around the world travel hacks

How To Travel The World Cheap: 57 Epic Budget Travel Hacks for 2024!

There are lots of practices you can adopt in order to travel the world cheap . The most effective ways are to take advantage of Airmiles, exchange work for free food and accommodation, have a well researched travel plan and to be savvy with bank cards and money exchanges.

Since 2008 I’ve travelled all over the world on a fairly tight budget, often working as I go. In this guide I want to share 57 cheap travel hacks that I’ve picked up which will have you exploring the globe for less.

So, let’s get straight into it!

Transportation Travel Tips & Hacks

1. Flight booking hacks. One of the biggest initial costs when travelling is your flight ticket. So in order to travel cheap, use flight comparisons sites such as Kiwi . You may find booking directly through the airline is cheaper but always use a price comparison engine to check before you book.

Pro Tip : Make sure to clear your cookies and browsing history to avoid price increases. By searching for flights you are signalling to the world that you are looking to buy, so prices will then increase daily in order to get you to panic buy. Delete cookies or browse in incognito mode to avoid this. @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter&family=Inter:wght@500&family=Noto+Serif&family=Noto+Serif:wght@500&display=swap'); .tp_wrapper { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; /* the font, can be replaced with 'Noto Serif' */ max-width: 1024px; } .tp_content { background-color: #DEE9F0; /* main block background color */ padding: 24px 32px 32px; } .tp_subtitle { margin: 0 0 16px; font-size: 22px; font-weight: 500; } .tp_text { font-size: 17px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 145%; margin: 0; } .tp_button { display: inline-block; background: #2A243B; border-radius: 6px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; color: #fff; font-size: 20px; margin-top: 24px; padding: 12px 32px; text-decoration: none; }

2. Try changing the home location of flight booking websites to see if purchasing in another currency is cheaper.

3. One of the cheapest ways to travel is through offering to get bumped off a flight in exchange for a flight voucher. These can be seriously rewarding! Companies will regularly overbook flights on the assumption that people will cancel or not show up. On those times when this doesn’t happen the airlines need to free up seats quick, and that’s where you step in!

4. For short trips choose carry on only or if you need to check baggage, pay for it online before you travel. Airlines will often charge more at the airport.

5. Save on rail travel costs by using railcards. I saved a ton through using the Japan Rail Pass during one visit, however they only save money if you use them to the full so do the research first.  Also consider using overnight trains to save on accommodation costs. This works great in some countries such as India and is an awesome local experience too.

6. If you feel comfortable, consider hitchhiking. Alternatively, connect with other travellers at your hostel to carpool.

7. If you have a flexible plan, investigate relocating vehicles to get free or discounted car hire.

Consider renting a car with Rentalcars , an international car rental booking service that is present all over the world. With Rentalcars you will definitely find a perfect car for your perfect trip wherever you are.

8. When travelling for long periods save money through walking or using buses, instead of using expensive taxis. Use ride sharing apps such as Uber, Lyft, Cabify and Grab. Uber opened the door for cheap car journeys but now there are lots of different companies operating all over the world. Research which ones are best for the areas you’re traveling too and download the app before you go.

9. One of the biggest ways to traveling on the cheap by far, is to use an Airmiles credit card. Every time you spend money with that credit card you will be earning Airmile points which can be exchanged for flights. Just remember to always pay off your credit card every month to avoid high interest fees.

10. Create frequent flyer accounts with every airline you travel with then sit back and enjoy the rewards.

11. A top sneaky travel hack is to jump on airline price errors. Sometimes airfares can pop up at crazy low prices, often caused by a glitch in the Matrix (or something!). If you manage to purchase one of these flights the airline will often honour the incorrect price. Act fast and take advantage of these opportunities by following these ninja websites:

• Secret flying.com
• Jacks Flight Club (UK) or Scott’s Cheap Flights (US)
• The Flight Deal

12. Pack light and smart to avoid excess baggage fees. Roll your clothes or use packing cubes to save on space.

13. Take advantage of layovers to enjoy a quick city visit without any extra flight costs.

14. Try booking two one-way trips rather than a return. I’ve had success with this on flights and rail trips.

15. Keep receipts for gift purchases and claim back the tax at the airport before you leave the country.

16. Travel by campervan. If you’re looking to explore your own country (or continent), consider buying a campervan to combine your method of transportation with your accommodation. My campervan has been one of the best investments I’ve ever made and I can highly recommend it. For all the latest info on converting your own campervan check out my van life section .

