a reason many travel pros swear by them!

39. Another must? A reusable water bottle. Perfect for refilling inside the airport after security, carrying with you on tours, and having in case of emergency.

40. Heading to a place without clean, potable water? Don’t forget to bring a water filter or purifier for when you’re on the go.

41. Easily organize your suitcase (and save space!) with packing cubes .

42. If you’re really in need of space, consider vacuum bags to compress all your clothes.

43. If you know you’ll want to shop or bring back many souvenirs, get a secondhand suitcase at your local thrift store for cheap and fill ‘er up.

44. Don’t bring too many valuables. Many women travel pros will wear fake wedding rings to avoid burglaries or attacks.

45. Always tell someone at home what your itinerary is and where you’ll be. Even better if you can tell someone you trust locally in case of an emergency. #safety

46. Turn on location services and sharing, too, for good measure.

Print out extra copies of your passports and travel docs; keep digital copies in your email as well.

47. Print out extra copies of your passports and travel docs; keep digital copies in your email as well. Losing your passport is all too easy! 48. Need to drive worldwide? Don’t forget to pick up an International Driver’s Permit , which are readily available at most AAA locations.

49. Want to save money or avoid excess noise? Stay slightly away from downtown city centers and tourist spots—usually going even two or three blocks away can make all the difference.

50. Another way to cut costs is to consider house-sitting or couch surfing, depending on your level of comfort. 

51. Hostels are another great budget-friendly accommodation option; it’s also a wonderful place to meet like-minded people and organize local tours.

52. Weigh the cost of laundry versus the cost of a checked bag. Sometimes packing light and doing laundry will be far cheaper than paying for an extra suitcase.

53. Pack a capsule wardrobe for easy mix ‘n matching for your daily #lewks.

54. Think about items you may need at a destination that you’ll end up paying a premium for later and see if you can get them beforehand. For example, sunblock at a tropical destination will be far more expensive than getting it in the off-season in the Midwest.

55. Pack an essentials kit in case you need certain toiletries or accessories while in transit—for example, a small bag with spare underwear, ear plugs, eye mask, tampons, and charging wires.

56. Carry a purse or travel bag that you can keep close on your body, closed with zippers rather than buttons or flaps. This will help stop pickpockets!

57. Pack extra snacks. Just trust me on this one! You never know when you may need sustenance and can’t find anything worthwhile.

If you can, take the day off after you get home so you can ease back into everyday life.

58. If you can, take the day off after you get home so you can ease back into everyday life. Then you can finish up any chores or errands like laundry, grocery shopping, and more without worrying about rushing back into the office.

59. In your carry-on backpack or purse, keep an extra set of clothes, a toothbrush, and undies in case your luggage gets lost. (Which is another reason why you always want travel insurance!)

60. If you’re not using data and/or are heading to a remote area, download offline versions of Google Maps and take screenshots of any information you need.

61. If you’re heading to a foreign country and the local language isn’t one you speak, download the Google Translate app. You can then converse with locals, take photos of written text to translate, and more. (This was an invaluable tool when I was stranded in northern Thailand during a downpour once!)

62. Download media a day or two before you leave, so you can access it while traveling—think audiobooks, ebooks, Netflix, etc.

63. Get the best portable charger you can afford if you know you’ll be relying on your phone throughout the trip. You’ll never regret it.

64. Pack a universal adapter so you can use your electronic devices around the globe.

Pack a universal adapter so you can use your electronic devices around the globe.

65. Don’t forget a converter too, if your electronics’ voltage doesn’t match up to the outlets abroad.

66. Getting a rental? Book the reservation on a credit card like Chase or AmEx, which offers auto insurance and collision insurance for rentals.

67. If that’s not an option, it’s well worth getting auto insurance from the rental company. 

68. Take photos of everything important: The condition of your rental when you pick it up/drop it off, receipts if you’re going to be reimbursed or splitting costs, WiFi passwords, and so on.

69. Make sure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations and shots , which vary by country. (And don’t wait until the last minute to book your appointment!)

70. Read. The. Reviews. Make sure you look for any bots or planted reviews, and keep an eye out for any red flags, whether you’re searching for accommodations, a tour, or restaurants.

71. Similarly, seek out vetted tour groups if you’re traveling alone. A few of my favorites for women include El Camino Travel , Stellavision Travel , and G Adventures .

72. Sometimes DIYing a trip can be helpful, but other times, a good travel agent is the most valuable. They’ll get access to exclusive discounts, tours, or accommodations that you couldn’t leverage otherwise.

73. If you’re considering traveling with a friend or partner, ensure your travel priorities are aligned before leaving. Nothing will be more frustrating than having a companion sleep in when you’re a morning person or dealing with a racket first thing in the morning if you’re a night owl.

74. In the same vein, learn many of your destinations’ cultural nuances and customs—it’s important to be considerate and mindful of the communities you’re visiting.

75. Heading to a faraway destination? Try pairing nearby cities together on this trip so you knock out two at once.

76. Stay hydrated, especially when traveling. We’re already adjusting to new environments, time zones, etc., and hydration is key for our bodies to adapt.

Get sunlight as early as possible when you’re in a new time zone to help reset your circadian rhythm. 

77. Get sunlight as early as possible when you’re in a new time zone to help reset your circadian rhythm. 

78. Napping to adjust a timezone is okay, but try staying awake the whole day and sleeping at night to beat jet lag once and for all.

79. Chew gum while taking off or landing if your ears pop while in flight.

80. Invest in a quality skin mask or moisturizer, lip balm, and lotion during and post-flight when our skin is driest.

81. Luggage scales can be clutch—if your baggage is overweight and you can’t rid yourself of any items, you’ll be on the hook for hefty excess fees.

82. Traveling with kiddos? Bring a “busy bag” to keep them entertained throughout the day, stocked with coloring books, toys, a tablet, snacks, and whatever else your little one prefers.

83. If you’re dealing with long-haul travel, you’ll want a quality neck pillow—this is mine and I’m obsessed.

84. If you can , opt for a backpack over a suitcase or duffel. There’s a good chance transportation carriers won’t bother to weigh your backpack!

Whatever you’re budgeting for your trip, add another 10-20% in case of emergency.

85. Whenever you get samples like shampoo, moisturizers, or sunscreen, throw them in your travel toiletry bag. That way, you don’t need to bring the bulk items or worry about the liquid limit.

86. Throw a lavender satchel or a dryer sheet in your bag to keep things smelling…fresh. 🙂

87. Pack at least two extra large plastic or ziplock bags for shoes, dirty clothes, etc.

88. Opt for a bright-colored suitcase so it’s easy to spot at baggage claim or while in transit.

89. If you’re flying with another person and can book your seats in advance, one of you can take the window and the other can take the aisle. That way, the middle seat will likely be left open for you both to enjoy.

90. Always keep a spare pen on you, especially if you know you’ll have to fill out customs forms or write down directions.

91. Take a picture of your car or write down where it is in your notes app so you don’t forget where you’ve parked, whether at an airport parking lot or a new hotel.

92. Bring extra wipes or a sanitizer spray for when there’s no washroom or when things need some tidying…like your tray table.

93. Whatever you’re budgeting for your trip, add another 10-20% in case of emergency.

94. Check out local walking tours in big cities; they’re often free or pay-what-you-can and are a great way to see the most important sights and get acquainted.

95. Some businesses offer deals if you book with a partner company—for example, United MileagePlus members earn savings if you book a car rental through Avis or Budget.

Travel is one of the most valuable experiences there is in life. Enjoy every moment, be mindful and respectful, and explore as much as you can.

96. Don’t forget to check if you’ll need a visa for specific countries! Or, prioritize countries where you won’t need one for ease of access and to save money.

97. Eat street food (as long as it’s cooked in front of you and looks safe!). It’s often one of the best ways to enjoy a local culture.

98. Make lunch your biggest meal—it’s usually cheaper than dinner while being just as filling.

99. Most importantly, remember: Travel is one of the most valuable experiences there is in life. Enjoy every moment, be mindful and respectful, and explore as much as you can.

Henah Velez   (she/her) is the Senior Editor at  Money with Katie  at  Morning Brew , as well as a writer at The Good Trade. She holds a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship and is a proud Rutgers grad. Originally from NJ, Henah’s now in the Bay Area where she loves shopping small, hanging with her pets, or traveling. Say hi on  Instagram !

RELATED READING

sustaianble-luggage

9 Sustainable Luggage Brands To Travel The World

the-good-trade-money-affirmations

99 Money Affirmations To Attract Abundance Daily

language-learning-apps-for-travel-576x863-1

7 Language Apps To Prepare You For Your Trip Abroad

attachment-61de196fb522e1532cc532de

How To Find Your Next Travel Destination—Without Google

Misfit Wanderers

51 Practical Hacks To Make You Travel-Smart

Vipin Gaur

  • May 5, 2022
  • September 2, 2023
  • Tips & Hacks , Inspiration

Travel Hacks Cover

Have you ever forgotten to pack ‘that’ thing only to realize later? That sudden sense of deep regret as you unpack your backpacks?

We understand. Traveling smart requires a lot of mindfulness and planning. While it may seem like an extra task for ordinary travelers, savvy travelers know that the rewards are astonishing.

Travel disasters are pretty natural. However, you can avoid them after learning a few travel hacks.

So, this article covers 51 practical travel hacks to make you travel smart. They are time-tested and are super helpful while traveling — both locally and internationally.

Notice : This post may contain a few links which might earn us financial support when you buy or make any reservations through them. They in no way affect our opinion or the information presented here.

1. Email Your Documents

Whether it is local travel or an international tour, it is necessary to carry your identification papers and passports. 

Just scan and email a copy of these papers to yourself for safety. Having a backup in your email account would never hurt, and you can always feel secure during your travels. 

Alternatively, you can upload your document on your Google Drive, OneDrive or iCloud for easier access.

2. Use Google Maps Without the Internet

Use Google Maps Without the Internet — Travel Hacks for Smarter Travel

Google Maps have been one of our few favorite travel hacks. If you have enough space on your phone, download Google maps and browse the location you need to visit. Tab “…” on the top of the screen to download the offline map of that particular area.

See Google’s instructions for doing the same .

This hack can be pretty efficient if you plan to visit a place with a poor internet connection.

3. Download an Offline Translation App

If you are traveling to a region where language might be a barrier, you should download a translation application on your mobile device. 

Most translation apps work with the Internet, but you should download those supporting offline translation. 

We suggest you go with Google Translate — free, supports offline translation, and is relatively reliable.

You can also translate the sign and menus by capturing the image through the camera in your Google Translate.

4. Carry a Baby Powder

This hack is essential when compared to the other makeup items. While traveling, you walk a lot on foot. Despite wearing socks, your feet might smell. 

So, applying baby powder to your socks and a little bit on your feet can reduce the effect and make them pleasant. You can find varieties of baby powder on Amazon and other e-commerce stores.

5. Empty Your Bottles

Carrying a filled water bottle is a strict no before passing airport security. So instead, bring it out as an empty water bottle and fill it up after security checks in the airport. 

This simple hack saves a lot of money! 

6. Go in Private

51 Practical Hacks To Make You Travel-Smart 1

While searching for flights, choose the incognito or private mode in the browser. 

Experts say that most travel sites use your search history and cookies to understand your requirements and raise the price simply since you have searched for their flights before. 

This travel hack will protect you from spending unnecessary money on flight booking. 

7. Roll Up Your Clothes

This idea is a general hack but can be pretty essential. Rather than folding your clothes, roll them into a circular tube to preserve space and prevent creases or wrinkles. 

8. Use Vacuum Bags For Wrinkle-Free Clothes

The vacuum bags are also a general hack used to protect your clothes from wrinkles and pack more within a small space. 

These vacuum bags are commonly available in most online stores, and you can purchase them for a low price. Here is a list of many vacuum bags on Amazon . 

Place your clothes within the bags and vacuum the air out of them to protect the fabric and maintain it wrinkle-free. Since it sucks the air out, you will also have more space for packing. 

9. Use Smart TVs to Get Charged

If you have forgotten your charger or adapter, do not worry. Like the laptop’s USB port, today’s television sets have a USB port. You can charge your mobile phone and cameras through this port during emergencies. 

10. Mark Your Bags as Fragile

Mark Your Bags as Fragile - Travel Hacks

If you are a frequent traveler, you might understand the damages caused to your suitcase, especially with the handles and the wheels. 

Marking your suitcases and bags as fragile goods would ensure that your bags are handled correctly and placed on the top of the compartment. 

11. Runoff Your Jet Lag 

Jet lag can be an issue when going on an International Tour. It can make you feel under the cloud for at least two days. 

You can reduce your jet lag effects by going on a run or by engaging in light exercises. Try not to fall asleep during flight hours to lower your impact of jet lag. 

12. Use Rechargeable Batteries

Having rechargeable batteries as a backup can be pretty efficient. But when your rechargeable batteries keep running out of charge, the best solution is to place them in the freezer for an hour to maintain the battery level above 90%. 

Most new batteries work just fine. But when your rechargeable battery is old, you can use this technique.

Although this travel hack might not seem practical in a few years, it’s useful if you’re using a gadget that runs on replaceable charging batteries such as trimmers.

13. Plastic Bags For All The Wets

Sealed pouches and plastic bags can be pretty efficient on a trip. These bags do not occupy huge space, and they are efficient while packing wet clothes or dirty clothes. 

It practically separates your fresh clothes and prevents them from the disgusting scent. You can also pack used swimsuits within these bags since they carry the chlorine scent despite being dry. 

Check out plastic bags for clothes on Amazon .

14. Purchase Tickets in Advance

Purchase Tickets in Advance - Travel Hacks

If you plan a trip, then book all your tickets in advance. It’s not just the flight and train tickets, but also book other activity tickets like museum visits and others to avoid the queues and make a visit. 

This idea saves time, and you can prevent vast crowds. 

15. Avoid Add-ons

Plan to reduce the price and save unnecessary rush rather than booking your add-ons like the extra baggage and food items separately. 

You can complete all your baggage booking, food, insurance, and seat reservations during booking with planning. Including add-ons during the later stage will only increase your budget. 

16. Smart with Small Bottles

The excess baggage might be pretty heavy to carry around when you travel. The essentials and makeup products are hard to distinguish among your clothes and accessories. 

Instead of taking the whole shampoo bottle and face wash, you can transfer them to small bottles for packing. This technique might reduce a lot of weight from your baggage. 

If you have small bottles at home, you can use them, or next time you go on a trip, take the bottles they offer you in the hotels. Moreover, there are various travel bottles available on Amazon which you can purchase if you don’t have it at home.

17. Buy Shoe Covers

While traveling around, you need to carry at least two to three sets of footwear to keep your fashion sense alive. But instead of taking them simply in a bag, cover them within a zip lock pouch or a dedicated shoe cover . 

This hack will protect your shoes from getting dirty. 

Since shoe covers cover the base portion of your shoe, you can use them while traveling in a muddy area.

18. Rental Vehicles to Save $$

Rental Vehicles to Save $$ - Travel Hacks

Even though this concept was not quite common a decade ago, you can now find it in multiple cities. 

Renting a car or two-wheeler will save you a lot of money and allow you to enjoy the freedom of going anywhere. 

Try to purchase a universal license if you are a frequent international traveler. The rental vehicle is a cost-effective technique when compared to taxis.  

19. Rent a Home When With Family

Did you know that renting a home is much cheaper than staying in a hotel? If you travel with your family, rent a house or room through Airbnb. 

If you are traveling alone, then rent a single room. The old bed-and-breakfast concept is much more exciting and comfortable than a hotel. 

20. Carry a Pen

This hack might seem like a simple trick, but it can be handy when you try to exchange foreign money or fill out a customs form. 

Instead of asking other people for the pain, you can fill out the form and save time with the pen. 

Even most rentals in international countries subject you to multiple form-related procedures. 

21. Use Local ATMs

If you have an international credit or debit card, then use them in the local ATMs instead of opting for the money exchanger in airports with a particular cost. 

These ATMs charge less and allow you to get money from anywhere.

22. Unpack Necessities, Leave The Rest

Unpack Necessities, Leave The Rest - travel hacks

Even if it is a long trip, avoid complete unpacking. Instead, opt to remove only necessities from your luggage when you come back from a trip.

To avoid hectic last-minute packing, you can wash or pack your used clothes in a separate bag. It also increases your chance of missing out on something in the hotel room. 

23. Smell Nice with Pocket Deodorants

If you are packing for a long holiday, do not miss out on the pocket deodorants available for your clothes. 

Whether a hotel or a home, it is always safe to keep your suitcases closed. But your clothes might smell when you try to place used clothes within them. 

The pocket deodorant provides a pleasant smell and keeps your cloth fresh for your upcoming use. 

24. Get Souvenirs To Buy on a List, Seriously

Everyone expects you to purchase something for them during their foreign trips. So, create a list of souvenirs and items you must buy before departure for easy access. 

It might feel like you are striking things off your bucket list, but it saves time and money. It also allows you to remember things and avoid feeling guilty. 

25. Savor Yourself on The Local Cuisine

Try to consume local foods and avoid common fast-food joints like McDonald’s, Dominos Pizza, or Starbucks. This hack will allow you to taste the local cuisine while saving you a lot of money. 

Local cuisines are cheap, fresh, and the best. Besides, you can have fast food anywhere.  

26. Compression Socks For Swollen Feet

51 Practical Hacks To Make You Travel-Smart 2

Compression socks are a boon to millennial travelers and allow you to avoid swollen feet after a long flight.

They act like spanks for your feet and calves. These socks are especially suitable for women and old age people. Further, compression socks are easily available on Amazon and other e-commerce stores.

27. Find Alternate Destination

If the city you are flying to is not the primary flight hub, consider flying into the central city hub and find an alternative flight to small towns. 

You can also choose other modes of transportation like metro and taxi to save money and develop your mileage points.

28. Packing Your Cubes

The packing cubes have proved efficient for space-saving packing. 

Compress your items and store them within the packing cubes before placing them within the primary suitcase and save everything separately. 

For example, you can use the small-sized packing cube for the socks while using the medium-size cube for your tops. 

Similarly, you can use large-sized packing cubes for your shoes and sneakers. 

If you are a makeup lover, you can also store your accessories and cosmetic products in separate cubes for easy access. It saves space and time. 

Find suitable packing cubes on Amazon for your travel needs.

29. The Credit Card Hack

The best way to save your money is by using your credit card points. Whether it is a domestic flight or an international flight, they offer multiple price reductions when you use a credit card. 

A credit card with the sign-up bonus and points can reduce your flight price, especially international flights. It offers you an efficient way to reduce your flight charges using points and miles for free travel.

30. Get a Refund From a Non-refundable Flight

Refund From a Non-refundable Flight - Travel Hacks

When you book a non-refundable flight ticket, and suddenly your plans change, do not cancel the flight until the last minute. 

As most domestic flights alter their flight timings in the last five days, you can cancel the flights and receive immediate refunds during such situations. 

This hack is beneficial since you can always receive a refund for a non-refundable flight booking.

31. Hydration Multiplier

One thing that commonly irritates you the most is finding a restroom while traveling. 

The requirement to go to the bathroom repeatedly, especially in areas with poor maintenance, can be pretty irritating for a regular traveler. 

During such situations, you can use the hydration multiplier . All you need to do is mix this powder into your water and consume it. It can keep your hydration for a longer time and reduces your frequent visits to the bathroom since you’ll have less water.

32. Google Docs Your Itinerary

Writing your itinerary on a sheet of paper might not be handy since you need to save them for a long time. 

Instead, you can save your itinerary in a google docs file and share it with your fellow travelers or friends to make it more collaborative. 

It also allows you to receive multiple recommendations from the people for the destination you are visiting.

33. Avoid Baggage Checking

Avoid lost baggage nightmares by packing a carry-on bag for your over-a-week trip. Most flights allow you to carry at least seven kilograms, sufficient for brief trips. 

There are multiple small and comfortable carry-on bags available for online e-commerce websites for your comfort. 

34. Save Local Currencies

Save Local Currencies - Travel Hacks

Instead of buying a keychain or a T-shirt, you can save the local currencies as a souvenir. 

This travel hack allows you to hold a piece of memory to yourself, and if you are a frequent traveler, you can display your currencies in a large photo frame. 

You can’t show a key chain or a T-shirt, but this allows you to frame it in a potential corner of your home for constant remembrance. 

35. Use Your Layovers

When booking a flight with a layover for over 12 hours, use it wisely to look at another city. When it is an international trip, most flights have a layover for a minimum of 12 hours. 

Ensure that your layover time falls during the morning phase so that you can explore the city you land in. 

36. Burst Mode If You Don’t Wanna Miss

Never miss an opportunity to take a photo. Always keep your camera in burst mode to never miss a shot. This hack is efficient in group travels, especially when you snap a photo amid a heavy crowd.

37. Don’t Mess With Your Wallet

A wallet can be efficient in your day-to-day life. Still, while traveling, it can get messy by stuffing everything like foreign currency, recipients, and passport copies into your regular everyday wallet. 

So, to stay organized, buy an inexpensive but perfect travel wallet with multiple compartments to collect your travel-related items.

38. Travel Agents Aren’t So Bad

51 Practical Hacks To Make You Travel-Smart 3

Most people avoid travel agents to prevent a dent in their budget. But for traveling multiple cities, a travel agent can be helpful to receive special rates and preferential treatment in hotels. 

Try it with a travel agent for comfort and a homogenized itinerary if this is your first time traveling. 

39. Share Photos via Google Drive

You can purchase a shared album while going on group trips to exchange photos during your trip. It also allows you to share the album with your family. 

If you are not interested in making a payment, you can always use Google Drive to upload your photos and share them with your family members. It also preserves your data for a long time.

40. Shoulder Season Travel

The shoulder season is the space between the high and low seasons when the weather is better with less crowd. The hotel will have a decent rate, and the tourist spots will be less busy, allowing you to enjoy your free time. 

The general shoulder season is from April to June and September to October. It might vary for some countries, and you can always Google it out.

41. Go With a Local Guide

While visiting a foreign city, hire a local guide on the first day of the trip. This idea will allow you to get a lay of the land and understand non-touristy spaces where you can visit during your free time. 

When you travel in groups, always hire a tourist guide since it takes the pressure off your shoulder with a hectic itinerary. It also allows you to look at multiple things within a short period.

42. Expediting Service

Whether it is a simple passport renewal or buying a visa within a short period, you must hire expediting service when you are super tight on time.

43. Book a Hostel

Book a Hostel - Travel Hacks

If hostels are an option for you, you can always book a private room or a bunk bed for a minimal price instead of a hotel. 

This travel hack allows you to save money and meet people from other countries during your trips. You will bond with other people and enjoy new relationships for a short time.

Furthermore, you can also try Couchsurfing to stay with a local. We tried it and had super fun meeting new peoples via Couchsurfing .

44. Country Toggling

If you are looking forward to flying with a specific airline, set your country with a decent exchange rate. This idea will allow you to purchase the flight tickets for a low price but your international credit card and save big. 

This travel hack takes time, and you have to be patient with the trial-and-error method but it is worth it.

45. Oversized Scarf 

Always carry an oversized scarf on the flight and use it as an alternative blanket when required. You can also take a coat or jacket in your carry-on baggage to protect yourself from the flight chillness. 

46. DIY Pack

While traveling in business class, you always get a DIY pack filled with the accessories like cream, eye mask, tissues, and earbuds. 

But most domestic flights and the general class will not have such facilities. During such situations, you can pack your DIY pack with essentials. 

47. Pack Smart and Save

Rather than packing the things you love, always take the essential things. Each country has its own set of requirements. Packing according to them and save your time, space, and money. 

For example, you can avoid packing your basic amenities like toothbrushes and bottles if the flight you are traveling offers you one. 

Also, discard the unnecessary items within your suitcase through rational planning. 

48. Check the Adapter

Check the Adapter - Travel Hacks

Each country has its own set of adapters and block points that might differ from yours. 

So invest in a good plug converter with USB ports for universal traveling. You can buy these universal travel adapters from Amazon .

Trust us, this hack saves a lot of time and money.

49. Be Chic and Comfortable

The present trend forces you to wear a chic airport costume. But always select your outfit based on current fashion with comfort for the long run. 

With international flights, especially those that exceed long hours, you need to be chic and comfortable. 

50. Research and Plan Well

Before going on a trip, research all the outlets and shopping areas to purchase cheap and best products. 

Instead of buying in any shop, you plan to open yourself with the possibility to visit the top boutiques that offer you the latest products. 

51. Replace Your Camera

51 Practical Hacks To Make You Travel-Smart 4

While visiting a foreign country, you may pay a selective charge for your cameras at each tourist location. The price for foreigners will be higher. 

Instead, you can choose to carry your phone with a higher megapixel to avoid such charges and capture your memories. 

Final Thoughts

So this was a list of 51 travel hacks to make you travel smart. Use these hacks to make your travels safer, enjoyable, and regret-free. 

In no way, this is an exhaustive list and there are plenty of other travel hacks out there. Do you know some? Please share and help your fellow travelers of the world.

#Vasudhaiva_Kutumbakam

An appeal: Please do not throw litter around. Use a dustbin and if you can’t find one, take the trash with you and throw it when you find one. Your small steps like this one can make the world clean and green.

Vipin Gaur

Vipin is a techie, traveler, and entrepreneur. He has done engineering in computer science and is an Apple Fan Boy. He is behind all the tech and content management of this website. Often, he shares his entrepreneurial learnings and thoughts on his Twitter .

Newsletter Updates

Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter

I accept the Privacy Policy

well those are some helpful tips, keep up the good work.

Thank you. Glad you liked it 🙂

Comments Cancel reply

travel phone hacks

Travel Hacks: 10 Tips For Using Your Phone Abroad

  • 02 Oct 2018
  • Travel tips
  • // Travel Hacks: 10 Tips For Using Your Phone Abroad

Table of Contents

Last Updated on October 2, 2018

It’s important to stay connected when you’re travelling, whether with colleagues if you’re away for business or friends and family back home. But using your phone abroad without racking up huge international fees or data roaming charges can seem like a challenge. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a guide on the best hacks for using your phone abroad.

Nightmare phone travel stories abound: insane charges for turning on data for one minute to check Google Maps or forgetting to turn off roaming; needing to deal with something urgent back home over the phone and racking up huge international phone charges. We’ve all been there.

There are enough worries and concerns that can occur when travelling (pre-travel anxiety is really common; check out  our blog  about it), but being able to use your phone overseas doesn’t have to be one of them.

It’s often essential to be able to use your phone while travelling, whether for  contacting your airport transfer driver  when you arrive at the airport, your Airbnb host, friends or family you’re staying with, or just to look at Google Maps so you can navigate a new city. Here are some simple hacks for how to stay connected when you’re abroad without the eye-watering charges.

1. Check if your phone will work overseas

First things first, although nowadays most modern phones can be used internationally without a problem, if you’re planning on using your mobile overseas you should check that it’ll actually work on your destination’s network once you’re away. For 2G (voice) and 3G (data) connections, there are two radio systems used in the world for mobile phones: GSM (Global System for Mobiles) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). GSM phones won’t work on the CDMA network, and although most of the world uses GSM, some countries such as the USA and Russia still also use CDMA. These days most countries using CDMA will also have some GSM coverage so it shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s worth checking what your phone uses and if it matches the country you’re visiting, just to be sure.

travel phone hacks

2. Buy a roaming bundle

Although it depends on your phone plan, many networks offer international roaming bundles to purchase at a one-off or daily cost for the duration of your trip. If you’re only going away for a short stint, it could be worth looking at the options offered by your phone company – many are bundles that offer a certain amount of minutes, texts and data per day for you to be able to use your phone abroad, and that way you can stick to using your normal phone and SIM card. These can be expensive though, so may not suit every traveller.

Handy hint:  In 2017, the European Union abolished roaming charges for the 28  countries of the EU. This means that if you have an EU phone, you will be able to use it as you do in your home country in participating countries, without international roaming and calling charges . Find out more about the regulation  here .

3. Buy a SIM card when you land

If you’re just travelling to one country rather than multiple different countries and think you’ll need to use your phone quite a bit while you’re away, buying a local SIM card in your destination is probably the best option. It’s usually very easy to pick one up – many international airports have stands or vending machines selling them when you come through arrivals, and you can often pick them up in supermarkets, phone shops and corner stores. Having a local number means that you’ll be able to contact the people you’re travelling with or visiting at local rates. However, it’s important to remember that you’ll have a different number, so you’ll need to let people back home know your new travelling number.

There are even some companies out there that allow you to order a local SIM card before you travel, which can help put your mind at rest if you don’t want to rely on buying one when you arrive. For example, the Australian website  travelgear.com.au  has a selection of international SIM cards that you can buy before you fly, while  SimCorner  has prepaid SIM cards you can order for many of the most popular travel destinations around the world.

A few important things to know before buying a local SIM card:

  • Check your phone will work in the country you’re visiting (see above).
  • Is your phone locked? This is the number one thing to check before buying a local SIM card. Locked phones are ‘locked’ to the phone company or carrier they were bought from and can only be used on that carrier’s network. Many phones bought on ‘contracts’ or ‘plans’ are locked to certain networks, so it’s important to check this before you travel, as a SIM card on a different network won’t work if your device is locked. You can usually unlock your phone by contacting your provider, although this may come at a charge. If your phone is locked to a particular network, unfortunately you’ll be paying your network’s roaming rates if you use your phone overseas. In the case your phone is locked, we recommend sticking to the WiFi advice we give below.  
  • You need to know what size SIM card your phone takes. Most modern phones use nano or micro SIMs, however it’s important to check as you need to know this when purchasing one locally in the country you’re visiting.
  • When choosing a local SIM card, go with a large network provider; chances are the coverage will be better.
  • Bring ID; you may be asked to show ID and provide an address when you buy a local SIM card, so note down your hotel address before you buy.
  • Some countries don’t allow non-residents to buy SIM cards for security reasons, so check it’s possible in the country you’re visiting before you travel.

4. Buy a travel SIM card

Buying local SIM cards is certainly one of the best solutions for using your phone abroad, but if you’re travelling to multiple countries and you don’t want to end up with handfuls of different SIM cards and numbers, it might be worth buying an international travel SIM card. Companies like  TravelSIM  and  Go-SIM  offer international SIM cards that can be used in hundreds of different destinations, while  Flexiroam  is an ultra-thin microchip sticker you simply attach to your current SIM card (so no changing numbers) that allows you to have data roaming in more than 100 countries.

 5. Use free WiFi wherever you can

If you don’t want to buy a new SIM card, whether local or international, and also want to avoid international roaming charges, making the most of free WiFi is a great option to stay in touch with friends and family. We have all the best information about how to find free WiFi when you’re travelling in our article:  How To Find Free WiFi Anywhere In The World .  Remember to switch off international roaming and your mobile data, or even turn your phone onto airplane mode when you’re not using WiFi though, to ensure you don’t get any nasty surprises.

6. Get a portable WiFi hotspot

If you’re happy to stick to WiFi, but don’t want to spend your days looking for free WiFi spots, you could always rent or buy a portable WiFi hotspot. These devices use cellular data to create a wireless internet network that you can connect to, and in some countries are much easier than trying to buy and set up a SIM card. Do your research for the country you’re visiting to see if it’s a good option for you.

7. Use free social messaging apps

If you’re planning on using free WiFi or a portable WiFi hotspot while you travel, you can avoid expensive international call and SMS charges by sticking to social messaging apps. Apps like Whatsapp, Skype and Facebook Messenger allow you to call and message through an internet connection, so it’s super easy to stay connected online – simply download the apps onto your phone before you travel, and voilà!

8. Download maps on WiFi

This is our absolute favourite phone travel hack if you’re going overseas… If you’re going somewhere new or that you don’t know very well and you’ll need to use maps but don’t want to use your data, the solution is simple. Before you leave home or when you have WiFi, go onto Google Maps and look up the area you need. Type ‘OK Maps’ into the search bar (minus quotation marks) and the portion of the map that is visible will be downloaded to your device for use when you’re not connected. The best bit – you can zoom just as you would if you’re online.

travel phone hacks

9. Buy an adapter

Remember that if you’re using your phone overseas, you will need to be able to charge it! If you’re not sure which adapter you need or you’re going to multiple countries and need different adapters for each, it’s worth buying a universal travel adapter. That way, no matter where you go, you’ll still be able to plug in and charge your devices without bringing multiple adapters. Just check the voltage of the country you’re visiting to make sure your device will work or if you’ll need a converter.

10. Buy a portable battery pack

These are super handy if you’re on the go and don’t know when you’ll next be able to charge your phone. They come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s worth doing some research to see which one best suits your needs. Some will fit in your pocket and are ideal if you just need a little top up, whereas others are bigger but will last you days on end of charging. Whatever you choose, these are a seriously good investment when you’re travelling.

If you’ve booked an airport transfer on  Jayride.com , you’re one step closer to a seamless trip! We do always recommend that our travellers have access to a working phone in order to contact their chosen transfer company on arrival at the airport if needs be. If you have questions about an upcoming trip, our  Help Centre  has lots of useful information about pre, during and post travel.

Blog Contents

Popular categories

Recommended

Yoga at 30,000 Feet: Simple Stretches and Long Flight Exercises

  • 21 // Sep 2023

First-Timer’s Guide to Bali

  • 27 // Feb 2019

The Ultimate Guide to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Car Services

  • 10 // Aug 2022

The Essential Packing Checklist & Tips for Flying with a Baby

  • 13 // Feb 2023

Disney World Trip Planning: Visitor Guides, Maps & Vacation Ideas

The Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles (LAX) Car Services

  • 10 // Jun 2022

Need-To-Know Tips For Your Next Domestic Trip

  • 20 // Feb 2018

10 Cool Things to Do in Austin

  • 06 // Mar 2019

Transport Companies Earn Millions From Jayride’s Global Expansion

  • 24 // Sep 2019

Luxury Airport Transfers: The Top 5 Benefits of Choosing a Private Car Service

  • 18 // Jul 2023

Browse Popular Airports for Transfers and Shuttles

Denpasar Bali Airport

Bangkok Airport

Jakarta Airport

Changi Singapore Airport

Hong Kong Airport

Kuala Lumpur Airport

Phuket Airport

Tokyo Haneda Airport

Tokyo Narita Airport

Amsterdam Airport

Barcelona Airport

Charles De Gaulle Airport

Frankfurt Airport

London Gatwick Airport

London Heathrow Airport

Madrid Airport

Munich Airport

Rome Airport

Atlanta Airport

Denver Airport

John F Kennedy Airport

Las Vegas Airport

Los Angeles Airport

Orlando Airport

San Francisco Airport

Tampa Airport

Vancouver Airport

Adelaide Airport

Auckland Airport

Brisbane Airport

Cairns Airport

Christchurch Airport

Gold Coast Airport

Melbourne Airport

Perth Airport

Sydney Airport

Jayride-Logo-For-Footer

Join The Newsletter

JR

Travel + Beauty

66 Savvy Traveling Hacks That Make Travel A Smooth Landing

Chrissy

Needing some new traveling hacks ? The exploration of unknown regions, whether nationally or internationally is always an exciting experience. Escaping the routine can be thrilling; however, it does come with a little baggage – no pun intended.

