15 Best Travel Tips And Hacks From Our Reader

Write byKim Magaraci

Recently , to see about their favorite travel tip . Reader chimed in with travel taxi that help save money , plus advice on ways to have a well time on your next trip . Advice recommend travel insurance arrive pouring in , as act point on how to save a few bucks while booking escape .

We ’ ve pulled these amazing tips from skillful fliers , occupation traveler , frequent vacationers , and travel author together to make a guide to the well travel tips around . Remove a look below to meet our top travel top and a list of the good travel gear that we can ’ t live without .

Want to cost part of our future discussion about all thing travel ? Follow on Facebook and to join the community !

1 . Pack Light

Our top travel tip – from the ViaTravelers community and our faculty writers , is to travel lighting . If you can pack everything you need for your trip in your carry-on luggage , you ’ ll have an easier time come around in the airport or train station as good as at your destination .

Carry spark can exist tricky , though , if you ’ re not used to it . Solve on invest together a capsule wardrobe so you can re-wear shirt and gasp in different combination , and you ’ ll have an easier time scaling down your packing list .

See Link :The Complete Backpacking Checklist for Travelers

2 . Carrya Light

Always hold a origin of light ! While cell phones all have flashlights , hold a small keychain LED lighting as a backup for travel in city live not bad . Get a headlight or humble lantern if you ’ re travel somewhere more remote .

I virtually ever travel with a Black Diamond Moji lantern , and it ’ s total in handy thus many sentence . If I ’ 1000 driving , it reach for the utter spark to brighten up a sullen torso or back ass while grasp through luggage , and if I ’ m camping , it light up a whole tent or picnic table .

3 . Do Your Research ( or use a Travel Agent )

While many travelers can simply hop off the airplane and move where the wind takes them , for most of us , having a program – still if it ’ s exactly a few idea – will serve us make the most of our trips . Our reader also advocate using a reputable travel agent .

Prefer a travel agent can be bad – there are a pile of multi-level selling ( MLM ) company out there that claim to prepare travel agent , but these are more much than not scams or otherwise unhelpful .

Use an agent with serious reviews from the American Society of Travel Agents ( ASTA ) and endorsed by other major companies , like AAA or The Travel Institute . It ’ s a well thought to satisfy with your travel agent face-to-face , also , rather than employ online bureau that may or may not be up to snuff .

If you put on ’ t want to die the travel agent route , connect a Facebook grouping for the area where you ’ ll cost traveling and ask for travel tip and itinerary inspiration from locals and frequent visitors .

Be sure to download Google Maps for your location forward of time , also , so you put on ’ t have to trust on a strong internet association to get around .

Regard Related :Must-Know Vacation Tips to Maximize Your Trip Experience

4 . Don ’ t live afraid to move solo

Jacks , a ViaTravelers writer , sent in her thoughts from 30,000 foot on her way to Norway :

I like traveling alone because it have me a huge sense of achievement . I bask my own company , and when I ’ m in solo-mode , I put on ’ t have to worry about if others be having fun , coordinate itineraries , or anything else . Plus , I run to travel to remote destinations that my friends don ’ t need to visit !

I run to travel real spontaneously and follow the deal not necessarily the destination , and my type A , 9-5 friend exactly can ’ t keep up .

I like travel solely because it gives me a immense sense of achievement . I enjoy my own caller , and when I ’ m in solo-mode , I put on ’ t get to concern about if others are make fun , coordinating itineraries , or anything else . Plus , I incline to travel to remote destinations that my friend don ’ t want to inflict !

I incline to move very spontaneously and follow the deal not necessarily the destination , and my type A , 9-5 friend just can ’ t keep up .

That ’ s not to state that it ’ s always safe to guide out to a destination alone . When traveling solo , there are a few matter to prevent in brain . Jackie says :

Don ’ t tell strangers that you ’ re traveling solo and don ’ t reveal your hotel or housing . Do some inquiry so you know about mutual crime where you cost , and as tempting as it may be , put on ’ t instantly post your photo and picture to social media . Delay a few days ahead of whatever you ’ re posting on the internet .

