Traveling is a game of luck, really. Will you get stranded at the airport, or will everything go smoothly? Will you fall in love in a foreign country, or fall victim to a tourist trap?
While there’s no way to predict what might happen, some of it is a science that can be hacked, since traveling is also about experience and learning from trial and error.
That’s why we gathered our own tips and scoured Reddit for secret travel advice from seasoned travelers to help you avoid the fuss. Here are some of our favorite bits of wisdom.
1. Pack an Orange
When life gives you an orange, bring it on your flight as a personal air freshener. If the air gets funky — because it often does — peel that orange and instantly refresh your space. The orange’s natural oils, like D-limonene, also have antibacterial properties that help fight off germs.
2. Roll Your Clothes
There’s an age-old packing debate: fold or roll, and which saves more space? Without wading into that debate, if you’re not traveling light and have limited space, Team Roll is your best bet. To pack everything you need and keep your clothes wrinkle-free, try the Ranger Rolling technique, where you fold one end of the clothing to secure the roll.
3. Bring Spare Socks
The secret to fuss-free (and blister-free) traveling often lies in the simplest things, like bringing an extra pair of socks in your carry-on. Long flights can take a toll on your feet with limited legroom and the risk of sweating, so a spare pair of socks can come in handy once you land.
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4. Search Flights in the Airline’s Original Language
“I once saved $700 booking tickets in Peru by using Spanish rather than English,” a frugal Redditor shares. This brilliant hack is worth trying, especially for international trips.
5. Download Offline Maps
Make sure to download the offline map of the city you are visiting. Some destinations are not great with free Wi-Fi, and using offline maps means you’ll never get lost — even without the internet.
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6. Ask Locals, Not Concierges
Here’s another genius travel hack, straight from the globetrotters of Reddit — and it makes perfect sense.
“Want to know where the best meal near your hotel is? The cleaner isn’t getting a kickback from the nearest steakhouse, but the concierge probably is,” one Redditor reveals.
“I worked the desk at a hotel and got lots of kickbacks. Domino’s gave us free pizza every time we sent 10 people. A brewery gave us a token for a free beer per customer sent,” another Redditor confirms.
To get a truly authentic suggestion without any agenda, ask someone who genuinely likes the place they are suggesting.
7. Wake Up Super Early
The thing with popular destinations is that everyone wants to visit the same places at the same time, which often results in ridiculously crowded landmarks. To avoid waiting forever for an inch of empty space to snap a photo, wake up before everyone and visit the popular spots.
8. Book the Best Room in a Cheaper Hotel
To get more luxury for less money, opt for a suite in a budget hotel instead of an economy room in an expensive five-star hotel. With the money you save, you can splurge on experiences or meals that make your trip even more memorable.
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9. Carry a Small Extension Cord
A three-port extension cord is your best travel buddy as you can charge all your devices easily, even in inconvenient spots.
10. Use the Traveling Pillow for Extra Clothes
This is a great hack if you’re a backpacker or traveling with just a carry-on but want to bring more clothes. Use a travel pillowcase as an extra bag and stuff it with clothes that won’t fit in your suitcase. It provides the same comfort as an actual pillow, saves space, and lightens your load for the trip back.
11. Pack Old Clothes
This is another nifty trick for those dealing with limited luggage space. Pack clothes you were planning to get rid of, wear them once or twice, then donate them. You can hand them to someone in need on the street or ask your hotel for the nearest organization that accepts clothing donations. Not only will you free up space for souvenirs or new clothes from your trip, but you’ll also be doing something good along the way.
12. Remove Earphones at Airports
Just don’t be that person. Take out your earphones to hear important flight and gate announcements.
13. Bring Almost-Empty Toiletries
Our ultimate advice would be to not bring toiletries at all, since every hotel, hostel, and Airbnb will probably provide you with some. But if you must bring some, go for the half-empty bottles. Use them up, then toss them to free up space for your trip back.
14. Choose the Left Side in Lines
Check-in lines — or any lines at the airport — are one of the most soul-sucking, annoying parts of traveling. To avoid them, you’ll have a better chance by sticking to the left lines. The theory is that most people are right-handed and subconsciously choose the lines on the right.
15. Withdraw Cash Locally
First of all, never exchange currency at the airport if you want to avoid financial carnage. To save even more, use local ATMs for cash. Just do a little research beforehand to find ATMs that aren’t tourist traps, as those tend to charge notorious fees.
16. Allow Buffer Time for Delays
Delays during peak season are more common than you’d like, so always plan for extra time. It will reduce stress and ensure you won’t miss important events.
17. Check Local Subreddits
Local subreddits are great for travel tips. These are genuine recommendations from locals who know the ins and outs of the area, helping you discover hidden gems and avoid tourist traps.
18. Sit Opposite the Sun
A simple trick for better sleep during flights is choosing the side opposite the sun for less glare.
19. Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On
Nobody wants to think about their checked luggage getting lost, but it happens. Being prepared can save you a lot of trouble, so always pack your essentials in your carry-on.
20. Research Local Scams
Research common scams at your destination, from taxi overcharging to fake police officers. Check online forums, government travel advisories, and recent travel blogs for up-to-date info.
21. Download ChatGPT on Your Phone
Download the free version of ChatGPT on your phone and use it like your Type A travel friend who’s done all the homework. It can help you with the language, give you tips about landmarks, warn you about sketchy areas, and give you all the insider info you need.
22. Bring Food When You Have a Layover
Airport restaurants love to drain your wallet, especially outside the U.S., and the food isn’t always worth it. Beat the system by packing a sandwich and a banana or some other snack. This way, you won’t end up spending more on food than your plane ticket.
23. Carry a Fake Wallet
A fake wallet with dummy cards can give you a piece of mind when you are traveling. Stash this decoy in an obvious spot, like an outer pocket, and let those potential thieves think they’ve hit the jackpot.
24. Make a Color Photocopy of Your Passport
I absolutely despise carrying my passport around with me when I travel — it makes me feel uneasy. So this tip from this forward thinking Redditor will come in handy for my next travels. Make a color photocopy of your passport, and keep the original in the hotel safe — it can save you a lot of fuss in case of an emergency.
25. Keep Extra Cash in Your Hotel Room
Stash some “just in case” cash in the hotel room safe or find a hidden spot. That way, if you lose your wallet or it gets stolen, you’re still covered. Also, spread out your credit cards: Keep one in your phone case and another in your wallet.