Avoid the anxiety for your future travels and use these 66 travel hacks and make your adventure from planning to your return home a breeze.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our  disclosure here.

Pinterest pin for traveling hacks. Text says 66 super savvy travel hacks. Airplane in the sky.

Love hacks? Check out these other useful posts:

  • Carry On For Long Flights
  • Gifts For Travel Lovers
  • Google Maps Trip Planner
  • How To Survive Long Flights In Economy

Traveling Hacks Before Your Trip

1| reserve a house.

White and grey themed modern living room at an Airbnb with

Book a house instead of a hotel in case you are traveling with a family or a single room if traveling alone is one of the traveling hacks you should consider. There are some websites and apps like 99Acres , NestAway , AirBnB , and many others that can provide houses and private rooms from homeowners for rent, which generally offer better accommodations than hotels.It is easier and cheaper!

2| Scan Your Passport

Scan your passport and send it by e-mail to yourself or encrypt and store scans on a separate hard drive or in the cloud. This will give you an extra copy in case of unexpected loss or theft.

3| Inform Your Credit And Debit Card Companies 

Informing your credit or debit card company before traveling eliminates the possibility of potential fraud. These companies are always on alert and notice suspicious activity and alarms may be triggered so you’re notified.

4| Carry Your Own Water Bottle

travel phone hacks

Toting your own water bottle allows you to have water handy when needed. Also, selling water in a used bottle is common practice in some countries you may be traveling to. 

5| Get A Credit Card With Points

Apply for a credit card with awesome perks that have points.  You can earn points by flying, just speak to the representative and do your own research on how to use them.

My favorite credit card that I personally use is the American Express Platinum credit card. It’s an amazing card to have if you travel often and has amazing benefits. With this card, you get Priority Pass and have access to airport lounges worldwide that have free WiFi, comfy sofas, and free food and beverages. 

6| Avoid Long Security Lines

You can reduce your waiting time and travel stress by applying for Global Entry which allows quick clearance upon entering the country and TSA pre-check. Avoid long security and customs lines by applying for your card right here .   Also, most credit card companies offer to pay for your application as an added bonus.

7| Organize Trip Itineraries in Google Maps

Samsung tablet open on the google search engine.

One travel hack to make your trip planning super easy and organized is Google Maps , which makes it easy to remember all the places you intend to visit.  Google Maps allows you to use a trip planner by creating a custom map and adding pins for multiple locations. You can download all the destination information you added for offline viewing. 

8| Select Special Meals For Long Flights In Advance

Some major airlines do provide special meals for those with specific diets such as kosher, vegan, and low sodium. Those who do place their special order tend to get served first so you can quickly stave off your starvation first for your long flight.  

9| Select The Right Seat

Large plane facing the front and screens on the tv shining bright blue

Exit rows, aisle or window seats, and anything near the front are generally considered as the best seats on a plane. It is up to you to choose the place you will feel most comfortable sitting on the plane for a long duration. 

10| Score On Cheap Flights Being Flexible With Destination And Dates

Flying off-season is a travel hack that can save you hundreds of dollars. If that is not an option try looking at other similar destinations that are less expensive. Learn even more tips on how to book cheap flights here.

11| Watch Out For Price Drops

Be on the lookout for price glitches when the wrong price for a flight is accidentally listed. Most of the time you can save hundreds of dollars if you find one of these errors. Don’t wait to discuss it with a friend or whomever, get the ticket immediately before it gets noticed by the agency. 

You can find these errors on Skyscanner , Google Flights , or other online travel agencies. 

One of my favorite traveling hacks is using Going is a website that spots these errors for you. 

12| Invest In Good Noice-Canceling Headphones

travel phone hacks

Reduce environmental distractions and enjoy a better audio experience when traveling because the noise of flying can be so distracting, especially when you’re trying to catch some sleep. 

13| Invest In Good Adapters

travel phone hacks

More than likely you will be carrying a phone, a camera, maybe a laptop, and probably a few more things, like portable speakers or an electronic razor. You will need to charge all those items from time to time. But, when buying an adapter take into consideration the quality, weight, size, and durability.  

14| Get Inspiration For Your Trip Through Social Media

Get inspiration and look at photos or videos of people who have already visited the place where you are going. 

15| Keep Quotes In Notes On Your Phone

Man holding  a quote that says "Let's start the journey" in front of the ocean one of the traveling hacks

If you come across some travel quotes you enjoy keep them in the notes application on your phone so you have a nice caption handy when posting one of your travel photos on Instagram. 

16| Fool Pickpockets With A Fake Wallet

Buying a travel wallet is one of the most important traveling hacks. Since you more than likely be carrying all your cash and important cards with you a travel wallet will guarantee that you have your cards and cash safe and prevent a pickpocket from stealing your real ones.

17| Get A Good Travel Wallet

travel phone hacks

This wallet is not to fool those thieves or the everyday wallet you carry, but to help you stay organized with your boarding passes, currency, and photocopies of your passport.

18| Travel Offseason

Empty alley somewhere in Europe with old buildings painted organe and yellow

Who doesn’t love a good traveling hack to save some cash? Get an idea of the place you are visiting, and if ideal weather conditions aren’t a concern, you should seriously consider visiting in the off-season. Flights, accommodations, and food are usually cheaper during this time, plus places tend to be less crowded with tourists so you can avoid long lines at popular spots. 

19| Have A Frequent Flyer Account With Airlines You Travel Most

Having a frequent flyer account with your favorite airline you can accumulate awards the more you fly with them. 

20| Compare Prices Of Flights

Booking a flight can be expensive and overwhelming due to the number of airlines and flight options. By doing a little research and checking other booking sites other than the most popular for reserving a flight or a hotel.

Review all of the available airfares to find the one that best suits your budget. It may take a little work, but it can save you a ton of money.

21| Wait For Booking To See If The Flight Is Full

Full plane packed with passengers

Ask to be put on the upgrade list when given the opportunity. Also, offer to wait for another flight if the plane is fully booked so you can negotiate for a better seat. 

22| Search On A Private Browser

There are many factors involved in determining the price of a flight, including the location of the search, the airport you plan to use, the time before the flight, and the day of the week you plan to leave. 

Look for a cheaper flight by simply using a private browser that allows you to navigate the internet without leaving a trail. This is actually quite simple and could save you a few dollars on the final price of your ticket.

23| Track Flights With FlightAware

Keep yourself updated on flights with the FlightAware application. Stay in the loop on flight delays or if your plane had to be rerouted for any reason. 

24| Set Up Price Alert

Fare alerts can be a great tool in a traveler’s personal toolbox. You can set them up when you are following the price of a specific flight or itinerary to receive an email (or application notification) when the price of the flight changes, whether it increases or decreases.

Travel Packing Hacks

25| get help with packing.

Woman not following one of the traveling hacks of not overpacking.

To think and decide what you need to pack can be a bit daunting. Get some helpful packing hacks by simply letting the “ PackPoint ” app decide for you!  This application tells users what they need to pack by entering information about their trip: destination, departure date, number of nights spent there, and type of trip.

26| Don’t Over-Pack

Count the number of days you will spend on vacation and simply break them down into events or activities, so you can avoid taking too many items. Don’t pack too much so you can leave some space for all the souvenirs you will buy there!

27| Have A Packing Checklist On Your Phone

One of the packing traveling hacks I cannot live without is keeping a packing checklist on my phone. By having this list I know I am packing all items I need for my trip and am ensured I won’t leave anything behind. 

28| Ditch Folding And Roll Your Clothes

Traveling hack of a suitcase filled with rolled clothes

Save space in the suitcase by rolling clothes instead of folding them; you can even roll underwear and socks within your clothes for optimal space-saving. 

29| Pack A First Aid Kit

travel phone hacks

Have a simple first-aid kit for common medical emergencies with medicines you keep at home such as antacids, aspirin, allergy relief, anti-nausea, bandages, thermometer, and even tweezers. You can purchase a mini kit here to keep in your luggage for travels. 

30| Use Packing Cubes

travel phone hacks

Packing cubes are one of my favorite packing hacks especially for staying organized. I held off using them for a while because they seemed unnecessary. But seriously though,  they save a lot of room and keep all your items neatly compressed. 

31| Avoide Packing Bulky Clothes In Your Suitcase

Avoid packing bulky clothes in your suitcase and opt for layering instead. If you are heading somewhere cold and laying wouldn’t be enough to keep you warm, wear your coat on the plane. 

32| Refill Travel-Size Toiletries

You can use reusable travel-size containers for all your toilet items and fragrances. 

33| Pack Dryer Sheets In Your Suitcase

Packing a dryer sheet is a good travel hack to keep your clothes smelling fresh and avoid used clothes from passing on their funk to your clean items. 

34| Pack Small Items In Pillboxes

If you have jewelry and small items, using pillboxes to pack them keeps them nice and organized.

35| Stuff Your Shoes With Stuff

Colorful yellow suitcase stuffed with a pair of jeans, shirt, map, and shoes and sunglasses on top.

Save some space in your suitcase and pack your socks in your shoes. Protect your other items by wrapping your shoes in a plastic bag. 

36| Pack Spicess In Tic-Tac Containers

If you are taking spices simply place them in tic-tac containers. This allows you to save space and from coming undone in your suitcase. 

37| Put A Binder Clip On Razors

Using a binder clip to pack your razor will protect you and the items in your suitcase from being damaged.

38| Pack Detergent Strips

travel phone hacks

Take a small bottle of laundry detergent to wash your clothes when able. If you want to save some extra space in your suitcase, detergent strips are a way to help and a great sink laundry detergent option.

39| Lable Your Suitcase Fragile

Labeling your bag as fragile means your bag is not only more likely to be handled properly, but it will also end up at the top of the pile in the storage compartment of the plane.  So, you will retrieve your bag first before the other passengers do.

40| Take A Portable Water Purifier

travel phone hacks

One of the traveling hacks you should consider in investing is a portable water purifier . You can ensure you will have safe and clean drinking water at all times when traveling.

41| Use Pen Springs For Cables

Avoid your cables bending and breaking in your suitcase by using a pin spring. 

42| Take An Extra Extension Cable

Taking an extra extension cable can be very useful in case yours has a problem. Also, if your friend forgets theirs I am sure they will appreciate that extra one you packed. 

43| Take A Jacket

You know that the weather can be very unpredictable sometimes, so avoid being cold if the weather changes unexpectedly during your trip. 

Traveling Hacks For The Plane

44| get internet service on the plane.

Toy plane on a notebook and laptop in the background.

Make sure you have an internet service if you have a long flight to keep yourself entertained and just in case you get stuck with a difficult passenger seated next to you on the plane.

45| Always Pack A Pen

Before you leave home, make sure you have a pen so you can fill out the customs forms. You should know that people will ask for your pen on the plane because they probably forgot to bring theirs and rarely do the flight attendants have one.

46| Go To The Potty Before Landing

Before landing, make a quick sprint to go to the bathroom and use this as an opportunity to relieve yourself so that you don’t have to fight for the toilet when you land.

47|Make The Most Of Layovers

Long-haul flights can be difficult and uncomfortable and layovers can be an opportunity to stretch your legs and relax before the next flight.

Also, it’s an opportunity to explore two or more different cities for the price of one if time permits. During my long layovers, I was able to squeeze in trips to Amsterdam , Zurich, Brussels, and Paris.  

48| Keep Skin Hydrated With Long Flights

Tub of moisturizer on a table one of the important traveling hacks is keep your skin hydrated.

Flying can wreak havoc on your skin from the plane’s low humidity, dry cabin, and recycled air.  This dehydrates your skin, increases oil production, and exacerbates acne in all skin types.

 It’s a good idea to keep your skin hydrated before heading to the airport and during your flight. You can find out some travel hacks on taking care of skin on your trip right here. 

49| Get Adjusted To Time Zone And Avoid Jetlag

Manipulate your body clock and switch to a new time zone as quickly as possible by controlling your exposure to light and darkness before you travel. You can calculate the schedule adjustment for the time zone you’re heading. “Entrain” is a free application and can be downloaded to your smartphone and it makes adjusting to your new schedule easy to follow.

50| Get Perks And Upgrade By Giving Up Your Seat

In most cases, when the airline sold more tickets than seats available, they start looking for passengers who are ready to give up their seats. 

Compensation for giving up your seat has substantial incentives such as travel vouchers worth $200 or more or free tickets for a future flight. On my flight from Amsterdam to the UAE I was offered 500€ to wait for the next flight! 

51| Download Movies Prior To Your Flight

If your flight is going to take long, you will certainly get bored. So prior to your trip make a list of movies you want to download so you’re occupied and entertained during the flight. 

Epic Travel Hacks During Your Trip

52| stock up on itemes when your arrive.

Recyclable bag filled with flowers and other groceries on a table in front of a bright yellow wall.

As you arrive at your destination, stop by the local store and grab a few snacks and water from local stores rather than from hotels to save money. 

53| Only Unpack What You Need

 Only unpacking what you need from your luggage is a traveling hack to help keep you organized and decreases your chances of forgetting something when you leave.

54| Be Polite To Everyone

Certainly don’t forget to be polite, just be nice! 

55| Try To Speak The Local Language

Stick drawings all with a comment bubble filled with

Try to speak the local language , it will give the locals the impression that you are interested in them and in their culture.

A few friendly and common phrases include: 

  • Where is the ______?

56| Take A Walking Tour With Locals

Showaround and Triple are great applications to find locals who do different tours in their city and who knows you may also become friends.  You can book tours such as walking around the city, food tours, or a cooking class to learn a tasty traditional dish.

57|  Get Currency At Local ATMs

Getting your cash from the ATM  is the best place to exchange currency, which will typically offer better rates and lower fees .

58| Charge Your Electronics

Different electronics USB cable plugin

Most modern TVs have a USB connector on the back or side. Simply plug in your electrical device and let it charge. 

59| Keep Rechargeable Batteries Cold

A helpful traveling hack is keeping your rechargeable batteries fresh by putting them in the fridge

60| Rent A Car Or Bicycle

If you get tired of all that walking, I suggest you rent a car or perhaps a bicycle instead, which will cost you less. 

61| Download Travel Apps

  • Revolut : This application will give you the ability to convert currencies at the best possible rates, transfer money internationally for free and spend money anywhere in the world without fees. It will also allow you to plan your future through savings and investments.
  • Flightboard : Have access to up-to-date flight information. You can check information and details about the status of your flight and see if there are any cancellations or delays.
  • Snapchat : Take selfies and capture the moments in order to share with your family and friends. You will certainly miss the days of your trip later.  
  • Whatsapp , Skype , and Viber : Popular communication apps that are great for keeping in touch with locals you meet and staying in contact with your friends and family while you’re on your trip. 

62| Download Google Translate

Computer keyboard where the enter button says

This application is extremely useful and can be used to type or talk. Whatever you type, Google Translate translates dozens of European, Asian, and African languages to and from English in the blink of an eye. 

When it comes to communicating the language of people in the country you are visiting, this application will help you say what you are looking for, whether in markets or shopping malls. 

63| Waterproof Items With Beeswax

Use waterproof beeswax for items such as belts, tents, and shoes to prevent water from passing through the fibers of the materials by rubbing it on a surface such as leather or canvas and then heating it.

64| Get Free Things Traveling

There are several travel tools that you can use that will provide you with useful gifts during your vacation and make the trip even more rewarding. Some of these include essential beauty products and holiday essentials. Most hotels provide them for free.

Back At Home Traveling Hacks

Pink suitcase on top of a bed in a bedroom that is completely white.

65| Unpack Right Away

As you arrive home immediately unpack your suitcase. It will help to prevent your luggage from getting a bad smell and the chore will be out of the way.  You will thank yourself 

However, if you are a frequent traveler, just keep the toiletry bag as it is; do not unpack it and have it ready for your next trip!

66| Plan A Staycation After Your Vacation

As fun as traveling may be, it can leave us drained physically when we return home. Plan a few extra days off before returning back to work.  Have a mini staycation so you can recoup and get some much-needed rest before getting backing up your routine. 

66 Traveling Hacks Finall Thoughts

I hope you have found these traveling hacks super helpful as they have been for me on your upcoming trip. Are there any traveling hacks not mentioned that have helped you during your travels? 

Related posts:

  • Travel Expressions
  • American Express Platinum For Travel
  • 30 Essentials To Pack In Your Carry-On Bag
  • How To Use Google Maps Trip Planner To Plan A Trip

Like this post on traveling hacks? Share it with others or pin it for later!

Pinterest pin for traveling hacks. Text says 66 savvy long travel hacks. Airplane wing in the sky.

Recommended Articles

My honest preply review.

Prepy Review Photo of hello in different languages.

Incredible Travel Movies That Will Spark Your Wanderlust

Travel movies photo of popcorn and sign that says movie night.

8 Things To Do In Valladolid: Riveting Guide To Capture This Charming Gem

travel phone hacks

12 Comments

I really like your list. Many useful tips;) Such tips can make every trip more enjoyable! PS. I’ve made simmilar list – 101 tips to travel at low budget 😉

Hey Ann. I will have to check out your post on low budget travel tips.

I absolutely love this! So many great hacks — some we always use and some me def need to try! And we always need a mini staycation after a trip! Travel is hard work! haha

Thanks for reading Deb. So true about travel being hard work. It truly is!

These are all such awesome travel hacks and tips! My favorite is scanning a copy of passport, rolling clothes in packing cubes and having a pen. All make traveling easier!

What a great list! I can’t wait to use the dryer sheet!

I’m always up for more travel tips/hacks! I like the idea of packing a dryer sheet + using pill boxes to pack small things! A staycation after a vacation is definitely a smart idea too!

Hi Farrah! So glad this post was helpful. We often forget we need a vacation from vacation lol!

Lots of fantastic travel hacks here! There were quite a few that I didn’t know or do before so thank you for the advice!

Hey Krista! So glad you were able to find a few you didn’t know about. Thanks for reading!

These are great travel hacks on saving money , packing , planning and more . There’s a few I didn’t know. These will make traveling easier .

Hi Keena! So glad these tips will help you with your future travels. Thanks for reading.

Comments are closed.

  • Share full article

An illustration of travel-related items on a greenish blue background. The items include a film camera, gold-rimmed sunglasses, headphones, Polaroid-style photographs, a pen and an open notebook with stamps on the right-hand page and a sticky note that reads “To Do” on the left page.

Travel 101: Our Favorite Hacks, Hints and How-Tos

Successful trips take thorough preparation, from picking the right destination to nailing down all the details. We’ve done the homework so you don’t have to.

Credit... Dani Pendergast

Traveling is exciting, fulfilling and even life-changing. Planning to travel can be stressful, confusing and overwhelming. What should you pack? How can you arrange that big trip with friends and not end up enemies? How do you get to your destination when cancellations and delays conspire against you?

This new series, Travel 101, is designed to help. We’ve talked to the experts, read the fine print and dived deep into the details to offer actionable, practical solutions that will help you maximize the joy and minimize the headaches. We’ll be adding to this guide regularly to create a compendium of advice you can turn to at each step along the way. Bon voyage!

Travel Advisers: When to Let a Professional Plan Your Trip

An illustration of a person sitting on a folded-out map with books, papers and coffee laid out around the area. That person is inside the head of a beige-colored person wearing a teal telephone headset, and drawings of the Eiffel Tower, a compass, a signpost, a jet plane, mountains and other travel imagery are all around the head.

Decades ago, your vacation most likely began with a visit to a travel agent, who relied on a combination of expertise and connections to find the best deals on plane tickets, hotels, tours and more. Since then, the internet has turned most of us into our own travel agents, and artificial intelligence software is making research and self-booking even easier. But for some trips, that special insider knowledge can still make a big difference.

So when should you hire a professional, and how does it all work? Here are some tips.

Why should I consider a travel adviser?

It’s easy for a traveler to do the research for a standard trip, said Chris Anderson, a professor at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, “so they should look for a specialist for the type of tour they are looking for, say a bike trip in Ireland, who can really add value.”

The insider knowledge offered by a travel adviser can add the most value to trips that have multicity itineraries, involve a wide age range of travelers , are very significant (like an anniversary vacation) or are to destinations you are unfamiliar with, said Gary R. Johnson, who has run the travel agency Woodside Travel in Seattle for nearly 30 years. An adviser could help you decide, for instance, in which order to visit European cities based on local events and transportation options.

What can an adviser give me that a booking site can’t?

Travel advisers can help you research the best destinations, lodging, or activities for your particular group and travel goals, offering up specific advice that might be hard or time-consuming to find yourself. Those specializing in cruises might know which cabin to choose if you are prone to seasickness, while a safari planner could help you decide which park would be best for bird-watching or seeing specific animals, like rhinos.

Travel advisers typically have relationships with tour companies, hotels and cruise lines, sometimes through networks. Those connections can allow advisers to offer extra perks such as late checkout, free breakfast, airport transfers, a welcome basket or a credit to spend on a cruise ship.

“A good travel agent will be a better steward of your travel budget than you are,” said Guy Rubin, managing director of Imperial Tours , which arranges travel in China.

When bad weather or other circumstances disrupt your itinerary, travel advisers often have direct lines of communication with providers and can do the work of rebooking and changing plans, saving you time and stress.

OK, let’s say I need help. How do I find an adviser?

Networks like the American Society of Travel Advisors and Travel Leaders have websites that can help you start your search for a travel adviser by answering a few questions about your desired trip. Once you have a handful to choose from, get on the phone with them to talk about what they might do for you, how they charge and the level of service you can expect. Special trips can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s worth investing time up front, Mr. Rubin said.

Make sure to read over the travel agent’s reviews and any user-generated social content that mentions them, Dr. Anderson said. “If there is no external validation, that’s a red flag.”

How do advisers get paid, and how much will it cost me?

Advisers receive commission from suppliers, typically 10 to 15 percent of the price, when selling cruises, lodging and tours. They also sometimes charge travelers a planning fee, from a few hundred dollars, which may be credited to the final bill if the booking is completed, all the way up to tens of thousands of dollars annually for a luxury concierge travel planner they can call on all year. Mr. Johnson said that he charges a planning fee the first time he works with customers. If they return for other trips, he waives the fee.

Advisers may be tempted to sell you something that will earn them a higher commission, Dr. Anderson said. But, he points out, the same is true for the large online services, which promote hotels that pay them larger commissions. Travelers can ask advisers about specific commissions they receive or how they are affiliated with the products they are recommending, he said.

Sometimes a local tour company will package transportation, lodging and experiences for an adviser, who tacks on a percentage before passing it along to a client. But a bill that is not itemized can make it harder to make trade-offs — between a more expensive hotel and a special experience, for example. If pricing transparency is important to you, discuss it with the adviser up front.

How are A.I. and other technologies affecting travel advisers?

While new technologies are allowing do-it-yourselfers to create their own itineraries online based on individual preferences, and to type questions directly into travel websites, advisers are also taking advantage of those technologies to improve their services. Joan Roca, chief executive of the upscale travel planning company Essentialist said his team “uses technology to enhance the human touch,” employing artificial intelligence to choose options from a database of travel offerings selected by a human team. If a couple wants to take an after-dinner stroll, for example, Essentialist’s app will offer up ideas of where to go, based on what part of the city the travelers are in and conversations they’ve had with their travel adviser.

Drone Photography: How to Take Better Pictures

A blue- and cream-colored illustration of a drone flying over a topographical map. A man and a woman are sitting on top of the drone, sightseeing.

Before the advent of drones, people had to rely mostly on airplanes or helicopters to take aerial photographs. Now, thanks to increasing availability and decreasing price points of drones, as well as advances in obstacle avoidance technology, GPS navigation, battery life and camera stabilization, it certainly seems easier to take photographs from higher elevations.

But that doesn’t mean anyone with a drone can make excellent photographs. Here are some practical tips on the logistics of drone usage and suggestions to make better photos while traveling.

First, know the rules

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration oversees drone regulations, and FAADroneZone is the country’s official website for understanding drone requirements and managing drone services. If you are a recreational flyer, you must pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test, called the Recreational UAS Safety Test , before flying your drone.

The drone company DJI also has a detailed website that instructs drone users on local rules and regulations.

The basic rules for flying a drone as a hobbyist — that is, recreationally using a drone — are to fly the unmanned aircraft only at or below 400 feet, always keep the drone in sight, do not fly in restricted airspace and do not fly over groups of people. If you are flying your drone commercially, you must become a certificated remote pilot by passing the F.A.A.’s Part 107 test . This is a more extensive test and covers additional drone rules, airspace regulations and weather conditions.

Be aware that many countries may have different regulations. Anywhere you go, you may be fined or your aircraft may be confiscated if you do not adhere to the rules.

Understand what your drone can do

Drones are incredibly fast, maneuverable and precise. You can fly up to 400 feet and move laterally in an infinite number of directions to get the perfect shot. But first-time drone flyers often fly as high as possible and take pictures that lack a point of focus or a strong composition.

In order to get photos with the most detail, set your drone to the lowest ISO, usually 100. This is the feature that sets the camera’s sensitivity to light and was known as the film speed back in the days of film. To achieve the best quality pictures, it’s best to shoot in RAW format, which is a digital image file that is unprocessed and contains the most amount of data. When processed, this will produce photographs with the most detail.

After you have purchased your drone, it’s good practice to regularly update the firmware, which is software that provides basic instructions for the craft’s hardware to function successfully, like the drone and remote controller working together.

Use maps and the weather forecast, and time it right

Whether you consult an atlas or follow your car or phone’s navigation, maps are very effective tools for seeing the shape of a river, lake or pond and provide ideas for good aerial subjects.

Once you have a location, shoot during the “golden hours” — taking photos around sunrise and sunset will often produce the most dramatic pictures with warm light and shadows. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast to know the sunrise and sunset times and also what the weather will be. High winds and rainy or snowy weather make flying a drone much more difficult.

Look for patterns, lines and light while flying

Many times a drone photographer will make discoveries from the air. You might launch with the idea of photographing one thing and, while in the air, you might discover something more compelling. Rivers, solar arrays, farm fields and trees can provide engaging patterns and lines.

And don’t forget the light and shadows, either. Good light can make or break a photo. Sometimes the best light means a golden sunrise, as we said earlier, but sometimes it means an overcast day with diffused light. On cloudy days, shooting straight down on a subject can be very effective.

Taking drone photos at twilight can also be very captivating. This is the time after sunset and before nightfall. Set the drone to manual exposure, set the ISO to 100 and experiment with long exposures. Some drones can take up to eight second exposures and maintain sharp focus.

Study an expert’s work

One of the great ways to make your photos better is to study the work of a professional photographer.

The photographer George Steinmetz has been making aerial photographs for decades — even before the rise of affordable drones — while working with publications like National Geographic and The New York Times. He has published five books on aerial photography.

“For intimate aerial photography, a drone is exceptional,” he said, but adding that any type of aerial photography can be transformative.

“You see the world in a way you’re not accustomed to,” he said. “It adds context and a new perspective.”

Advertisement

Renting a Car Abroad: Don’t Get Taken for a Ride

In an illustration, a young man and woman are seen in the front seat of a convertible car, driving through a landscape that suggests Italy, with cedar trees and a villa in the background.

“Throw the keys through the kiosk’s open window. We’ll get the car when we open later”: Those slightly unorthodox drop-off instructions I once received from a Hertz manager in Croatia illustrate some of the differences U.S. travelers might encounter when renting a car abroad.

It pays to familiarize yourself with the local policies and protocols ahead of time. Here’s what you need to know before you accept the keys.

You may need an international driver’s license

If you have a U.S. driver’s license, an international driving permit is officially required (along with your state-issued license) in Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Thailand, although its use is not universally enforced. It’s also a good idea to carry an I.D.P., a booklet — slightly bigger than a passport — that translates a U.S. license into 10 languages, when renting a vehicle in a country whose language is not written in Roman letters.

An I.D.P. costs $20, is valid for one year and is issued to any applicant by a local AAA office (the only issuer in the United States authorized by the State Department). You must apply for one in the country that issued your regular driver’s license.

Familiar brands may be franchisees

Car rental brands familiar to Americans operate throughout the world; those include Alamo, Avis, Hertz, National, Sixt and others. You can reserve a vehicle through a company’s U.S. website or through a rental aggregator such as Autoeurope.com , to compare rates.

The overseas branches of U.S. companies may not always be owned by the parent company. The discussion boards on websites like Tripadvisor abound with commenters calling out franchise operations of major chains for not providing the service they expect from a U.S. operation.

Franchise or not, disputes with a foreign branch should always be directed to the U.S. customer service operation, according to Hertz and Autoeurope.

Check minimum (and maximum) age requirements

The minimum age to rent a car varies by country and company, and it’s indicated on each rental agency’s website. Most countries charge a “young driver” surcharge for renters under 25. Some countries, such as France and Germany, allow (but do not require) companies to rent to 18-year-olds, but 21 is the typical minimum rental age for most.

At the other end of the spectrum, Hertz won’t rent a vehicle in Northern Ireland to anyone older than 79; those from 75 to 79 must have a doctor’s letter stating that they are in good health, as well as a letter from their insurance company proving that they haven’t had an accident within the past five years.

Cut costs with a stick shift

Cars with manual transmissions are still popular in many European countries, so if you’re comfortable driving one, select that option. Renting a car with an automatic transmission can typically cost an additional 30 percent or more.

Check your credit card’s rental insurance coverage

Many U.S.-issued credit cards cover damage to your international rental car if you’re in an accident, as long as you charge the entire rental fee to the card. Some issuers also require that the same card be used to make the reservation for the insurance to be valid. That collision coverage is primary, unlike in the United States, where your personal vehicle insurance would cover the costs while your rental insurance would pay for any deductible amount. Even if your credit card covers damage to your rental vehicle, you will be responsible for the cost of damage to any other vehicle if the accident is deemed to be your fault.

Be warned that standard rental insurance for American Express cardholders is not available in Australia, Italy and New Zealand, and other cards may have different restrictions.

Familiarize yourself with local driving and parking laws

Before you go, learn each country’s rules , including the meaning of various road signs and markings. For instance, simply because you see other vehicles parked with their wheels on the sidewalk — common in European cities with narrow streets — that does not mean that it’s legal to do so.

Autoeurope.com has driving tips for dozens of countries, not all in Europe, and Britain’s Automobile Association lists road rules for six European countries. Don’t forget that many places besides Britain drive on the left (including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and numerous Caribbean islands). And if you get a ticket, don’t ignore it. The rental agency will eventually collect from you, along with an administrative fee .

Seatbelt laws are often strictly enforced, with a separate fine — sometimes issued on the spot — for each occupant not wearing one.

Finally, many European cities restrict driving in central or historic areas to residents only or those driving low-emission vehicles. Entering these limited-traffic zone areas can incur heavy fines, plus an added fee from your rental company. Watch for signs and gates (commonly marked “ZTL” in Italy ).

Know your fuels

Diesel engines are very common in other countries; putting diesel in a gas engine or vice versa can cause serious — and costly — damage .

While fuel pumps are color-coded to indicate what they dispense, those colors vary by country and region. Fuel requirements are listed on a sticker on the inside of the filler door.

In the United States, black indicates gasoline while green designates diesel. In Iceland and other European countries, it’s the opposite: green for gasoline and black for diesel.

Cellphones: Go Abroad Without Racking Up Big Fees

An illustration of a person with long, flowing black hair talking into a cellphone. The person is part of several photographs of international destinations, including London, Berlin, Santorini and the Taj Mahal.

The horror story goes something like this: A family returns from a trip abroad, and the glow from the vacation has barely begun to fade when a cellphone bill with hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars in international charges arrives. The phenomenon even has a name: bill shock .

Smartphones have become an indispensable part of international travel. You can use them to check in at the gate, go through borders, find your way around a foreign city and pay for breakfast at a sidewalk cafe. Now, it’s easier than ever to use your phone just as you would at home without getting a big hit to the wallet.

There are two major options: You can get a data plan directly through your phone company or you can swap out your phone’s SIM card, a small chip that stores data about you and your carrier — on newer phones, you can use an app that does the same thing. Here are some tips:

Pick the right plan

The three biggest U.S. carriers all offer some version of an all-inclusive international data plan. The prices and countries covered vary. Some take effect automatically when you cross a border, and others require you to sign up before your trip. Almost all of them send a text message detailing your options when your phone connects to a foreign network.

AT&T offers the International Day Pass for $10 a day, allowing travelers to use their phones much as they would in the United States. AT&T automatically adds a day pass when customers with unlimited plans connect to the network in a foreign destination.

Customers with this plan can use their phones for as many days as they want, but they’ll be charged only for a maximum of 10 days per billing cycle. The plan covers about 210 destinations. (Canada and Mexico are included in unlimited plans.) Some exceptions: Cuba and the Maldives.

Verizon has a similar offer: TravelPass , which gives customers who have Unlimited Plus, Unlimited Welcome and other unlimited plans the ability to talk, text and use data for $10 per day (there is no cap on how many days you can be charged in a billing cycle), or a monthly $100 pass . The first 2GB of high-speed data each day is included; after that, travelers get unlimited data at a slower speed.

Unlimited-plan customers heading to Canada or Mexico do not need to buy TravelPass, but for all other plans, a day pass for those countries costs $5. TravelPass covers about 210 international destinations. Exceptions: Cuba and the Maldives.

T-Mobile automatically includes international coverage at no extra cost in its most popular plans, said Mike Katz, president of marketing, strategy and products. Depending on the plan, it includes unlimited texting in over 215 destinations worldwide and 5GB of high-speed data per billing cycle (but most phone calls cost 25 cents a minute). As with AT&T and Verizon, Cuba is not covered, but the Maldives is.

T-Mobile travelers needing more high-speed data or free calling can upgrade with day passes , starting at $5 (unlimited calling, and up to 512MB of high-speed data). For longer stays, a 30-day plan with up to 15GB of high-speed data costs $50.

Swap your SIM

Subscriber identity module cards — tiny, removable chips that link a phone to its owner’s network and phone number — offer another way to save money while you’re traveling , especially if you’re taking an extended trip or using a large amount of data. Instead of signing up for a U.S. provider’s international calling plan, you can buy a local SIM card, usually as part of a pay-as-you-go or prepaid package, usually at a cheaper rate. Rates vary depending on the provider, country and offerings.

If you have a newer model of phone, you probably don’t even need to swap out — and keep track of — physical SIM cards: You may have built-in eSIM capabilities instead.

Apps like Airalo provide affordable eSIM options for hundreds of destinations around the globe. Airalo’s options include Discover Plus , a global plan that includes 10 text messages, 10 calling minutes and 1 GB of data, starting at $15 for seven days. There is also a regional plan (covering places like Europe), starting at $5 for seven days, and a local plan (for only one country), as low as $4.50 for seven days.

Two caveats to SIM swapping: Your phone generally must be unlocked (not tethered to a specific carrier), and you will usually receive a foreign phone number when you set up the new SIM card, so make sure to share that number with anyone who needs to contact you. (Your regular phone number will go to voice mail.) If you use an eSIM and your phone has Dual SIM Dual Standby technology, you may still be able to use your regular number .

Tailor the technology

There are a few technological precautions travelers can take to avoid bill shock.