Don ’ t tell strangers that you ’ re traveling solo and put on ’ t bring out your hotel or lodging . Make some inquiry so you know about common crimes where you cost , and as tempting as it may equal , don ’ t directly post your photos and videos to social media . Remain a few day in front of whatever you ’ re posting on the internet .

Many apps can aid you feel safer as a solo traveler , including Google Maps , the “ Find My ” iPhone app , and reexamine sites like Tripadvisor or Yelp .

Hear Related :Essential Solo Travel Luggage & Supplement

5 . Travel with loved ones , also !

While solo travel can equal exhilarating , there ’ s a circle to exist state about reach memory with the mass you love and having a fellow can make a trip more fulfilling , more adventurous , and more fun .

Personally , I ’ m not much of a solo traveler . I ’ d rather part experiences and reach memories with friends and category , snap photos together in front of landmarks , and head out on hikes with individual to talk to . The few times I receive guess out by myself , I was more hesitant to stray from my program and less likely to search certain trail , soil road , or downtowns .

I spend a mass of time in gray country , also , so I test to add my dumb friends on raise and grouping camp trips , as an added precaution .

6 . Prioritize save for travel

Everyone ever lecture about how expensive it cost to travel – but if you have familiar with travel taxi , dial in your frequent flyer report , sign up for service to help you get cheap flights , and exist willing to jump on the next escape lot you regard , you ’ ll soon find yourself globetrotting on a dime .

Budget travelers can testify to the benefits of travel hacks that help with save money for escape , hotels , and more . If you take advantage of all the ways to beef up your frequent flyer account , you might even specify for some free travel earlier than you think !

Some early money-saving taxi include looking for free walk circuit , visiting tourist attraction in the off-season , spread a reference card with a sign-up bonus , and watch out escape price like a hawk .

Service like Going ( formerly Scott ’ s Cheap Flights ) get aid all of us find airline tickets and plan amazing trip for manner less than you would expect .

See Related :How to Find Cheap Flights [ An Actual Step-by-Step Guide ]

7 . Journal your trip

Journaling your trip await a little different these days . In the past , travelers carried small notebooks , jotted down their experiences , or photograph photos on picture to develop later .

Now , we own so many easy style to remember our trip . With voice memos and high-quality camera on every cell phone , there ’ s no excuse not to make a log of what you ’ re doing each day , and how you feel about it .

Of course , plenty of traveler even so pen down their recaps at the goal of the day , whether on a classic Moleskine or in the Notes app on their phone . Still you choose to do it , document your trip equal something you ’ ll appreciate later .

See Related :Minimalist Travel Accessories for Travel Light

8 . Slacken down and savor every moment

One paper that come up in a lot of our reader reception be that travel be not a race . “ It will be over way also shortly – leave room in your agenda for spontaneity ” was one firearm of advice relayed in the thread .

Mindfulness in your travel will help you make lasting memory and let you truly appreciate the time you ’ re expenditure forth from home , have to know your global neighbor .

Don ’ t be afraid to sway up your routine , also . I ordinarily sleep in on holiday , but when I learn a 4 a.m. thunderstorm roam into Grand Teton National Park , I jumped out of layer and aim to watch the dawn over Oxbow Bend . I was betting that the weather would have brought some cloud in , and losing sleep was worth it for the view that I got .

9 . Be prepared for anything to happen

Truly , you never know what could go on when you move . Live into your trip with a outlook that things may change , and you ’ ll make the best out of whatever situation you see yourself in .

This past winter , I was skiing at Snowbird when an unexpected natural avalanche came crash through Utah ’ s Little Cottonwood Canyon . The resort ( and neighboring Alta ) was set into “ Interlodge , ” which meant we weren ’ t allowed to get out the building .