Accommodation Travel Hacks

17. Get cheap or free accommodation through housesitting . With housesitting you will generally look after the persons house whilst they are away. Many housesitting jobs often include pet sitting.

18. Get free accommodation and learn all about life from a local through couch surfing .

19. Pick accommodation with free breakfast to save on food costs.

20. Choose private hostel rooms instead of more expensive hotels.

🏨 Where can I find the cheapest hostels?

You will definitely find the hostel you need with Hostelworld , the global hostel-focused online booking platform, inspires passionate travelers to see the world, meet new people, and come back with extraordinary stories to tell.

21. Use booking.com ‘s price matching promise to get the best price on hotels.

22. Travelling on a special occasion? Be sure to let your hotel know and they might offer you a free upgrade.

Work Abroad

23. Exchange work for accommodation and/or food with companies such as Workaway or World packers. Or, if you want to learn about organic growing, check out WWOOF .

24. Earn a passive income to support yourself whilst travelling. There are so many ways to get a side hustle going these days but some examples include;

• Selling your photos on stock photography websites such as Dreamstime or Shutterstock.
• Starting a website. Make sure you use a fast and reliable host. For my websites I use Siteground .
• Selling your photos directly with a website that does it all for you. I use Smugmug .
• Teaching English online.

25. Join a voluntary programme abroad for example VSO. Many volunteer programmes charge a fee and in return they will provide accommodation, food and training. There are volunteer programmes all over the world in all sorts of different professions. For example, I joined the American Conservation Experience as I was interested in conservation and wanted to explore the South West . Here are some other ideas to explore .

26. Work in a travel job, for example as a tour guide with Contiki, Exodus or Backroads. For adventure travel consider life as an Overland Leader. I’ve worked as an overland leader for severn years and have travelled extensively through Asia, Africa and the Americas. Read more about this job here . If you have a particular trade you can also work on cruise ships or private yachts.

27. Work abroad with a work visa. Below the age of 30 work visas for many countries are quite straight forward to get. Whilst in that country you can then pick up temporary work which is usually unskilled, such as fruit picking, retail or a bar work.

After a certain age, usually 30, some countries will still allow you to work but will require work visas for specific professions, for example as a ski instructor or scuba dive instructor.

Alternatively you could get your TEFL certificate and teach English abroad. This can also be done remotely, online.

28. Do your job online. Can your work be done remotely? Post Covid it seems like more companies are exploring this as a full time option so this could open new avenues for many. If you have a service that can be provided online you could also offer your services on Craigslist or Fivrr. 

Destination Tips For Budget Travel

29. A cheap way to travel is to visit destinations where your home currency is strong. You’ll benefit from a strong exchange rate and from cheaper costs of living.

30. Whilst you’re on a tight budget, skip destinations with expensive visas.

31. Stick to one region at a time to avoid air travel costs. When I first went travelling I booked a round the world air ticket thinking I could see the world in 6 months. Boy did I have a lot to learn! Pick one region to fully explore first before moving onto the next. Don’t do what I did and be in a hurry to see everything all at once.

32. Travel during the shoulder season to benefit from lower costs and avoid the crowds at the same time – double win!

Food Travel Hacks To Save Money

33. Cook your own food. One of the best ways to travel around the world for cheap is to limit the amount you spend of food. Now don’t get me wrong I am a complete foodie and believe one of the best things about travelling is experiencing new types of cuisine. However, eating new types of food doesn’t mean going to the most expensive restaurants, in fact it’s often the opposite. But travelling on a limited budget does mean it’s not possible to eat out everyday since the cheapest way to eat often involves cooking your own food. Therefore choose accommodation with kitchens included such as hostels or rent an apartment.

