This ain’t your grandma’s travel guide. Forget the tired tips on fitting 10 outfits in a carry-on (we’ve all seen those a million times). There’s a lot of hacks here for cheaper travel, for easier travel, for more enjoyable travel etc. I have asked my veteran travel friends from digital friends to real life friends to give me their best travel hacks and this is what I have compiled.
This list of travel hacks are for the intrepid explorers who crave authentic experiences, not just perfectly posed pictures for Instagram. So keep reading to learn and hopefully benefit from these travel hacks you may not have heard about.
Travel Hacks for 2024
Prepare for some unpleasant moments while traveling
Travel has high highs and low lows. From the delays to jet lag, traveling is not always glamourous. Sometimes, you want nothing more than to go home and sit on the couch. I wont forget the time I got food poisoning in Sri Lanka. It was not fun.
Get ready for the unexpected and adjust your expectations. Or even better, have little to no expectations.
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Keep Your Cash Safe
Cards get stolen as does cash. Don’t carry all of your cards and cash with you at once. This is a sure way to spoil your trip. Leave what you don’t need at the hotel in a safe or bring a portable safe.
If you are going somewhere with lots of motorbikes, always wear your backpack on your chest!
Use Priority Pass
I never knew the Priority Pass existed until a couple months ago. It can be a life changer for some who want airport lounge access, especially on those long layovers. The Priority Pass cost is $99 per year and allows 10 free lounge visits and charges $35 for each visit after that. It comes down to $8.25 per month. It can be super beneficial for the following reasons:
- Skip Airport Chaos: Ditch crowded waiting areas and relax in comfy airport lounges
- Upgrade Your Wait: Trade bad airport food for snacks, drinks, and sometimes even a spa treatment
- Work & Relax: Catch up on work or chill with high-speed Wi-Fi and comfy seating
- Bring the Crew: Family lounges keep the kids entertained while you unwind
- Shower Away Stress: Freshen up and feel human again with airport lounge showers (at
- Lounges Everywhere: Priority Pass works at tons of airports worldwide
- Save on Extras: Some memberships offer discounts on airport food and shops
- Free with Some Credit Cards: You might already have access! Check your card benefits
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Travel credit cards have empowered me to life-changing trips for a tenth of the cost
The Capital One Venture X card is my travel bestie! I love that this card grants you access to so MANY AMAZING airport lounges, offering a relaxing escape before your flight. On top of that, it practically pays for itself. You’ll receive a $300 annual travel credit, which helps offset the $400 annual fee. Plus, you earn a 10,000-miles ANNUALLY (worth $100) just for having the card.
I’ve enjoyed airport lounge access, TSA PreCheck, and even snagged a hotel credit that covered a whole weekend getaway. Who knows, maybe you upgrade a plane seat because of status or get a suite rather than a regular hotel room. Airline miles could cause you to take an extra vacation weekend.
Capital One Venture X perks (there is so much more)
- Earn 2x miles on all purchases, with bonus miles for travel booked through Capital One Travel (up to 10x on hotels and rental cars).
- Bonus offer of 75,000 miles ( $1,350 dollars)
- Enjoy $300 annual credit for travel bookings
- Airport lounge access via Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass Select.
- Get up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, plus travel insurance and purchase protection benefits.
Choose a card that matches your travel style, like luxury perks or budget airline points. Many offer big sign-up bonuses, but remember to pay in full to avoid interest.
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Use “Going” (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights)
Scott’s cheap flights got me addicted to looking at flights. While some people check Facebook and IG during lulls in their day, I check Going and skiplagged and skyscanner. They don’t sell flights themselves, but they scour the web for amazing deals and send email alerts to their subscribers.
These deals can be up to 40-90% off regular fares, so you can literally snag a dream vacation for a fraction of the price
These sites, if browsed often, can really save you $$$. I’ve flown to Europe for a $450 round trip from San Francisco. Just recently, I found flights from San Francisco to Rome for $375. I didn’t book it due to my husband’s limited PTO and my limited PTO at the moment . Oh and these flights are not in spirit 🙂
Buttt.. with all that said you have to be flexible and spontaneous.
Keep Offline and Physical Copies of Important Documents
This hack I learned from my husband after 30 years… But it’s a good one. Keep all your documents scanned in google drive which may come to handy in any situation.
Also, print all your paperwork (visas, hotel reservations, proof of insurance, etc.) and have it with you. You won’t need it 9/10 times, but that 1 time could ruin your trip
Some docs you should probably save is your hotel info, flight info, passport, COVID vaccination proof, hotel bookings, tour guides, If you think you might need to reference, it’s worth printing out and saving.
Travel during shoulder seasons or on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
Shoulder seasons (the periods between peak and off-season) are your sweet spot. You’ll find lower flight prices and fewer crowds. For example, visit Europe in the spring or fall instead of the height of summer.
Also,the cheapest days to fly are often Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and flying at unpopular times like 5am or 11pm can also lead to significant savings – but beware, these flights may not always offer the best service.
Remember the mantra: “Travel brochure vs. reality.” Beware of stock photography
Pictures don’t always tell you the reality of how a place is going to be or how a place will look like. So make sure to adjust your expectations.
Eyeglass cases are perfect for chargers and cables
Forget buying a bag for your chargers, grab your dad’s eyeglass case.
Pack A Light Capsule Wardrobe
During my last international trip to Sri Lanka last year, which was 2 weeks, I packed one carry on. That was it. And it was a game changer. No waiting for baggage, no need to wait in line to check baggage and no fear of having lost baggage. I used to think I need to pack more, but I now realize the key is to pack less and pack smart.
Here’s my formula for a travel light capsule wardrobe:
- 3-5 neutral base pieces + 2 statement pieces = endless outfit combos
- Pack a convertible jacket that works as both a rain shell and a warm layer
- Pack an extra light bag for souvenirs and miscellaneous things
- Choose clothes that can do double duty. A flowy maxi dress can be a beach cover-up by day and a fancy dinner outfit at night