First, control your data use by turning off data roaming in your phone’s settings when you don’t need it. You can also download maps when you have Wi-Fi and then use apps like Google or Apple Maps in offline mode. You can also squelch data-gulping apps individually by toggling off their access to cellular data in your phone’s settings.

Finally, consider using secure Wi-Fi (be wary of public networks) to make calls on services like FaceTime or WhatsApp to avoid voice or long-distance fees.

How to Survive Long-Haul Flights

A drawing of a woman sitting in an airline cabin seemingly in a mirror. On the left, she is awake looking at her phone and laptop computer, and on the other she is asleep using eye mask and a travel pillow.

Long-haul flights are generally considered to be those eight hours and over, while any that stretch past a grueling 16 hours are nicknamed “ultra long-haul.” The longest nonstop commercial flights currently available include New York to Singapore (18 hours and 50 minutes; 9,530 miles) and Perth, Australia, to London (17 hours and 45 minutes; 9,010 miles). Qantas Airways, Australia’s national airline, plans to operate two even longer direct flights in 2025: Sydney to London and Sydney to New York — routes that will take up to 20 hours.

For travelers, flying at 35,000 feet for an extended period of time comes with its own set of challenges, including little space for movement, dry cabin air and time zone changes.

Though extreme long-haul air travel never gets easier, there are some things you can do — before, during and after your flight — to make it slightly less terrible.

Jennifer Bagnall, 40, a communications executive who often flies between her home in Los Angeles and Sydney, believes reframing the experience in your mind is an essential first step.

“Instead of approaching it as a long stretch of time in a confined space without escape, I think about how it’s a long stretch of uninterrupted time with no responsibilities and where I can’t be contacted,” she said. “It’s so rare you get that.”

Pack your carry-on smartly and strategize early

You’ll most likely be checking your luggage, so your carry-on bag will need to be well equipped. As well as any items you’re going to use for entertainment, think ahead to what will help you feel the most comfortable. Packing a change of clothes (if there is a stopover, you may be able to find a shower in the airport) as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste will go a long way to helping you feel fresher during your journey. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothing and a pair of compression socks to combat swollen feet from so many hours with little physical activity.

“Wear a hoodie,” recommends Nikki Greenberg, 40, a futurist and innovation strategist from Sydney who frequently travels internationally for work. “It is cozy, warm, covers the ears (less noise) and eyes (less light for sleep), and creates a private cocoon environment.”

Find a way to sleep as much as possible

Do anything and everything you can to make sure you spend a large chunk of the time onboard asleep. Some travelers consider sleeping pills or melatonin supplements as must-haves, while eye shades and noise-canceling headphones can reduce cabin lighting and help to dull the roar of the plane. A travel pillow like the Trtl Pillow , which supports your neck, can help when trying to sleep in the upright position.

Mapping out your sleep schedule ahead of time can also be useful, depending on when your flight or flights are departing. Vanessa Quincey, 33, an advertising director from Melbourne, Australia, who has lived in New York for the past decade, stays awake for the shorter leg of her journey — New York to Los Angeles — to ensure she’s extra tired for the long second leg to Melbourne.

“Purchase a ‘Do Not Disturb’ eye mask if you plan on sleeping through meal service,” she said. “The mask will block out the overhead lights, and the ‘do not disturb’ will let the cabin crew know not to wake you.”

Save up entertainment

Plan how you will fill the rest of the time onboard: A 10-episode narrative arc of a TV series will stretch out a lot longer than one movie. You can look ahead on the airline’s website to see what in-flight entertainment will be available on your flight. Be sure to download TV shows, movies, podcasts and music onto your devices before you get to the airport and have to rely on spotty Wi-Fi. Bring a good book you’ve been meaning to read. Have some offline games you can play on your phone or iPad. And don’t forget a backup portable charger.

Patrick Quade, a 52-year-old tech founder from New South Wales in Australia, has done the trip between the United States and Australia more than two dozen times. He recommends setting a goal that takes longer than 20 hours: “Learn Adobe Premiere well enough to make a three-minute short with edits and sound track.”

Never stop hydrating

The air onboard is extremely dry. Pack a decent moisturizer, lip balm, lubricating eye drops and a small nasal spray. Try to avoid alcohol and drink as much water as you can throughout the flight: Bringing your own empty water bottle to fill up at the airport after customs can help with this goal. Powdered vitamins or electrolytes can be added to your water to maximize hydration.

Move when you can

Many people prefer an aisle seat so they are able to get up frequently without disturbing their seat neighbor. Ahead of booking, research the layout and model of planes on websites like SeatGuru to find the most legroom. Do some stretches while you’re waiting in line for the bathroom and walk a few laps of the terminal during a layover to get your blood moving.

Think ahead to your final destination

Without a doubt, the most important thing is to never, ever take a nap if you land during the day, as tempting as it is after a grueling flight. “This is really tough flying to Australia because you usually land early in the morning,” says Nathan Weinrich, who has been traveling home to Australia from New Jersey for eight years. “But it makes a huge difference to how quickly you adjust to the new time zone.”

Tips for First-Time Cruise Passengers

An illustration shows crowds of happy people in vacation clothing looking up at a huge ship. Seagulls fly around the ship and above it is a blue sky with puffy clouds.

You’ve picked a ship, booked an itinerary and chosen your cabin, but even with the hardest part done, figuring out the ship’s layout and how to get a spot on a popular outing can be daunting. Here’s how to prepare for a smooth first sailing.

Familiarize yourself with the ship, even before you board

Ocean cruise liners are big, and each ship is unique, so get familiar with deck layouts and features before you board. Most cruise companies have detailed plans and videos on their websites and there are virtual ship tours by cruise enthusiasts on YouTube and social media.

Once you’ve checked in and found your cabin, go on a scouting mission, identifying key areas like the main dining room, pool and lounge area while keeping an eye out for hidden nooks. “The crowds are fun, but there’s going to be moments when you want to escape them and find a quiet corner to relax,” said Mandy Holden, a retired teacher from Florida who takes an average of five cruises a year. “Take time to explore the ship, you don’t want to find the best spots on your last day.”

Bring a carry-on

After you check your bag at the terminal, it may take several hours before it’s delivered to your stateroom. “Be sure to pack a carry-on with all of the essentials you might need during that window of time,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of the cruise news site Cruise Critic , who suggested including “medication, sunscreen, a bathing suit, a phone charger and other essentials that you’ll need as soon as you board.”

Sign up for activities in advance

Popular onboard restaurants, shore excursions and spa treatments can fill up quickly so book ahead. Many companies will let you book in advance through their website or app, but if not, head to excursion and activity desks soon after you’ve boarded.

“The theater productions are incredible and produced at a very high quality,” said Chris Thompson, an avid cruiser of 35 years based in London. “You can usually reserve a seat in advance for free, but if it’s booked up, try showing up 15 minutes before the start of the show when seats often become available.” Mr. Thompson also suggests going to a specialty restaurant on the first night when there is likely to be more availability. “Most people eat in the main dining room while they settle in, so chances are you’ll find a nice table at one of the special restaurants,” he said.

Bring your own drinks

Beverages are expensive on cruises and can add up. Many lines offer all-inclusive food-and-drink packages for a flat fee, which can save money, particularly for those who enjoy alcohol, but it’s also worth bringing your own. Be sure to check your ship’s policy as the rules vary from line to line, and passengers may be limited to a quota of beverages they can bring onboard. Many cruise lines have apps where you can check on your daily charges and make sure they are accurate. Taxes and service charges are usually added automatically.

Switch your phone to airplane mode

During your cruise, you will likely be crossing through several international telecom networks and could rack up significant roaming charges as your phone automatically downloads data. It’s best to keep your phone in flight mode and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi if it’s included or if you decide to purchase a package, which usually ranges from $15 to $40 per day.

Catch a deal during a port stop

On longer cruises with several stops, it can be worthwhile to stay on board and make the most of the ship’s offerings during an excursion day. Many lines will offer deals on spa treatments, restaurants and activities during port calls and it’s a good opportunity to use the ship’s facilities when they are less crowded.

Know that your itinerary may change

Itinerary changes are common on cruise ships and could occur at the last minute. Factors like weather, wars and civil unrest can disrupt what ports you leave from or stop at, and cruise lines will either substitute a stop or spend longer at the next scheduled destination. Refund and cancellation policies vary between cruise lines, so read the fine print. Even if an itinerary change doesn’t result in a refund, some companies may offer cruise credits as a courtesy.

To have your trip fully covered, consider taking out travel insurance. “A cruise is an investment of money and time and should be protected,” said Stewart Chiron, a cruise industry analyst and chief executive of the news site cruiseguy.com . “Besides providing protection for cancellation, policies also cover for interruption, medical, travel delays, property loss and are worth serious consideration,” he added. “If itinerary is a major determinant, consider a policy covering ‘cancel for any reason’ in case of major changes.”

Don’t be shy

The idea of being in the middle of the ocean with thousands of strangers can feel intimidating, but it’s a great opportunity to meet new people, particularly experienced cruisers who can offer tips in real-time.

Cruise Critic has Roll Calls for guests on a particular sailing to join and chat with one another in advance. Passengers have also used Roll Calls to form groups to plan independently booked shore excursions, which can be cost-effective.

“But be aware,” said Ms. McDaniel of Cruise Critic, “If you’ve booked an independent shore excursion that runs late, the cruise line does reserve the right to leave without you if you’re unable to return to the ship in time.” She notes that the ship will wait if you’ve booked an excursion through the line.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

How to Avoid the Pitfalls When Renting a Car

An illustration depicts an S.U.V. with two hands above it holding car keys. The image is framed with a garland of leaves and flowers.

From getting a good deal to figuring out insurance requirements, renting a car can be a complicated, pitfall-prone experience. Here are some best practices to follow, from reservations through returns.

Compare prices and convenience of airport vs. nonairport locations

Prices vary widely based on the vehicle model and the location of the agency. Airport rentals, subject to extra taxes and fees, are generally more expensive.

Some cities are now charging similar fees if an agency is within 20 miles of the airport, according to Jonathan Weinberg, the founder of AutoSlash , a car rental platform. “Always check both,” he said.

If you’re flying and choosing an off-airport rental location at your destination, factor in the cost and convenience of transportation to the agency. Most have more limited hours than airport-based outlets, which could be important if your flight is delayed.

Don’t prepay

Many agencies offer discounts for prepayment. But prepaid contracts often incur fees if you cancel.

Most unpaid reservations are flexible, allowing you to cancel anytime with no penalty. Experts advise reserving early and then using the time before your trip to check prices. If they go down, you can cancel and rebook at the lower rate. Many agencies, including Budget and Dollar , offer best rate guarantees, meaning if you find a better rate on their cars elsewhere and they can verify the claim, they will rent you the car for 10 percent below that price.

The website AutoSlash will track your reservation at no cost and alert you to any price drop.

Maximize your memberships

Use memberships at the retailer Costco or the organizations AAA or AARP to get a discount at specific companies. Payoffs vary. If you’re strictly joining Costco to rent cars, it may take a few rentals a year to recoup the $60 membership fee.

If you join loyalty programs at Avis, Hertz or other major rental companies, which are usually free, you are entitled to express pickups, which means you can skip the line at the counter and go directly to your vehicle.

Consider alternative companies

Turo and Getaround act like Airbnbs for rental cars: Owners offer their vehicles to rent through company websites or apps. Turo, available in 11,000 cities in the United States, Britain, Canada, France and Australia, requires renters to work out where and when to pick up cars from their renters, though some owners will bring the car to you.

Available in more than a dozen cities in the United States, the app- and internet-based rental company Kyte , which has no brick-and-mortar locations, will drop off and pick up its cars, which are competitively priced, wherever you specify, at no extra charge. The contactless and app-based UFO Drive rents E.V.s in more than 20 cities in the United States and Europe.

At the counter, understand upgrade policies …

At traditional agencies, when the car you’ve reserved is not available when you arrive, it’s a common practice to give you the next-best available car at no extra charge. This may not always be made clear, and agencies have been known to ask if you want to upgrade for a fee. Before accepting, request your original class of car. If it is not available, you are entitled to a free upgrade.

Watch out for “manager’s specials,” which tend to be bargain leftovers. As agencies transition to electric cars, renters have ended up with surprise E.V.s that they didn’t necessarily want, according to Mike Taylor, the managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at the market research company J.D. Power.

… and know your insurance coverage

If you already have auto insurance, in most cases that coverage extends to a rental. Many credit cards also provide coverage against theft and damage as long as you use that card for payment. Check on both before buying additional coverage at the agency.

“Credit card insurance is only collision, not liability,” Mr. Weinberg said, noting liability insurance will add roughly $20 a day.

If you do not have insurance and are relying on a credit card’s coverage, pay attention to exclusions of certain kinds of car and peer-to-peer rental agencies like Turo.

“You want to avoid duplication of coverage, but you don’t want to go in thinking you’re fully covered when you’re not,” said Chuck Nardozza, the managing director of sales at AAA Northeast.

Most personal auto insurance will not apply to driving abroad, with some exceptions for Canada and Mexico.

Before driving off, document the vehicle’s condition

Look for damage, including dings and scrapes and upholstery tears. Take photos or a video to establish the vehicle’s condition at pickup. If there is damage, ask the company to document it in your paperwork.

Take photos again when you drop off the vehicle. Even if an employee reviews the car and gives you a receipt, you’ll have a record of its condition should a deeper review find any damage.

Before returning the car, buy gas

Fuel options include returning the car with a full tank or having the company refill it at what may look like attractive per-gallon rates. However, in the second scenario, you must buy a full tank.

“If you use three-quarters of a tank, you’re giving the rental car company a quarter tank of free gas,” Mr. Weinberg said.

When you return the vehicle, take a picture of the gauge showing a full tank. Companies have been known to tack on extra gas charges, and photographic proof usually wipes those charges away.

Return the car on time

A rental car day is usually 24 hours from the time you leave the lot. Anything later might incur another full day’s charge.

Even if you reserved a car from noon on pickup day to noon on drop-off day, if you arrive early and take the car at 11:30 a.m., you’ll be expected to return it by 11:30 a.m. on the due date. “They might give you a little leeway, but that window tends to be short, like 60 minutes or less,” Mr. Nardozza said.

Bedbugs: Vacation Without an Infestation

An illustration of a person with long, black hair holding a piece of luggage close to the chest, arms around it. The luggage is wrapped in a protective bag. Around the border of the illustration, there are small, apple-seed-shaped silhouettes of bedbugs.

Bedbugs don’t just live in beds. In hotel rooms, these apple-seed-size pests can hide out in furniture, waiting for their chance to come out, usually at night, to feed on humans’ (and pets’) blood while they sleep. Their bites, usually painless, often occur in clusters or lines.

Although bedbugs generally pose minimal risks to health, said Bryon Backenson, director of communicable diseases at the New York State Department of Health, their bites can cause allergic reactions for some and, of course, they are a source of discomfort and anxiety for pretty much everyone else.

Here are some ways you can prevent bloodsucking stowaways from sneaking home with you .

When you arrive

Check your hotel room before you settle in, even if the room is spotless. The warmth, blood and carbon dioxide of humans are far more important to bedbugs than an unsanitary environment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s bedbug myth website . But, the website adds, clutter can help them hide.

When you first enter the room, immediately put your luggage in the bathroom, then do your bedbug inspection, advises Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, a senior extension associate at Cornell University who focuses on pest management and has a doctorate in entomology.

Adult bedbugs are wingless and have six legs and a flat, oval body. They’re about the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The eggs are pearl white and about the size of a pinhead, the E.P.A. website says.

Thoroughly check the bedding, box spring, bed skirt, side tables and even the alarm clock, anywhere the bugs can hide.

“The first thing you might notice is the fecal stains that they leave behind, which is kind of like magic marker dots in fabric,” Dr. Gangloff-Kaufmann said.

Also check the headboard; some can be popped off the wall. If there is powder behind the headboard, Dr. Gangloff-Kaufmann said, that may a sign that the room has been treated for bedbugs in the past.

Pack a small LED flashlight you can use as you do your inspection. It will help illuminate any eggs or shells discarded during molting. Finally, check the rest of the furniture and any nooks or crevices — think baseboards, moldings and floors — around the room. A sweet, musty smell may also indicate the presence of bedbugs.

Commercial bedbug tests such as the swab-based TruDetx , which promises “reliable detection in just five minutes” may work, but do not have enough scientific studies backing them up, said Dr. Gangloff-Kaufmann. They can also provide a false sense of security, Mr. Backenson said.

If you find any evidence of bedbugs, do not stay in the room. Instead, contact the hotel staff, leave the room with your belongings and request a room in another part of the hotel — not adjacent to the infested one.

During your stay

Minimize the places a bedbug could hide by storing your clothes in sealable plastic bags. Some travelers also bring large, airtight plastic bags for their luggage.

A hard suitcase, Mr. Backenson said, may be a safer choice than soft luggage because it has fewer crevices where bedbugs can stow away. Always keep your luggage on a rack, away from the wall, or in the bathtub.

Do not sprinkle diatomaceous earth — a white, silica-rich powder that some travelers have deployed to desiccate bedbugs — in a hotel room, Dr. Gangloff-Kaufmann said, because it may contaminate the room and potentially even cause a scare if a hotel worker sees it and doesn’t recognize it.

Blasting your luggage or clothes with a hair dryer or a portable steamer, another popular tip, may not work because the temperature may not be high enough for long enough to kill the insects, said James Mulloso, vice president of Northeastern Exterminating in Brooklyn. Their eggs may take up to 90 minutes at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to destroy, the E.P.A. says on a web page for bedbug control .

Wiping down your suitcase with rubbing alcohol, another popular bedbug-fighting strategy, can help kill the insects if done safely in a well-ventilated area, Mr. Mulloso said, but keep in mind that rubbing alcohol is flammable, and it could be dangerous.

After you return home

After your trip, unpack your bags in the bathroom against a light-colored surface, so you can spot any bugs, the New York City Department of Health advises, then shake out the clothing in a bathtub or shower and vacuum out your luggage. Don’t forget to empty the vacuum and dispose of its contents.

Put your clothes in the dryer as soon as possible, the experts agreed, and run it at the hottest setting for at least 20 minutes to kill bugs and eggs.

If you think an item has been exposed to bedbugs and it cannot go in the dryer, seal it in an airtight plastic bag and leave it in a warm area for six months — the time it takes for the bugs to die from lack of water, Dr. Gangloff-Kaufmann said.

Wildfires: Stay Safe in a Warming World

An illustration of a person with long, black hair and a backpack, looking through a pair of binoculars at a column of black smoke in the distance behind a range of mountains. In the foreground, there are trees and shrubs around the person

Climate change is warming up the spring, lengthening the summer, and drying out soil and vegetation , leading to more frequent , destructive wildfires . This year alone, wildfires have left at least 98 dead on Maui , forced mass evacuations from several Greek islands , and raged across Canada, forcing an entire city to evacuate and fouling the air across North America. If you’re traveling in this environment — especially if you’re planning a trip to the outdoors — how can you stay safe? Here’s how to prepare yourself, and what to do in case of an emergency.

Realize that every season is now fire season

In years past, travelers could plan around “fire season,” steering clear of the hottest, driest times of year. But — as evidenced by the Marshall Fire , which ignited Dec. 30, 2021, then burned more than 1,000 homes near Denver — when it comes to fire, season doesn’t really matter anymore.

What matters is weather. Heat, drought, low humidity and wind can signal fire danger, so the National Weather Service checks for these conditions year-round and issues red-flag warnings for places that are at high risk.

No matter the season, watch for those warnings. Lori Moore-Merrell, the United States fire administrator, whose agency supports and strengthens fire and emergency medical services, also recommends chatting with a local authority — for instance, a park ranger or a firefighter — “to kind of just say, ‘What’s going on today? What are you hearing? What are the conditions?’” That will help you gauge the risk level, and know what to monitor.

Check out the National Interagency Fire Center’s National Incident Map , FireWeatherAvalanche.org and CalTopo.com for real-time fire maps. You may also want to follow the social media accounts of the cities, counties and parks you’ll be visiting, as these accounts often deliver real-time information.

Prep your phone

Your device could save your life in a wildfire, but not if its battery is dead. Ensure yours works when you need it by bringing a charger that doesn’t need a wall or a car socket, such as one powered by the sun .

Both FEMA and the American Red Cross have free apps that you can customize to receive location-specific alerts. On the Red Cross app, there’s also an option to enable critical notifications to sound, even when the phone is on silent or in Do Not Disturb mode.

Candice Stevenson, a fire communication and education specialist for the National Park Service, advises signing up for emergency alerts for the area you’re visiting. These alerts might be shared via text, email or phone call, depending on where you’re traveling. “Sometimes,” she wrote in an email, “a text or alert can still work while in poor cell coverage.”

Another tool for low- or no-service areas is What3Words . The free app works by dividing the world into roughly 10-by-10-foot squares and assigning a unique three-word code to each square. (The geocode for the trailhead for the path leading to the top of Half Dome, in Yosemite National Park, for instance, is songbird.contraband.partly .) Because the service uses satellites, your phone can receive the three-word address corresponding to your location even without internet or cell service, which can help emergency workers find you when you do make contact with them.

“I can’t tell you how many times people will call and say, ‘I’m on fill-in-the-blank lake,’” said Alex Luscutoff, the deputy chief of law enforcement and emergency services for California State Parks. “When we get that information as first responders, sometimes it’s very difficult to distinguish what particular area of the park they are located.”

Use of the service is catching on. Besides the California State Parks, emergency responders in and around places like Austin, Texas; Niagara Falls, Ontario; Tucson, Ariz.; Los Angeles, Nashville and London have also adopted the app.

Bring analog backup

Phones are powerful tools, but they can also break, freeze up or get dropped in lakes.

Don’t underestimate the value of paper maps. Study them before you depart to familiarize yourself with your destination, and to find several evacuation routes. Then, keep those (preferably waterproof) maps handy.

Sherri McKinney, a national representative for the American Red Cross, also recommends bringing a lightweight hand-cranked weather radio , especially for backcountry travel, to listen for weather information and emergency announcements. A hand-cranked radio “can be the difference between life and death,” she said.

Be ready to evacuate

Once a fire starts, time is limited. “Fire is fast,” Dr. Moore-Merrell said. “It is fast when it is coupled with hurricane, gale-force winds as we saw in Maui; it is fast if it happens in your home.”

That means it’s critical to know your evacuation route before a fire starts. When you reach your destination for the night, Dr. Moore-Merrell said, look for exits, stairwells and any other escape routes. Better yet, Ms. McKinney advised, once you arrive and drop your bags, “take another drive after you’re checked in so that you can see what the exit route is, and practice that evacuation route.”

Above all, if and when you’re told to evacuate, don’t wait — get out.

Get to a safety zone

Maybe you’re too far from your car to reach it. Maybe you’re too deep in the backcountry to reach a road. Maybe the fire is blocking your only escape route.

If, for any reason, you cannot evacuate, look for a safety zone: a place where you could survive a wildfire and await help.

Ms. Stevenson of the National Park Service wrote that what constitutes a safety zone depends on a fire’s severity: “The larger the flame heights and the faster the wind speed, the larger the safety zone would need to be.”

If you’re on a hill, Drew Leemon, the risk management director for the National Outdoor Leadership School , advises going downhill. “Heat rises, so it’s going to go up the side of a valley faster than you can run,” he said.

Mr. Leemon also suggests heading for a body of water, ideally one deep enough to submerge yourself, if there is one nearby.

Fire needs fuel, so get away from as much fuel as you can. If you’re in the forest, he said, go to a meadow. Better yet, run to a place with very little vegetation, like a boulder field or a rocky area. If you’re in immediate danger, Mr. Leemon said, you can head into “the black” — the area that has already burned. That scorched zone presents its own risks — embers, hot ground and trees that might fall — but there is also much less left to burn there.

Foreign Exchange: Get the Best Rate

An illustration shows a hand holding up a cellphone with the image of a credit card on it. Behind the phone, the edges of some $100 bills can be seen. Framing the hand are various iconic travel sights, including the Eiffel Tower, along with bills and coins from various countries.

Using foreign money wisely requires understanding the going exchange rate with the U. S. dollar and practicing the following strategies to avoid excessive fees.

Take a card that doesn’t charge transaction fees

The primary rule of managing purchases abroad is ensuring you are not using a credit card that charges foreign transaction fees.

“Everything you buy will be 3 percent more expensive if you have a card that doesn’t waive foreign exchange fees,” said Nick Ewen, the director of content at the Points Guy , a travel website that focuses on maximizing credit card benefits.

You don’t need an expensive card with a $500-or-more annual fee to have foreign transaction charges waived. Capital One offers cards with no annual fees or foreign transaction charges. The personal finance website NerdWallet maintains a list of credit cards that don’t charge a fee for foreign transactions.

Credit cards are often safer than cash because fraudulent charges can be disputed. (But given high interest rates, use credit cards only if you regularly pay off the balance in full.)

If you are planning on paying primarily with credit, bring a second card as a backup in case the first is lost, stolen or declined.

Ask to be charged in the local currency

If you are offered the choice to be charged in U.S. dollars or the local currency, always go with the local option.

“People feel like they’re playing with Monopoly money so they will say yes to the U.S. price because they know what it is, but you should let the credit card company do the conversion,” said Sally French, a travel expert with NerdWallet.

Merchants offering to charge in the local currency or U.S. dollars are engaging in “dynamic currency conversion” or setting their own exchange rate, which is typically worse than the going bank rate. Mr. Ewen of the Points Guy has seen a markup of 3 to 10 percent for paying in dollars.

“The reason you get a favorable exchange rate with a credit card is the issuer is operating at much more scale and they’re able to do a large volume of transactions,” said Greg McBride, the chief financial analyst at Bankrate , a personal finance site.

Don’t exchange money at the airport

Though you may need cash upon arrival in a foreign country to pay for a cab or tip a bellhop, don’t get it at an airport.

“In general, the worst place to exchange currency is, in fact, the airport,” Ms. French said.

She advises ordering a small amount of foreign currency from your bank before you fly. This method may not deliver the best exchange rate, but it usually beats the airport currency desk, Ms. French said.

Other experts recommend holding out for foreign cash until you arrive and can use a local A.T.M., where you will most likely get a better exchange rate.

As with credit cards, if you’re given the option, always choose to have a withdrawal debited in local currencies. Some A.T.M.s will engage in dynamic currency conversion and dispense local currency but debit your account in a U.S. dollar amount; don’t fall for it.

Also, larger hotels will often convert small amounts of money for their guests.

Beware of A.T.M. fees

Expect to pay $2 to $6 to use a machine that is out of your bank’s network, plus an additional foreign transaction fee, usually 1 to 3 percent, according to NerdWallet. To avoid excessive fees, limit the number of times you use an A.T.M. by withdrawing larger amounts.

Check with your bank to determine whether it has a reciprocal relationship with a foreign bank that allows you to use its A.T.M.s without incurring out-of-network charges. For example, Bank of America has partnerships with a number of banks in Canada, Europe and the Caribbean, though it generally charges 3 percent of the amount withdrawn as a foreign exchange fee.

Citibank will waive out-of-network A.T.M. fees up to a certain number of monthly transactions, depending on the type of account. Charles Schwab Bank offers a checking account with unlimited A.T.M. fee rebates worldwide. Capital One offers a checking account with fee-free access to more than 70,000 A.T.M.s globally.

Use mobile payment for transit

Depending on where you’re going, check whether local transit systems accept mobile payments such as Apple Pay or Google Pay , which allow users to store a credit card in a cellphone app for contactless transactions. Transport for London , for example, allows mobile payments and will cap any charges once you’ve reached the price for a day pass.

The systems in Stockholm and Toronto also allow mobile transactions.

Don’t return home with coins

In countries like Canada and Australia, local currency commonly comes in high-denomination coins valued at $1 or more. When paying with cash, it’s easy to find your pockets weighted down with coins. Try to spend or donate them abroad, as it is harder to exchange coins for U.S. dollars once you are back stateside. Bank of America, for example, does not accept coins for conversion.

Rewards Cards: Put Those Points to Work

An illustration of a person reaching for money, airplanes, hotel beds and a plate with silverware, all floating around. The person is holding several credit cards in the other hand.

Sign-up bonuses, lounge access, cash rebates, free hotel rooms and plenty of fine print: The dizzying promotions and Byzantine rules on earning and redeeming points with rewards credit cards can make your head spin. Here are some ways to cut through the confusion and get the most out of them.

Rewards cards offer three types of value. There is typically a sign-up bonus, up to 120,000 points or miles after spending a minimum amount within a certain period. Then there are the points, miles or cash back you receive for spending with the card, sometimes multiplied for purchases in specific categories like travel, dining or fuel. Last, there are the benefits you receive as a cardholder, like credits for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, access to airport lounges, and elite status at hotels.

Travelers should weigh the rewards against the annual cost of a card, which can range from zero to $695, and which airlines, hotels and other travel partners it works with. To get the best value, pay off the total balance each month to avoid interest charges. Autopay is your friend.

Make partnerships work for you

A co-branded card, like the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature (fee $95), helps you achieve status faster with that airline. Cards co-branded with airlines may also offer perks like priority boarding, free checked bags and lounge access — a plus if you tend to fly on one carrier. The Alaska card offers a $99 companion ticket (plus taxes and fees) each year when spending requirements are met. Hotel chains offer similar co-branded cards. The World of Hyatt Visa and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa (both $95) give cardholders one free night, at their low- to midtier brands, on the anniversary of the customer’s sign-up.

If you choose a card that’s not co-branded, you can sometimes transfer your points to your preferred airline’s loyalty program. For cards that don’t have partnerships with certain airlines, you can often use code-sharing as a workaround. For example, Capital One does not allow you to transfer your points directly to Delta SkyMiles . To book a seat on a Delta flight, transfer your points to Aeromexico — which Capital One does have a partnership with — then use those points to book a code-share seat on Delta through the SkyTeam alliance .

Stretch points into pennies

Redemption values can change depending on how you use your points, said Gary Leff, of the travel site View From the Wing . His advice: Explore the variety of ways you can redeem them and aim to get at least one penny per point. Citi ThankYou points are usually worth a penny when buying gift cards from a variety of retailers. American Express cardholders will get 1 cent per point when they’re using their Membership Rewards balance to purchase an airline ticket or a hotel room on the Amex website — and some also earn five points per dollar spent. For example, a $500 room booking will cost 50,000 points, but earn 2,500 points, worth $25, for buying it through the website.

Those same Amex points are worth only about 0.7 cents if used to make a purchase on Amazon and 0.6 cents if used to pay for eligible purchases on your monthly statement. Credit card websites typically have a section detailing redemption values.

Sometimes, points can exceed 1 cent in value if you transfer them to an airline loyalty program to buy a ticket, Mr. Leff said. And keep an eye on travel websites, social media and your email inbox for temporary transfer bonus offers, which can give you an additional bump of up to 30 percent on points you are moving to a specific airline or hotel partner.

Save big expenses for new cards

Tempted by a hefty sign-up bonus? Wait until you’re planning a big vacation, doing a home renovation, or paying college tuition or another large expense, advises Kylie Queisser, who offers travel advice on TikTok . Then use that big expense to meet the minimum spending requirement for the bonus. The Capital One Venture X Visa card ($395) offers 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in three months. The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard ($595) was recently offering 100,000 points for spending $10,000 in three months.

Bonus amounts like those can be significant: 75,000 Capital One points can be redeemed for $750 in travel spending; 100,000 American Airlines miles could buy several cross-country plane tickets.

Play to each card’s strengths

If you don’t mind a little juggling, tailoring individual cards to specific purchases can maximize benefits. For example, pair a Chase Sapphire Reserve card ($550), which earns three points per dollar on travel and dining expenses, with a no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited card, which earns one and a half points per dollar, for everything else, Mr. Leff suggested. “There are similar ways to pair American Express cards and Citibank cards,” he said.

So how do you keep track of which one does what? Easy, Mr. Leff said: He puts little stickers indicating restaurants, gas, groceries or other categories on each of his family members’ credit cards.

Share your travel hacks

What’s your special trick for making every trip go smoother? Tell us about it.

Camping: A Beginner’s Guide

An illustration depicts a young woman and a dog sitting outside a tent in front of a campfire. It is night, the sky is filled with stars, and, in the center, the outline of an airplane. Surrounding this scene is a garland of flowers, which serves to frame the illustration.

For first-time campers, spending the night outside presents a planning wilderness, including figuring out what to bring. The following are tips from experts in getting started.

Choose your camp style

Camping comes in many varieties, from car camping, meaning you drive to a campsite and pitch a tent, to overnight backpacking, in which you carry everything on foot.

Starter-friendly, car camping allows travelers to bring things like coolers and camp chairs, and most campgrounds maintain toilets.

Rental camper vans often come equipped with gear, including bedding, cookware and a camp stove. Companies such as Escape Campervans , Wandervans and Native Campervans rent modified vans that campers sleep in.

“My advice for a first-time camper is take small steps,” said Alyssa Ravasio, the founder and chief executive of Hipcamp , which lists campsites on private land such as farms and ranches. “Try a night or two. Go somewhere closer to home. And make sure the amenities that are important to you, such as a bathroom or shower, are there.”

Reserve in advance

Like hotels, many campsites can be booked online. Reserve your spot in advance, especially in peak seasons. At New Hampshire State Parks , for example, reservations open 30 days in advance with just a few campsites held back for day-of arrivals.

The federal website Recreation.gov offers campsite reservations across many government agencies, including the National Park Service.

If you aim to camp at a popular national park, plan well in advance and get familiar with its booking rules, which are not standardized, by searching park websites or Recreation.gov. Campsites at Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite National Park in California, for example, are available five months in advance. In contrast, sites at South Campground in Zion National Park in Utah are bookable up to 14 days before arrival.

If national park sites are booked, look for nearby state parks or alternative campgrounds. Hipcamp offers maps showing public lands, including national parks, and many places to camp around them.

Commercial campgrounds like KOA may offer amenities such as swimming pools or basketball courts. Websites like ReserveAmerica.com make it easy to find both public and private campgrounds. Booking platforms such as Hipcamp , the Dyrt and Pitchup.com are good places to look for off-the-beaten-path options or privately owned properties.

If a campground is booked, set up an alert with the Dyrt, which will text you if a site becomes available. The service starts at $9 for nonmembers.

Rent camping basics

When it comes to basic gear, rent before you buy.

“Gear can be pretty expensive,” said Ms. Ravasio, who recommends renting from an REI Co-op store. Other companies such as Outdoors Geek and Kit Lender will ship gear.

“With tents it is worth noting that a four-man tent won’t comfortably fit four men in reality,” said Dan Yates, the founder of Pitchup.com, noting that tent sizes don’t account for baggage. He recommends choosing a tent sized for two people more than will be sleeping in it.

Sleeping bags, rated for outside temperatures, are also often available to rent. Most guides recommend adding a sleeping pad or mat.

“We can deal with almost anything during the day if we get a good night’s sleep,” said Gary Elbert, who designs camping trips for REI Adventures . “If I’m investing money in something, it’s a sleeping kit.”