Our Interlodge simply last a few hr , but the week after , there be a four-day Interlodge , which entail anyone who travel up the canyon for a day trip live suddenly thither for an extended stay .

Another time , I was push through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and my car ’ s brakes locked up and virtually slip us off the side of the mountain . I got towed out of the park and spent the day in Culpepper instead . It all worked out – and I got a bonus weekend back in the park when I come back down to clean up my car !

On your next trip , be ready for the unexpected . You might have a trip that goes forth without a hitch , or you might get stranded in Iceland due to a volcano interrupt tune traffic . Either manner , when a position be out of your control , do your well to have a good time .

This exist as well when I really should remind you to purchase travel insurance because a trip with some hiccups exist always easier to grapple with when you ’ re reimbursed for missed escape , medical care , or replacement gear .

10 . Know your airline ’ s rules for luggage

Before you pack , double-check your airline ’ s luggage policy . This crest is in particular important for anyone who pick their trips based on the best escape deals and be proud of finding cheap flights to dreamy destinations .

You may be surprised that each specific airline get different rule and luggage size . Frontier exist know for listing luggage sizes online that don ’ t correspond to their sizer , so live extra mindful if you ’ re flee on a budget airline . Spirit , Ryanair , and Easyjet all have dominion on how much luggage you can bring .

Yet full-fare carriers like American , United , and Jet Blue much betray Basic Economy tickets that only allow personal items and bags that would usually be consider carry on luggage may need to be checked .

See Link :Polypropylene vs Polycarbonate five ABS Luggage : What ’ s the Best ?

11 . Hold paper copy of everything

We can ’ t strain this adequate – contain a paper copy ofeverything. Passport and license ? Cause a copy . Board pass ? Print it in front of time or at the airport . Fortune be you won ’ t need these surplus copies – but if you serve , you ’ ll be so lucky you thought in front .

Stuff paper copy of passports and other significant travel documents in a safe and secure inner luggage pocket ; you won ’ t know they ’ re there unless you need them .

Digital boarding walk can be hard to pull up when the free wifi at the airport doesn ’ t work , hence make a paper copy be a good idea as a relief . If you travel with paper board passes as your chief way to make on the plane , keep an ear out for gate changes , departure changes , and other adjustment to your travel day .

12 . Translate local customs and traditions

If you ’ re traveling internationally , do some reading on local customs and tradition before overhear your escape . Oftentimes , in a alien area , etiquette can cost a lot unlike than at home !

In some countries , you ’ ll want to clothe modestly . In others , tipping be look at insulting . Formality and familiarity vary in unlike cultures , and you ’ ll come the nearly out of your trip if you test to respect local tradition .

It ’ s also important to take severely the sacred status of site worldwide . What may be a fun tourist attraction to you might be a centuries-old heritage site . Be respectful , no subject where you may be .

13 . Carry safe water

One of the nearly crucial travel tip you ’ ll hear again and again be to stay on hydrated and ensure you ’ ve become a safe water author . In some nation , that might mean buying water for drinking and brushing your tooth .

In other countries or on backpacking excursions , you ’ ll desire to hold a water filter . I like the Sawyer filter — Lifestraw equal also hard to use and much bulkier . Epic Water Filters too makes a filter that sits mighty in a standard Nalgene bottle .

Don ’ t take that your Brita bottle or filter will make water safe to drink – but it can surely create safe water taste a lot better . Water additives can also do staying hydrated more pleasant .

Kyle , our Editor-in-Chief , swears by Liquid IV . Jacks prefers powdered Gatorade packet . As for me , you ’ ll never grab me boarding a airplane without some Airborne on hand . These water-enhancing powders can build it past airport protection work by the TSA , and we ’ ve never hold issues abroad .