34. Jump on happy hours and all you can eat deals.

35. Eat out at delicious and cheap street food stalls with the locals.

36. Avoid restaurants near popular tourist spots as these will often be overpriced.

37. Limit your alcohol if you have a limited budget.  Alcohol is often expensive and isn’t a necessity.

38. Use a filtered water bottle and never buy water again. Check out this guide to discover which filtered water bottle I recommend for travel .

39. Stealth budget travel hack: Use chewing gum or tic tac containers to transport your favourite spices. Cheap food doesn’t have to be bland!

Planning Tips For How To Travel On The Cheap

40. Set a budget and stick to it. But be sure to include a generous contingency to allow for times when things don’t go to plan or to cover a once in a lifetime opportunity if it arrises. 

41. If you are travelling on a tight budget you need to make a plan before you leave. List your priorities before you set off and refer to the list once you’re on the road. That way you won’t get sucked into doing expensive tours that you weren’t interested in anyway. Check out Google Maps Trip Planner for a great free trip planning tool.

42. Research whether activities you want to enjoy are cheaper to book in advance or are best left open and flexible. Last minute trips can sometimes work out cheaper.

43. If you don’t want the hassle of planning a trip use a travel agent. They know what they’re doing and can often find you the best deals.

44. Get smart and savvy with city tourist cards which provide entrance fees for multiple sites. If you know you’re going to visit all the top sites these will definitely save you money overall. 

45. Enjoy free city walking tours. I’ve enjoyed great free city tours in Galway and Yerevan to name just two. But of course they’re not completely free – don’t forget to tip!

46. Research entrance prices beforehand to avoid getting scammed. However, just be aware of what the local currency is doing as prices can jump up if a currency weakens.

47. Follow your favourite travel companies on social media to learn about special promotions or giveaways.

Money Top Tips For Traveling Cheap

48. Get smart on money Exchange. Never change money at the airport or at busy tourist spots as these will have the worst rates. Hotels or hostels may also offer exchanges which again typically aren’t the best rates but they are safe and convenient so way up the risks/benefits of both.

49. An easy but important cheap way to travel is to use a travel card or join a bank with no overseas fees. This way you can hit the ATM without getting hit with overseas withdrawal fees. I use Starling Bank which is an online bank. All of my transactions are managed online via an app. Also, if purchasing online, they don’t charge for overseas transactions and have decent exchange rates.

50. Haggle but don’t be a d**k! Some cultures embrace bartering, expect it even, but these local people also have to support themselves so don’t be the person that walks away from a purchase for the sake of a dollar! 

51. Use donatefull.com or groupon.com to find best coupons or use wikibuy to apply coupon codes at checkout.

52. A top life hack for travelling is to purchase a Scrubba bag and save on laundry bills. This nifty little bag packs down really small so doesn’t take up any room in your luggage and with just a 3 minute shake, can wash your clothes as good as any washing machine!

53. Keep rechargeable batteries in the fridge or at least in shady places. Rechargeable batteries retain 90% of their full charge if they’re kept cold. Not freezer cold though as this will have the opposite effect.

Phone and Internet

54. Get a local sim card and avoid hefty roaming fees. In some countries these can be a rather involved process but for most it’s quite straight forward. You often need your passport to register the sim card.

55. Use offline maps to save data. I use maps.me for most places when I’m travelling.

56. Consider investing in your own wifi router if you require a good connection. In our campervan we use this super fast Huawei wifi travel hotspot which allows us to connect multiple devices in areas where signal is typically poor.

Travel Insurance

57. Last but by no means least, get yourself some good travel insurance. Travel insurance can be expensive for long trips but you just never know when you might need it. The world of insurance can be a minefield but the guys at SafetyWing do great deals for long term travel through allowing you pay on a month by month basis. I highly recommend checking them out.

Summary On How To Travel The World Cheaply

Travelling around the world cheaply can do be done in many ways but it often requires a good amount of planning in advance. Be prepared for your trip through investigating the best deals, signing up for Airmile credit cards and joining frequent flyer programmes. Consider exchanging work for accommodation and reduce food costs through cooking your own food. Ensure you have the best bank cards to avoid big transaction fees, choose destinations where your currency is strong and use local Sim cards for the best phone and internet deals.

