17 Hidden Travel Secrets to Make Your Trip Easier and Cheaper
Traveling can be full of surprises, and it’s normal to mess a few things up along the way. Mistakes can happen, but being ready for them can make your trip much easier. Even if you’ve traveled before, there are always new tips to learn that can make your journey smoother. Here are some useful travel tips to help you enjoy your trip and focus on making wonderful memories.
Carry Shower Caps
Carrying shower caps might sound like an extra step, but you won’t just pack them to protect your hair. Shower caps are a great way to keep your shoes out of dust’s way. They’re disposable, so you can even line them under your boots when crossing dirty or muddy roads, keeping them clean and scratch-free.
Image Search
Most of us need help translating menus and sign boards in a foreign country. While natural, locals take advantage of unsuspecting tourists by changing the details (e.g., overcharging). The best way to avoid that situation is to use Google image search; it’ll translate everything accurately, so you won’t be scammed.
UV Pen
The hotel beds you sleep in aren’t as clean as you think; they carry loads of germs and bodily fluids you don’t want to accompany. While most hotels claim they’ve changed the sheets when you leave, carrying a UV pen will let you know if that’s true. Simply shine a light to see if your sheets light up.
Multi-Purpose Soap Sheets
These little soap sheets are a lifesaver when you’re on the go. They’re tiny, lightweight, and dissolve in water, so you can use them to wash your hands, do a quick rinse of your clothes, or even clean a dish or two if needed. Just toss a few in your bag, and you’re set for any situation where you might not have soap handy.
Currency Converter
ATMs and currency exchange centers often overcharge foreigners, so you’ll end up overpaying without knowing it. The best way to avoid such a situation is to download a currency converter or look one up online; you can convert the currency online so nobody can fool you into overpaying.
Flights In Foreign Currency
Flights booked in American dollars are often pricier than those booked in other currencies. If you’re flying somewhere beyond the United States, try looking up flights in the currency of your destination; you might find cheaper routes or even discounts that aren’t available on the regular page.
Use Incognito Mode For Flight Searches
When you’re hunting for flights online, it’s a good idea to switch to incognito mode. Those travel sites can sometimes track what you’re looking at, and if they see you checking the same flights over and over, they might bump up the prices. Using incognito mode helps keep your searches private and could save you some cash on your next trip.
Airport City Tours
Did you know many airports offer free city tours? Of course, it really depends on which airport you’re waiting at, but many are willing if you ask. This service is mainly available at airports hosting fliers with long layover flights; if you’re spending more than several hours in the city, don’t hesitate to ask away.
Compression Packing Cubes
If you struggle to pack your luggage and always end up sitting on it to zip it up, you need to buy a couple of compression packing cubes. Compression packing cubes suck out all the air, so your clothes or anything you’ve stuffed inside is flattened to an impossible level, making it easier to pack.
Door Alarm
If you’re traveling to someplace known for numerous break-ins or frequently staying in motels, you need a handy tool that will alert you about unwanted presence. A door alarm attached to the windows and doors of your hotel room emits a shrill beep whenever it is moved or senses motion, so you’ll be alert at all times.
Offline Travel Guides
Having to explore an unknown place on your own is annoying, and tour guides aren’t a feasible option for everyone. The best way to tour a new place yourself without buying books or maps is by downloading an offline travel guide, so you’ll be able to steer clear of unfavorable routes with a simple glance on your phone.
Allergy On Cards
Not every eatery will understand allergies and might even take your allergens as a picky eating habit. While distasteful, a great way to prevent this miscommunication is drawing your allergen on cards and demonstrating the risks upon eating (e.g., a person with a swollen tongue with a picture of a prawn).
Carry Dental Floss
Dental floss isn’t just good for hygiene; it’s a great thing to keep in emergencies. An excellent dental floss can replace shoelaces in emergencies and bind things together. You can even sew clothes with dental floss and repair backpacks; it’ll stick long enough to get you home safely.
Stash The Cash
Almost every experienced traveler knows to carry cash, but it makes you an easier target for muggers. However, if you carry empty lip balm tubes and roll your money inside, you won’t have to worry about it being stolen because most people will look for loose cash and won’t bother with the tubes.
Use A Travel Rewards Credit Card
Using a travel rewards credit card can earn you points or miles on all your purchases, which you can later use for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses, saving you a ton of money. Also, these cards often come with awesome perks like travel insurance, lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees.
Carry A Travel Blanket
Carry a travel blanket, especially if you’re going to be on long flights or bus rides. It’s also perfect for spontaneous picnics or adding an extra layer in a chilly hotel room. Go for a compact, lightweight blanket that easily fits in your carry-on. Some even come with their own pouch for easy packing, making it super convenient to bring along.
Get a Digital Luggage Scale
No one likes those last-minute surprises at the airport when their bag is suddenly too heavy. With a digital luggage scale, you can weigh your bags right in your hotel room and know exactly if they’re overweight or underweight. It’s a small, handy gadget that helps you avoid those unexpected extra fees.
More For You
Curious about what you can do beyond all-inclusive traveling? Here are some alternatives to boring traveling to help you enjoy each moment and create lasting memories.
This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.
