People who travel often adopt many hacks and habits that make their trips run more smoothly. These include thorough planning, efficient packing, smart strategies to secure affordable flights, and proactive measures to ensure their safety while on the road. For instance, when flying with budget airlines such as Ryanair, which enforce strict 10 kg baggage limits, adopting a light packing strategy can help avoid additional charges. Following the proven advice of seasoned travelers is essential for a successful journey overseas.
The Planning Stage
Some people love organizing trips, others don’t, but regardless, it has to be done if you want things to go well. The good news is that if you approach things strategically, the prep work can be easier and even a little enjoyable. The travel planners out there know exactly what I’m talking about.
Don’t Rely on Just One Website When Looking for a Place to Stay
We’ve all become a bit too comfortable logging on to Booking.com and reserving the cheapest hotel we see because everything else is overpriced. But experienced travelers know there are other ways to save on accommodation, such as reaching out to hotels directly via social media or WhatsApp. They often offer better rates when you message them and book directly.
Plan a Personalized Route Using Google Maps
Writing a list of things to do in your phone’s notes app is old news. Nowadays, Google Maps has a great feature that lets you create your own custom maps. You can pin attractions, plan your route, and easily hop between places you want to visit.
Download a Few Key Apps to Make Life Easier on the Road
There are plenty of helpful apps that can make your time on the road easier. For weather, try Windy, which has a reliable radar so you’ll always know when the next downpour is coming. XE Currency Exchange is perfect for real-time currency conversions. If you want to avoid paying overpriced taxi fares, download some of the main ride-sharing apps, like Uber in Europe, Bolt in Southeast Asia, and inDrive in parts of Africa.
Mastering the Art of Packing
Packing is something most of us dread, but it doesn’t have to be like that. Those ‘what if’ thoughts start swirling through your head: What if I need a few extra shirts? What if I need my hairdryer? But seasoned travelers don’t stress about that stuff, as they’ve got their packing routine down to a T with a few simple hacks.
Lighter is Better
There’s no need to overload your bag with things you know you won’t use. Packing fewer items will (1) make the process far less stressful, (2) give you more space for what you actually need, and (3) save you money, especially if you’re flying with airlines like Ryanair that have strict baggage limits. Just stick to a 10kg bag instead of paying extra to upgrade to 20kg.
Use Packing Cubes
Tossing everything into your bag without a plan is a recipe for disaster. Instead, invest in packing cubes. They’ll help keep your items organized, evenly distributed, and easy to find whenever you need them. At least then you won’t have to waste time rooting around for something whenever you need it.
Stick to Carry-on if Possible
Choosing a carry-on instead of checked luggage makes travel so much easier. When you land, you can grab your bag and head straight out of the airport, skipping the wait at the baggage carousel entirely.
The Best Ways to Get Cheap Flights
Who doesn’t love picking up some cheap flight deals? Saving a few hundred on a flight you’ve been watching for a while feels amazing, and here’s how the pros do it.
Set Flight Alerts
Flight alerts are a game-changer when searching for cheap fares. This clever feature, found on many flight websites, including Kiwi, lets you receive notifications whenever a specific flight changes in price. For example, if you plan to fly from Dubai to Bangkok with Emirates, you can set a flight alert a few months in advance. Each time that flight’s price goes up or down, you’ll be the first to know, giving you the chance to buy when prices are low.
Swap Between Currencies and Locations
Sometimes, it can be cheaper to buy your flights in a different currency or from another location. Many websites let you change your country and currency settings, so you could, for instance, set your location to Indonesia and purchase your ticket in Indonesian Rupiahs (RP). In some cases, it works out better than buying in Euros.
Purchase Two Individual Tickets
Flying into certain airports can be pricey, but it can be more affordable if you travel through another nearby airport in the region. That’s why buying two separate tickets, one to get you to the region and another to reach your final destination, may save you money. For example, if flights to San Francisco are expensive on your travel dates, you could book a flight to New York first, then a separate domestic flight from New York to San Francisco, which might cost less overall.
Keeping Safe While Traveling
Staying safe when traveling is essential, but with a few expert-approved strategies, you can explore with confidence.
Download a VPN
VPNs can come in handy when paying for things online while in a foreign country, as they mask your identity and make it difficult for opportunists to track you. There are some free options out there, but I’d recommend spending a little on a good one for that extra layer of protection. Surfshark and NordVPN are popular choices.
Do Your Research on Places to Avoid
Just because there are some no-go areas in a country or city doesn’t mean the whole place is dangerous, but you should still do some in-depth research on which spots to avoid wherever you’re traveling. Your government’s foreign affairs website is a good place to start, as it often provides up-to-date information on regions considered unsafe. Asking around in Facebook groups focused on the destination can also be helpful, as locals are often active in them and can share some insight while on the ground.
Split Up Your Cards and Cash
Without money, you won’t get far, so you’ll want to keep your cards and cash safe while on the road. The best strategy is to split them up in your luggage, that way, if you lose one, you’ll still have a backup. I like to keep two stashes of cash in two wallets: one as a dummy wallet with a small amount, and another with the rest hidden away.
Follow These Travel-Savvy Habits for a Smoother Trip
Travel is something we can’t get enough of. It’s addicting, exciting, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable. But with these few clever hacks and habits from seasoned travelers, you can handle any bumps along the way!
Urgent & Practical Travel FAQs You Should Know Before You Fly
What’s the best way to manage travel documents?
Always keep both printed and digital copies of your travel documents in case you lose them. No airline will let you travel without a passport (unless you have a local ID card), so having copies is essential to ensure you can still fly. If you lose your documents, contact your country’s embassy in the place you’re traveling to immediately so they can assist you.
What’s the most effective way to stay connected when abroad?
Many well-traveled people either buy a local SIM card upon arrival or get an eSIM in advance. Major hubs like Istanbul Airport and Bahrain International Airport have providers that sell physical SIMs with good data deals, while eSIM companies such as Holafly offer great online options. It’s important to compare both and choose whichever provides better data coverage in the region you’re visiting.
Do many experienced travelers take out travel insurance for their trips?
Yes. Travel insurance is non-negotiable for any experienced traveler, as it provides protection if something goes wrong, whether it’s health issues, political instability, or lost belongings. There are many providers with comprehensive plans, some better than others, so always choose the one that best suits your specific needs.
Is there anything I can do to make my trip stress-free?
You can reduce stress while traveling in all sorts of ways, including downloading all the essential apps you’ll need and keeping your luggage light. It’s important to plan ahead of time to avoid rushing at the last minute. Consider creating checklists in the lead-up to your trip to stay organized and on top of things.