Plan the kitchen

With a vehicle, avoid buying specialty cooking gear and pack small pots, pans, plates and utensils from home. If you don’t want to cook over an open fire, rent a camp stove.

Food storage advice depends on where you camp. Where bears are not present, storing food overnight in your car deters animals such as raccoons. In bear country, follow campground requirements and use provided food storage safes. Depending on the location, the National Park Service recommends storing food in a locked car only during the day with food or food storage containers such as coolers covered and windows closed.

Water is a primary survival need. In its guide on what to bring , the National Park Service recommends two liters of drinking water a person a day and more if you are in hot places. The Green Mountain Club , a nonprofit that manages 500 miles of trails in Vermont, recommends adding two liters for cooking and another two for extinguishing a campfire.

“Most developed front-country campgrounds will have a potable water source, so be sure to check before you go,” said Emily Mosher, the visitor services manager for the Green Mountain Club.

Pack for problems

Pack and dress in layers to account for changes in temperature from day to night, and remember rain gear or a water-repellent outer layer. Avoid cotton, which absorbs water, including perspiration, and is slow to dry.

Bring a headlamp, which allows you to do things hands-free in the dark like unzip your tent. A utility knife or multi-tool device helps with chores. A first-aid kit should be stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers.

To account for no or low connectivity, bring paper maps or download maps that you can review offline.

It’s not all defensive packing. Don’t forget cards, books and games.

Practice fire safety

One of the great joys of camping is sitting around a campfire. Campers should check with park or campground authorities to ensure fires are permitted; in drought conditions they are often banned.

Only burn wood that has been purchased or provided locally — firewood from other places risks transporting invasive insects or diseases.

There are several ways to build a fire, as covered in this guide from KOA. Using the basic tepee or cone structure, lean small sticks against a bundle of starter such as dry grass or birch tree bark. Once the tinder is ignited and the sticks catch fire, add increasingly larger sticks, working up to logs.

The most important step in breaking camp is to ensure your fire is out. According to the Department of the Interior, almost nine in 10 wildfires are caused by humans.

When you douse a fire, make “campfire soup” by drenching the fire pit in water and stirring it with a stick so that it reaches all the coals. The remains should be cool enough to touch before you leave.

Leave no trace

Collect all garbage and dispose of it or take it home. Strain gray water used to wash dishes and drain the water in collection areas.

The nonprofit conservation organization Leave No Trace offers a free 45-minute online tutorial in safe and eco-friendly camping basics.

Feel welcome

Outdoor lovers in historically marginalized communities have created organizations that encourage hiking and camping with events, trips and how-to videos. Look for educational resources at Black Folks Camp Too , Latino Outdoors and the Venture Out Project , among others.

Travel Photography: Make the Most of Your Cellphone

An illustration depicts a young traveler with curly hair, wearing a hoodie, and holding a cellphone right up against the eye. The flash goes off, creating a white, starry burst. It is as if the person is taking a photo of us, the viewers of the illustration.The traveler is at the center of a stylized frame that is edged with leafy, twisting vines.

A cellphone allows travelers to have a camera always at the ready. The latest phones offer multiple lenses with better resolution and enhanced macro and telephoto capabilities, enabling virtually every moment to be captured for posterity. This can be both a blessing and a curse. When should we be taking a photograph and when should we simply be taking the time to look and wonder at the world around us? Here are a few tips on when and what to shoot, and how to better frame what we see when we travel.

Imagine your photos as an album

Try to capture a wide variety of images. While it is important to concentrate on classic landscape shots and portraits, also search for photographs with arresting colors and shapes, as well as the details of objects, works of art and food — the things that flavor a place and weave its visual tapestry. Imagine each picture as a jigsaw piece needed to complete an album’s puzzle. It’s useful to arrange these images in a separate folder on your phone, making one album for your favorites and another for the rest. That way you’ll be in better shape when it comes to the important task of editing.

Find your horizon

Steven Spielberg ends his autobiographical film, “The Fabelmans,” with a meeting with the legendary director John Ford. Ford’s main piece of advice? Place the horizon toward the top or bottom of the picture because the middle is “boring.” This idea — also known as the rule of thirds — divides the frame into thirds, horizontally and vertically. The concept is to find a more dynamic angle by visualizing the scene or subject not centered, but rather a third of the way up or down (or across) the frame. On most cellphones, you can set up a three-by-three grid for the screen in the camera settings.

Layer your picture with details

Successful landscape shots draw the eye across the whole frame, and for that you need to search for points of interest in the foreground, middle ground and distance. Find a vantage point that lets you see the different layers of a scene. Test different compositions by turning your cellphone both vertically and horizontally, and, if you have a choice of lenses, decide if the scene is best framed tightly or wide. Another way to enrich the landscape is to spot a person or an object and place them carefully in the frame as a focal point. It could be someone walking alone along a beach, or a tree on a hillside, or a horse in a field or a bicycle leaning against a wall. But look for something that catches the eye, giving scale and contrast to the scene.

For portraits, find the right backdrop

Look for a clean background — a natural canvas with relatively solid coloring or shape, like a wall, open sky or foliage. If that’s not possible, move around the subject to find a backdrop that is less cluttered. Also, check that there are no upright objects, such as streetlamps or thin trees directly behind people’s heads, or other unwanted items in the background that will distract from the subject.

Work the frame

It’s often helpful to have a portrait shopping list: headshot, half-body and full body frames (make sure not to cut off people’s feet), as well as horizontal and vertical ones. Having these frames in mind will help you choose the best shot. Many of the latest Apple and Android phones offer a choice of inbuilt lenses with different focal lengths, which help you do this quickly. You can also use the portrait mode on your cellphone’s camera, which shortens the depth of field, blurring the background and giving a portrait style that is similar to what you would get when using wide-open apertures on longer camera lenses.

Edit your photographs more than once

Choosing the best pictures is just as important as taking them. If you have been making a separate album of your favorites, you already have a base from which to start. Nonetheless, take your time and go through all the photographs you have taken, scrolling through the images at least twice. If possible, leave a day between doing so. The eye can get overwhelmed when looking at a large number of images, and it’s easy to overlook a good picture.

Go easy on post-production

Phone cameras, just like regular cameras, are not always able to read the light correctly. Often one needs to adjust a photograph’s exposure, shadows or color temperature. A lot of this can be easily done with a phone’s inbuilt software — though there are also plenty of specialist applications like Snapseed or Adobe Photoshop Express . What you can or should do is a personal decision. But, in general, spend as little time as possible working on a picture, and concentrate on balancing tone and lighting across your selection of images so they feel cohesive in style.

Have a hungry eye

Eve Arnold , the wonderful Magnum photographer, used to recount a story about walking with Henri Cartier-Bresson from the Magnum office in Paris to have lunch at his apartment on the Rue de Rivoli. During the 15-minute stroll home, as he kept telling her that he was no longer interested in photography, only drawing, he took three rolls of film on his Leica. The great photographers have an insatiable eye for images, and a cellphone allows one to be ready for everything. But it’s also necessary to understand the moment clearly. Everyone wants their memories of a journey to be captured so they can reminisce later. But it’s also important to see the world without feeling the obligation to take a photograph. Sometimes the eye just needs the pleasure of looking.

Travel Insurance: When and What to Buy

An illustration shows a traveler with a backpack holding a phone to their ear. The traveler is looking into a sort of frame of menacing clouds and lightening bolts. Flying out of the frame, above the traveler's head, is a small black silhouette of an airplane.

In the wake of Covid, travel insurance sales have spiked with the rebound in travel as people seek to protect their investments against flight delays and cancellations, extreme weather events and the persistence of the virus. But travel insurance is complicated with a range of benefits, inclusions and prices. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.

Know what’s covered

Generally speaking, travel insurance covers unforeseen events, like an illness in the family, the loss of a job or a natural disaster, that force you to cancel or interrupt a trip. It can also apply in the event of a strike at a transportation company, a terrorist attack in your destination or when your travel provider goes bankrupt. These are known as covered reasons . Most polices also include medical coverage, which is useful abroad where your health insurance may not cover you.

While policy prices vary based on age, length of travel and type of coverage, expect to pay between 4 to 10 percent of your entire trip cost to get insured.

Insure nonrefundable expenses

Travel insurance was designed to protect expenses you can’t get back any other way when things go wrong. Think of nonrefundable Airbnb reservations or the cost of a cruise to the Galápagos.

If your hotel is refundable and you can get the value of your flights back in credits, you can skip travel insurance.

Buy close to booking

Travel insurers say the best time to buy travel insurance — which usually takes effect within a day of purchase — is just after making your travel plans to have the largest possible coverage window. A lot can happen between booking a Christmas market cruise in Europe in June and going in December.

With many plans, purchasing travel insurance 10 to 14 days from your first trip payment entitles you to “early purchase” benefits such as a waiver for pre-existing medical conditions that impact travel. If such a waiver is included, it is usually prominent in a summary of benefits, so read it carefully.

“Not all plans have a pre-existing condition waiver,” said Suzanne Morrow, the senior vice president of InsureMyTrip.com , an online insurance marketplace. “If I have a heart condition and if something occurs, I don’t want it excluded, so I would need to buy a policy within 14 days of the first dollar spent.”

Hedge against the weather

You can’t control the weather, but you can insure against its unexpected disruptions. For example, if you’re ready to jump on great rates in the Caribbean during the height of hurricane season, buy your insurance immediately after booking so that if a hurricane develops and your destination is evacuated, you’ll be covered.

“That’s probably the biggest use case for travel insurance,” said Stan Sandberg, a co-founder of TravelInsurance.com , an online marketplace. He counsels travelers to buy early — if you wait and the storm is named it will be too late to insure against it, because it is no longer an unforeseen event.

Similarly, with winter travel, if you’ve purchased nonrefundable ski lift tickets and a storm prevents you from reaching the resort, you may be able to claim the unused portion of your ski pass.

This coverage may prove more valuable as climate change exacerbates weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, which are considered “natural disasters” and are covered by most policies.

Pick up the phone

With the proliferation of automated insurance offers when you buy airline tickets or tours, travel insurance can feel like a one-size-fits-all product. It is not. Many policies, for example, exclude extreme sports like skydiving and mountain climbing, though there are specialty policies that include them.

If you have a specific concern — a family member is sick or you’re going heli-skiing — the best way to know if a travel insurance policy will cover you is to call an insurer or the help line at a travel insurance marketplace to get advice.

“Tell them the what-if scenario and then you can get professional and accurate advice,” Ms. Morrow said. “Thinking you’re covered and then having your claim denied is salt in the wound.”

Travel insurance does not cover ‘unpleasantries’

What if you’re dreading spending a week in an un-air-conditioned rental in England during a heat wave and decide you don’t want to go? Most standard travel insurance will not cover a change of heart.

“Travel insurance doesn’t cover you for unpleasantries,” said Carol Mueller, the vice president for strategic marketing at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.

A policy upgrade, Cancel for Any Reason coverage, which is not available in every state, will cover a change of heart, usually up until a few days before departure. Most only reimburse 50 to 75 percent of your costs and the purchase must be made within weeks of your initial trip payment. It will bump your insurance premium up 40 to 50 percent, according to the insurance marketplace Squaremouth.com , which only recommends C.F.A.R. for travelers with specific concerns not included under covered reasons for trip cancellation.

A relatively new twist in trip protection, Interruption for Any Reason , works like C.F.A.R. in that it reimburses a portion of your expenses and can be invoked if you decide to bail while you’re on a trip for a reason that isn’t covered by standard trip insurance. Normally, you must buy it within weeks of your initial trip payment and be 72 hours into a trip before you can use it.

Keep records

If something goes wrong and you need to make a claim, you’ll need proof in the form of a paper trail. That could be receipts for clothing you purchased when your bags went missing, a hotel room required when your flight was canceled (along with flight cancellation notices from the airline) or a doctor’s note stating that you have Covid — or another illness — and are unable to travel. (With Covid, a positive test taken at home is not considered official documentation for the purposes of a claim.)

Resist pressure to buy flight insurance

When purchasing an airline ticket online, most carriers offer travel insurance to cover the cost with some version of vaguely menacing language like, “Do you really want to risk your investment?” when you decline.

Don’t fall for it. You may want to insure that ticket, but price out the policy elsewhere. A recent offer to insure a $428 flight for nearly $28 on an airline website cost $12 to $96 with a range of options at InsureMyTrip.com.

The $12 option was closest to the airline’s offer. Caveat emptor.

Jet Lag: Get Back in the Rhythm

An illustration of a woman with long, flowing hair holding a rolling suitcase under a starry sky. She is standing on the other side of a window from two people who have fallen asleep while sitting at a table with coffee cups. There is an outline of a jet in the sky above the awake woman, and a garland of flowers surrounds the whole image.

You finally made it to Paris, but instead of running up the Eiffel Tower, you’re passing out in your soufflé. Blame jet lag, when your body’s circadian rhythm — its expected sleep and wake times — is out of sync with your new location, leaving you with brain fog at midday or insomnia in the wee hours. Not everyone has the same body clock, of course, and no two trips are exactly the same, but there are some tricks that could help you get your zip back quicker.

Shift before you go

The time differential and the direction you are traveling each contribute to jet lag, said Jay Olson, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto Mississauga who has studied the phenomenon. Dr. Olson said that traveling westward, when you need to stay up and wake up later to match the new time zone, is easier for most people than traveling eastward, when you are expected to do the opposite.

For shorter trips, make a gradual one-hour shift per day for the number of time zones you’ll cross, said Dr. Vishesh Kapur, founder of the University of Washington Sleep Medicine Center .

For example, if you are flying from California to Massachusetts — crossing three time zones — try progressively going to bed and waking up an hour earlier each day for three days before the trip. It’s usually not necessary to shift your bedtime before traveling less than three time zones west, he said.

Harness the power of light

Bright light helps keep our internal clock in sync with the outside world, traveling through specialized cells in the retina and signaling the part of the brain that sets the body’s master schedule. So, for longer trips, seek out or avoid bright light at specific times, said Dr. Olson. Starting a few days before your trip, gradually shift the light and dark times of your origin toward that of your destination, using dark glasses, sunlight or other light sources.

In the first few days of your trip, figuring out the best times to get light can be tricky. Let’s say you take an overnight flight from New York to London, arriving at 7 a.m. Your brain may still feel as if it’s 2 a.m., and getting bright light right away could confuse your internal clock. In this case, you may want to put on dark glasses for a few hours, then go out in the sun when it is closer to your waking time at home, extending your London day.

On long trips to Asia — when day and night are reversed — it is often easier to shift your cycle backward, said Mickey Beyer-Clausen, chief executive of Timeshifter , which makes a jet lag app of the same name. For example, when flying nonstop from New York to Tokyo, which is 13 hours ahead, think of it as being 11 hours behind (jet lag does not consider the international date line). That means if you land at, say, 2 p.m. in Japan — 1 a.m. in New York — you need to counter the fact that your New York brain is winding down for sleep. This means seeking out bright light all afternoon, especially in the evening, until bedtime in Japan. You can also get a head start on adapting to Japanese time if you go to bed and seek out light later than normal for two nights before you leave New York.

Online tools like Jet Lag Rooster and Timeshifter help create a customized schedule based on variables like time zone differences, departure and arrival times, and other factors.

Consider melatonin

If you are having trouble getting to sleep earlier in anticipation of traveling east, Dr. Kapur suggests taking one milligram of over-the-counter melatonin about four hours before bed, up to three days before the trip. (Melatonin is a substance that is produced naturally in the body as night falls, signaling that it is time to go to sleep.) This small dose is best for reducing jet lag, Dr. Olson said, because studies show a larger dose doesn’t necessarily work better and is more likely to produce side effects. Travelers should be aware that as a dietary supplement, melatonin is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration .

Grab a quick nap

If you’re feeling drained as your body adjusts to the new time zone, curl up for a 20-minute snooze, said Dr. Kapur. If you nap longer than that, he cautions, the brain fog may worsen or you may have trouble falling asleep at night.

Refresh with a layover shower

A spritz at the airport between long flights can work wonders for a tired body. Airports with public pay showers include Tokyo Narita International Airport , Munich Airport and San Francisco International Airport . At some airports, only specific lounges — like the Delta Sky Club at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport — offer showers. If you’re not a member, don’t have access through a credit card and really need a boost, consider a day pass. The IGA Lounge in Istanbul International Airport, for example, costs $65. All offer towels, soap and shampoo.

Make the most of the lag

If you expect to be up super late or early as your body adjusts, plan ahead. Early in the trip, you may have the most energy for a visit to the Patpong Night Market in Bangkok , the early-morning tuna auction at the Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo or a predawn excursion to see the sunrise at Haleakala volcano in Maui.

Delays and Cancellations: Know Your Rights

An illustration of a crowd of people standing in line below a sign that says “Flight Rebooking.” One person is slumped over next to a suitcase, while another person holding a phone is confidently striding past the crowd holding a phone.

Flight delays and cancellations are unfortunate inevitabilities, especially in summer, when more people are flying and severe weather tends to occur more frequently.

How can you get your trip back on track when things go frustratingly wrong? Start by reading the fine print before booking, understanding what’s owed to you and being proactive at the airport in asking for what you want. Here’s how to do it.

Prep before you go

Download your airline’s app, which often shows an aircraft’s location and also posts timely updates on a flight’s status or gate changes. Updates may appear here before anywhere else.

The day of your flight, you can also scan FlightAware , a flight-tracking service accessible by app and website , to get a sense of delays and cancellations across major airports. Keep an eye on the weather, too.

It can help to know what airlines your carrier partners with, in case you need to be rebooked on another airline. In addition to partnerships like code shares, when an airline operates a flight on behalf of another, or alliances, most airlines also have relationships known as interline agreements that allow them to transfer passengers to flights on other carriers.

This information isn’t always readily available online; experts suggest calling an airline’s customer service for more guidance.

Be aware that if you have a ticket with a low-cost airline, like Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines or Spirit Airlines, you are most likely out of luck: They generally do not rebook on any other carrier.

Go deeper than the dashboard

The Transportation Department’s airline cancellation and delay dashboard is a helpful resource that spells out what 10 of the larger domestic airlines offer passengers. But this dashboard is not your only tool. Customer-service plans for specific airlines (located on their websites, and with links from the D.O.T. dashboard) have further detail about passenger entitlements.

For example, if your United Airlines flight is canceled because of reasons within the carrier’s control, such as understaffing, and you are rerouted to a flight that departs the next day, you are entitled to a voucher for food, a nearby partner hotel and transportation . If a room is not available at the airline’s hotel, and you must find another accommodation, United will reimburse you for “reasonable hotel costs.” There’s nothing on the United customer-service site indicating that food receipts or taxi receipts will be reimbursed.

If a delay or cancellation is the airline’s fault, most major carriers can also rebook you on another airline. A few have this ability regardless of what led to the disruption.

In most instances, American Airlines will rebook you on another airline if there are no American flights until the next day. Delta Air Lines also commits to organizing flights on alternative airlines if necessary, though it is not clear under what circumstances it will do this.

Strategize your ask

In the United States, if your flight is canceled, for whatever reason, all airlines must either rebook you on another flight or give you a prompt refund, even if you have a nonrefundable ticket, according to the Transportation Department .

When a delay or cancellation is caused by the airline, passengers — in most cases — are entitled to a handful of services after wait times have exceeded three hours. Major carriers will provide meals or meal vouchers. And if travelers are forced to stay overnight, most airlines will cover the costs of a hotel stay and associated transport.

But getting what you’re entitled to can be a challenge when hundreds of passengers are lined up and waits for a customer service rep on the phone can stretch to hours. That’s where being strategic can make a difference.

Mary Cropper, a travel specialist at Audley Travel , advised against asking for help at the gate, where many other passengers will be, too. Instead, seek out an airline’s service desk. Airport lounges, some of which are accessible by day pass, may also be a swifter avenue to assistance, she said.

When you do reach the customer service rep, be prepared with the specific request for the outcome you want, whether it’s being rebooked on a certain flight or a flight on a partner airline, or departing from a different airport from the one you might be stranded in. Don’t just ask what your options are.

“If an alternate flight arrangement does not get you where you need to be or when you need to be there, ask for something better,” said James Ferrara, the founder of InteleTravel , a global travel adviser network. And mention if you’re a frequent flier or have an inflexible commitment like a wedding or a work conference, he added.

Experts said passengers can also take matters into their own hands, whether that’s booking a hotel or a new flight, and submitting receipts later for reimbursement with an airline’s customer relations team. However, there is some risk that an airline won’t foot the bill, said Bobby Laurie , a travel expert and former flight attendant.

“You also have to be 100 percent sure you are in the right and are owed the reimbursement,” he said. “Armed with information, you make the best advocate for yourself. But you really, really, have to read the fine print.”

Understand that rights may differ with international flights

In the European Union , flight cancellations or long delays may give passengers the right to either a refund or a replacement flight. There may also be compensation of up to 600 euros, around $660, based on factors such as how long you waited, how much notice you were given about a schedule change, the flight’s distance, and the cause of the delay or cancellation.

The rule covers all passengers , regardless of nationality, and outbound flights from and within the European Union, including on U.S. carriers. On flights into E.U. countries, it applies only to E.U. carriers.

AirHelp, a Berlin-based flight compensation company, has a comprehensive guide outlining passenger rights in many countries.

Know you might be out of luck if the weather turns

Any compensation or help offered by the airlines hinges on whether the reason for the cancellation lies within a carrier’s control, such as staffing or maintenance issues. Air traffic control woes and the weather are not. Weather is the leading cause of delays this year to date, and “creeping delays” are the bane of every air traveler.

It may feel unfair, but “if your flight is canceled because of a thunderstorm,” said Scott Keyes, the founder of Going.com , a website that sends alerts for travel deals, “don’t expect the airline to cover your meals or accommodations.”

The Solo Trip: Explore at Your Own Pace

An illustration of a confident-looking traveler with a backpack and headphones looking up and to the left. Behind the traveler there are silhouettes of airplanes, and around the traveler there are garlands of leaves and flowers.

Solo travel has the power to transform: Think of the memoirs “Eat Pray Love” or “Wild.” But you don’t have to circumnavigate the globe or hike 1,100 miles to see why some people choose to go it alone. The freedom to explore at your own pace, open to connecting with people you meet along the way, can feel as intoxicating as a tropical breeze. But solo travel can be daunting, too, especially when problems arise. And of course, solo travelers need to keep certain safety considerations in mind.

So, are you ready to plan your adventure for one? Here’s how to get the most out of it.

Start off easy

“Keep your first trip simple,” said Carolyn Ray, who runs JourneyWoman , a website for solo travelers, and has visited more than 40 countries on her own. Overcome your trepidation by picking a destination in your own country or at least where people speak your language, she advises. Also, choose accommodations with communal spaces where you can meet others and that are close to the sites you want to see.

Wield the power of one

At even the hottest restaurants, solo diners without reservations can sometimes squeeze in at the bar. And singles can often snag discounted seats at shows and performances by looking for just one ticket close to showtime, says Kat Fleischman, 36, an American public relations professional who has been taking international solo trips since she was 18. She also advises travelers to inquire about single-occupancy discounts at hotels. Travelers on their own can also hop into faster-moving singles lines at amusement parks, filling in spots left empty by groups. Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain , near Los Angeles, and Disney World, in Orlando, Fla., all have a handful of rides with singles lines.

Join group activities

Websites like Meetup and Fun JetSetter can help break the ice with others who share your interests. An internet search can reveal an array of options: Book dinners with locals and other travelers on the website Eatwith . Find fellow nature lovers through local groups like Alaska Outdoors , in Anchorage, which organizes hikes. Find new places to enjoy your favorite activities through sites like Pickleball NSW in New South Wales, Australia . Facebook groups devoted to people living abroad, like Spain’s Expats of Málaga group, can offer local advice and people to meet.

Some hostels and guesthouses also organize outings. You might find yourself going to a kayaking lesson, a singalong, a drag show or a dance club. The hotel chain Selina , for example, offers co-working spaces along with group outings in more than 100 locations in countries such as Peru, Israel and Thailand.

Talk to the locals

If you are eating alone, sit at the bar, where you are more likely to strike up a conversation with those around you. One trick: “Sit with an English-language book to attract other English speakers,” Ms. Ray said. Some dating apps have “friend” settings that solo travelers can use — take the usual precautions, of course, by meeting in a public place and telling others where you’re going and with whom.

Don’t overshare, and use a financial ‘safe word’

Be cautious about sharing personal information, accepting invitations or leaving your belongings with someone you just met. And consider packing a rubber doorstop to add an extra layer of security to your hotel room or Airbnb, and a loud key chain alarm, Ms. Ray said.

If you’re lost, Ms. Fleischman advises, instead of standing on the street to consult your phone, step into a cafe or a store. And rather than looking at your route on your phone as you’re walking, use your earbuds to get directions from mapping apps.

Come up with a term that only you and a chosen few people back home know, so that if you are genuinely in trouble and need money, they’ll know it’s not a criminal impersonating you . Leave an electronic copy of important documents like your passport, health or travel insurance, and itinerary with those people, too. You may also want to share your location with them using a cellphone app.

Leave space for spontaneity

“Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unusual can lead to some of the most memorable experiences during your solo travels,” Ms. Ray said. Make plans that you can choose to change.

Keep a journal

Solo travel is an opportunity to “foster and cultivate your own sense of empowerment,” said Ms. Ray, and it will help to understand what you’ve learned if you keep a record — written, audio or video — of your goals, setbacks and triumphs.

The Friend Trip: Fun Without the Friction

An illustration of four smiling people joining hands in a circle around a silhouette of an airplane against a starry sky. There are garlands of flowers and leaves around them.

Whoever said a friend is a friend forever has clearly never experienced a group trip that has devolved into a maelstrom of conflicting plans and bickering over restaurant bills. Traveling with your besties can be tricky. Here are some ways to do it without anyone getting unfriended.

Invite with care

“First and foremost, you cannot travel with everybody. All your friends are not travel friends,” advises N’dea Irvin-Choy, a 27-year-old Los Angeles-based travel influencer, on her popular TikTok account. She suggests picking travel partners who share similar interests, and deciding ahead of time what kind of a trip you will be taking — relaxation, partying, adventure. “The last thing you want is for your friends to be giving each other the silent treatment on a nonrefundable excursion somewhere on a beautiful tropical island,” she explained in an email.

Poll, brainstorm, then book

You can get the ball rolling by asking your friends where they want to go and what they want to do using services like Doodle , Google Forms and Troupe . Some people prefer to use familiar spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to organize the plan and share it with friends. Others prefer to use apps like Hoku , MiTravel and Plan Harmony that allow group members to collaborate in the planning process with photos, maps and more. And creating an Airbnb wish list lets friends suggest lodging options for the whole group to see. Once you’re in booking mode, Mobili provides a way to see each group member’s travel bookings at once, a tool that is especially useful for larger groups.

For sorting out flight arrangements, Robert Driscoll, who owns the L.G.B.T.Q.-focused travel agency VentureOut , swears by TripIt . After making your bookings, you can forward your confirmation emails to the app, which puts them all together on one timeline. Others in the group can then collaborate with the same trip by adding their own bookings to create a group itinerary. “It’s basically a chronological compilation of all your arrangements: flights, accommodations, car rentals, restaurants, activities, tours,” he said.

Commit cash up front

When one participant on a friend trip suddenly drops out, it can throw financing for the whole trip into disarray. Hedge against those monkey wrenches by setting a firm deadline for a monetary commitment. When people put down real money, whether for lodging or activities, they’re more likely to follow through.

Trade off the captain’s hat

Use a classic schoolteacher’s trick to keep everyone engaged and share the planning burden: Schedule a rotating group leader to take ownership of each day’s activities. This person will be responsible for making that day’s restaurant and tour reservations, or simply keeping everyone on schedule. Ask each friend to share a personal desire for the trip — for example, a tour of a museum or an afternoon at the beach — and assign that person to lead the group on the day of that activity. By making everyone the driver, everyone also gets the chance at some point to sit back and be a passenger.

Automate the money flow

Tracking expenses for a whole group can expose a lot of pain points. Differing price sensitivities and priorities make things complicated enough, and that’s before you get into the challenges of pricing couples versus singles, people who join late or stay longer, or charges in multiple currencies. “I have seen so many friendships dissolve because resentment builds when one person suspects other friends are taking advantage of her financially, or not pulling their weight,” said the friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson , who is based in Tampa, Fla.

Apps can help make complicated calculations easy and transparent, even while the trip is still underway. Mrs. Jackson said she liked TravelSpend , which automatically converts currencies, and Splitwise , which integrates with Venmo, to “help groups manage everyone’s tabs so there’s no confusion about who owes what.” For divvying up restaurant bills, Ms. Irvin-Choy said she recommended the app Tab , which uses a picture of the receipt to track each diner’s responsibility.

Avoid the ‘travel amoeba’

Groups can easily become what Dina Vaccari, a Seattle-based traveler, calls the travel amoeba: “an excruciatingly slow-moving blob of people that doesn’t really get anywhere.” There are countless situations where the group may end up stalled — when one member runs back to grab a lost hat or needs to use the bathroom or stop at an A.T.M. Decide as a group ahead of time that it’s OK not to wait and set a time and a place to meet up again. Or use the location-sharing feature of apps like WhatsApp , so that stragglers can catch up on their own schedules and the rest of the group is free to keep exploring.

9 hidden iPhone features you need to know for summer travel

If you're going on vacation or travelling this summer, these are the features you should use

Yellow iPhone 14 Plus outside

These days, making sure you have your phone to hand when travelling is as essential as ensuring you've packed your underwear and toothbrush. In fact, we'd go as far as saying that it's more useful given the range of features your phone provides.

With an iPhone — one of the best phones around — that is certainly the case. As well as its great camera for capturing the incredible memories you'll make, and the Wallet app for your essential documents, the iPhone has numerous tricks up it sleeve that make it an amazing travel companion, some of which you may have simply missed.

In this list of 9 hidden iPhone features for travellers, we take a look at the underrated tools, tricks and hacks that everyone who goes travelling or on vacation should know about. By making use of them, your iPhone should last longer between travels and you'll be able to get around, communicate and meet others much more easily.

Here are 9 hidden iPhone features that everyone should know before they travel.

9 hidden iPhone features that every traveller should know

Note: To make sure we're all on the same page, make sure your device is running the latest version of iOS by learning how to update an iPhone .

1. Track flights

The ability to track flights sure comes in handy. Perhaps you're on your travels and a friend is looking to join you — since phones need to be in airplane mode when flying, a flight tracker will let you know exactly where a plane is in the sky and whether there are delays without anyone on board needing to message you.

But here's the good news: you don't need to fiddle around downloading a flight app. The iPhone lets you make use of the Messages app instead and getting live locations, flight details and take off/landing times is very easy.

First of all, you need to obtain the flight number . Once you've got it, launch Messages , enter the flight number in a text , input your own phone number in the To field and tap Send . You'll then receive a message. Tap the flight number and select Flight Preview .

Full guide: How to track flights on iPhone

2. Use an interactive Weather Map

So long as you have iOS 15 or later, you can make use of the iPhone's built-in weather map. It allows you to view the current temperature in locations across the world, compare air quality levels and view the precipitation forecast for the next 12 hours. You'll even be able to see the movement of those dreaded rain clouds — watching as they hopefully miss your current location. This is great for figuring out the weather in the place you're going to land.

Simply launch the Weather app and select the map icon in the bottom-left corner to view the temperature . Then tap the stacked-squares icon in the top-right to switch to Air Quality or select Precipitation . When selecting the latter, use the slider to scroll though the rain forecast for the next 12 hours.

Full guide: How to access your iPhone's hidden interactive weather map

Get the BEST of Tom’s Guide daily right in your inbox: Sign up now!

Upgrade your life with the Tom’s Guide newsletter. Subscribe now for a daily dose of the biggest tech news, lifestyle hacks and hottest deals. Elevate your everyday with our curated analysis and be the first to know about cutting-edge gadgets.

3. Share location

If you need to let someone you're travelling with know exactly where you are and where to find you, it's a good idea to use the share location tool. It's part of the Find My app so you don't need to download anything new.

Launch the Find My app and select the People tab . Then tap the + icon in the window at the bottom of the screen and choose Share My Location from the menu. Now choose who you want to share your location with and tap Send .

Full guide: How to share location on iPhone using Find My

4. Send your location via satellite

Similarly, if you're in a difficult situation abroad and don't have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, don't worry. If you have an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro, then you can share your location by satellite instead. (Although you will have to prepare your device before you find yourself in a cellular/Wi-Fi free zone.)

Open the Find My app , tap the Me tab and turn on Share My Location . Then add contacts you want to share your location with. Now, when you're in a location without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, return to this screen and select Send My Location in the section My Location via Satellite.

5. Translate foreign text

One of the most exciting parts of travelling is encountering different languages — but it can also be very daunting too. Hungry yet not sure what's on the menu? Lost but can't work out what the signs say? Trying to buy a travel ticket and worried you'll end up a million miles from your destination? Imagine how great it would be having a translator to hand. Well imagine no more.

Open the Camera app and point your camera at the text you want to translate . When a yellow box appears around it, tap the Live Text icon . Now swipe and tap any text or choose Select All . Just tap Translate and, hey presto, you can now read the words in English.

Full guide: How to translate text on iPhone

6. Use Visual lookup

When you're travelling, you're going to be taking a lot of snaps with your iPhone camera. But did you know you can use the Photos app to identify the various objects in your images? It's possible to visually lookup landmarks, plants and even animals (that'll certainly be useful in Australia!). And it only takes a few seconds!

For a landmark, open the Photos app , view an image and tap the i icon at the bottom of the screen. When you then tap Landmark , the app will give you information about it, including a map of its location and similar images from the web. For plants and animals, again, open the Photos app but this time, when you view an image , swipe up and tap Look Up instead for details of what they could be.

Full guides: How to identify landmarks on iPhone , How to identify plants on iPhone , How to identify a dog's breed on iPhone

7. Charge your iPhone faster

Having a juiced-up iPhone is essential when you're traveling. As well as being able to take photos, you'll need your phone to hand in an emergency, accessing various documents and paying for things. But what if you're running low on battery and need to charge as much as you can in a short space of time? Help is at hand.

Go into the Settings app and set your iPhone to Airplane mode. If you still want to use your device, leave Airplane mode off but scroll down and tap Battery then turn on Low Power Mode instead. For the fastest charging, activate both Airplane mode and Low Power Mode at the same time . 

Full guide: Charge your iPhone faster using these two settings

8. Make your battery last longer

Ensuring your battery isn't being prematurely drained means you won't need to charge your iPhone as often. You can switch to Low Power Mode as in the example above but that's not the only trick up your sleeve. By turning off background refresh, you will ensure that your apps are not continually refreshing when they are not being used.

For this, launch the Settings app and select General . Then tap Background App Refresh . You can tap Background App Refresh and select Off if you wish. Or you can use the toggles to prevent individual apps from refreshing — just select the ones you don't want to be active in this way.

Full guide: How to turn off background refresh on iPhone

9. How to enable Crash Detection

Now, this is a feature that you hope you'll never need to use, but if you're in some kind of fall or collision, then it could help to save your life. By activating Crash Detection, the authorities will be alerted if you are in an accident. You will, however, need an iPhone 14, including the Pro and Pro Max) for this to work.