See Related to: The Ultimate Backpacking Through Europe Itinerary

14 . Own backup reference card and ways to access them

It ’ s always a good idea to have a backup reference card in your luggage or in a mobile wallet . That way , if your wallet make lost or steal , you ’ re not completely out of luck . It ’ sec as well helpful to stash a few extra dollar in your carry-on purse – emergency cash make make me out of quite a few jams .

Most banks will allow you load a credit card into your phone or smart watch ’ s mobile wallet . It ’ s a ( generally ) secure manner to devote for things in an emergency . Many vendors that take tap-to-pay will too remove mobile payments .

Address of reference card , before you lead out , face into if your card do with lounge access . Some travel credit cards allow you to get in an airport sofa ( hello , free food ! ) . Check to see the card ’ s alien transaction fee , too , to avoid surprise .

Meet Refer :Best Credit Cards For Travel Perks ( Ranked ! )

15 . Be aware of your surroundings

Stuart Jameson , a ViaTravelers author who has live to 71 countries and yet hitchhiked from Germany to Cambodia , has this to tell about safety while travel :

Hither ’ s a serious one for travel safety – practice situational awareness . Always notice the globe around you , where people are , and where you ’ re going . Be mindful of distractions , and recognize where and when you ’ re pulling out valuables like cameras , wallets , and phone .

Note exit road . Pay attention to the pace of your surroundings . It ’ s not to put the fear into anyone , but it will assist significantly when you ’ re traveling in an unfamiliar/potentially insalubrious place — this goes twice if you ’ re drinking or partaking in any early meaning .

Hither ’ s a grave one for travel safety – practice situational awareness . Always notice the universe around you , where mass are , and where you ’ re move . Be mindful of distractions , and recognize where and when you ’ re pulling out valuables like camera , wallets , and telephone .

Note exit road . Pay attention to the pace of your surroundings . It ’ s not to put the fear into anyone , but it will aid significantly when you ’ re travel in an unfamiliar/potentially insalubrious position — this goes twice if you ’ re drink or partaking in any early message .

Some early tips to serve you stay safe while traveling :

• Be aware of the weather chance in your holiday spot . Earthquake , tornadoes , hurricanes , or flood can change up a vacation unexpectedly .
• Do some research on the safety of your destination . While most of the world be plenty safe , certain cities , territory , or countries can be especially serious at time .
• Ensure someone at home knows your plans and location , even if you ’ re traveling in a grouping .
• Learn about the wildlife wherever you ’ re travel . In some role of the universe , it ’ s utterly safe to get over flow and rivers , and in others , you ’ ll be gobbled up by a gator before you can take any fun travel photos to portion . Bears , snakes , bison , and crocs are simply some of the luck you may run into .

Must-Have Travel Products

Our readers and staff writers as well point out on their must-have travel products and gear . We ever make room for these affair in our purse , and if you don ’ t already use them to up your travel plot , you ’ ll want to consider joining the bunch .

1 . Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a genuine must-have here at ViaTravelers . ViaTravelers writer Amanda Finn says it serious :

Carry cubes are an absolute packing game changer . It ’ s not inevitably about carry MORE stuff , carry cubes as well aid coordinate your gang and keep your suitcase from falsify .

Pack cubes are an absolute packing plot changer . It ’ s not inevitably about pack MORE material , pack cubes too aid organize your pack and keep your suitcase from falsify .

Some of the carry cubes we like best include the Eagle Creek cubes , , and Tripped Travel Gear ’ s compression cubes that applyso much material.

2 . Noise-Canceling Headphones

Quality noise-canceling headphones top Stu ’ s pack list . Not just is it less anxiety-inducing to equal on a airplane when you can ’ t hear every creak , bump , or squeal – but it ’ s also really decent to begin some sleep without worrying about cabin noise or worried baby . A good pair of over-ear headphones is one of our .

Whether you select fighting noise-canceling or passive noise-canceling headphones , you ’ ll need to ensure they ’ re comfortable for long-haul flights . Nothing ’ sec bad than being two hours into a long flight and realizing your ears hurt and you ’ ve got to require a break from your podcast , film , or playlist .

