Hey friends. I came across a question in an online travel forum with some unique answers that I’m eager to share with you. What is your best travel tip that most people don’t know? Check these out.
1. Packing Cubes
“Roll everything, and fold nothing.” The number-one-voted tip that only some know about or embrace is packing cubes. One clarified that they are like little drawers for your suitcases, and they conveniently sit in drawers in hotels. Then, all you do is unzip!
Related: Travel Hacking: It’s How You Save Money Traveling
2. Bring an Orange
Have you ever intentionally packed an orange to combat a smelly traveler situation? I haven’t, but I am intrigued. This traveler insists on it, stating it acts as a natural deodorizer if you find yourself next to someone with a less-than-pleasant odor. Depending on where you land, leave the orange on the plane.
3. Stupid and Cheerful
“Stupid and Cheerful.” A traveler shared an elderly couple drove across Africa, and their advice was “stupid and cheerful.” For example, if a police officer stops you in a foreign country? Stupid and cheerful.
Does the border guard state your affairs aren’t in order? Stupid and Cheerful. Can’t get on the plane because the airline says it’s too late? Stupid and cheerful. “It transcends culture. Punishing someone is far harder if they claim ignorance and are smiling.”
4. Distinct Hat
One of the most fascinating answers was having a “distinct hat.” But the traveler gave tons of great reasons: easy to identify when meeting strangers, taking the hat off shows obedience to authority for smoother conversations with officials. Also, it feels fantastic, soaked in cold water on a scorching day.
5. Search Flight In the Language of the Airlines
“Try searching for flights in the airline’s original language.” For example, one person shared that they saved $700 by booking tickets in Peru using Spanish versus English. Somebody semi-jokingly responded, “That’s crazy. No, wait, Esta Loca.”
6. Dish Soap Sponge Cubes
Okay, this is truly a unique tip. Suppose you are using travel coffee mugs and water bottles. In that case, one traveler suggests cutting up a kitchen sponge, soaking them with dish soap, and tossing them in a Ziploc bag. Then, you can use them to wash the tumblers in the hotel sink.
7. Avoid the Line
Avoid the line if your flight gets canceled. Two travelers offered alternatives. One suggested calling the airline. The other explained that her sister used the airline’s app and rebooked a connecting flight in about ten minutes while others waited to speak to an agent in line.
8. Hotel Soaps
Grab one of the mini-sized bar soaps or bath gel from your hotel and bring it with you when you go sightseeing. Often bathrooms won’t have hand soap, and you will want to wash your hands with soap, especially before a meal. I wrap the bar soap in a small plastic bag or hair cap often provided at hotels.
9. Luggage Straps
“Get luggage straps for your checked bags.” Luggage looks similar and often is the same. So identifying your bags with luggage straps helps you find them on the carousel. Additionally, if a zipper breaks, your belongings will remain secure. Finally, one noted, “You can buy straps that have your number woven into them.”
Related: The Best Carryon Bag for All Travelers
10. Fanny Pack
Finally, one traveler advised people to get a fanny pack for traveling. And I agree. Initially, I was hesitant because of the style. But talk about a game changer. It doesn’t count as a carry-on or personal item. So you can carry things like your phone, charger, external battery, wallet, pen, and passport.
This thread inspired this post.