Launch the Settings app and tap Emergency SOS then turn on Call After Serious Crash . There are some circumstances when you may not want this to be on, such as when you're on a ski slope so you may want to follow the same steps to turn it back off again.

Full guide: How to enable and disable Crash Detection on iPhone

For more iPhone tutorials, make sure you check out our other guides including how to map a route with multiple stops in iOS 16 Maps , how to change the time on iPhone and how to connect AirPods to an iPhone or iPad – perfect for when you want to relax in a world of your own.

David Crookes

David Crookes is a freelance writer, reporter, editor and author. He has written for technology and gaming magazines including Retro Gamer, Web User, Micro Mart, MagPi, Android, iCreate, Total PC Gaming, T3 and Macworld. He has also covered crime, history, politics, education, health, sport, film, music and more, and been a producer for BBC Radio 5 Live.

Epic Games Store coming to iOS and Android in 2024 — here's what we know

Apple sued by US government over iPhone monopoly — what you need to know

I put the Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max through a camera shootout — here’s the winner

Most Popular

By Ryan Morrison March 17, 2024

By Camilla Sharman March 17, 2024

By Camilla Sharman March 16, 2024

By Claire Davies March 16, 2024

By Cynthia Lawrence March 16, 2024

By Frances Daniels March 15, 2024

By Frances Daniels March 14, 2024

By Cynthia Lawrence March 14, 2024

By Camilla Sharman March 14, 2024

By Olivia Powell March 14, 2024

By Cynthia Lawrence March 13, 2024

  • 2 Forget Amazon, the best Garmin smartwatch deals are on REI — 3 deals I'd buy right now
  • 3 I've been covering deals for 17 years — and these are the best Amazon Big Spring Sales right now
  • 4 Where to buy solar eclipse glasses — here's where to find them ahead of April 8
  • 5 Our favorite electric kettle is just $73 in Amazon's Big Spring sale

100 tips, tricks and hacks from travel insiders

100 tips, tricks and hacks from travel insiders

Last updated . 30 January 2020

When it come to travel, packing and flying can be some of the trickiest parts. It pays to have a few hacks up your sleeve…

We speak to some of the world’s most seasoned travellers to discover what you need to know when it comes to travelling the world without issues. Bookmark this and read up before you travel anywhere…

1. Invest in a good suitcase

Top packing hacks to help you master the art of a perfectly packed suitcase, by travel blogger and photographer Edwina Hart

Nothing will make the task of packing easier than finding a suitcase with all the right features. Pick something:

• Lightweight, as a case weighing a few extra kilos might mean that you won’t be able to pack your favourite shoes or even result in an expensive ‘oversized baggage’ fine.

• With wheels. It’s so effortless to zip around without having to locate an airport trolley.

• That has a protective casing made from polycarbonate, a must as there is nothing worse than finding your toiletries have exploded all over your clothes and electronics.

• With useful zip compartments to separate items and keep your suitcase neat throughout the journey.

• That’s brightly coloured so you can identify it immediately on the carousel among the ubiquitous black luggage.

• With an in-built lock to keep your items safe and secure.

travel phone hacks

Keep an eye on the time

Everyone knows packing last minute is the surest way to over-pack. By writing a list in advance you will cut back on unnecessary items.

Take a small bag for important items

You need one safe place to keep your phone, passport, credit cards, cash and boarding passes on your person, a secure over-the-shoulder bag that is easy for you to access and keeps your arms free to focus on other tasks.

Roll with it

Rolling your clothes instead of folding them makes your clothing items more compact and will save room in your case. Plus, it prevents them from creasing. Also, try rolling precious items inside your clothes as a great way of keeping them safe.

Choose your shoes wisely

No more than three pairs, please. One pair for comfortable walking (i.e. your trusty Converse), one for everyday chic and one pair for looking your best. A simple trick is to wear the heaviest pair on the plane to save luggage weight.

Travel-size items

Have a special travel makeup kit pre-packed at the ready so you can just grab and go. Essentials include travel-size items like roll-on perfume, moisturisers and hydrating lip balm to battle in-flight dryness, classic mascara, bb cream for easy coverage, lip gloss and dry hair shampoo. These beauty essentials will keep you looking glamorous wherever you are.

Pack a scarf

I could go on forever about the virtues of travelling with a scarf. Packing a few colourful scarves is a lightweight solution to completely change the look of an outfit. They’re also useful for using as a shawl if you’re cold on the flight, bunching up to create makeshift pillows on trains, as a nifty blindfold if you need to sleep on the road and a necessity if you’re travelling to places that require a certain level of modesty.

Hold onto your hat

In the summer a hat keeps the sun off your face, in the winter it keeps you warm, and it will jazz up any outfit too. Best of all, after a long-haul flight, when holidaying in extreme humidity or after a few days on the road without a good shower – you can cover up that terrible mess your hair has become.

Invest in a good travel camera

It should be lightweight, compact and give you all the creative control you need.

Always leave a bit of space in the bag

You never know what treasures you’ll find on your travels. Make sure that you leave enough room in your case so that you don’t have to part with that beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime object that will forever remind you of your amazing holiday.

2. Seize the day

I’m Not sure it’s unique to me but ‘don’t wait’ would be my recommendation. If the feeling takes you, book a holiday and get out and explore. Doesn’t need to be an adventure overseas; it can be as simple as a night staying in an AirBnb a few hours from home. Travel resets the senses, allows you to look at the world through a new lens and always makes memories to treasure – even those epic travel fails turn into humorous stories when enough time passes! Kristen Angus, marketing communications manager Australia, VisitBritain

3. Go plastic-free

I’ve created my own plastic-free travel kit that I can throw in anytime I’m packing for a trip: reusable coffee cup, water bottle, metal straw and a carry bag that folds up to the size of a business card. And while some air hostesses still seem annoyed to fill up my bottle rather than hand over a small plastic water bottle, I feel I’m at least doing what I can to help reduce single-use plastic waste during transit. Celeste Mitchell, travel journalist

4. High and dry

Packing well is all about items that can do double duty. I always take a waterproof ‘dry bag’ as my toiletry bag – it’s easy to throw stuff in quickly on hotel check-out and it can be packed in my luggage loose or rolled up. Once on a trip, I’ve used it to protect my camera on boats and in monsoonal rain; as a back-up sick bag (a godsend to have in the car with a carsick child); even as a rainwater collector on a Vanuatu beach for the freshest of refreshments! I like the Scrubba bag, an Aussie invention, which also has little washboard-style corrugations so I can use it as a washing machine when it’s not doing all that other stuff!

Jac Taylor, travel, food and lifestyle media specialist

5. Travel enhancers, for free

There are these amazing little travel enhancers that will cost you nothing, says travel writer Elspeth Callender

SPEAKING A FEW WORDS AND PHRASES in the local lingo of a destination will say a lot to the people whose country you’re visiting. It’ll communicate that you know where you are (not every tourist does). It sets you apart from the last traveller they encountered (who didn’t even try). It suggests you give a hoot about the place you’re in beyond what you can take from it; that you believe in cultural exchange.

I USED TO GET DESPONDENT and self-conscious about being a monolingual moron but now I try to work with what I have: a decent memory and a reasonable ability to parrot pronunciation, at least enough to be understood. I’ve also lost the fear of making a fool of myself and, rather than mumbling my foreign words, I speak them with a boldness incongruous with my linguistic inabilities.

BEFORE I GET ON A PLANE I make sure I have, at the very least, hello and thank you. For languages that come more naturally or if I’m going to be somewhere for an extended period I aim for good morning, good evening, thank you, you’re welcome, please, excuse me, one, two, three, four, five, coffee, milk, sugar, sausage, goodbye, fantastic, delicious, of course and maybe.

REPETITIVE LISTENING LODGES NEW WORDS and the right intonation in my brain, and there is a world of aspiring teachers on YouTube to help do that, so find your favourite. Write things down, have them on your phone, keep listening and asking while travelling, whatever works for you. Return journeys can really build on your vocabulary especially for buying food and speaking slang.

IN TOURISTY PLACES, WHERE PEOPLE ARE BUSY and tired of outsiders, trying to use your local words beyond simple greetings isn’t always appreciated unless you’re fluent. But where there’s little or no English spoken or you’ve veered off the beaten path you’ll really notice the effects of your attempts. Technology now allows us to converse with each other even if we don’t share a language at all, and those apps have their place in breaking down barriers, but I never want to stop looking strangers right in the eye and saying: “Buongiorno, un caffè per favore”.

6. Have kids, will travel

It sounds obvious and super-boring, but identifying potential ‘d’oh’ moments before your trip really helps with long flights. For example, there’s nothing worse than rummaging around your bag in an economy class seat or a tiny plane toilet for nappy supplies, so when our son was a baby we packed a nappy and plenty of wet wipes into individual disposable nappy bags for quick, easy access. Keep dummies, special toys and comforters in side pockets; and pack extra small bags to stash any dirty clothes for washing once you reach your destination. Also, pack a bag of colourful balloons in your hand luggage: they’re cheap, tiny to carry, and provide immediate boredom relief in case of emergency.

Nikki Wallman, travel and lifestyle writer

7. Stay well oiled

I travel a lot and planes are unfortunately a singer’s worst nightmare when it comes to germs, recycled air and getting sick. Lavender oil is a must for me, it’s antibacterial and so damn relaxing. Aromatherapy works on me quickly and no one next to me has ever complained if I’m dousing the stuff here and there! Also, I use paw paw ointment for dry lips and even nostrils, as dryness leads to cracking and anything cracked or dry will let the germs in quicker. Have a hydralyte or any other kind of super-hydrating tablet or drink on hand, so you can keep your insides hydrated as well. All sports people do it, I hear, and hey – we musos are kind of like athletes too!

Ella Hooper, musician, Killing Heidi

8. A few travel essentials

Sophie Miura is a senior editor at MyDomaine . An Australian in New York, she flew for more than 200 hours last year on assignment, and shares her travel essentials here

Make the most of disposable hotel shower caps by using them to cover shoes when packing. They’re the perfect size to fit around one pair of shoes and shield the contents of your bag from dirty soles.

I follow a simple sleep routine on long-haul flights and it works every time. First, I put earplugs in to muffle engine noise, then I wear over-ear headphones and play storm sounds via the free Rain Rain Sleep Sounds app. It’s so soothing.

DOCUMENTING TRIPS

Rather than keep a travel journal – something I never have time to do, no matter how well intentioned I am – I buy one postcard in each destination and write bullet points on the back about my favourite memories. It’s not a laundry list of attractions; rather, I try to write about smells, sounds, and fleeting interactions that I’d otherwise forget.

9. Bag it up

One for the ladies: when flying, I never take a handbag. I travel through security with a backpack and a folded-up soft fabric bag inside, which acts as my handbag while travelling. On board, my backpack goes overhead, and the soft bag, now filled with all my in-flight essentials, under the seat in front.

Lisa Perkovic, travel expert, Expedia

10. Sleep well

I am a big believer in melatonin: a great natural way to ease the effects of jet lag, especially useful when flying between Hong Kong and Miami and dealing with the 12-hour time difference.

Toby Smith, managing director, SWIRE Hotels

On the ground

11. get the lay of the land.

If I am arriving in a foreign city on my own and have the luxury of time I will search for a hop-on hop-off tour bus as my first port of call. This is a great way to become oriented with the layout of the city and to work out what I would like to visit. I will then walk the city areas that I want to see. I will always visit the local markets as this is a great way to get an insight into the people and products available. Many markets also offer a place to eat local food and it is always cheap. A great way to become accustomed to the value of the local currency is to walk through a supermarket or corner store, taking mental note of the prices. This immediately gives you a reference point for the value of the currency and helps you to become accustomed to converting the currency in your head.

Marika Martinez, founder and director, Women’s Own Adventure

12. Download maps

Maps.me and Avenza Maps are among my favourite travel companions. Both use satellite, thereby avoiding the need for internet – and costly data. The catch is that maps for both need to be downloaded before travel when you do have good wi-fi. Like Google Maps, Maps.me is free and shows your location on the map. You can save locations – your hotel for example, which helps when you’re returning on a bus from a different direction later. It also shows walking tracks, so you can be confident you’re on the right path. Avenza Maps is the topographical version. It charges per map downloaded and the app is a little clunky – but it’s invaluable when you’re in a remote mountainous area.

Michele Eckersley, public relations manager, World Expeditions

13. Just buy it

One of my favourite reasons for travelling is not only gaining inspiration for my design practice, but also bringing home the spoils! Weaving in objects and art from diverse cultures has become a signature of my work. My travel trip would be to travel as light as possible to leave ample room in your suitcase for new finds. And be sure to travel with your FedEx account number! Beautiful objects, craft and art are everywhere. If you see something you love – buy it! It is these unique pieces that tell your personal story and add the layers to your house. Also, be sure to seek out the shops at local museums and art galleries, as they are always a great trove of design and perfect for gifts.

Thomas Hamel, interior designer

14. Don’t forget to bring cash

While we live in a cashless world, it is essential to carry some currency for the local markets, cab fares and in most regions, tips (which go a long way to receiving good service).

Mike Smith, public relations and marketing general manager, World Trade Travel

15. Stay residential

When I travel, I like to experience the place like a local, so where possible, I will pick a hotel that is located in or near a residential area. It’s eye-opening to experience a country from a local perspective and see how their habits differ or are the same from place to place. It’s hard to feel the authenticity of a place and its people when staying in city centres or touristy areas, but as soon as you step out a little bit, everything changes. Often, you will find that people are friendlier, in less of a rush, more relaxed and genuine, and things are cheaper!

Florence Pasquier, sales director, Rail Europe

16. Go with local guides

Don’t be afraid to travel on your own as part of a group tour – you could end up meeting the love of your life like I did in South America! Or perhaps if love is not in your sights, new friendships or just the company, security and peace of mind of exploring with other people. Secondly, there is no greater investment when travelling than paying for a local guide. They have first-hand local knowledge of their city, town, culture and traditions. If you truly want to learn and experience your destination of choice, then pay for a guide rather than just taking yourself around the local sights. You will hear enriching stories of their life, and they know all the best places to eat, grab a cold beer and access experiences you may not have ever heard about.

Emma Prineas, acting head of marketing, Wendy Wu

17. Be curious

Ask questions of anyone and everyone you meet when you travel. From your taxi driver to your waiter to the front desk clerk and the guy next to you in line at the store. Find out what they love about where they live and any unique spots that you should visit. Everyone enjoys sharing what’s special about their hometown and you’ll learn something new every time. And who knows, you might even make a new friend. Jennifer Vandekreeke, vice president Australia, Carnival Cruise Line

18. Only human

I find, both as a hotelier who oversees thousands of staff and as a regular traveller on the other end of that equation, that it’s always helpful to remember that people are, at the end of the day, human. The human element is what always takes a great hotel up into that top level, and equally, all people are by nature, sometimes fallible. It’s good to remind oneself when something goes a bit wrong that most people at a hotel are usually genuinely trying to please. I’m by nature very exacting and impatient, so I find that reminding myself of this has helped me relax and roll with the situation. As a perspective shift, it’s priceless because it can be the difference between a ruined day of your holiday and a salvaged one. Guy Heywood, COO, Alila Hotels and Resorts

19. Keep it charged

Bring a power board with you as well as a plug adapter so you can charge multiple electronic devices at once – cameras, mobile phones, laptops and toothbrushes etc.

Ryan Bennett, brand leader, Bentours & Hurtigruten

20. Be safe as a solo female traveller

Journalist, author and commentator Dilvin Yasa’s guide to conquering the world deftly and safely as a solo female traveller

Connect with other females

Sign up with networks that work to connect female travellers from around the globe, such as Wanderful and Pink Pangea. Through these sites, you can get recommendations from like-minded women, seek advice from locals on various customs and, if the solo thing gets a bit too lonely at times, you can even organise to meet up during your travels.

Nominate a contact

You already know to register your travel details with smartraveller.gov.au and to leave an itinerary with someone back home, but also be sure to set up a daily point of contact with someone you’re close to at home. It could be something as simple as a daily 5pm WhatsApp message to let them know you’re safe and thriving.

Pack sensibly

You’ve packed your toothbrush, deodorant and a pair of hiking boots. Now throw in a rubber doorstop to wedge under hotel room doors, a whistle to carry in your pocket and perhaps even a cheap wedding band which can be a simple and effective way to keep unwanted admirers away and out of your hair.

Investigate broadly

Conducting research on hotel/hostel reviews is essential, but just as important is seeking reviews on the neighbourhood the property is located in so you can see whether it’s safe or not. Sites such as Oyster, TripAdvisor and Hotelz will often allow you to search both.

Talk to hotel rooms

Never admit you’re travelling alone. If anyone asks, your boyfriend Bazza is back at the hotel aggressively pacing the room wondering where the hell you are. To make this story seem more authentic to neighbouring hotel guests, always be sure to yell out a quick, “Okay baby, see you shortly!” as you head out the door.

Salute the sun

Always plan to get to your destination well before dark, but should you find you haven’t quite made it and need to walk a distance, walk out on the road where you can. This reduces the risk of being pulled into dark alleys, doorways and parked cars unseen.

Start simple

Not sue if you’re ready to brave the streets of Mexico City by yourself just yet? Consider earning your solo traveller wings first by joining a tour group such as On The Go Tours (onthegotours.com). Within each group, 40 per cent are solo travellers, and there is no compulsory single supplement on group tours. Fancy a walking or biking trip instead? Butterfield & Robinson (butterfield.com) has a range of great trips for solo women including Italian Lakes Walking, and Vietnam and Cambodia Biking.

Back yourself

Sure, we could tell you to remain sober at all times and to dress conservatively (important tips to note regardless), but ultimately everything comes down to your flight or fight response, honed over millions of years of evolution. If your gut is telling you something doesn’t feel right, listen to it and seek safety. As much as we want to shrug things off as paranoia, your first instinct is usually correct.

Check out more of the best 100 tips, tricks and hacks from travel insiders by category

Europe | Beaches and islands | Classics | Hacks | Food and wine | No place like home | More for less | Off the beaten track | Asia

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

Cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You might also like

ili - the first handheld portable translator

The best travel gadgets for your next adventure

If you spend a lot of time travelling, firstly, you’ve come to the right place. And secondly, you will be well aware of the advantages travel gadge...

What to do when it rains in Wellington

What to do when it rains in Wellington

Hold onto your hats in ‘Windy Wellington’, as some like to call it. This compact city is full to the brim. Colourful houses perched on the surrou...

The best travel experiences to have in your 50s

The best travel experiences to have in your 50s

If 50 is the new 40 then it follows that the destination birthday celebration now belongs to the quinquagenarian too. Here, a few suggestions on wher...

Review: American Airlines Business Class

Review: American Airlines Business Class

Quentin Long settles into a Business Class seat on an American Airlines 787-9 Dreamliner from Sydney to LA. American Airlines flies comparatively und...

Samoa Islands

A family holiday, the Samoan way

Put the ‘family’ back into your family holiday by embracing Fa’a Samoa. Looking to reconnect with the kids on your next family holiday? Say no ...

subscriptions footer

Happy to Wander

26 Unconventional Travel Hacks You Need for Your Next Trip

Last Updated: March 30, 2021

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

travel phone hacks

There was a time in my life when I was absolutely obsessed with travel life hacks.

Throwing your shoes in a shower cap while packing ? Oh yeahhh. Keeping jewelry untangled with straws? Talk to me, baby.

On a super vain level, I think it’s because knowing the best travel hacks makes me feel like an unstoppable smartass… even if I’m the kind of person that trips over nothing and manages to create chaos out of the simplest tasks.

That said, thanks to six years of frequent travel, I’ve picked up my fair share of travel life hacks, some that are a little weird but I promise do work.

This isn’t your regular list of hacks – nope. Sure, some are odd, but shhh, just embrace it.

travel phone hacks

Save this list of travel hacks for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

The Best Travel Hacks for Booking Flights & Accommodation

Let’s start with some of the best traveling hacks to make your life easier when you’re booking travel and accommodation. These travel life hacks have been a total lifesaver (and money saver) for me over the years, so I hope you find them helpful too.

1. Get cash back on every travel booking

Rakuten  (formerly known as Ebates) is a free cashback site that allows you to earn money back from most of your online purchases, almost like a partial instant refund.

Here’s how it works:  Rakuten is partnered with a  bunch  of popular online retailers (travel ones like Expedia, Agoda, etc. included!).

When you click through to these retailer sites via Rakuten and buy something, Rakuten earns some affiliate commission,  a portion of which they share with you as a cashback (deposited straight into your Paypal) .

In other words, you’re getting money back for shopping, which translates into instant discounts for your travel bookings.

Sign up for free here and earn cashback on your online purchases.

Canadians:   sign up for Rakuten Canada here.

Warning:  The folks at Rakuten are biiiig fans of email, so be ready for that. I like getting their emails because they advertise sales/deals, but I admit they can be a bit much. To handle it, I have my Gmail filters set up so that eBates emails go into a special folder that I browse maybe once a day. Yay to no more clutter!

Man holding credit card at computer

2. Use Honey to find coupon codes automatically

By far THE easiest way to save on all your travel bookings (and any online shopping really).

This ridiculously simple Google Chrome extension automatically searches through the Interwebs to locate relevant coupon codes and then applies them for you when you’re shopping online!

This means you no longer need to search around for deals and codes that may or may not work.

As all the reviews say, “it’s literally free money”. You can also earn Honey points that you can redeem for things like train trips in Europe.

Click here to download Honey for Google Chrome.

Screenshot of Honey, a Google chrome extension that finds coupons automatically

3. Sleuth around on discount sites like Groupon and Travelzoo

Looking for some cheap vacation hacks that can save you loads of money?

Websites like  Groupon,   Travelzoo  and  Living Social  often have crazy discounts on vacations, hotels and activities all over the world, from Germany to Indonesia.

I love these websites because they consolidate great deals in one spot, which makes finding the perfect deal pretty effortless.

Double whammy:  if you purchase buy a Groupon or LivingSocial voucher through eBates, you’ll get some  extra  cashback.

Palm tree silhouettes in front of a beautiful colourful sunset

4. Earn money while doing trip research

I’m a big fan of getting rewards for things I’d be doing anyway… so that’s why I adore websites like  Swagbucks , a free online community that rewards its members with gift cards for doing things they already do online, e.g. Googling, watching videos, etc.

Through doing certain tasks, you rack up “Swagbucks” which you can redeem for things like Amazon or PayPal gift cards which can be spent on travel gear and experiences!

I was super into this years ago, and have earned tons of free gift cards from it. It’s easy work but adds up to awesome rewards!  You can create a free account here.

Plus: Swagbucks also does cashback like eBates. While you’re compensated in Swagbucks rather than immediate cash, you can then redeem these SB for gift cards or direct Paypal deposit.

The upside of using Swagbucks for cashback (rather than eBates) is that sometimes, Swagbucks has better bonus cashback rates. For instance, at the time of publishing this article, they were doing up to 10% cashback on Priceline. Pretty rad!

Girl sitting on bed typing on her laptop

5. Use incognito/private browsing to potentially save money on flights

Incognito browsing (AKA private browsing) is a mode available on most internet browsers that allows you to browse without storing any data on your computer or tracking your history from that session.

This can be VERY helpful when booking flights because as rumour has it, many sites use a dynamic pricing system that will sometimes increase prices when they know you’ve been looking at a particular route constantly (sneaky, I know).

NOTE: While some experts claim this is false , I always do it just in case because it takes zero extra effort.

For more tips on airfare, check my full guide to finding cheap flights to Europe.

A phone on a table with the Google search page open

6. Call the hotel for a better rate by booking directly

This is a tip that most websites do not give because they rely on affiliate income from your hotel bookings… I mean, my site does too, but hey, if you’re reading this, I want to let you in on an excellent secret: literally 99% of the time, you can score some kind of perk or discount by booking with a hotel directly vs. booking through an aggregator like Booking.com.

Well, these aggregators usually take a cut of any bookings, so hotels prefer when you book directly, and will often offer incentives to do so, whether that’s in the form of a discount, a free upgrade, or a free perk like breakfast. I’ve noticed this is especially common with booking hostels in Europe.

This is one of the best travel hacks that nobody talks about, so be sure to remember it!

Vibrant hotel lobby

The Best Travel Hacks for Packing

Next up: cool travel hacks that help you pack like a pro. Want more packing tips? Be sure to read my full guide featuring 30+ suitcase packing tips & hacks.

7. Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are a wonderful packing tool that help you save space and organize your clothing.

Long story short, they’re re-usable fabric cubes that you can stack/place in your suitcase when you travel. They’re very affordable and a good set will last you for years – definitely one of the most worthwhile purchases for any frequent traveler.

In a pinch, Ziplock bags could also be used to organize your clothes in a similar way.

If you want to know which packing cubes to buy, check out my  full guide to packing cubes  or watch my video showdown  here.

Pink packing cubes in a pile

8. Roll your clothes

I’m full of funny travel tips, but whenever I suggest this to newbie travelers, I get SO many weird looks…

Trust me though, rolling your clothes instead of folding them is a great way to keep them organized and wrinkle free in your packing cubes. Try it out and I promise you won’t go back!

Rolled clothes in a packing cube

9. Bring a pillowcase

Never a pillow “just a case” if you’re looking to save space.

One of my favourite packing hacks is to bring a pillowcase instead, so if you’re ever in an emergency situation where you need a comfy pillow, just stuff some soft clothes in that case and go to town.

Likewise, you can use the pillowcase to compress clothes like a puffy jacket in order to save space in your luggage.

Pillowcase on a hotel bed

10. Pack a dryer sheet

By packing a dryer sheet o two, your clothes will smell extra nice for those long haul trips!

BONUS TIP: Keep an extra handy for your “dirty laundry” bag so that your whole suitcase doesn’t start smelling like dirty clothes. Ick.

Alternatively, just throw a bar of soap in (mini hotel ones work great).

Stock up on cheap dryer sheets here.

11. Pack a clothespin to prop up your toothbrush

One of my favourite travel packing hacks!

Whether you’re staying in an AirBNB , hostel or hotel, sometimes you want to make sure your toothbrush doesn’t touch anything… after all, sinks can be notoriously germy.

If a holding cup isn’t available, just throw a clothespin on it to prop it up. Pure germaphobe genius.

Toothbrush on a moneyclip

12. Get creative with your storage containers

I’m a big fan of re-purposing old junk, and luckily, you can repurpose a lot when it comes to packing!

Here are some ideas:

  • Using a Tic Tac case for bobby pins
  • Using a carabiner for hair ties
  • Storing Q-Tips in an old pill bottle

Q-Tips in a pill bottle

Top Travel Hacks for the Airport/Flying

Dread flying? There are lots of great travel tips and tricks to make this part of travel a lot more bearable. Here are some helpful traveling life hacks that will make your airport and flight experience a breeze.

13. Pack an empty water bottle to the airport

That way you can fill up after you pass security.

No more $4 bottles of water! Woo!

Alternatively, some experts swear by freezing their water so it’s not technically a liquid.

I guess that could work, but then you’re kind of awkwardly just waiting for your water to melt? Just bring an empty bottle, folks.

Water bottle in front of a scenic view

14. Freeze a sponge as a DIY ice pack

This is one of my favourite travel tips and tricks that I learned from a flight attendant friend.

Have snacks you want to bring on the plane and hoping to keep them cool? A frozen sponge will do the trick!

Soapy sponge shaped like a heart

15. Scope out your flight seat in advance

This is an amazing international travel hack if you have a long haul flight to book.

As most travellers know, not all plane seats are created equal!

Some have more leg room, some are absurdly close to the washrooms, etc.

Luckily, you can just enter your flight details on Seat Guru (it’s free!) and read different reviews/first hand experiences.

If you have one of those flights where you can choose your own seats during online check-in, this is a massive life saver.

Airplane seats as seen from the middle aisle

16. Reserve the aisle and window seats

If you’re travelling with a friend or partner, no need to fight to the death re: who must take the dreaded middle seat.

Just reserve both the aisle and window in hopes that nobody wants the middle seat… if they do though, just ask to switch!

Super simple travel hack that works well 🙂

Airplane seats filled with passengers

17. Mark your stuff as fragile

One of the sneakiest travel life hacks I’ve come across, but you’ll get your luggage first and the airline workers will be extraaa careful with your goods.

Package marked as fragile

18. Wear compression socks to make your flights more bearable

Compression socks = less swelling and better circulation! This is a must-know vacation hack for those that want to fly more comfortably.

View outside an airplane window at sunset

The Best Travel Life Hacks for When You’re on the Road

These hacks for traveling will make your life infinitely easier once you’re actually out and about. Here are my favourite international travel hacks you need to know:

19. Download Google Maps for use offline by typing in “OK Map”

One of my favourite new travel hacks – this is SUCH a lifesaver.

If you have sufficient space on your phone, you can easily download Google Maps to browse offline on mobile, even when you don’t have Internet connection.

All you need to do is go on the map to the area you want to save, then type “ok map” into the search and press Download.

A phone held up showing Google Maps of New York City

20. Find WiFi passwords on FourSquare

FourSquare is a website/app where people share tips, ratings and reviews on places to go near you (e.g. restaurants, cafes, bars, etc.)

The handiest part of this website is the “Tips” section where people can leave helpful recommendations for others, and it’s often here that you’ll find the WiFi password for places.

So, if you need WiFi in a pinch, you can easily hop on Foursquare and sleuth around for WiFi passwords.

Free WIfI mural painted on a wall

21. Or download an app that shows you all the WiFi passwords

There are tons of helpful travel apps out there these days.

WiFi Map is a great example. This app shows you the passwords to different WiFi networks (over 100 million of them, as they say).

The handy part is they’re organized on a map so you can easily scope out the ones closest to you. Note: some dissatisfied users say that passwords are outdated, but it’s a handy tool to have just in case.

Find it on: Google Play | iTunes 

WiFi symbol with roots painted on a wall

22. Download Google Translate for use offline

One of my favourite trip hacks! If you’re travelling abroad and don’t speak the language, it’s handy to have Google Translate loaded and ready.

That said, it normally does require Internet connection. Here’s a way around it: download the Google Translate app, then go to Settings and choose “Offline Translation”.

From there, you can download different languages.

Bonus tip: if you want to translate signs, menus, etc. quickly, tap the camera button on your Google Translate app to translate images in real time.

The first time I saw this feature in action, I realized we are (indeed) living in the future.

A closeup of a phone being charged on a laptop

23. Bring some baby powder for a quick freshen-up

Weird, I know, but baby powder is amazing for freshening up.

Especially in the summer, if you’re wearing flats or sandals, your feet (and footwear) will inevitably start smelling.

Throwing some  baby powder  on them is a quick way to deodorize and make you feel human again.

Birkenstock sandals on a rug

24. Keep a pen in every bag/pocket

Not the most unconventional, but I promise this will save your life.

You never know when you need a pen, so have one handy in all your purses/daybags, backpacks, luggage cases, etc. so you’re not scrambling when everyone else is filling out their Customs sheets.

A silver pen on a pink background

25. Make use of local grocery stores/supermarkets

One of my favourite hacks for traveling on a budget is to simply hit local supermarkets.

No, you don’t need to cook your own meals necessarily, but all the time I see budget travellers sprinting for vending machines/little kiosks when there are supermarkets literally within eyesight selling the exact same stuff for a fraction of the price.

Supermarkets are great for stocking up on snacks, water, drinks, etc.

Take advantage of them!

The fresh aisle in a supermarket with smoothies and salads on display

26. Use a TV to charge your electronics

One of the the things I forget most often is the little USB adapter that comes with my phone charger.

If you’re forgetful like that too, don’t worry – there’s several easy travel hacks to help you out of that situation.

I usually then just plug my cable into my laptop to charge, BUT if you don’t usually pack a laptop, know that most TVs have a USB port around the back and you can easily use that to charge all your electronics 😉

You’re welcome!

TV and guitar in a nice living space

Did I miss any of your favourite travel hacks?

So, it seems like you’re well on your way to becoming a travel ninja. I hope you enjoyed that article about unconventional travel life hacks. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have more to share! 

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

101 thoughts on “26 Unconventional Travel Hacks You Need for Your Next Trip”

18. leave your kids at home 😀

hahahah the ultimate life hack 😉 thanks for the laugh, Alex.

These are great tips because they are different. I especially like the pillowcase tip and marking your luggage fragile. Well done!

thanks for reading, Dorothy! <3

Really great tips! Very helpful and not weird at all!

Hahaha thank you for not thinking I’m a total weirdo <3

Charging using a TV is GENIUS!!! Wow never thought of that! Also love packing a dryer sheet. Definitely doing that next trip. I also always travel with powder in my bag. My go-to is Lush Silky Underwear Powder – it doubles as a deodorant and smells lovely!!

Woah underwear powder?! That sounds amazing. Definitely going to look into it. I used to use baby powder for everything but never realized there might be powders for special purposes hahah. Thanks for sharing, Meaghan!! <3

I’m still on the edge about compression socks. My mum has tried those and I dunno, the results aren’t great? Or maybe she got the cheaper ones? Haha! – Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

weird! I have loads of friends who swear by them. I guess it depends on the person!

Great tips! I never thought of using the tv to charge my electronics.

so genius hey?! Thanks for reading, Meera 🙂

My husband loves the aisle/window trick – esp when we flew as two adults with a lap infant. I hadnt thought about the TV charger one! Some hotels have like one outlet!

Yes! Another good tip (if you’re travelling as a big group or family) is to bring your own power strip so you can charge more than one thing in those pesky hotel rooms with limited outlets 🙂 Thanks for reading, Harmony!

I honestly didn’t even consider half of these! Great read, thank you! I’ll be sure to get some fragile stickers next time I’m out. I always seem to have some sort of issue with baggage.

so happy you found it helpful, Jessica!! <3 Thanks for reading.

OK, this list is great! There are so many ideas on here that I have never heard of. I’ll be saving this for later, thank you very much!

no problem, Michelle! Thanks so much for reading <3

These are the BEST tips! Especially love the ones about the pillow case and the tv charging. Another good one in the vein of offline google maps is that even if you don’t download a map, if you open your map while you’re on wifi before leaving a wifi area, you’ll still be able to follow the blue dot and see all the streets on the map – even without data. It even works in places that aren’t so keen on google maps like South Korea.

YES! So true. That has totally saved my butt a million times. Thanks for the awesome comment, Sarah <3

At first, I wanted to do a virtual hi-five, thinking the pillowcase is for germophobes like me who wanna feel more at ease resting our faces on pillows overseas, until I realized yours is for a different purpose, lol! Great list, Christina! I need to check out the TV USB especially 😉

ahaha well, I guess the pillowcase is multi-purpose then 😉 thanks for reading, Kristine!

Such good tips! I got into Edinburgh yesterday and the first thing I did was go to the local grocery store and stock up on ready made (healthy!) meals that were like 2 pounds instead of always having to eat out at 12-20 pounds for the same portion size! Love it girl!

<3 Thanks for reading, Kashlee!

