15 Terrific Travel Hacks for Your Most Relaxing Vacation Yet

Traveling to a new country and seeing some new sights is one of the most exhilarating feelings in the world. However, it often takes a lot of work. Planning a trip can be tricky and stressful, but luckily, we’ve gathered a few tips to make it easier.

1. Make Use of Your Google Maps

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This is to avoid getting lost in a foreign city. The thing is, Google Maps works with an internet connection. What if there’s none? Don’t fret; there’s a hack inside this hack. You can download an offline version of the city you plan to visit.

2. Carry an Extension Cable

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Your devices are essential during any trip. You would not want any of them to die during your traveling journey. Which means you have to charge them constantly. So, yes. A portable extension cable is necessary. Plus, it might come in handy at the hotel, too.

3. Roll Your Clothes

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Image Credit: Shutterstock/Diego Cervo.

One individual says, “Roll your clothes when packing. Instead of creating a folded pile in your suitcase, rolling allows you to fit more things in.”

I found out a while ago that this hack is brilliant. It is so efficient for having more space when packing. Also, it keeps the wrinkles out.

4. Scan Your Credentials

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This is a hack that you should practice more often. A user suggests, “Scan your passport, identification card, and itinerary and email them to yourself.” In case of misplacement or theft, you have copies of your documents in your mail. No stress.

5. Wrap Your Shoes in a Shower Cap

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Image Credit: Shutterstock/Roman Samborskyi.

Wrapping your shoes has several pros. First, the elastic band around the shower cap will keep the shoes intact, while the plastic will keep your clothes clean. Plus, it’s easy to clean whatever stain the shoe would leave on the shower cap.

6. Pack Light and Smart

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Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Pack only the things you need. Something you would make use of. Also, make use of your shoes, clothes, and extra space you have in your bag. You can put your socks in your shoes or roll your undies in your clothes. Just be creative. The more stuff you can fit in, the better.

7. Mark Your Luggage as “Fragile”

Man going on vacation with fragile suitcases.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Elnur.

It doesn’t matter if you have nothing fragile in your bag. Marking it as such would make everyone handle your luggage carefully, and officials would pack your bags at the top of the luggage pile. This also means less waiting time.

8. Always Carry Cash on You

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Image Credit: Shutterstock/
Roman Samborskyi.

Split up your cash into two or more places. Only carry some of your money on you, but also ensure you always have enough cash. This way, you’ll always have money in your wallet — and if you lose it, you won’t be stranded.

9. Be Nice and Cautious

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Image Credit: Shutterstock/Supavadee butradee.

Be nice, especially in a foreign place. Treat the staff at the airport and the hotel nicely. That might make all the difference on your trip.

In the same vein, you should also be careful. Don’t be too trusting that you forget people can be weird. Be nice to people, but follow your instincts too.

10. Wear a Comfortable Outfit

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zigres

Some people would be more comfortable wearing six-inch stiletto heels and fancy clothes to travel. Others would prefer flat shoes, jeans, and a shirt anytime. All that matters is that you are comfortable in whatever outfit you wear. It’s even more critical if the flight is long.

11. Be Ready for Emergencies

Mother was giving first aid to her son. A boy has get an accident in the jungle.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/No-Te Eksarunchai.

It’s safer to travel with a first-aid kit with you. Even though we wish for a safe trip to and fro without mishaps, anything can happen. So it’s better to be prepared.

You can put in some medications, bandages, extra batteries, a flashlight, light snacks, drinking water, etc. Anything that you can make use of in an emergency.

12. Get to the Airport on Time

Young woman at the airport.
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A commenter shares their thoughts on this. “Get to the airport early. Really…there’s no reason not to have a leisurely check-in and sit with a book or computer on the other side of security.” A smooth check-in, with no rush or panic, is possible; you only have to get to the airport on time.

13. Carry a Smaller Bag

Airport Terminal: Woman Waits for Flight, Uses Smartphone, Browse Internet, Social Media, Online Shopping. Traveling Female Remote Work Online on Mobile Phone in a Boarding Lounge of Airline Hub
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Gorodenkoff.

This small bag would contain your personal effects, including your flight ticket. This way, you wouldn’t have to unzip your bag whenever you need something.

14. Keep a Checklist on You

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Image Credit: Shutterstock/Kmpzzz.

A checklist comes in handy before you travel and after. The list also serves as a reminder for when you are packing up to leave. This way, you remember everything.

15. Learn How To Say Thank You

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Image Credit: Shutterstock/Iryna Inshyna.

Learn to say the three magic words in the language of the place you’re visiting. If your trip takes you to a foreign city, learning how to say these simple words and phrases in that language won’t hurt.

This thread inspired this article.

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