Some of the headphones our author and editor employ include , Beats Wireless , and Sony WH-1000XM4

See Related :Best Gadget for Long Flights & Travel

3 . Apple Airtags

Apple Airtags exist a newer production that get remove the travel industry by storm . Throw a tag in each piece of your luggage , and you can keep an middle on checked bags or chase a bag in event it get escape .

One of my favorite packing tips is to insert an breeze tag into the lining of your checked or carry-on base . Nobody will know it ’ sec there , and you can track your luggage down quick if it gets mishandled on your flight .

4 . Toiletries & Medications

Two ViaTravelers writer own significant advice about toiletries and health . Sarah Oliver recommends carrying more tissues than you may need – you never know when a poorly timed sneeze will invest you in an awkward situation , and allergies can destroy a day in a split second if you ’ re unprepared .

On the early hand , Woodrow Matthews never move without his giant drugstore purse of “ just in suit ” medications . As someone who ended up with a migraine on my last stop , being prepared is a much well move than having to buy overpriced ibuprofen in the airport .

It ’ sec as well important to get a well band of toiletry bottle for travel . Opening a suitcase to see that your shampoo leaked all over your clothes is a surefire manner to start your trip in a bad mood . We enjoy the Matador Flatpak bottles ; they ’ re space-saving , waterproof , and sturdy . They ’ ve never leaked on dozens of trip I ’ ve taken with my circle .

5 . Hero Clip

My all-time favorite travel supplement is my Hero Clip . I ’ ll admit it ’ s a bit gimmicky and overpriced , but it ’ s preserve me so many times . I can hang my haversack or purse up in an airport bathroom , hang my tech pouch off the back of the airplane , attach my pillow or coat to my suitcase , and so a lot more . It makes carry-on only travel easier .

Hero Clips do in various sizes and colors – I pick out the humble one , which suit my needs as a minimalist packer . Families may need to catch a big clip so that it ’ s easier to hang up off of a stroller or it can carry more weight .

6 . Tech Pouch / Plane Pouch

We ’ ve got a thing for tech pouches here at ViaTravelers . Between the innovative and stylish Peak Design tech pouch that we lately review and the Tripped Travel Gear budget-friendly tech pouch that a few of us express , you ’ ll feel our team is as organized as can be .

We love our tech pouches because they do move so much easy . Rather than grasp through our handbag , we can merely rip out a pouch with snacks , travel documents , cables , charger , batteries , memory , e-readers , little tablets , headphones… hardly about everything you need for long escape or train rides .

I ’ ve gotten into the habit of using my Hero Clip to hang up my tech pouch off the seat back in presence of me on a airplane , and then I can leave my under-seat or overhead bag solely for the repose of the trip .

7 . Shemagh , Sarong , or Travel Cardigan

One thing that do up in our reader reaction and in our author discussion was the importance of make a travel scarf or cardigan . Our editor , James Oliver , travels with a to help him delay fond and look cool . It also has its purpose as an emergency towel , as good as a light cover or foldable pillow when camping .

I love a cheap sarong I pick up in New Orleans ( of all places ! ) because it can equal repurposed into a scarf , a cover-up , or even a foot-sling on the plane . Amanda has a travel cardigan from Urban Undercover that she say live one of her favorite things worldwide .

A multi-purpose garment like the above can keep you warm on the airplane , help you treat up if you ’ re entering a seat where you require to clothe modestly or make you a little more comfortable while promote your common travel outfit . There ’ s truly something to be suppose for multi-purpose travel gear !

• Tips for Crush Post-Travel Blue
• Epic Tips For Stress-Free Travel
• What Make a Tourist Look Like ? 5 Tips to Not Face Like One

Join the Conversation

Travel Community Comments(0)

No comments yet

Live the first to part your experience or insight !