TRAVEL HACKS
1. Buy a set of luggage scales
Most airlines enforce strict weight limits on luggage, and if you get caught out, you’ll be charged extra. You can easily avoid this by packing light and using luggage scales to ensure you’re within the limit. Luggage scales are relatively inexpensive, and you can even get ones that are small enough to fit in your carry-on bag.
Alternatively, you can invest in a suitcase that has a built-in weight scale if you’re feeling fancy and have the budget. These are a little higher end, but they’ll definitely make staying with the weight limit a breeze.
2. Use packing cubes
Packing cubes are one of the best luggage hacks if you’re looking to pack more efficiently. They help you to compartmentalize your belongings so that everything has a place, and nothing gets lost at the bottom of your suitcase. You can simply pull out the cube containing whatever you’re looking for, rather than having to root through your entire suitcase. They’re also great for preventing clothes from getting creased and come in a variety of sizes at an affordable price.
3. Always bring a change of clothes in your carry-on
This is something most people learn from their own hard experience at least once. You finally reach your destination after traveling 9 hours and go to pick up your luggage. You come to find out that it somehow didn’t make the connecting flight. Now you’re stuck in a foreign city with nothing to wear except the clothes on your back.
5% of all mishandled bags are lost each year, so, unfortunately, this is not a rare occurrence. To avoid such a situation, always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage, along with any other essentials such as a toothbrush, deodorant (in a container no larger than 100ml unless purchased in the airport’s duty-free shop), and the like. This means even if your luggage gets lost, you’ll still have essentials to get by for a day or two until you get reunited with your bags.
4. Use a luggage storage company like BagsAway
Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve checked out of your hotel, but you still have a full day of sightseeing ahead of you? Lugging your heavy bags with you around central London or downtown LA isn’t much fun while finding a place to store it can be tricky and often expensive.
BagsAway is one of the best travel hacks for people who want the freedom to get around the city without being tied down by heavy bags. You can store your luggage at any number of locations around major cities and popular travel destinations like New York and Seattle. Simply drop off your bags when you’re ready to start exploring and pick them up when you’re done. It’s safe, convenient, and much cheaper than paying for a hotel storage room. With no limits on how much you can store or for how long, BagsAway is an excellent solution for travelers who want to enjoy a hassle-free day of sightseeing.
Travel Money Saving Hacks
5. Get a travel credit card
If you’re a frequent traveler, a travel credit card can help you to save a lot of money on your trips. Travel credit cards often offer great perks such as free travel insurance, access to airport lounges, and points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. Do your research to find a travel credit card that best suits your needs and make the most of all the perks and benefits it has to offer.
6. Sign up to house sit and save on accommodation costs
While the premise of completely free travel is pretty much non-existent, it’s certainly possible to secure much cheaper accommodation. There are plenty of websites like Trusted House Sitters that connect homeowners with house sitters in exchange for free accommodation (if you pay an annual fee).
All you have to do is look after the home, water the plants, and feed the pets while the owners are away. This is a great option for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind spending a bit of time in one place. Not only will you save on accommodation costs, but you’ll also get to experience a destination like a local.
7. Travel during the shoulder season
The shoulder season is the period between the high season and low season when tourism is typically at a lull. Points in Spring and Autumn normally fall under this category. This is a time when you’ll be able to book popular yoga retreats that are usually completely sold out or any other fun and rewarding activity that you simply wouldn’t be able to experience during peak season. It’s often a great time to travel as flight and accommodation prices are usually lower than they are during the high season.
According to FareCompare.com, the cheapest times of the year to book travel are during the “dead zones” such as early December, late January, spring and late August till October. While the weather can be a bit unpredictable during the shoulder season in many destinations, traveling during this period can be a great way to save money if you don’t mind a little rain or snow.
Travel Hacks for Kids & Parents
8. Bring a busy bag
If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a good idea to bring along a busy bag (or two). A busy bag is simply a small bag filled with activities and toys to keep kids entertained during travel. This is a great way to avoid the dreaded “I’m bored” complaints, which also saves you from splashing out on expensive airport coloring books and toys. All you have to do is fill a small bag with crayons, coloring books, small toys, and anything else you think will keep your child occupied during the journey.
9. Sometimes traveling overnight is better
This is an unconventional travel hack for kids. While it’s hard to deal with an overtired child who’s having a meltdown while queuing for boarding, overnight travel with kids can actually be easier if you can get the timing right. Your kids will hopefully sleep through most of the journey, giving you the opportunity to sit back and relax during your flight. If you’re traveling by car, late night travel can ensure a peaceful drive with back seat silence and clear roads.