I love the “Ok Map” function. I thought I knew everything! Thanks for the tip 😀

Hahah right? I only recently discovered it and my mind was blown! Thanks for reading 🙂

These are awesome, Christina! I’m pretty proud that I actually do a couple of them 😉 haha. The pillowcase and dryer sheet hacks are super smart! I’ll definitely be using those for my upcoming trip in November. BRB while I try and hunt down a spare pillowcase…

Hahah thanks for reading, Kay <3 I hope you get to bust some of these out on your next trip!

Love these tips – especially the clothes pin for my toothbrush! And duh that I’ve never checked the TV to use as a charger. Thanks!

No problem, Jamie! Hope these tips come in handy for you soon! 🙂

Thanks for these! Really useful tips =) An offline map called Here we go saved my trip in Kuala Lumpur just a few days ago.

Ooh I haven’t heard of that one. Will look into it. Thanks for the comment! <3

Oh man. Those are some great tips! Thanks for sharing, i’m gonna use a lot of them!

woohoo! Awesome. Thanks for reading 🙂

We seem to travel with so much electronic gear. When we went to Europe we actually to a multi plug board to plug everything into and then one adaptor rather than one for each devie we needed to charge. Laptop, cellphones and cameras.

These tips are excellent.

That’s super smart! Especially for those travelling as a family/in a big group, bringing a multi-plug can be a huge lifesaver. Thanks for reading and for the bonus tip. It’s much appreciated! <3

Being a traveler I liked all the tips and getting Wifi password is one of the best suggestion so far.

Glad you found the article helpful! 🙂

These are some azaming tips, being from Europe I always have to carry an adaptor with me wherever I go. I use to be an window seat girl but now I will take an asile anyday as I can get and go to the bathroom as many times as I like

Hahaha I always avoid aisle because I literally pass out whenever I get on a plane, so people always feel awkward waking me up.

I honestly thought I probably won’t know anything I haven’t heard before but these are great tips! Definitely learned a couple news ones! Thanks for sharing! <3

No problemo. Thanks for reading!! <3

I do most of these already but number 15 made me laugh out loud. That is me every time lol

hahaha okay honestly, same. even though I swear I keep a pen in every bag, somehow I’m always left scrambling. You’re not alone!

These are awesome! I’ve never thought of the pillowcase trick before, which is ridiculous as I’m always using clothes as a makeshift pillow and then wondering how I can keep them together rather than smushing my head into them awkwardly LOL. I always try and keep some pens handy, and oh my word, supermarkets! Apart from anything else I think it’s a good way to travel “like a local” and yet so many people shy away from them because convenience. Also with the TV charging – I’ve seen people do that at airports! Haha!

Omg at the airport? That’s genius and hilarious hahaha. Thanks for reading, Clazz! Glad I could enlighten you about the pillowcase trick haha.

Hi Christina,

These are some amazing giveaways. I wonder why I haven’t thought of charging my phone with TV before. Thanks for the tip girl.

no problem, Gloria. Thanks for reading!

Nice hacks Christina Guan… For the baby powder in the shoes, i only know the tea bag in shoe one not the baby powder… Did you come up with these yourself? Anyway Love You has XXOO

Very good suggestion is very helpful in traveling Thanks for sharing.

SeatGuru is a nifty little tool most of the travellers miss out on. Also, one must not forget to ask for seat upgrades. You won’t necessarily get it, but ASKING doesn’t cost 🙂 I have been successful in getting upgrades 30% of the time (except Singapore Airlines, they just won’t!) I have also practiced the art of carrying just 2 pair of clothes when going to a country that has cheaper clothes than the home country. Then, I buy my entire trip’s clothes from that country. Saves money and also saves weight while travelling to the destination!

I always love to be with friends and family. I used to travel around time for many problems. Your post really helped me thank you so much, sir

It is really a very helpful blog for all the budget travelers. Every point in this blog is valid and helpful. Thank you for such an information.

Such amazing tips! Thank you!

Glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for reading, Lieze 🙂

Great content! learned so much specially from #16 . I didn’t even consider cooking on site. Was really afraid to be swindled .

Just wanted to share another Life hack on getting good Air tickets ! Follow this link! : https://bit.ly/31QEOlh

Great list of travel hacks. The clothesline is new to me. Reserving the middle and aisle seats are also a very good idea.

Here are some travel hacks that have worked well for me: 1. Airlines usually assign seats from front to back. So if you reserve one of the last rows on a plane (especially the back middle row on wide body planes), you are significantly more likely to get a row to yourself

2. Some airline apps let you view the seat map even after you checked in. I often will view the seat map and ask gate agents to change me if I find an empty row.

3. Free upgrades almost never happen. It’s usually not worth asking. But sometimes you can get a very cheap upgrade to business class when you check in.

The last one often helps i remember when i was struggling to charge my laptop while i was traveling then later realized there was tv in the room and i looked for port where i can put the cable guess what, found one charged it …was such awesome feeling Then i calmly texted my mom…

haha awesome. glad to hear you’ve been using these hacks! 😀

Some great tricks & hacks…makes a change to see a few different ones! I am with you 100% when it comes to pens & I have no idea what I would do without Google & all its ‘bits’! Cheers! – Nigel

Thanks for your awesome guide on traveling. I am a passionate traveler and your guide inspired me to travel more.

Great info, good thanks .

Nice Article.These are Great Tips. Thank You

Travel hack Ideas I use: * Always carry a flashlight and put on nightstand in case you have a hotel fire/ emergency so you won’t be I n total darkness. * Buy a Passport neck case from Wilson’s Leather Outlet. $15.-small but conveniently made .You can keep everything you need in it- cash, passport, cards, packet of medicine dose- I put it under my shirt. It drops down to my waist, so I can access it at the bottom of my shirt. In known thief places, I also poke the purse in the top of my shorts, so if they find a way to cut the straps it is still with me. It has gotten us through many trips to France. * Foldable bags ( Walmart, Dollar store) for souvenirs or in case we decide to do a picnic lunch on vacation. In Europe with small rooms and no storage, I use them them as dresser drawers to find things quickly for longer stays. * Use a foldable backpack(tennis ball size) in a bag (Lewis and Clark-not meant to be durable, basically a snack bag) we call it our “Disney bag”. We add snacks, wipes, paper maps, first aid bag with OTC meds for headache, stomach, water bottle, jacket in a bag, light shoulder wrap for church visits, my old small IPAD for grandchildren. To make it work, I put urgent needs( kids’ snacks, meds) in ziploc bags. I also add a ziploc gallon bag to cover the backpack in case of rain. If we only have snacks and maps, I carry it on my back, if it has my old IPAD or SLR, my husband carries it over 1 shoulder and up under his arm so if the strap is cut, he still has it. * A colorful small coin purse to store my phone charger (and a long cord) so when cramped into a plane seat, I can find it quickly to use. * Bread ties to organize all of those crazy charging cords. You will always need a long cord when u don’t have it. They now make bendable ties for that use. * Download Dolly Parton’s “ I Will Always Love You” if you travel with small children. We have used it with my 2 year grandson for over a year. If he is tired or upset, we can play Dolly and watch him just melt and smile as he says “ My Dollwy”. When he couldn’t sleep through the night, my son set Alexa to that song (very softly) at his awake times. At 5:30 AM they started hearing him sing along with Dolly on his baby monitor .If he is really upset, I turn it very low and put it close to his ear. If using around others, you may need headphones . * Passport- after airport security, I only carry a paper passport copy on me. * NEVER email passports to anyone unless it is a dire situation when a family member must email it to you, then pray a lot.We make paper copies of our passport/ drivers license to carry with us and give a copy to a family member. * * if going overseas, join STEP, so you will be notified of terror levels plus your embassy will know where you are if there is a blackout or terror attack. * Always put liquids in a freezer ziplock bag for your checked bag. Those bags are thrown all over the place. * Plan on 2 Quart Bags for airport Security: #1 Bag-for liquids as required by airlines * #2 Bag- watch , wallet, necklace , phone at the last minute- anything that comes off at airport. Finish dressing after airport security. * I pick up hotel cards to give to cab drivers in case they can’t understand my accent. * Pack an extra pair of shoes. If it rains a lot, you will need them.

The OK Maps blew my little mind. Cool trick. Also, the pillowcase is genius! I plan to repurpose mine as a dirty laundry bag too (obviously throwing it in the wash too!) Fun article 🙂

Really great and awesome tips, these tips are really uncommon but very useful. sticking a fragile sticker is really a genius idea. So many times i have had damaged stuff because of luggage handling. Thank you very much for these and have a awesome day.

This is great tips for a traveller. If traveller follow the tips, he will pass very good tour.

Wow! Such amazing hacks for travel lovers. I am definitely going to follow all of these hacks in my upcoming adventure. Thanks a lot for sharing these surprising travel hacks.

You’re welcome! Thanks for the lovely comment 🙂

A very good and helpful suggestion. It will help travelers. Thanks for sharing. Keep Going.

thank you for the informative post, will definitely comeback for more

Thank you for the great informative post, will definitely comeback for more.

These 20 are unbelievable hacks that will definitely make my traveling easy. Hack which I liked the most is “Use incognito/private browsing to potentially save money on flights”. Thank you for this wonderful content, it was really helpful.

These 20 are unbelievable hacks that will definitely make my traveling easy. Hack which I liked the most is “Use incognito/private browsing to potentially save money on flights”. Thank you for this wonderful content.

Travelers can use these tips to make their journey more enjoyable. Thanks for your ideas and information.

It is really helpful for everyone else.

thank you for the informative post, will definitely come back for more.

Thank you for the informative post, will definitely come back for more.

Wow!!! Really great and awesome tips, these tips are really uncommon but very useful. Sticking a fragile sticker is really a genius idea. So many times I have had damaged stuff because of luggage handling. Thank you very much for these and have an awesome day. Greetings from Nepal.

An amazing list of travel life hacks. it’s really really useful info for all travelers. thank you.

Good trick. I plan to repurpose mine as a dirty laundry bag too (obviously throwing it in the wash too!) Fun post

Great tips and informative article. great tricks and hacks. Thank you so much for giving us the travelling hacks.

nice tips, helpfull

Very interesting, Please share more.

Thanks for the amazing Travel Hacks. Highly recommend all travelers follow this post. We are already sharing this post on our social media profiles so that our followers can read this AMAZING post.

A very beautifully crafted article.

thank you for the informative post, will love to come back for more.

such an incredible blog, Great tip, as always. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. keep sharing, your positivity is infectious.

its very useful article, Thank you for sharing here.

very interesting blog. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for the great travel blog. Please write more.

Thank you so much for your information. I think it will help me for my next trip…

Thank you for your efforts and dedication to creating such a valuable resource for travelers, Really helpful content.

I appreciate the time and effort you put into creating such a valuable resource for travelers like me.

Very useful travel hacks. I definitely apply these tips. Thank you for sharing.

I super-duper loved reading your post, thank you sooo muchy-wuchy! I always love to be with my buddies and fam-bam. I used to zoom around time like a speedy snail to fix lotsa problems, whoosh!

Wow, great article and thank you for sharing.

Landed on this blog randomly and got know so many amazing tavel hacks. I am gonna use these hacks on my next travel.

Thank you for sharing a wonderful article, waiting for another article

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

  • Things to Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Time Out Market
  • Coca-Cola Foodmarks
  • Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

US passport

The 14 best international travel hacks for Americans

These are the best international travel short-cuts that will help you prepare for your next overseas trip

Clara Hogan

Whether traveling abroad to hit up a stunning beach , dine at one of the world's best restaurants or check off your European bucket list , the voyage itself is always an adventure. A trip overseas also requires extra forethought and preparation: gathering the correct document, getting familiar with your destination and finding ways to make the travel time a little more enjoyable.

If done right, however, an international trip doesn't have to be stressful—especially if you follow these best international travel hacks. From scoring wallet-friendly flights to taking advantage of credit card perks (lounge life is calling), these tried-and-true strategies will make you a savvy international traveler. 

An email you’ll actually love

International travel hacks for Americans

Get global entry and TSA pre-check

1.  Get global entry and TSA pre-check

If you've ever gone through customs, you know how brutally long that wait can be. One of the most effective ways to make international travel smoother is to get Global Entry status. This program, run through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, will get you expedited customs processing at U.S. airports. You'll have to attend an in-person interview after passing a background check, but it's worth it. Once you gain Global Entry, you automatically receive TSA PreCheck to bypass lines and get quicker security checks. Global Entry saves time and hassle for frequent travelers domestically as well. 

Travel-friendly debit card

2.  Travel-friendly debit card

There’s no need to pay for expensive international transaction fees, obscure market rates, and astronomical ATM cash withdrawal fees when broad. Traveler-friendly cards include Revolut, Wise and Chime. Features of these cards typically include no foreign transaction fees and fee-free or low-fee ATM withdrawals. Make sure to check the card you sign up for covers unauthorized activity so you don’t have to worry if your debit card is stolen while you're overseas.

Get a local SIM card

3.  Get a local SIM card

If your mobile phone plan charges for international roaming, get your phone unlocked to purchase a local SIM card. Buying local data is usually more affordable. Often, the best price for the sim card and the data package isn’t at the airport. However, the airport is the most convenient place to get a local SIM card, so you can activate the service and use it to find your way to your accommodation. About a week's worth of data with an AT&T sim card in Mexico costs $10, including free social media and WhatsApp. 

Mobile Passport Control

4.  Mobile Passport Control

Download this free app before going through U.S. customs and fill it out on the plane before you enter the border patrol area as cellphone usage is prohibited. Many airports in the U.S. have a separate line for Mobile Passport Control —that’s right, you can skip lengthy wait times at customs without buying Global Entry. Lately, in my experience transiting through the U.S. and going through customs, I’ve noticed that some airports no longer offer separate lines for Mobile Passport Control, such as Newark Liberty International Airport.

Tax rebates for foreigners

5.  Tax rebates for foreigners

Many countries offer foreigners a rebate on value-added taxes, known as IVA when a foreign credit card is used for in-country purchases. For instance, in Uruguay, foreign credit cards used at a restaurant or a bar are rebated automatically when the card is charged or later on your credit card statement. Foreigners also don’t pay taxes on hotels. If you shop for clothing and crafts and spend over 500 Uruguayan Pesos, ask for a Global Blue tax refund. File the receipt at the Global Blue kiosk at the airport to receive the VAT back on your credit card.

Download an offline version of Google maps for your destination

6.  Download an offline version of Google maps for your destination

Landing in a foreign country often means you don't have cell service, which means no or wonky service. To ensure you know where you're going when you arrive, download a map of your destination and route to your lodging for offline use. You'll be thankful you did.

Get more airline mileage rewards

7.  Get more airline mileage rewards

Sync different apps that partner with airlines to reap more rewards. For instance, Delta SkyMiles has a partnership program with Airbnb so you can earn Delta SkyMiles for every dollar spent on Airbnb reservations. You can also earn Delta SkyMiles on Lyft rides in the U.S. If there’s an inconvenience on your flight, such as a power charger not working or the requested meal not being available, file a customer service complaint and the airline may compensate you for your troubles with reward miles.

Get better prices on flights

8.  Get better prices on flights

If you’re planning an international trip with no direct flights from your home base to your destination overseas, buy only the longest leg of the journey with a major international airline. Then, book your connecting flight to your final destination with a local airline from within the region or country. You’ll likely shave a couple hundred dollars off the flight's cost. This works best when flying carry-on only, as you may have to exit the airport and go back through security at the airport during your layover.

Stay loyal to an airline alliance

9.  Stay loyal to an airline alliance

Rack up miles and points with one airline alliance to gain status. Some airlines within the same alliance share benefits for frequent flyers. For instance, with the lowest Delta SkyMiles status, Silver Medallion, you also have access to upgrades on partner airlines in the SkyTeam alliance such as AeroMexico and KLM and can enjoy lounge access when available. Loyalty to one airline alliance pays off when it comes to extra fees—United’s lowest MileagePlus status level, Premier Silver, includes a complimentary checked suitcase of 70lbs.

Use credit card perks

10.  Use credit card perks

In addition to taking advantage of airline loyalty programs, consider getting a credit card with perks that make international travel cheaper and more convenient. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum and Capital One Venture will not only get you points to spend on travel faster, but come with perks like lounge access, early and late check-out at hotels and upgrades. 

Google Translate’s camera feature

11.  Google Translate’s camera feature

If you're traveling to a destination with a foreign language, it's wise to download Google Translate. The tool helps generate sentences in that country's language so you can interact with locals. The camera feature can be even more handy, allowing you to hold up your camera to a sign, menu, or any other text and have it immediately translate the words into English. 

Free stopovers and layover tours

12.  Free stopovers and layover tours

If your travel dates are flexible, take advantage of the airline’s free stopovers to maximize your holiday and see another destination en route to your vacation spot. The stopovers offered are at least 24 hours for international destinations. You’ll have plenty of time to quickly check out the destination. Some airports also offer free layover tours, including Singapore Changi Airport, Seoul Incheon Airport , Taipei Taoyuan Airport, and Istanbul International Airport . Some airports, like Abu Dhabi International Airport and Doha’s Hamad International Airport, offer free tours.

Book a reliable airport transfer

13.  Book a reliable airport transfer

Uber and other ride-sharing apps are often not allowed to do airport pickups or have hefty surge prices worldwide. If you don’t have an international mobile plan or already possess a local sim card with data, you may not be able to find your ride-share driver once you exit the airport Wi-Fi. Instead, save yourself the hassle and book a reliable ride at a locked-in all-inclusive fee with the global chauffeur service Blacklane . The prices are reasonable and all of Blacklane’s rides are offset and some utilize electric vehicles.

Go plastic free

14.  Go plastic free

Save space in your suitcase by traveling plastic-free. Packing shampoo and conditioner bars take up less space in your suitcase and can be taken in carry-on luggage as the bars don’t count as a liquid.  Vaycay Beauty  makes bars that cater to different hair types. Get a water bottle with a filter, such as the  Hydros 20 oz  water bottle with a reusable coconut filtration system so you can refill your water bottle anywhere, even if you don’t have access to potable water. You’ll save money as buying several single-use plastic water bottles daily is expensive.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

  • Press office
  • Investor relations
  • Work for Time Out
  • Editorial guidelines
  • Privacy notice
  • Do not sell my information
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Terms of use
  • Copyright agent
  • Modern slavery statement
  • Manage cookies
  • Advertising

Time Out products

  • Time Out Worldwide

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

46 Amazing Airplane Hacks To Boost Your Flight & Travel Experience

Katie Seemann's image

Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

333 Published Articles 37 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 28 U.S. States Visited: 29

Keri Stooksbury's image

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3038 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

46 Amazing Airplane Hacks To Boost Your Flight & Travel Experience

1. Be Flexible To Save Money

2. stay alert, 3. use points to book your flight, 4. get help finding award availability, 5. don’t leave miles on the table, 6. choose your seat wisely, 7. book a flexible ticket, 8. keep your suitcase organized, 9. bring the ultimate travel accessory, 10. pack vacation essentials in your carry-on, 11. don’t dry out, 12. pay attention to your toiletries, 13. know where you’re going, 14. stay entertained, 15. charge up, 16. be ready to write, 17. think about meals ahead of time, 18. book a bassinet seat, 19. pack snacks, 20. bring lollipops to help pop ears, 21. keep them entertained, 22. use up energy before the flight, 23. remember where you park, 24. skip the long tsa security line, 25. a “touchless” and even faster way to skip long security lines, 26. go left, 27. be ready for the security line, 28. don’t pay for checked luggage, 29. don’t buy water, 30. stay active, 31. get the right size carry-on bag, 32. know how to access a lounge, 33. know your luggage, 34. put your bag in the right spot, 35. block everything out, 36. brush your teeth, 37. be nice, 38. clean your tray table, 39. choose your drink wisely, 40. sleep like a pro, 41. dress in layers, 42. bring socks, 43. find your luggage quickly, 44. late bags earn points, 45. speed through customs, 46. save money on transportation, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Love it or hate it, flying on an airplane is a common part of travel. So, if you have to fly, you might as well make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

We’ve compiled this list of 46 of our best airplane and travel hacks to elevate your flight experience, including everything from flight booking hacks and packing hacks to airport hacks and inflight hacks.

We hope you’ll be able to use some of these flight tricks to make your next travel experience as awesome as possible.

Flight Booking Hacks

A great flight starts with a great booking experience. Try these tricks the next time you have to book a flight.

If you want to find cheap flights , it’s best to be flexible. When your dates aren’t set in stone, you can use the flexible date search option in Google Flights to see what dates offer the cheapest tickets. Just visit Google Flights , enter your origin and destination cities, then click on the travel dates.

Google Flights search

You’ll see the prices for your flight every day on the calendar. Use the trip duration settings at the bottom to choose your desired trip length or play around to see if the trip length affects the ticket price. The lowest-priced tickets will be shown in green.

Google Flights calendar

Another way to keep an eye out for the lowest price tickets is by signing up for flight deal alerts . Websites like Google Flights, Kayak , and Skyscanner allow you to sign up for fare alerts on your chosen route so you know if and when the price drops.

We couldn’t write a flight hack post without mentioning points and miles, could we? Of course not, since that’s our specialty! Using points to book your flight is an easy way to save on the out-of-pocket expense of travel. Plus, using points to book business and first class flights is a great way to make your entire flight experience so much more comfortable than flying in the back of the plane.

Hot Tip: If you’re brand new to the points and miles game, start with our beginner’s guide to bring you up to speed.

Using miles to book a flight is a great way to fly, but finding award availability can sometimes prove to be difficult. If you need help, look at a tool like ExpertFlyer , Award Nexus , or Seat Spy . These websites can help you find award seat availability without spending all day searching.

Whether or not this is your first trip on a specific airline or your fiftieth, sign up for the airline’s frequent flyer program and make sure your frequent flyer number is attached to your reservation. If you never plan on flying the airline again, you can credit the miles you’ll earn to a partner airline.

No one wants to get stuck in a middle seat in the back of the plane next to the bathroom, right? That one is obvious, but there are pros and cons to other seats as well.

  • If you get motion sickness, choose a seat over the wing so you’ll feel less turbulence .
  • Choose a seat in front of the plane if you’ve got a short connecting time.
  • If you’re traveling with another person, choose a window and aisle seat toward the back of the plane. Unless the flight is sold out, you’ll have a decent chance that no one will choose the middle seat between you.
  • If you want to sleep during your flight, go with a window seat.
  • If you’re more comfortable having easy access to the bathroom, an aisle seat toward the back of the plane will be your best bet.
  • If you definitely need a small bag with you during the flight, don’t choose a bulkhead seat because they don’t have anywhere to store a carry-on other than the overhead bins.

Use a tool like SeatGuru to find seat maps for your flight, along with notes about the pros and cons of every seat. This website is a must if you want to find the perfect seat on your next flight.

United Airlines 787 9 Dreamliner SeatGuru seat map

Thankfully, many airlines are offering flexible cancellation and change policies these days, but be sure to read the fine print. These policies often don’t apply to the cheapest basic economy fares. If you want flexibility, you might need to pay a little more upfront.

Packing Hacks

Packing a suitcase is an art, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. These easy packing hacks will help you save space and ensure that you’re prepared for anything.

A packing tip that many can agree on is that packing cubes are a must. These zippered bags come in lots of different sizes and colors to keep your clothes organized. When you arrive at your destination, just move the packing cubes to the drawers, unzip, and you’ve unpacked in an instant.

If you’re packing for multiple people in 1 bag, assign everyone a different color packing cube to keep everything organized.

A large scarf is a versatile item that is the perfect travel accessory. When you pack one in your carry-on bag, you can use it as a blanket to stay warm or for lumbar support to stay comfortable on the plane. Then use it as a scarf in cold weather destinations or as a beach cover-up for tropical vacations.

Picture this: your flight arrives at your vacation destination and you’re so excited to hit the pool at your resort — but your luggage didn’t make it yet! What could be a wasted vacation day for others is no big deal for you because you’re prepared. You packed an extra set of clothes in your carry-on , including important vacation items like a bathing suit, sunscreen, and flip-flops, so you can wait for your delayed luggage while sipping a tropical cocktail by the pool instead of being grumpy in your hotel room in the jeans and sneakers you wore on the plane.

Packing a suitcase

Dry airplane air can easily dehydrate your body. In addition to drinking plenty of water on your flight, don’t forget to pack lip balm and hand lotion in your carry-on bag to combat uncomfortable dry skin. If you typically wear contact lenses, opt for glasses on your flight since the plane’s dry air can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.

Make sure your toiletries are in travel-sized containers if you’re planning on using carry-on luggage only. You can invest in a good travel toiletry bag to keep everything organized, or opt for the budget route and put travel-sized containers in a Ziploc bag to keep them from leaking on your clothes.

Pre-flight Hacks

These tricks of the trade are things to think about before you get on your flight.

If you’ll be traveling somewhere where Wi-Fi might be spotty or unavailable, it’s a good idea to download offline maps of the areas you’ll be visiting so you can access them even when you can’t access the internet.

To download a Google Map for use offline, just type in your destination. Then click on the destination name at the bottom of your screen.

How to download Google maps for offline use

Then click on the 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner and select Download offline map .

Dowload offline map on Google Maps

While many airlines offer inflight entertainment, there’s nothing better than knowing you’ve got plenty of your favorites ready to go. Download podcasts, music, audiobooks, or Netflix shows before you take off to ensure you have plenty to keep you occupied during your flight.

If you’re planning on watching movies or shows on your phone, bring a small stand or mount to set up on your tray table so you don’t have to hold your phone for the whole flight.

Be prepared. Charge all of your electronic devices the day before you leave so they are ready to go for your flight. Keep all of your charging cords handy in your carry-on bag in case you need to charge up at the airport, or bring a portable charger if you think you’ll need more battery power during your flight.

If you’ll be traveling internationally, bring a pen . This will save you from having to rely on your fellow passengers to borrow a pen on the flight to fill out customs forms.

If you’re on a long-haul flight that will be serving a meal and you’ve got dietary restrictions, be sure to order a special meal before your flight. If you wait until you’re on the plane, you’ll be stuck with the standard options.

Inside of airplane

Flying With Kids Hacks

Flying with kids can be an adventure, but with these pro tips, it will be as stress-free as possible.

Did you know that many airplanes (especially on long-haul international flights) have a few seats that can accommodate a bassinet on board (usually the bulkhead seats)? If you’re flying with a baby , book early and call the airline to reserve one of these seats.

Baby in bassinet on airplane

If you’re a parent, you know that snacks are the answer to about 85% of your kids’ problems. This is no different on a flight. Pack snacks and everything will be okay.

Air pressure changes can affect kids’ ears more than adults’ ears. To help your little one pop their ears, give them a lollipop.

We aren’t saying you should always bribe your kids with new toys, but a long flight is a great time to go ahead and bribe your kids with a new toy ! Having something new will help keep them happy and entertained for longer.

child playing on an airplane

If your child is sitting in the window seat, give them a package of gel window clings to play with, or try an airplane toy for a child’s first flight. The toy itself doesn’t matter as much as the novelty of having a new toy.

If all else fails, or even if you just want to keep things simple, bring a tablet with plenty of shows or games downloaded, along with child-friendly headphones . Most adults use screens for the whole flight, so why not let your kids do the same?

Kids have a ton of energy, and it’s a great idea to get rid of as much of it as possible before you board the plane. Many airports these days have specially designed kids’ play areas for this exact purpose.

Childrens Play Area at MSP Airport

If your airport doesn’t have a play area, take kids on a walk and let them ride the people movers (making sure they don’t get in the way of others trying to quickly make it to their gate, of course). When all else fails, try to find an empty area (the far end of the terminal is probably your best bet) and let them run wild.

Pre-flight Airport Hacks

You can make the time you spend in the airport before your flight as comfortable and stress-free as possible with these airport hacks.

While you think you’ll remember where you parked, it’s not quite so easy to remember after a week-long vacation. To help your memory out, take a picture of your parking space with any recognizable features and the parking row number so you can find your car easily when you return.

Airport parking lot

How would you like to breeze through the TSA security line — without taking your shoes off ? That can all be achieved when you have  TSA PreCheck . This program essentially gives you access to shorter security lines and the ability to pass through without taking your shoes and jacket off and without having to remove your laptop and toiletries from your bag. It’ll save time and hassle each time you fly.

According to the TSA , the majority of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 5 minutes in security lines.

Hot Tip: While TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a 5-year membership (and many would argue it’s absolutely worth that price), you can get it for free with many credit cards .

Breeze through the security lines without having to even take your ID out of your wallet. CLEAR is a program that allows you to do just that because it uses biometrics to verify your identity. After your identity is successfully confirmed (through an eye scan), you’ll be escorted to the front of the security line.

CLEAR costs $189 annually and is available in select airports across the country. Several credit cards include a discounted or complimentary CLEAR membership as part of their benefits.

TSA Security Line at Denver International Airport

If you have a choice, choose the security lines to the left — people tend to naturally go right more often than not, so the left lines may be shorter.

Regardless of whether or not you have TSA PreCheck, be ready to get through the security line quickly . Have your ID and boarding pass ready to go — do not wait until you’re at the front of the line to get these things out. If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, make sure you have your liquids and laptop easily accessible so you can remove them quickly without holding up the line.

Hot Tip: Be prepared before your flight. Know what you can and can’t bring through TSA security and check these TSA security FAQs for the answers to some common questions.

Checking your luggage can be expensive these days. While it might be easy to just bring a carry-on bag for some trips, many of us will still need to check a bag from time to time. You can avoid paying crazy baggage fees by choosing an airline that doesn’t charge for bags, like Southwest, by having airline elite status, or by having an airline credit card. Many airline credit cards come with free checked baggage , which can save you lots of money, even if you only fly a couple of times a year.

Buying water in an airport gift shop is expensive and isn’t great for the environment. Instead, bring an empty water bottle through security and then fill it at the filling station or drinking fountain after security. You’ll save money and reduce your plastic usage at the same time.

Airport water filling station

With many of us using fitness trackers and smartwatches these days, getting a recommended number of daily steps or movement time has become commonplace. To balance out sitting on an airplane for hours at a time, take the time before your flight to walk. Getting a few laps in around the terminal before you board your flight is a great way to stay active, even on travel days, and it provides great people-watching, too.

Before you attempt to pack for a week-long trip in 1 carry-on bag, make sure it’s the right size for a carry-on , and make sure you can lift it up to get it in the overhead bin. While other passengers will often offer to help lift heavy bags into the overhead bins, savvy travelers can manage their bags on their own.

woman lifting her yellow luggage

Hot Tip: Need a new bag? Check out some of our favorite carry-on luggage bags for any traveler.

Airports are places we all spend a lot of time just waiting. So, next time you fly, plan to wait in style in an airport lounge . Lounges offer quieter places to get work done or to grab a snack and drink before your flight. Some even offer luxury amenities like showers and massages.

Having a Priority Pass membership allows you to access over 1,400 airport lounge locations in over 600 cities across the world. The best part is that there are many credit cards with Priority Pass access.

Star Alliance Lounge GRU bar seating

While it’s not inevitable, sometimes your luggage doesn’t make it onto the same flight as you. When this happens, you’ll most likely need to fill out lost/delayed luggage paperwork that will include an area for you to describe your luggage. A description of “black suitcase” isn’t going to cut it, so make sure you know exactly what your luggage looks like. When in doubt, take a photo of it before you fly, for reference.

Airplane Hacks

We love traveling here at Upgraded Points and have picked up lots of tricks along the way. These airplane hacks will help make your flight as comfortable and as fun as possible.

When choosing a spot for your carry-on bag in the overhead bin, go for the space on the opposite side of your seat, directly across from or slightly in front of your seat (never put your bag behind you). That way you can see your bag from your seat and you’ll easily be able to grab it after the flight without having to wait for the people behind you to deplane before you can grab your bag.

Putting luggage in the overhead bin.

One of the keys to really relaxing and enjoying a flight is the ability to block out airplane noise to enjoy your podcast, music, or movie. Because of that, having noise-canceling headphones is a great way to make your flight more enjoyable.

No, we aren’t suggesting you need to brush your teeth on that quick flight from Chicago to New York City, but brushing your teeth on long-haul flights or flights where you’ll be sleeping can really make a difference in how refreshed you feel. Be sure to pack your toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste (or even a disposable product like Colgate Wisp ), and don’t forget to use bottled water.

While this should come easily to many people, it bears repeating. Be polite and respectful to the flight attendants. They are there to ensure your safety and to help you have a comfortable flight and they deserve your respect. If you’re having a bad flight or don’t like a policy, don’t take it out on them.

If you think you’ll need extra attention from the flight attendants during your trip, consider bringing a small, edible gift like a piece of chocolate or a cookie (prepackaged, store-bought) as a gesture of thanks.

Flight attendant on airplane

While airplane cleaning standards have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began, things like tray tables are not necessarily cleaned between each flight. According to Forbes , airplane seatback tray tables are the dirtiest part of the airplane , so be sure to pack some disinfecting wipes and clean your tray table before using it.

Be sure to drink plenty of water during your flight to stay hydrated. While you might not like it, it’s best to avoid alcohol on planes, since it can speed up dehydration and could lead to a fuzzy start to your vacation. It’s also best to avoid carbonated drinks as the bubbles combined with changes in air pressure can cause discomfort for some people.

Alaska Airlines Crew Member Serves Boxed Water

There’s a definite art to sleeping on a plane, and unless you’re one of those lucky people that can fall asleep anywhere, you’ll need all the help you can get. Use a  sleeping mask and earplugs to block out light and sound, and bring along a comfortable travel pillow to give your head and neck some support. Choosing a window seat can also make sleeping easier since you can lean up against the side of the plane.

Another trick to help you sleep on airplanes is to wear a jacket or sweatshirt with a hood . Putting up the hood will help keep you warm but will also cover your ears and part of your face, giving you more of a sense of comfort and privacy. Some hoods are big enough to pull down to cover your eyes, too.

Airplanes can often be freezing… unless they are way too hot. The problem is, you never know which temperature extreme your plane might suffer from until you are on it, so it’s best to dress in layers so that you’re prepared for anything. Always bring a jacket in the summer and wear a t-shirt under your sweater in the winter.

Hot Tip: If you bring a jacket but don’t need it on the plane, you can roll it up and use it as extra lumbar support.

If you’re wearing sandals on your travel day, bring a pair of socks to wear on the plane. Your feet will stay warm and your seatmate will appreciate not being up close and personal with your bare feet.

If your feet and legs have a tendency to swell, consider bringing compression socks onboard to wear during your flight. They will help reduce fluid retention and swelling, and may even reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Post-flight Airport Hacks

The travel hacks don’t stop when your flight lands. Use these tips to travel like a pro.

Many bags can look the same, so it’s smart to use a unique luggage tag or tie a brightly colored ribbon around your checked bags to make them easily identifiable in the baggage carousel. Alternatively, you can buy luggage in a variety of colors and patterns that are easy to pick out of a crowd.

woman with red suitcase

Did you know that some airlines offer bonus points if your bags are late ?

Delta Air Lines offers the “Bags On Time” guarantee. If your bags take more than 20 minutes to reach the baggage carousel after any domestic flight, you’re eligible for 2,500 bonus miles by completing this form .

