24 Lesser-Known Travel Tips and Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother: Traveling can be both exciting and challenging, especially with the increase in flights and travel options since 2020. While many people are familiar with common tips like rolling clothes or comparing flight prices, there are several lesser-known hacks that can make your travels significantly smoother and more cost-effective. Based on my experience of flying over 40 times in the last two years, here are 24 travel tips and hacks that you may not have heard of but are incredibly useful.
1. Leverage Airline Alliances for Cheaper Flights | 24 Lesser-Known Travel Tips and Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother
When booking flights, check if your airline is part of an alliance. For instance, if you’re flying with Air Canada, see if United Airlines offers the same flight but at a lower rate. Since these airlines share the same flights, you might find a cheaper fare through a different airline within the same alliance.
2. Understand the Airline Operating Your Flight | 24 Lesser-Known Travel Tips and Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother
Sometimes, the airline you book through is not the one operating the flight. For example, a United Airlines ticket might actually be on an Air Canada plane. Knowing this helps you navigate check-in procedures and potential issues.
3. Request Stopovers for Free or Cheap | 24 Lesser-Known Travel Tips and Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother
If your flight has a layover, call the airline and ask if you can turn it into a stopover. Some airlines offer this option for free or at a minimal charge, allowing you to explore another city without buying a separate ticket.
4. Book Business Class Seats Smartly | 24 Lesser-Known Travel Tips and Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother
Flexibility with travel dates is key for booking business class seats. The best times to book are either one year in advance or one to two weeks before departure. Alternatively, consider booking a refundable economy ticket and upgrading to business class closer to your departure date if seats become available.
5. Set Clear Expectations for Group Trips | 24 Lesser-Known Travel Tips and Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother
When traveling with a group, discuss everyone’s expectations upfront. Create a flexible itinerary that accommodates different interests, whether they’re nature enthusiasts, foodies, or just need rest days. This approach ensures that everyone enjoys the trip.
6. Book Tickets in Advance | 24 Lesser-Known Travel Tips and Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother
For any activity or attraction that requires tickets, try to book in advance. This helps you avoid last-minute hassles and often saves money. Websites like Cluke offer competitive prices for activities and can be a lifesaver.
7. Create a High, Medium, and Low Priority List | 24 Lesser-Known Travel Tips and Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother
When planning group trips, make a priority list to ensure that everyone’s interests are addressed. Organize activities by region and time block your schedule, but stay flexible to adapt to unexpected changes.
8. Use Google Maps Offline and Color Code Your Pins | 24 Lesser-Known Travel Tips and Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother
Create a custom Google Map with pins for places you want to visit. Color-code your pins by category (e.g., food, attractions) to avoid backtracking and ensure a smooth navigation experience.
9. Use Travel Blogs and Social Media for Up-to-Date Information | 24 Lesser-Known Travel Tips and Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother
Check recent travel blogs, YouTube videos, and TikTok for the latest travel tips and recommendations. This ensures you have the most current advice for your destination.
10. Get an AirTag for Your Luggage | 24 Lesser-Known Travel Tips and Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother
Attach an AirTag to your checked luggage and carry-on to track them in case they get lost. This helps you monitor their location and streamline the process of retrieving lost items.
11. Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On
Always pack a change of clothes and essential items like PJs in your carry-on in case your checked luggage gets delayed or lost.
12. Wear Your Heaviest Clothes | 24 Lesser-Known Travel Tips and Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother
To avoid overweight bag fees, wear your heaviest clothes on the plane. Layer up with jackets or coats to save space in your luggage and reduce its weight.
13. Manage Flight Turbulence with Distractions |
If you’re anxious about turbulence, try writing with your opposite hand to distract yourself. This technique helps manage fear and makes the experience more tolerable.
14. Request Emergency Exit Row Seats After Check-In
If you want an emergency exit row seat, request it after the check-in process. Airlines might provide this for free if available, and it offers extra legroom.
15. Book Directly for Upgrade Opportunities
If using third-party sites, upgrade requests are generally unavailable until 24 hours before departure. Booking directly with the airline increases your chances of scoring a better seat or an upgrade.
16. Use a Blanket for a Makeshift Sleep Mask
If you forget your sleep mask, use your blanket to create a dark environment. It helps block out light and improves sleep quality during flights.
17. Choose the Aisle Seat for Comfort
Opt for an aisle seat if you need frequent bathroom breaks or prefer extra legroom. It avoids the hassle of climbing over other passengers and provides more space.
18. Check for Bassinet Availability on International Flights
Families traveling with infants should check if the airline offers bassinets. They provide a comfortable space for babies to sleep during the flight, making the journey easier.
19. Find Cheap Hotel Bookings Through TripAdvisor
For budget-friendly hotel bookings, use TripAdvisor to access Agoda rates. This often results in cheaper rates compared to booking directly through Agoda.
20. Inspect Hotel Rooms for Bed Bugs
Upon arrival at your hotel, check for bed bugs by examining the mattress and bed frame. This prevents bringing unwanted pests back home.
21. Use the Iron as a Makeshift Microwave
If your hotel room lacks a microwave, use an iron wrapped in aluminum foil to heat up food. This clever trick works in a pinch and saves you from cold meals.
22. Make a Makeshift Fridge with Ice
For hotels without a fridge, create a temporary cooling solution using ice in a plastic bag. This keeps perishable items cool until you find a better solution.
23. Use eSIM for Reliable Internet
Instead of carrying a pocket Wi-Fi device, use an eSIM for reliable and fast internet access. Providers like UBbiggy offer 5G coverage, making it a convenient option for staying connected abroad.
24. Seek Compensation for Delayed Flights
If your flight is delayed by more than three hours, request compensation from the airline. Credit card travel insurance can also help cover additional expenses due to delays.
These travel tips can enhance your travel experience, making your journey more enjoyable and cost-effective. Let me know which tips were new to you or which ones you found most helpful!
Also Read:
The Ultimate Guide to Airplane and Airport Travel Tips
16 Tips to Breeze Through Airport Security