Alaska Airlines offers a $25 discount code for future travel or 2,500 bonus miles when your bags take more than 20 minutes to reach the baggage carousel. To make a claim , you need to visit the Alaska Airlines baggage desk at the airport within 2 hours of your flight’s arrival.

If you travel internationally even just once or twice a year, Global Entry can save you tons of time. This program allows members to speed through customs upon re-entry back into the U.S. Instead of waiting in the long customs lines, Global Entry members scan their passports and enter customs information at a kiosk before heading to baggage claim.

Bottom Line: Global Entry is a great program that will help you speed through the airport after international flights. It costs $100 to apply and the membership lasts 5 years. The great news is that many travel rewards credit cards come with a credit for the Global Entry application fee .

If you’ll be taking a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from the airport, make sure you download the app before you need to use it. It will be easier and quicker to get a ride if your account is already set up, and you’ll have time to see if any of your credit cards offer discounts or bonus points . Be sure to add your credit card to your account and activate any bonus offers, if needed.

We think flying is fun and we hope that by using some of these amazing plane and flight hacks, you will, too! Also, be sure to check out our best hotel hacks to get the most out of your next hotel stay. If you’ve got additional travel hacks ideas, share them in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best airplane hacks for sleeping.

If you want to sleep on your next flight, here are a few hacks that can help you out:

  • Book a window seat so you can lean on the side of the plane
  • Pack a neck pillow
  • Bring earplugs and a sleeping mask to block out light and sound
  • To stay warm, bring a jacket or large scarf that can be used as a blanket; wearing a hooded sweatshirt or jacket can also help cover your ears and eyes and keep you warm so you can catch some shut-eye

What are the best airplane hacks for toddlers?

If you’re traveling with a toddler, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and things to keep them entertained. A new toy is a great way to keep them occupied as are gel window clings if they’re sitting in the window seat. If all else fails, bring a tablet and kid-friendly headphones to keep them entertained and quiet for the trip.

What are the best airplane hacks for comfort?

There are a few things you can do to make your next airplane flight more comfortable. Wear comfortable clothes in layers so you can adjust based on the temperature of the plane. To help ease back pain, you can use a rolled-up jacket or scarf for extra lumbar support. If you’re wearing sandals, bring socks to keep your feet warm, and consider compression socks for long flights to help reduce swelling.

What are the best airplane hacks for long flights?

To make a long flight more comfortable, try these hacks on your next trip:

  • Wear comfortable clothes that you can sleep in
  • Dress in layers so you never get too cold or too hot
  • Wear compression socks to help reduce swelling
  • Brush your teeth before you go to sleep and once you wake up (but be sure to use bottled water)
  • Download plenty of entertainment before the flight and bring a portable charger so your devices don’t run out of batteries
  • Use airline miles to book a business or first class flight

What are the best packing hacks for flying?

To pack like a pro, you’ll want to follow these simple tips. Keep your luggage organized by using packing cubes. If you’re packing more than 1 person in a single suitcase, get a different color of packing cube for each person to keep everything separated. Use a toiletry bag or a simple Ziploc bag to pack your bathroom essentials. If your products leak, the spill will be confined to the small bag and won’t get all over your clothes. If you’re checking suitcases for vacation, always pack what you’ll need for the first day in your carry-on so you can start your vacation right away, even if your bags are late.

Was this page helpful?

About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Related Posts

The 8+ Best Credit Cards for Travel Accident Insurance [2023]

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Points & Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide to the Process

woman standing in front of departures board at Barcelona airport

These days, there are a million and one ways to make budget travel a reality. From embracing the sharing economy to working overseas or volunteering abroad to hunting down cheap flights , traveling has never been easier or more affordable. Even with the pandemic-related price increases, travel is still relatively cheap and there are lots of deals out there to be found.

But the most incredible way to lower your costs even further? Points and miles .

It’s something I’ve been doing for years, which has enabled me to earn more free flights and free hotel stays than I can count. And if you’re not doing it, you’re leaving a lot of money on the table and paying way more for travel than you should be!

What are points and miles?

Collecting points and miles involves signing up for travel credit cards and collecting credit card points, hotel points, and/or airline miles you can cash in for free flights, flight upgrades, hotel stays, transportation, and much, much more.

While there are a ton of advanced tips and tricks to out there (and we go over a lot of them in my guide on the subject), many people don’t even know where to start. The process seems daunting because of all the programs and credit cards out there. Which card do you get? How do you know you’re maximizing your points? And just how do you redeem them for rewards?

It’s a lot to wrap your head around.

But it’s a lot easier than it seems. By just tweaking how you pay for groceries, gas, and dining out, you’ll be able to start earning points and miles toward free travel today .

In this points and miles 101 guide, I’ll explain the basics, so you can stop leaving money on the table and start making your travel dreams a reality.

Here is how you get started:

Step 1: Figure out your goal(s)

The first thing you want to do when it comes to points and miles is to figure out your goal(s). What are you looking to achieve?

Are you saving for a big family trip? Do you just want the odd free economy flight or hotel here and there? Or are you more interested in a huge first-class upgrade? Or are you an avid flyer who wants perks, like lounge access and free upgrades?

There’s no wrong answer, so spend some time pondering this. If you just go into points and miles without direction, you’re going to get lost.

You’ll need to do this because it will help you pick the cards and spending strategies that will get you closer to your goal(s). There are hundreds of travel credit cards to choose from, and they all have their own pros and cons.

For example, if you’re a loyal flier with American Airlines, the best cards to start off with would be those that are AA branded. That way, you can jump-start your point balance as well as get the perks that those cards come with (free checked bags, priority boarding, etc.).

If you’re looking to go to Europe on a United partner, you’ll want to apply for the cards that get you United or Star Alliance points.

Always like staying at a specific hotel chain? Get that particular brand’s card.

If you just want points to spend wherever you choose, get a Chase, Citi, Capital One, or American Express® Card, because you can use their points with a variety of travel companies.

Once you decide your goal(s), you can figure out the cards and programs that will get you there.

Step 2: Get a travel credit card

Once you know your goals to and what perks are important to you, you can start to browse for a credit card.

Note: Collecting points and miles is impossible without a credit card. You just cannot get enough points otherwise. Here’s everything you need to know about credit cards and why they aren’t as evil as society makes them out to be.

While many introductory cards are free, the best travel credit cards usually have an annual fee. However, this fee, which can range from $99 to $500, is usually waived for the first year. You can also often get it waived in subsequent years if you call and threaten to cancel the card. I do that often to avoid the fee.

Some things to remember before you apply for a card:

  • There is no perfect card — each has its pros and cons based on your goals. Don’t listen to blogs touting some card as “the best.”
  • Aim to get a card with a low annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (so you can use it abroad without paying extra).
  • Make sure the welcome bonus is attainable (more on that below).

Remember that you need to pay off your monthly balances to make it worthwhile, so only apply for a card if you’re able to pay off your expenses each month.

Here’s what the ideal card should have:

  • A huge welcome bonus – The best travel cards all offer a sizable introductory bonus. It will be these welcome points that jump-start your account and get you closer to a free flight or hotel stay. Typical travel credit card welcome bonuses range between 40,000 to 60,000 points, though sometimes they can be as high as 100,000. That’s why cards are so great: you get an instant balance of tens of thousands of points for very little work.
  • A low spending minimum – Unfortunately, in order to get the great welcome bonuses these cards offer, there is usually a required spending minimum in the first few months. I typically sign up for cards with a minimum spending requirement of $3,000 USD in a three- to six-month period. While there are ways to temporarily boost your spending, it’s best to get the bonus using normal day-to-day spending. Only apply for a card or cards that you can meet the minimum spend(s) on to qualify for the welcome bonus(es). (More on minimum spending requirements in the next step.)
  • An added category spending bonus – Most credit cards offer one point for every dollar spent. However, good credit cards will give you extra points when you shop at specific retailers, use their online portals, or, if it is a branded credit card, shop with a particular brand. This will help you earn points much more quickly.
  • Special travel perks – All of these travel credit cards offer great perks. Many will give you a special elite loyalty status or other perks. Collecting points and miles is not just about just getting points and miles, it’s about what else comes with the card that makes your life easier!
  • No foreign transaction fees – Credit cards are great to use overseas because you get the best possible exchange rate from them. But if you are paying a fee every time you use the card, then it’s less good. Nowadays there are so many cards offering no foreign transaction fees that you should never, ever, ever have to get one with a foreign transaction fee.

Step 3: Earn the welcome bonus

As mentioned, the most important part about signing up for a new credit card is to make sure you earn the welcome bonus. Most cards offer this bonus if you spend a set amount within the first few months of receiving a card (usually the first three months). These offers can be huge, often equal to the cost of a round-trip flight.

Obviously, it would be silly to pass up the chance at a free flight, so make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement for the welcome bonus before you pick a card. If you can’t meet the spending requirement, there’s no point in signing up just yet.

That might mean waiting until your next big purchase (e.g., waiting until you need a new computer, a new couch, etc.) or waiting until a big holiday like Christmas or a loved one’s birthday, so you can earn more points than your normal spending.

If even that isn’t going to do the trick, you’ll need to get creative.

For example, when you go out for dinner, pay for the bill on your credit card and have everyone pay you back. That way, the cost will go toward your minimum spending requirement. Additionally, if any friends or family are planning big purchases, ask them if you can put them on your card so you can get the points. That’s another easy way to meet the minimum spend without having to shop til you drop.

Step 4: Maximize your category spending

Most travel credit cards offer category bonuses. That means that instead of getting just 1 point per every dollar spent, you might get 2 or 3 or even 10 when you shop in particular categories. Restaurants, supermarkets, and gas are three of the most common ones, but there are lots more too.

To maximize your points, always use the right card for each purchase.

If you just have one card to start, just put everything on that card to maximize your points. Once you start branching out and have a few cards, just keep track of the main category bonuses so you don’t miss out by using the wrong card. Earning double, triple, or even 10x the points can drastically speed up your earnings, so don’t skip out on the category bonuses!

Step 5: Redeem your points and miles

It’s time to cash those points in and make your travel dreams a reality! Depending on your spending and financial situation, maybe you’ve been able to save up enough in just a few months. Maybe it’s taken you a couple years. Either way, it’s time to reap the rewards! (If you want to learn more on how to do that, get this guide I wrote .)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Now that we’ve laid out the steps, I wanted to answer some common questions I get about collecting points and miles.

Can non-Americans collect points and miles? Yep! While the US definitely has the best travel cards, many other countries have similar cards too, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and most of Europe.

Start by checking with your local airline to see if it has a branded credit card. You can also check in with your bank and ask what cards are available. Every country is different, so you’ll need to ask around to get the ball rolling.

Here are some posts to help you get started:

  • How to Collect Points & Miles in Canada
  • How to Collect Points & Miles in Australia & New Zealand
  • How to Collect Points & Miles in the UK

Do I need to pay off my bill every month if I want to do this? Yes. Credit cards charge huge interest fees, which will eat up whatever small benefit you get from the points.

Can you collect miles even if you have bad credit? Yep! You’ll likely need to start slow, with a card that doesn’t have amazing perks. However, over time, you can build your credit up as long as you’re paying off your bill every month. If you have bad credit, start with a prepaid or secured credit card to build back your credit.

Does opening a new card hurt my credit rating? Opening or closing a lot of credit cards at once can hurt your credit. However, applying for a few credit cards over a period of time won’t ruin your score. Sure, it will slightly dip every time there is an inquiry, whether for a credit card or home loan or car loan — that’s how the system is set up. But so long as you space out your applications and pay off your bills each month, you won’t find any long-term damage to your credit. I have dozens of cards and apply for and cancel them regularly, and my credit score is excellent.

Collecting points and miles can be intimidating, but it’s really just the art of being smart with your spending on the right one or two credit cards. You don’t really need to do more than that. While you can also dive much deeper in the game (some people really go down the rabbit hole on this!), it’s not all that necessary.

Don’t leave money on the table. Get a card, earn the welcome offer, maximize your points — and then do it all over again! Eventually — with no unnecessary spending — you’ll reach your goal and get to enjoy some awesome travel perks!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • SafetyWing (best for everyone)
  • Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

Travel blogger Nomadic Matt holding a glass of wine while sitting on an airplane in first class

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

people-technology-person-person-device-mobile

12 Insanely Easy Travel Hacks for Your Next Trip

'  data-srcset=

Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.

An avid surfer and rower, Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world, including the last five Olympic Games.

He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Too many travel hacks involve carrying around a lot of stuff or a level of craftsy-ness that would lead to an Etsy empire. Personally, I’d rather focus on easy travel hacks you can actually use—which don’t involve saving old paper clips or retired medicine bottles, repurposing old containers, or really anything that makes one thing easier by forcing you to do/buy/alter/save/remember some other thing.

Here are 12 easy travel hacks that you can do without buying tons more stuff or packing a heap of plastic containers.

Memorize One Credit Card Number

This is not only useful while traveling, but also when making purchases online or paying bills by phone. I have made emergency hotel reservations while driving (using hands-free headphones, of course), paid bills and invoices while on work trips, and made an alternate airline reservation while standing in a frenzied scrum at the airport gate of a canceled flight, all with a memorized credit card number.

Send a Photo of Your Passport to Yourself Via Email

Many travelers take a snap of their passport with their phone, but this can be risky. Your phone is among the most likely items to get lost or stolen, and then the scanned passport is not only useless to you, but may also be useful to a bad guy. If you save it to an email address that you can access from any computer, you can get to it from anywhere—your hotel, a police station, an embassy office, a CBP kiosk, etc. Another option is to upload the file to a password-protected service like Dropbox.

Use Google’s OK Maps Offline Mapping Option

There are countless options for offline maps, but the simplest option is to go to the area you are going to be visiting on Google Maps on your phone, type “OK maps” into the search bar of the Google Maps app, and download the map to your phone.

When you open the saved map later, the functionality is a bit confusing the first time; instead of finding the saved map, you just start using Google Maps as you always would, and all the saved information about streets, restaurants, attractions, and more will be saved for the area you originally mapped.

Fill Any Spaces in Your Luggage with Stuff

I travel frequently with a 500-millimeter camera lens, which has a big lens hood that can take up a ton of space—but if I stuff socks into it, it takes up no more space than, well, socks. I know not everyone travels with a massive lens, but other ideas include putting toiletry bags, sunglass cases, point and shoot cameras (or socks again) inside running shoes; valuables inside the pockets of well-folded pants; or a swimsuit inside of a souvenir coffee mug. You get the idea.

Pick a Travel Jacket with Lots of Zip-Shut Pockets

Of all the travel gear on offer (and there is a lot), there is nothing as useful as a light jacket with several zippable pockets to keep hassle at a minimum. At security you can put all your stuff into the jacket and toss it on the conveyor belt; while on the plane you know where to find important items; and when out walking around you know your valuables are safely zipped away. This way your jacket serves both as cover and as a security tool.

I know this is involves buying more stuff, but a jacket is something you need anyway. The best-known maker of these multi-purpose jackets is SCOTTeVEST .

Wear a Plastic Belt

This is one of the easy travel hacks that I appreciate the most on every trip. It’s bad enough to have to take off your shoes and walk around in your socks, watch expensive jewelry disappear into a scanning machine in a dirty plastic bowl, throw away sunscreen, and chug down water, but avoiding what feels like disrobing in a busy airport security line by not having to fumble with a belt can preserve some small slice of dignity. Amazon has a selection of plastic belts to consider.

Pack an Empty Water Bottle in Your Carry-On

Everyone has a used water bottle lying around somewhere, so save yourself some money, recycle effortlessly, and stop clogging up security lines chugging water by simply jamming a leftover empty water bottle from the last time you visited a Wawa or 7-Eleven into your carry-on. Fill it up on the other side of security, take it on the plane, and then drop it in a recycling bin on your way out of your destination airport.

Alternatively, you can buy a collapsible, reusable water bottle to carry throughout your trip.

Know How to Break Into Your Own Car

On a work trip to Florida last spring, I locked my wallet and car keys in a rental car. A local auto mechanic showed up, pulled out a wedge and a towel, bent the car door just barely open, then reached in with a wire and pushed the unlock button. I remarked on how easy it was, and the mechanic said, “Yeah, when people get charged a fair amount for us to come out and do that in a few seconds, some get pretty upset.”

If you know how to break into your own car, you can avoid long waits and charges for something that almost anyone can do with a couple of simple tools.

Find the Nearest Police Station and Phone Number

In the event of a true emergency, most people know to call 911, but for non-emergency situations, calling the local police is the way to go. But how do you know the number of the local police? Put “nearest police station to my location” into Google and it returns a map and phone numbers.

Speaking of 911, this isn’t the emergency number in many foreign countries. I recommend looking up the local emergency number in your destination before you arrive, and programming it into your phone just in case.

Park in Same Area at the Hotel

At some point most travelers have stumbled out of a hotel foyer, looked around the parking lot, and had no idea which car was theirs. Sure, you can find it by pushing the unlock button and listening for a beep, but if you are in a big lot and have a rental car that looks like every other rental car, this can take a while as you walk around with a ton of luggage.

Avoid this by picking a section of the parking lot that you like and parking there every time you come back to the hotel. Soon it becomes automatic for you to know where to find your car. You can even do this at different properties—for example, by always trying to park in the back right corner of a lot.

Know Where the Hotel Stairs Are

Unless your room is many floors up, taking the stairs is almost always faster and easier than waiting in a dull hotel hallway for a slow elevator. The stairs are also usually empty, so you can run up and down them in a wet bathing suit, half dressed, or with epic bedhead and no one will see you.

Charge Phones and Other Devices via Your TV’s USB Slot

Keeping all your devices charged is one of the great hassles of modern travel; there may not be not enough outlets, or they may be hard to get to, or your kids may be monopolizing outlets to charge their Nintendo devices. Get around the problem with this easy travel hack: Most modern televisions have an unused powered USB slot on the back into which you can plug your phone, leaving the outlets free for other devices.

Do you have other easy travel hacks that you use regularly? Share them in the comments.

More from SmarterTravel:

  • 9 Travel Hacks for Lazy People
  • 7 Hacks for Staying Organized While Traveling
  • 11 Clever Uses for Duct Tape When You Travel

Don't Miss a Trip, Tip, or Deal!

Let us do the legwork! Sign up for our free newsletter now.

Ed Hewitt is a seasoned globetrotter who brings you a monthly glimpse into the latest travel news, views, and trends—and how they could affect your travel plans.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

travel phone hacks

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Italy: 8-Night Rome, Florence & Venice...

Infinity Worldwide Vacations

travel phone hacks

Monte Carlo to Athens: Luxe, 10-Night...

Oceania Cruises

travel phone hacks

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

travel phone hacks

Trending on SmarterTravel

Flannels or FlipFlops

Flannels or FlipFlops

11 Travel Hacks You Need To Know To Survive a Long-Haul Flight

Posted: March 22, 2024 | Last updated: March 22, 2024

<p>It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning cracked in the distance as I zipped up my travel pillow like a shield against the impending 18 hours of recycled air and crying babies.</p> <p>Dramatics aside, long-haul flights can be a bit of a saga, can’t they? Whether heading to the opposite coast or across the International Date Line, you must be prepared for a long flight. </p> <p>These are things that <a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/dont-be-that-guy-10-air-travel-faux-pas-that-make-you-the-worst-seatmate-ever/">experienced flyers</a> use to shield against jet lag, keep their blood circulating, and even make airline food palatable (okay, that last one’s stretching it). </p>

It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning cracked in the distance as I zipped up my travel pillow like a shield against the impending 18 hours of recycled air and crying babies.

Dramatics aside, long-haul flights can be a bit of a saga, can’t they? Whether heading to the opposite coast or across the International Date Line, you must be prepared for a long flight. 

These are things that experienced flyers use to shield against jet lag, keep their blood circulating, and even make airline food palatable (okay, that last one’s stretching it). 

<p>Don’t be fooled by the balmy <a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/fly-to-europe-for-less-the-7-budget-friendly-airports-you-need-to-know-about/">departure lounge</a>. Those airplanes can get chilly, and there’s nothing worse than watching the clouds roll by while you shiver yourself to sleep. A lightweight, long-sleeve base layer can be your silent hero, keeping you snug and warm without adding much bulk. </p>

It’s All About That Base Layer

Don’t be fooled by the balmy departure lounge . Those airplanes can get chilly, and there’s nothing worse than watching the clouds roll by while you shiver yourself to sleep. A lightweight, long-sleeve base layer can be your silent hero, keeping you snug and warm without adding much bulk. 

<p>Sitting still for hours is nobody’s idea of a good time. Invest in compression socks to stave off stiffness and reduce the risk of blood clots. Your heart (and, more importantly, your leg circulation) will thank you, especially on longer flights.</p>

Legs for Days… and Comfort

Sitting still for hours is nobody’s idea of a good time. Invest in compression socks to stave off stiffness and reduce the risk of blood clots. Your heart (and, more importantly, your leg circulation) will thank you, especially on longer flights.

<p>The onboard beverage cart might be all good, but your best bet is to bring a large, empty water bottle with you through security. Once on the <strong><a href="https://frenzhub.com/diseases-you-could-get-just-by-stepping-onto-an-airplane/" rel="noopener">plane</a></strong>, ask the flight attendants to fill it up for more frequent sips. Staying hydrated helps with the dry air and encourages you to get up and stretch your legs—a win-win for in-flight wellness.</p>

The Right Dose of Hydration

The onboard beverage cart might be all good, but your best bet is to bring a large, empty water bottle with you through security. Once on the plane , ask the flight attendants to fill it up for more frequent sips. Staying hydrated helps with the dry air and encourages you to get up and stretch your legs—a win-win for in-flight wellness.

<p>Every traveler has a must-have item. Mine? A tiny, ready-packed “Cubicle Survival Kit” for my seat back. It’s like Superman’s phone booth but for personal comfort. Earplugs, eye mask, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and a spare pen… you’ll be grateful for every item in that phone booth by the end of the <a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/cheap-flights-with-cashback-way-away-review/" rel="noopener"><strong>flight</strong></a>.</p>

Seat-Back Pocket Survival Kit

Every traveler has a must-have item. Mine? A tiny, ready-packed “Cubicle Survival Kit” for my seat back. It’s like Superman’s phone booth but for personal comfort. Earplugs, eye mask, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and a spare pen… you’ll be grateful for every item in that phone booth by the end of the flight .

<p>You might think <a href="https://frenzhub.com/oddly-compelling-facts-about-the-food-youre-served-on-airplanes/" rel="noopener"><strong>airline food</strong></a> is an acquired taste. In truth, it’s more of an acquired survival strategy. Arm yourself with non-perishable, non-messy snacks for that inevitable mid-flight hunger pang. Nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit are delicious and beneficial for keeping your energy levels up and less reliant on the in-flight cuisine.</p>

Snacks on Snacks on Snacks

You might think airline food is an acquired taste. In truth, it’s more of an acquired survival strategy. Arm yourself with non-perishable, non-messy snacks for that inevitable mid-flight hunger pang. Nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit are delicious and beneficial for keeping your energy levels up and less reliant on the in-flight cuisine.

<p>“Excuse me, I believe this is my armrest.” Ah, the eternal struggle for elbow room. Say a simple line like “Feel free to use my armrest” on the screen, and maybe you’ll make a temporary friend—more likely than not, you’ll just get to use the armrest for the duration of your <a href="https://frenzhub.com/of-the-best-shows-to-marathon-on-a-plane/" rel="noopener"><strong>movie</strong></a>.</p>

Screenplay for Two

“Excuse me, I believe this is my armrest.” Ah, the eternal struggle for elbow room. Say a simple line like “Feel free to use my armrest” on the screen, and maybe you’ll make a temporary friend—more likely than not, you’ll just get to use the armrest for the duration of your movie .

<p>If possible, pick your ideal seat before check-in. Window seats offer a splendid view and a wall to lean against; aisle seats provide easier access to in-flight essentials (the lavatories). Avoid the middle seat at all costs unless you’re a fan of human Tetris.</p>

Get the Right Seat. No, the Other Right Seat.

If possible, pick your ideal seat before check-in. Window seats offer a splendid view and a wall to lean against; aisle seats provide easier access to in-flight essentials (the lavatories). Avoid the middle seat at all costs unless you’re a fan of human Tetris.

<p>Timezones are weird concepts, aren’t they? Buckle in and synchronize every timepiece you own with the local time at your arrival destination—smartphone, watch, Fitbit, talking parrot (if that’s your thing). It helps your body’s internal clock ease into the new schedule.</p>

No Time Like the Present for Timepieces

Timezones are weird concepts, aren’t they? Buckle in and synchronize every timepiece you own with the local time at your arrival destination—smartphone, watch, Fitbit, talking parrot (if that’s your thing). It helps your body’s internal clock ease into the new schedule.

<p>Gone are the days when “eau de airplane” was the hottest fragrance. A quick on-board facial can help refresh and revitalize your complexion. Use an atomizer with a hydrating mist, a skin-soothing sheet mask, and a rich moisturizer for a fancy, flight-attendant-quality facial that’ll scare the nearest child but delight your skin.</p>

Master the Art of the In-Flight Facial

Gone are the days when “eau de airplane” was the hottest fragrance. A quick on-board facial can help refresh and revitalize your complexion. Use an atomizer with a hydrating mist, a skin-soothing sheet mask, and a rich moisturizer for a fancy, flight-attendant-quality facial that’ll scare the nearest child but delight your skin.

<p>There’s an <a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/10-social-media-platforms-your-kids-are-using-that-you-should-know-about/">app for everything</a>, and long-haul flights are no exception. Use technology to your advantage with apps for mindfulness, in-flight exercises, or even a selection of deeply relaxing music. If all else fails, the trusty Candycrush will always see you through those final moments till touchdown.</p>

The Right App-titude

There’s an app for everything , and long-haul flights are no exception. Use technology to your advantage with apps for mindfulness, in-flight exercises, or even a selection of deeply relaxing music. If all else fails, the trusty Candycrush will always see you through those final moments till touchdown.

<p>While some opt to escape into their world, braving the social seas can lead to fascinating conversations with fellow travelers. You might pick up tips about your destination or even make a friend to share an adventure with upon arrival.</p>

The Gift of Gab

While some opt to escape into their world, braving the social seas can lead to fascinating conversations with fellow travelers. You might pick up tips about your destination or even make a friend to share an adventure with upon arrival.

<p>On flights, especially in economy class, space is limited. Hogging the armrests can make the journey uncomfortable for your seatmates. The unspoken rule is that the person occupying the middle seat should get the armrests. </p>

10 Shocking Reasons You’re the Most Annoying Passenger on the Plane!

Let’s discuss something we all face, but we rarely talk about plane etiquette. You know, those little do’s and dont’s that can make or break our flying experience. From the battle over armrests to the great seat recline debate, I will give you the lowdown on 10 simple yet crucial tips for keeping the peace at 30,000 feet. So, grab your passport, and let’s dive into the art of flying like a pro!

<p>If you are a frequent traveler, you may have encountered the term “travel document number” when applying for visas, booking flights, or filling out immigration forms. But what exactly is a travel document number, and why is it important? This guide will explain everything you need about travel document numbers, including what they are, where to find them, and how to use them.</p><p><a href="https://frenzhub.com/what-is-a-travel-document-number/" rel="noopener"><strong>What is a Travel Document Number: A Comprehensive Guide for Globetrotters</strong></a></p>

What is a Travel Document Number: A Comprehensive Guide for Globetrotters

If you are a frequent traveler, you may have encountered the term “travel document number” when applying for visas, booking flights, or filling out immigration forms. But what exactly is a travel document number, and why is it important? This guide will explain everything you need about travel document numbers, including what they are, where to find them, and how to use them.

<p>When embarking on a journey, it’s crucial to curate airport travel outfits that exude both comfort and style. Navigating bustling terminals and enduring long hours on a plane requires finding the perfect ensemble that strikes a balance between practicality, fashion, and adaptability.</p><p><a href="https://frenzhub.com/airport-travel-outfit-ideas/" rel="noopener"><strong>Airport Travel Outfit Ideas: Stylish and Comfortable Options for Your Journey</strong></a></p>

Airport Travel Outfit Ideas: Stylish and Comfortable Options for Your Journey

When embarking on a journey, it’s crucial to curate airport travel outfits that exude both comfort and style. Navigating bustling terminals and enduring long hours on a plane requires finding the perfect ensemble that strikes a balance between practicality, fashion, and adaptability.

<p>Traveling can often lead to unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. However, not every destination lives up to its postcard-perfect image. Some places may leave travelers disappointed, frustrated, or vowing never to return.</p><p><a href="https://savvyolu.com/places-so-terrible-that-travelers-vowed-never-to-return-to-again-3/" rel="noopener"><strong>12 Places So Terrible That Travelers Vowed Never to Return to Again</strong></a></p>

12 Places So Terrible That Travelers Vowed Never to Return to Again

Traveling can often lead to unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. However, not every destination lives up to its postcard-perfect image. Some places may leave travelers disappointed, frustrated, or vowing never to return.

<p>A lot of people think that getting to Europe is too expensive and that they’ll never have the funds to visit this incredible continent. That is why I’ve compiled the 7 cheapest European airports to fly into from the US.</p> <p>There are 50 countries in Europe and each one has something unique and worth visiting. One of the best ways to see Europe is by booking the cheapest flight from the US to anywhere in Europe and then taking public transportation to the places you want to see.</p> <p>The cheapest cities to fly from in the US are Miami, Boston, and New York on the East Coast,  and San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle on the West Coast. A good plan for cheap flights to Europe is to use your credit card points to get to one of these cheap cities in the US to fly out of and then pay for the rest of the flight to Europe.</p> <p>All the prices on this list are round-trip flights from the cheapest airport in the US, so keep that in mind as you are looking at them. So with that, let’s get into which airports are the cheapest in Europe.</p>

Busiest Airports in Europe

Choosing the busiest airports may seem like a bad idea, but more flights in and out often lead to cheaper ticket prices too!

These are the Busiest Airports in Europe.

More for You

50 worst movie remakes

The 50 worst movie remakes ever made

Mike Pence led the Indiana Policy Review Foundation, a conservative think tank, after his first early failed congressional bids. Now, his new nonprofit shop is that same vehicle.

Pence makes his final break from the Trumpism he once championed

The son of Stewart Rhodes, founder of the extremist Oath Keepers, has decided to enter politics as a Democrat

The son of Stewart Rhodes, founder of the extremist Oath Keepers, has decided to enter politics as a Democrat

82466619-13197385-image-a-86_1710428405482 copy.jpg

Kaylee Gain breathing on her own and moved out of ICU, family says

Wendy’s new Frosty flavor evokes childhood nostalgia, kicks off spring

Wendy’s new Frosty flavor evokes childhood nostalgia, kicks off spring

Jared Kushner confirmed his plans to invest in luxury property in Serbia in March

Serbians angry at Trump family deal for site of NATO bombing

Emma Flint smiling

I'm abrosexual - it took me 30 years to realise

Bar Keepers Friend on countertop

The Crucial Safety Measure You Should Take When Cleaning With Bar Keepers Friend

Bill to Evict Squatters Immediately Passes Unanimously Sparking ‘Positive Hope’ Among Property Owners

Justice for Property Owners as Bill to Immediately Evict Squatters Wins Unanimous Support

What the US Army should learn from Ukraine's hasty retreat from a Russian assault

What the US Army should learn from Ukraine's hasty retreat from a Russian assault

RFK Jr. seeks major boost with VP announcement

RFK Jr. seeks major boost with VP announcement

Tropical Fruit: Banana

How to keep bananas from turning brown: Store it properly to maintain freshness

3 lies women have been told about their bodies, according to a female doctor

3 lies women have been told about their bodies, according to a female doctor

young man laptop glasses reviews documents paperwork_iStock-1401578863

Here’s How Long You Should Hold Onto Tax Filing Paperwork, According to an Expert

Travel-St. Helena Island

The world’s most remote island open to tourists no longer takes five nights to get to

General Views in Hong Kong Ahead of Policy Address

Gucci’s China Shock Reverberates Across the Luxury Landscape

Ukraine says it has taken out another 2 warships in Russia's Black Sea fleet

Ukraine says it has taken out another 2 warships in Russia's Black Sea fleet

Cheech & Chong Return for One ‘Last Movie'

Cheech & Chong Return for One ‘Last Movie'

The 5 most common deathbed regrets, according to a palliative care nurse

The 5 most common deathbed regrets, according to a palliative care nurse

Here Are 6 Things White People Say That Highlight Their Privilege And OMG I Hear These Allllll The Time

Here Are 6 Things White People Say That Highlight Their Privilege And OMG I Hear These Allllll The Time

Read the Latest on Page Six

  • Weird But True
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Viral Trends
  • Human Interest
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Food & Drink

trending now in Lifestyle

Chick-fil-A making changes to its famous chicken

Chick-fil-A making changes to its famous chicken

Europeans can't get over certain things Americans accept as normal — some of them are really surprising

Europeans can't get over certain things Americans accept as...

Dear Abby: My boyfriend wants to marry me — but he's ugly

Dear Abby: My boyfriend wants to marry me — but he's ugly

Dear Abby: I discovered my daughter and son-in-law's sexual secret – I'm horrified

Dear Abby: I discovered my daughter and son-in-law's sexual...

I had sex with the boss, now she's pursuing me - what do I do?

I had sex with the boss, now she's pursuing me - what do I do?

Kids are sniffing this pantry staple to get high — right under their parents' noses

Kids are sniffing this pantry staple to get high — right under...

I'm an ex-cruise ship worker — here's the shocking reason we throw free ice cream parties

I'm an ex-cruise ship worker — here's the shocking reason we...

I'm a hospice nurse — this is what happens in the distressing moment before death

I'm a hospice nurse — this is what happens in the distressing...

My travel hack saves so much time and stress — i never have to look at airport screens.

  • View Author Archive
  • Email the Author
  • Get author RSS feed

Contact The Author

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Now this will get your trip off to a  flying  start.

Air travel, while often a pleasurable experience for avid vacationers, can come with a unique set of stressors. 

The frustration of navigating foreign airports to find your gate, anxiously listening for announcements about flight delays and cancellations, and feverishly updating loved ones with last-minute changes to your flight plan all typically add undue hitches to jet-setters’ giddy-ups. 

Darby Maloney, 28, a social media content creator.

But this ex-airline employee’s trending tip may help frequent flyers steer clear of the chaos. 

“I worked in the airline industry for three years and this is my number one flying hack ,” began content creator Darby Maloney, 28, in a buzzy TikTok bulletin on avoiding plane-day pangs. 

“The morning of your flight, you’re going to text yourself your flight number — but the key is, you have to include your airline code,” she explained, referencing the 1 to 4 digit number that’s assigned to each flight, as well as the two-character designator that every airline uses to differentiate itself from other imprints. 

“For example,” said Maloney, “If I’m flying American [Airlines] flight 686, I’m going to type ‘AA686.’”

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is HERE!

The brunette then advised her over 12 million virtual viewers to send the code to whoever was picking them up from the airport at their final destination. And for folks planning to hop into an Uber after landing, she suggested texting the code to themselves. 

“That text will become a link to tell you everything you need to know about your flight and it will update in real-time,” Maloney revealed. 

“What’s your gate? You’re going to go through security, click on your link and [get your exact gate number],” she continued. 

Plane taking off.

The cyber-savvy millennial even gave online audiences a glimpse at how well her hack works, demonstrating the easy breeziness of accessing traveling info for her upcoming jaunt from Miami to Salt Lake City. 

“It’s on time,” she said, reading the detailed description of her trip via the link. The rundown included her gate number, expected flight duration and her baggage claim carrousel. 

“If it changes, it will change in that link”, Maloney raved. “Whoever is picking you up can literally see your little airplane flying across the screen [of their phone]…they can see [if] your flight status changes.”

The moving and grooving millennial struggled to contain her excitement over the techy-trekking trick. 

A confused woman traveling through the airport.

“It’s the greatest hack — I never have to look at the screens in the airport anymore,” she gushed. 

“If you have a connecting flight, just text yourself both flight [codes],” advised Maloney, who later noted that her hack is an Apple feature that can only be used by iPhone users. “The second you land, you can just click your link and know exactly what your gate is so when you get off of the plane, boom, you’re off to your connection.”

The smoothness of her how-to notwithstanding, other sky-high tourist have previously shared their equally hassle-free shortcuts for optimal aircraft cruising. 

@durbinmalonster S/O @Brooke Webster for teaching me this in my bag loading days 7 years ago ♬ original sound – Darby

Hailed the “ultimate plane hack” in December, plane passengers began using airline vomit bags as phone holsters during flights, allowing them to view their screen hands-free while flying.

And a flight attendant named Taylor recently unveiled the simple secret to combating the craziness of mid-air bumps . 

“When turbulence hits, basically, just pretend you’re jelly or submerged in jelly,” she during an impromptu interview with digital influencer Nicky Kelvin in March. 

“Wiggle in your seat like a little jellyfish; you’ll feel so much better.

Share this article:

Darby Maloney, 28, a social media content creator.

Advertisement

travel phone hacks

Those viral TikTok travel hacks may soon be obsolete as airlines clamp down on excess baggage

  • Airlines are enforcing stricter baggage restrictions, per The Wall Street Journal.
  • TikTok hacks designed to get round the rules may prove fruitless under the tighter measures. 
  • Checked bag fees have also increased this year across major airlines.

Insider Today

Southwest is among the major airlines that have started to clamp down on passengers with excess baggage, The Wall Street Journal reported. Now that the changes are taking force, perhaps the time is up for the many TikTokkers and frequent fliers who have played fast and loose with the rules.

Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board, in addition to a checked bag.

On its website, Southwest says cross-body bags, pillows, blankets, and laptop cases are included in the personal item allowance. But people on TikTok have gone viral for sharing the creative ways they'd brought along more baggage without paying extra.

Related stories

Former flight attendant Kat Kamalani racked up more than 500,000 views for a TikTok video that suggested passengers fill an empty pillowcase with excess clothing items to sneak more on board.

Others have suggested stuffing clothes into a large coat to carry them past gate agents or tying clothes around your neck as a neck pillow.

However, airlines are becoming more strict on the requirements before the spring and summer travel season, the Journal reported. Passengers told the outlet that they experienced gate agents listing off more items that are counted as a second bag.

So, if you bring an item like a pillow on board, you may have to stuff that cross-body bag or laptop case inside your carry-on or risk paying for a checked bag.

Some TikTok users said they opted to wear their excess items by using the large pockets of a fishing vest . One user posted a video that appeared to show her boarding a plane wearing a fishing vest packed with a bikini, speaker, power bank, deodorant, and even a laptop.

Travel experts have previously told Business Insider that these hacks aren't a guaranteed way to avoid charges, as it's at the discretion of the gate agent to decide which items meet the requirements.

As airlines clamp down on carry-ons, checked baggage fees have also increased.

Major airlines like Delta, American, and United, all raised their checked-bag fees by $5 since the start of the year. And those fees are a big money-maker, earning the airlines around $33 billion last year.

Watch: Thousands of bags pile up at US airports after flight cancellations

travel phone hacks

  • Main content

Rupert Murdoch 'turned a blind eye' to phone hacking allegations at the News Of The World and The Sun, High Court told

Lawyers for a group of 45 individuals suing News Group Newspapers for allegedly obtaining information illegally claim Mr Murdoch's position in the company meant he would have known what was happening long before it became public.

Thursday 21 March 2024 01:46, UK

travel phone hacks

Rupert Murdoch "turned a blind eye" to allegations of phone hacking as publisher of the defunct News Of The World, but would have been aware of it seven years before the paper closed, the High Court has been told.

Lawyers for a group of 45 individuals suing News Group Newspapers (NGN), including the Duke of Sussex , said that the media mogul and other senior company figures made "dishonest" statements over the extent of phone hacking at the paper, which shut down in 2011.

Mr Murdoch was executive chairman of News Corp and director of NGN's parent company and News Corp's subsidiary, News International, now News UK, at the time the paper closed.

His status meant he would have known about phones being hacked as early as 2004 and "was aware of the nature and extent of NGN's wrongdoing" when allegations were first published by the Guardian in 2009, the group's barrister, David Sherborne, said in court documents.

The group's legal team said they will also aim to show that, after the accusations were made, Mr Murdoch knew News Corp's public denial was false "or at the very least turned a blind eye to its veracity and that of the allegations".

The 45 individuals allege that the News Of The World and The Sun, owned by NGN, unlawfully gathered information, including by using private investigators.

A trial is set for January next year.

The News Of The World was shut down in July 2011 after widespread allegations of phone hacking, and NGN has since settled many claims with high-profile figures.

There are also multiple allegations made about the involvement of senior NGN executives, including former NGN chief executive Rebekah Brooks and former News International general manager Will Lewis.

Among other allegations, the individuals' lawyers have accused NGN of "systematically" deleting millions of emails and of "buying the silence of those who might tell the truth" about what senior executives knew about the hacking.

The unlawful activity continued even during the Leveson Inquiry into phone hacking, they said, including allegedly using private investigators against the then Liberal Democrat MP, Sir Vince Cable, and actor Hugh Grant, who were giving evidence to the inquiry.

Mr Murdoch oversaw a "culture of impunity" at the publisher, which "has actively sought to conceal evidence of the true nature, scale and extent of these unlawful activities at both The News Of The World and The Sun," Mr Sherborne said.

In written submissions, Anthony Hudson KC, representing NGN, accused the individuals' lawyers of making accusations "designed to grab headlines" rather than progress the individuals' claims.

Read more: Rupert Murdoch's controversial career Rupert Murdoch engaged again at 92 Talk TV to be taken off air

A spokesperson for NGN said it had made an "unreserved apology" in 2011 to victims of phone hacking at the News Of The World and has since been paying damages to the victims of wrongdoing.

The hearing is due to conclude on Friday.

Related Topics

  • rupert murdoch

More From Forbes

How to save money on travel insurance if you’re over 60.

  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Linkedin

Getting travel insurance when you're over 60 can be hard. Here's how to make it easier.

Dave Dzurick likes to play it safe when he travels, so he shops around for travel insurance. But lately, he's noticed that the policies have gotten more expensive.

"Each year past 60 seems to increase travel insurance rates," says Dzurick, a retired broadcast engineer from Tucson, Ariz.

It's not just his imagination.

"Age is the crucial underwriting factor in determining trip cancellation and medical assistance risk for the insurance provider," explains John Rose, the chief risk and security officer of ALTOUR .

Age is more important than ever in travel insurance

You would expect something like age-based pricing to be a constant in the travel insurance industry, but not necessarily. Some group travel insurance policies don't consider age. But a shift is underway.

Last year, when Travelex Insurance Services launched its new line of travel protection plans , it called out one enhancement: competitive age-band pricing, which bases its rates on each traveler’s risk level.

"We’re responding to the coverage and benefits our partners and travelers want," notes Brooke Kirby, Travelex vice president of marketing.

In other words, the rate you pay for travel insurance will be more closely aligned with your age than ever. That's good news if you're young. But if you're over 60, it can present a challenge.

NCAA Coaching Carousel: Dusty May Leaves FAU For Michigan

Ufc s dana white cuts fighter immediately after he bit an opponent, the rich rewards of writing well, what is age-band pricing in travel insurance.

Rhonda Abedsalam, vice president of Travel Insurance at AXA Partners US , says age-band pricing is a mechanism designed to align prices with the real risks associated with each age group.

"It provides a fair and balanced approach to travel insurance," she says.

Specifically, this method offers younger travelers access to more affordable options, preventing them from bearing the brunt of a one-size-fits-all pricing strategy. She says older travelers who are looking for lower rates can choose plans offering minimal coverage for a cost-effective solution.

"We always advocate for choosing a plan that balances affordability with comprehensive coverage," she says.

That's a position the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA) agrees with. When I asked about age-band pricing, a representative advised me that it’s important to understand the plan you are purchasing — what is and isn’t covered — and the level of medical expense and medical evacuation limits offered.

"Never purchase based on price alone," says Robert Gallagher, USTIA's president.

Your travel insurance rates may vary

Pricing travel insurance based on age makes sense, say experts.

"There's a higher risk for claims, primarily due to health concerns," explains PK Rao, CEO of INF Visitor Care .

How much more expensive? Consider medical insurance. A 65-year-old U.S. citizen, for example, might pay $9 a day for international travel insurance with a $1 million coverage limit. On the other hand, an 85-year-old American might pay $31 a day for that same insurance policy, according to Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance .

"Fortunately, there are more affordable options for seniors who are more budget-conscious," he says.

How to lower your travel insurance rates if you're over 60

"The easiest way to lower your costs would be to Benjamin Button it and get younger," jokes Michal Wieczorek, global client relations and intelligence specialist at Insured Nomads .

Seriously, though, he says choosing higher deductibles and lower medical maximums can cut your insurance costs. He says some insurers specialize in benefits for older travelers but cautions buyers to be careful.

"Read the fine print, because certain benefits may decrease or be eliminated above certain ages, especially things like accidental death and dismemberment and evacuation benefits," he adds.

There's a difference between retail travel insurance and group insurance, adds Dan Skilken, president of Tripinsurance.com.

"Retail travel insurance policies are price-sensitive based on age, trip cost, and the length of the trip," he says. "Commercial policies sold through cruise or major tour companies are generally not priced based on age."

In other words, sometimes older travelers can get a better price going through the cruise line or tour operator for travel insurance. But here again, buyers need to be careful, he adds, since some of those policies may lack essential coverage.

How one customer saved money on travel insurance after age 60

Dzurick says he's not deterred by the higher rates because he knows the value of travel insurance.

"For me, one way to save on travel insurance is to get a separate medical rider covering only the basics," he says.

A bare-bones policy would cover only essential items like medical care when you're abroad and emergency evacuation, but would omit some of the other features of travel insurance like coverage of lost luggage or trip interruption.

There's another method Dzurick likes. He checks with his employer-provided insurance to see if it will offer coverage.

"My former employer recently changed insurance plans for retirees, and it turns out the new policy provides coverage worldwide," he says. "So there's no need for any additional coverage."

Some travel insurance companies offer reduced coverage for older travelers. For example, INF has policy maximums up to $250,000 for policyholders who are older than 70 to ease the concerns of travelers.

"You can also take a fixed benefit option which offers lower payments, but still has evacuation benefits," notes Rao.

Cronin says there are budget-friendly options for U.S. seniors traveling outside the U.S. He likes Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Insurance and Atlas Travel Medical, both of which offer affordable options for seniors traveling to the U.S.

Another travel insurance hack: the two-policy option

Another way to get affordable coverage with a decently high policy maximum if you’ve aged out of the coverage you prefer is to purchase two travel medical insurance plans, according to James Nuttall, general manager of Insubuy .

"Each plan is considered secondary to the other, and they can share the load for claims involving large medical expenses," he explains.

For instance, a plan offering $250,000 worth of coverage may not be in the budget for your age group. But two plans offering $100,000 worth of coverage each might be.

"Just keep in mind that each plan must be from a different insurance company," he adds. "You can’t just purchase two of the same plans."

Pro tip: If you decide to go down this road, work with an experienced travel advisor who knows how two insurance policies would work together.

Other ways to save money on travel insurance if you're over 60

There are other ways to save money, according to Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Partners USA .

Consider an annual travel insurance policy

Purchasing an annual travel insurance policy can be a smart choice for those who have more than three trips planned in a year, says Durazo. Unlike a one-trip plan, an annual plan protects all of your trips in a 365-day period, which can save you money, rather than insuring each trip separately. Annual policies are sometimes offered at a flat rate, meaning your cost may not increase with age and trip cost.

Buy a plan that includes more

For example, some travel insurance policies include children at no additional charge. That includes Allianz’s OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier, both of which cover children aged 17 and younger when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

Focus on trip cancellation benefits for U.S. trips

Durazo says trip cancellation benefits may cover the cost of canceling your trip if you encounter a situation covered by your policy. These benefits can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you have to cancel your trip at the last minute for a covered reason. They're among the most frequently used benefits for U.S. trips (often, medical expenses are covered by your health insurance plan).

Get a plan with post-departure benefits if you're going abroad

Post-departure benefits can kick in as soon as you begin your trip. They can include coverage for travel delays, baggage loss or damage and baggage delay, according to Durazo. It can also include emergency medical and emergency transportation benefits, which are highly recommended for overseas travel.

Age-band pricing is more pervasive than ever in travel insurance. If you're headed somewhere this summer, make sure you know all of your options before you buy a policy.

Christopher Elliott

  • Editorial Standards
  • Reprints & Permissions

Prince Harry’s attorney goes after Rupert Murdoch in phone-hacking case

Prince Harry wearing a blue suit and gray tie

  • Show more sharing options
  • Copy Link URL Copied!

An attorney for Prince Harry accused Rupert Murdoch this week of knowing about News Group Newspapers’ alleged use of illegal tactics such as phone hacking to acquire information about the Duke of Sussex and others.

Lawyer David Sherborne went after Murdoch on Wednesday during a three-day hearing in London’s High Court to add more allegations to the duke’s lawsuit against the publisher. Harry, actor Hugh Grant and other claimants now allege that Murdoch and other media executives were complicit in a scheme to conceal and destroy evidence of News Group Newspapers’ misconduct.

“It is inferred that they would not have been carrying out this extensive concealment and destruction strategy without the knowledge and approval of Rupert Murdoch,” Sherborne said in a court filing, according to the Associated Press .

Prince Harry smiles and waves in suit as photographers take his picture on his way out of a British courthouse

Entertainment & Arts

Prince Harry hails court victory as ‘great day for truth’ after judge finds tabloid hacked his phone

Prince Harry has won his phone-hacking lawsuit against the Daily Mirror publisher, the first of his several lawsuits against tabloids going to trial.

Dec. 15, 2023

In a statement provided Friday to The Times, a spokesperson for News Group Newspapers said that the company delivered an “unreserved apology ... to victims of voicemail interception” and has been paying damages to those affected since 2011.

“These allegations have nothing to do with seeking compensation for victims of phone hacking or unlawful information gathering and should be viewed with considerable caution not only in relation to their veracity but also in the light of those who are behind them,” the spokesperson said. “They are irrelevant to the fair and just determination of claims.”

Defense attorney Anthony Hudson dismissed the additional allegations as an attempted campaign “against the tabloid press” and “substitute for a public inquiry.” He added that the proposed amendments “appear to be designed to grab headlines.”

The News Group lawsuit alleges that staffers at tabloids the News of the World and the Sun violated Harry, Grant and others’ privacy by intercepting voicemails, tapping phones, bugging cars and lying to spy on them between 1994 and 2016. The claimants have also accused newspaper executives of putting out false statements, erasing millions of emails and paying hush money to hide the illegal activity.

Murdoch — the former chairman of Fox Corp. and News Corp. who stepped down from his position in September — and other execs stand accused of disseminating a false narrative that “one rogue reporter” at News of the World was to blame for the espionage.

Rupert Murdoch Credit: FOX © PITER 2012

Company Town

Rupert Murdoch, the powerful and polarizing media mogul, steps down as chairman of Fox

Murdoch will be chairman emeritus of Fox Corp. and News Corp., while his son Lachlan will become the sole chairman in charge of the companies.

Sept. 21, 2023

“Those individuals, and NGN and News International corporately, were dishonest in making these statements since they knew them to be false at the time they were made,” Sherborne told the Associated Press.

The News Group trial date is tentatively set for January.

Harry has also sued two other British publishers for using illegal methods to gather intel. In December, the rebellious member of the English monarchy won his phone-hacking lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mirror.

A High Court justice awarded Harry 140,000 pounds after determining that Mirror Group Newspapers regularly hacked phones and tapped private investigators to spy on the duke and people close to him. The justice also found that executives at the publisher covered up journalists’ actions.

“Today is a great day for truth, as well as accountability,” Harry said in a statement read by his attorney after the verdict was reached in December.

“I’ve been told that slaying dragons will get you burned. But in light of today’s victory and the importance of doing what is needed for a free and honest press, it is a worthwhile price to pay. The mission continues.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

More to Read

FILE - Prince Harry leaves the High Court after giving evidence in London, Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Prince Harry is challenging on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, the British government’s decision to strip him of his security detail after he gave up his status as a working member of the royal family and moved to the United States. The Duke of Sussex said he wants protection when he visits home and claimed it's partly because an aggressive press jeopardizes his safety and that of his family. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, File)

2 neo-Nazi podcasters sentenced to prison for targeting Prince Harry and his son

Jan. 5, 2024

The Fox News studios and headquarters in New York City on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

Former Fox News staffer says he was fired for challenging Jan. 6 and election fraud reporting

Nov. 14, 2023

FILE - Britain's Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, waves during the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix auto race at Circuit of the Americas, on Oct. 22, 2023, in Austin, Texas. A British judge ruled Friday that a lawsuit by Prince Harry, Elton John and five other celebrities accusing a newspaper publisher of unlawful information-gathering should go to a full trial. The claimants, who include John’s husband David Furnish and actors Liz Hurley and Sadie Frost, accuse the publisher of the Daily Mail of paying private investigators to illegally bug homes and cars and to record phone conversations. (AP Photo/Nick Didlick, File)

Prince Harry’s lawsuit against Daily Mail publisher can go to trial, British judge says

Nov. 10, 2023

Inside the business of entertainment

The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

travel phone hacks

Christi Carras reports on the entertainment industry for the Los Angeles Times. She previously covered entertainment news for The Times after graduating from UCLA and working at Variety, the Hollywood Reporter and CNN Newsource.

More From the Los Angeles Times

 A blue logo of a bulldog inside a circle that reads, "Long Beach Media Guild a unit of the NewsGuild-CWA"

Long Beach Post staffers laid off after moving to unionize and going on strike

March 22, 2024

A 'Dragon Ball Z' booth during New York Comic Con

‘Dragon Ball’ theme park set to open in Saudi Arabia

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks at an Apple event on the campus of Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

What the DOJ’s antitrust suit against Apple means for everyone with an iPhone

March 21, 2024

Nelson Peltz, founder partner and CEO of Trian Fund Management, at his office in New York, June 28, 2022.

In a Disney snub, Nelson Peltz lands major endorsement in proxy fight

  • Skip to main content
  • Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Rupert Murdoch and new 'Washington Post' CEO accused of cover-up in hacking scandal

David Folkenflik 2018 square

David Folkenflik

travel phone hacks

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch (right) rides with Will Lewis, then the general manager of Murdoch's News International and now The Washington Post 's CEO, in July 2011. Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images hide caption

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch (right) rides with Will Lewis, then the general manager of Murdoch's News International and now The Washington Post 's CEO, in July 2011.

For the first time, media titan Rupert Murdoch was accused in court of personally knowing about phone hacking and other illegal acts by his British tabloids stretching back nearly two decades, far earlier than he admitted, and giving "knowingly false" evidence under oath in an official inquiry.

In addition, lawyers for Britain's Prince Harry, the actor Hugh Grant and other prominent figures accused The Washington Post 's new publisher and chief executive, Will Lewis, of actively plotting to cover up senior executives' role in the scandal when he worked for the Murdoch publishing empire in London, now called News UK. NPR previously reported on these allegations against Lewis, but Wednesday's presentation fleshed them out with damning detail.

The accusations threaten to tether the two men together at a time when Lewis is seeking to push forward in his new role at the Post . Lewis and the Post declined comment through a newspaper spokesperson. An aide to Murdoch did not respond to a query seeking comment from the 93-year-old media mogul.

The accusations arose during an effort by litigants to amend their phone-hacking lawsuit against Murdoch's British newspaper arm. If successful, the case would lodge broader and deeper charges that place Murdoch, Lewis and News UK chief Rebekah Brooks, among other executives, at center stage.

Harry and the others are suing over a variety of forms of invasion of privacy, which include phone hacking, computer hacking, and payments to acquire confidential personal information.

Brooks, a former chief editor of Murdoch's News of the World and Sun tabloids, resigned as the head of his British publishing empire amid the scandal. She returned to the same job in 2015 after she was acquitted of criminal charges related to the hacking. Harry's lawyer, David Sherborne, wrote in legal briefs in support of the argument that Brooks "lied and/or gave deliberately misleading evidence" at her criminal trial. Sherborne is representing 40 plaintiffs.

Murdoch's News UK says the allegations and the documents on which they are based are too old to justify broadening the scope of the lawsuits.

"These proceedings have now been going on for over fifteen years and [the Murdoch publishing company] is seeking to bring them to a close," a spokesperson for News UK's tabloid division said in a statement. "Between 2011-2015, a large[-]scale police investigation resulted in the trials of many individuals in the criminal courts. Corporate liability was also investigated at length and, in 2015, the Crown Prosecution Service concluded that there was no evidence to support charges against the company."

Sherborne says that the company has not been forthcoming and that his legal team received new information as recently as December 2023.

A widespread hacking scandal scars Britain

For years, investigators and journalists working for Murdoch's British tabloids had hacked into the voicemails and emails of royals, politicians and the stars of sports, music, movies and more. Revelations surfaced in isolated cases, starting with the arrest of a correspondent in 2006. Murdoch's executives insisted that this was the result of a "rogue reporter."

The scandal erupted into public view in 2011 when it became clear that the phones of everyday people had been hacked - including the victims of violent crime and veterans killed in combat.

Ex-British officials say Murdoch tabloids hacked them to aid corporate agenda

Ex-British officials say Murdoch tabloids hacked them to aid corporate agenda

Murdoch's tabloids weren't the only ones that took such actions, but they were considered — by far — the most grievous transgressors. To date, Murdoch's News Corp. has paid an estimated $1.5 billion in settlements and costs associated with the hacking scandal. Late last fall, it made a six-figure payment to former Cabinet Minister Chris Huhne , whose scandals had been intensely covered by the tabloids.

In court on Wednesday, Anthony Hudson, an attorney for News Corp.'s British tabloids, warned that the allegations "should be viewed with considerable caution," according to Reuters . "It has become increasingly clear that at least some members of the claimant group appear to be using this document as a vehicle for wider campaigning interests against the tabloid press."

Accusations against The Washington Post 's CEO

Lewis, who joined News UK in 2010, was assigned to help Brooks reform the tabloids. According to Prince Harry's legal team, Lewis tried to cover up wrongdoing.

Lewis stands accused of helping to propagate a false tale that a leading member of Parliament had tried to access Brooks' computer data illegally, to justify the wiping clean of her emails. The hard drive of one of her two computers was later reported missing.

On the same day in late January 2011 that the plan to hide Brooks' emails was hatched, according to the plaintiffs, Brooks sent an email in which she said Lewis and a friend of his would "present a plan this week on our strategy - once KRM [Keith Rupert Murdoch] has the full facts from day one - from 2005 from me."

Sherborne used that email, a copy of which has been reviewed by NPR, to allege that Murdoch had been briefed on plans to hide evidence and cover up the scope of the scandal. News UK says it will not address specific allegations.

As NPR has previously reported, Grant and Harry's legal team cites an email Lewis sent in early February 2011 to News UK's IT chief. He relayed "the green light" from a top corporate lawyer to continue what he called "the email migration progress." The lawyers say that this phrase was code for mass erasures. The company subsequently deleted more than 15 million emails sent prior to the start of 2008, they say.

The next day, a police official wrote in a briefing memo that News Corp. informed police there was "no data" before Jan. 1, 2008. Other emails from later years were also erased.

The company and Murdoch apologized publicly for the hacking in July 2011 after The Guardian revealed that people working on behalf of News of the World had hacked into the voicemail messages of the mobile phone of a missing 13-year-old girl named Milly Dowler. She turned out to have been killed .

Subsequent scoops showed the practice to be widespread — "law breaking on an industrial scale," in the memorable words of former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Brown's voice messages, his financial documents and his family's medical records had been targeted by the paper as well, through efforts at hacking and paying hospital staffers for private information that appeared in The Sun .

Rupert Murdoch says Fox stars 'endorsed' lies about 2020. He chose not to stop them

Rupert Murdoch says Fox stars 'endorsed' lies about 2020. He chose not to stop them

Murdoch named Lewis as one of three executives on a new Management and Standards Committee. It was designed, Murdoch said then, to aid prosecutors investigating the cases.

Instead, the lawyers allege, Lewis had been and continued to be part of damage control efforts as each passing day brought new damning revelations.

That summer, Lewis emailed the editor of The Sun to tell him to "stay calm" after Brown told a rival tabloid that he believed his son's medical information had been illegally obtained by The Sun . Lewis also advised the editor to secure a signed affidavit from the confidential source saying he did not have access to the medical records of Brown's son.

Harry's legal team argues that this shows a guilty intent to conceal the truth: that the paper had paid the hospital staffer for the information. The U.K.'s National Health Service has attested it is "probable" that this is where the information came from.

Murdoch and News Corp. later named Lewis publisher of The Wall Street Journal , a position he held from 2014 to 2020. He took command of The Washington Post under owner Jeff Bezos in January.

"I did whatever I could to preserve journalistic integrity," Lewis told The Post last fall about his work addressing the tabloids hacking scandal at News UK. "I took a view very early on that I'm never going to talk about it. And it's either right or wrong that I've done that."

  • British tabloids
  • Prince Harry
  • Rupert Murdoch
  • The Washington Post

IMAGES

  1. 12 Smartphone Travel Hacks

    travel phone hacks

  2. 10 Best Travel Hacks Infographic • Nnena Odim

    travel phone hacks

  3. 26 of the Best Travel Life Hacks (That You NEED for Your Next Trip!)

    travel phone hacks

  4. Travel Hacks in 2022 (with Pictures)

    travel phone hacks

  5. Cell Phone Travel Hacks To Save You Money

    travel phone hacks

  6. 15 Phone Hacks Every Traveler Needs To Know (With images)

    travel phone hacks

COMMENTS

  1. 74 Genius Travel Hacks: Your Path to Seamless Adventures!

    The Best Travel Hacks in 2023. After decades of frequent travel, I've learned a few things along the way. Most of this learning was unfortunately done the hard way. But the best thing about learning stuff the hard way is that you don't forget it! So today I am sharing all of my best travel hacks and travel tips that you might not already know.

  2. 70 Genius (and Unexpected!) Travel Hacks

    70 Travel Hacks That Will Blow Your Mind 1. Use my "contact lens case" hack for makeup and skincare products.. This is one of my best space saving packing hacks. People tend to take up unnecessary room in their toiletry bags by bringing full-sized products.. Here's the trick: put your foundation, moisturizer, eye cream, and any other liquid products into contact lens cases.

  3. 50+ Travel Hacks For A Stress-Free Vacation

    45 genius travel hacks for a stress-free holiday. These travel tips will save you money, time, and space! Check them out today! 45 genius travel hacks for a stress-free holiday. ... Just open the Google Map app on your phone while you are connected online, find the place you are looking for, then click on the 3 little dots on your screen and ...

  4. 8 Mobile Phone Travel Hacks To Save You Time & Money

    3. Mobile Phone Travel Hacks - Google Translate. Learning a few words of the language of the country you are travelling to is always a great idea. Having a translation app on your phone is also extremely helpful and Google Translate works extremely well.

  5. 99 Travel Hacks To Make Your Next Trip A Little Easier

    1. To save time, only pack a carry-on; no more waiting at baggage claim! 2. If you decide to check a bag in, throw an Airtag into your suitcase, so you can always track where it is and ensure it's reached your destination. 3. For the best possible travel deals, be flexible on your destination and dates.

  6. 51 Practical Travel Hacks For Smarter Travel (2024)

    2. Use Google Maps Without the Internet. Google Maps have been one of our few favorite travel hacks. If you have enough space on your phone, download Google maps and browse the location you need to visit. Tab "…" on the top of the screen to download the offline map of that particular area.

  7. 14 travel hacks to change how you travel forever

    Travel hacks for packing. 10. Roll your clothes. Undoubtedly one of the best packing hacks for travel is also one of the simplest: rolling your clothes. The logic behind it is that rolling your clothes can not only save space in your luggage but reduce wrinkles - which are a headache if you can't access an iron.

  8. Travel Hacks: 10 Tips For Using Your Phone Abroad

    Apps like Whatsapp, Skype and Facebook Messenger allow you to call and message through an internet connection, so it's super easy to stay connected online - simply download the apps onto your phone before you travel, and voilà! 8. Download maps on WiFi. This is our absolute favourite phone travel hack if you're going overseas…

  9. 66 Savvy Traveling Hacks That Make Travel A Smooth Landing

    1| Reserve A House. Book a house instead of a hotel in case you are traveling with a family or a single room if traveling alone is one of the traveling hacks you should consider. There are some websites and apps like 99Acres, NestAway, AirBnB, and many others that can provide houses and private rooms from homeowners for rent, which generally ...

  10. Travel 101: Our Favorite Hacks, Hints and How-Tos

    The air onboard is extremely dry. Pack a decent moisturizer, lip balm, lubricating eye drops and a small nasal spray. Try to avoid alcohol and drink as much water as you can throughout the flight ...

  11. 9 hidden iPhone features for travellers

    In this list of 9 hidden iPhone features for travellers, we take a look at the underrated tools, tricks and hacks that everyone who goes travelling or on vacation should know about.

  12. 100 Of The World's Best Travel Hacks

    Nikki Wallman, travel and lifestyle writer. 7. Stay well oiled. I travel a lot and planes are unfortunately a singer's worst nightmare when it comes to germs, recycled air and getting sick. Lavender oil is a must for me, it's antibacterial and so damn relaxing.

  13. 11 of the Most Clever Travel Hacks, According to TikTok

    Play "flight roulette" for the cheapest flights. Credit: Rawpixel.com - Shutterstock. TikTok creator My Life's a Travel Movie shares her method for flying cheaply, called "flight roulette ...

  14. 26 Unconventional Travel Hacks You Need for Your Next Trip

    19. Download Google Maps for use offline by typing in "OK Map". One of my favourite new travel hacks - this is SUCH a lifesaver. If you have sufficient space on your phone, you can easily download Google Maps to browse offline on mobile, even when you don't have Internet connection.

  15. 18 Easy Travel Hacks That Will Save You Time

    18 Easy Travel Hacks That Will Save You Time. December 01, 2023. By Travel Insider Writers. Share this article. Planning any holiday requires keeping track of everything from packing lists to passports. ... a pen for immigration forms, a phone charger and a spare set of clothes in case of spills, for example.

  16. 14 Best International Travel Hacks For Americans

    International travel hacks for Americans. Photograph: Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 1. Get global entry and TSA pre-check. If you've ever gone through customs, you know how brutally ...

  17. 46 Amazing Airplane Hacks To Boost Your Flight/Travel Experience

    Post-flight Airport Hacks. The travel hacks don't stop when your flight lands. Use these tips to travel like a pro. 43. Find Your Luggage Quickly. Many bags can look the same, so it's smart to use a unique luggage tag or tie a brightly colored ribbon around your checked bags to make them easily identifiable in the baggage carousel ...

  18. Points & Miles 101: A Beginner's Guide (Updated 2024)

    Collecting points and miles involves signing up for travel credit cards and collecting credit card points, hotel points, and/or airline miles you can cash in for free flights, flight upgrades, hotel stays, transportation, and much, much more. While there are a ton of advanced tips, tricks, and hacks to out there (and we go over a lot of them in ...

  19. 20 Travel Hacks That Will Save You Money In 2024

    1. Book In The Afternoon. Though it's well known that flight prices are likely to fluctuate during the week, not many people know that they also change during the day. To save some money, book in the afternoon as prices tend to be higher in the morning when business travelers book most of their flights. 2.

  20. 21 Travel Hacks for Flying: Flight Hacks to Save Time, Money + Hassle

    How to set up price alerts with Google Flights: Step 1: Select your departure airport, destination, dates, and other travel information (i.e. number of passengers). Step 2: Click the "Track Prices" toggle. This will allow Google to automatically track the flight prices. Step 3: A pop-up will appear on your screen.

  21. 12 Insanely Easy Travel Hacks for Your Next Trip

    Too many travel hacks involve carrying around a lot of stuff or a level of craftsy-ness that would lead to an Etsy empire. ... Find the Nearest Police Station and Phone Number. In the event of a ...

  22. 38 Travel Hacks (That Will Save You So Much Money)

    Here are 38 Travel Hacks that will save you money! These travel hacks will help with packing. I will show tips and tricks for airport security TSA line. You ...

  23. 21 Travel Hacks You Must Know in 2023

    1. Download offline maps for easy access. Download maps and use them offline. This is a great travel hack as you might not have continuous internet access while travelling to a new country. Even though offline maps offer limited features compared to online maps, they come in handy while navigating in a new city.

  24. 11 Travel Hacks You Need To Know To Survive a Long-Haul Flight

    It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning cracked in the distance as I zipped up my travel pillow like a shield against the impending 18 hours of recycled air and crying babies. Dramatics aside ...

  25. My travel hack saves so much time and stress

    Hailed the "ultimate plane hack" in December, plane passengers began using airline vomit bags as phone holsters during flights, allowing them to view their screen hands-free while flying.

  26. Those viral TikTok travel hacks may soon be obsolete as airlines clamp

    Travel experts have previously told Business Insider that these hacks aren't a guaranteed way to avoid charges, as it's at the discretion of the gate agent to decide which items meet the requirements.

  27. Rupert Murdoch 'turned a blind eye' to phone hacking allegations at the

    Rupert Murdoch 'turned a blind eye' to phone hacking allegations at the News Of The World and The Sun, High Court told. Lawyers for a group of 45 individuals suing News Group Newspapers for ...

  28. How To Save Money On Travel Insurance If You're Over 60

    Getting travel insurance when you're over 60 can be hard. Here's how to make it easier. getty. Dave Dzurick likes to play it safe when he travels, so he shops around for travel insurance.

  29. Prince Harry's attorney goes after Rupert Murdoch in phone-hacking case

    An attorney for Prince Harry accused Rupert Murdoch this week of knowing about News Group Newspapers' alleged use of illegal tactics such as phone hacking to acquire information about the Duke ...

  30. Rupert Murdoch and 'Washington Post' CEO accused of hacking cover-up in

    For the first time, media titan Rupert Murdoch was accused in court of personally knowing about phone hacking and other illegal acts by his British tabloids stretching back nearly two decades, far ...