Through incorporating even just a few of these cheap travel tips you’ll be well on your way to exploring further, for longer 🙂

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Louise is an Adventure Tour Guide & Mountain Leader from South Wales. Through working as a tour guide and snowboard instructor, she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and is currently based in the UK.

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99 Travel Hacks To Make Your Next Trip A Little Easier

I’ve never cared about brand-name purses or clothing, much less cars or makeup. Instead, I spend whatever leftover money I can on travel. Traveling has exceptional “memory dividends” long after the money’s gone and is the best way to experience all the world has to offer (at least, in my humble opinion).

I’ve now been to 30+ countries and hundreds of cities—from rural northern Thailand to Moorea in French Polynesia to most of the United States—so I’ve picked up quite a few hacks here and there to make traveling the best experience it can be. Below, I’m sharing 99 of my best tips so you can spend less time planning and questioning and more time experiencing and enjoying. Got more? Share them in the comments; we don’t gate-keep here!

Wherever you’re heading—whether by plane, train, or bus—safe travels and happy exploring! 🌍

1. To save time, only pack a carry-on ; no more waiting at baggage claim! 

2. If you decide to check a bag in, throw an Airtag into your suitcase, so you can always track where it is and ensure it’s reached your destination.

3. For the best possible travel deals, be flexible on your destination and dates. I’ve scored deals to multiple European cities for under $200 by leveraging that flexibility.

4. Perhaps the most important tip of all: Always buy travel insurance . Always.

5. Allocate all your spending on a credit card that racks up points which can later be redeemed for travel—my preferred option is Chase Sapphire Reserve or the AmEx Gold.

6. Sign up for credit card bonuses that offer up to 150,000 points once you hit a minimum spending bonus—I like to check Nerdwallet’s top credit card offers (updated monthly) to see the best bonuses.

7. Search for flights leaving at off-peak times (for example, mid-week, red eyes, or with a layover) if you’re trying to save money.

Prioritize early morning flights; they’re the least likely to be delayed or canceled.

8. If convenience is more important than money, prioritize early morning flights; they’re the least likely to be delayed or canceled.

9. Use Google Incognito or a VPN to search for flights. Searching on the same browser and internet connection tells the airline that you’re looking to book and allows them to hike the price up. 

10. Once you find a flight you like—if you’re not ready to book—set up an alert to be notified if the price changes. If it drops, great! If not, you’ll know to book soon or keep an eye on it in case it comes back down.

11. Not sure when to go? Check out apps like Skyscanner or Hopper to find the best prices and times of year to head to your destination.

12. Sign up for loyalty programs with every airline you can; you never know when you’ll need to use them, and you can rack up miles for later use.

13. If you’re used to one specific airline, see if they have an airline-specific credit card for additional bonuses and perks. For example, United Airlines has major hubs in both our hometowns and our current cities so we have the United MileagePlus cards, which offer early boarding, free baggage, and 60,000 points each.

14. Keep an eye out for points sales , like Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals, 30% off transfer premiums, and more. (This is always a good option to keep in mind if you just need a few more points for a mostly-free flight!)

15. Look into mistake fares (deeply discounted fares mistakenly shared by an airline). They can sometimes be canceled or refunded, but many times, airlines will honor them anyway. One time, I was able to travel to Milan, Prague, and Amsterdam for $197 one-way from New York.

16. Subscribe to real-time alerts from The Points Guy , The Flight Deal on Twitter, and more.

17. If you have a few bucks to spare, sign up for flight deals from Going (previously known as Scott’s Cheap Flights). You’ll share your departure airports of choice, and you’ll receive deals right in your inbox.

18. Sign up for TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry to expedite the security process.

19. Once you’re past security but before you get to the gate, check out the Priority Pass, which will give you access to hundreds of lounges around the world. Both Chase and AmEx offer cards with Priority Pass access, and once you get to a lounge, you can stock up on free food, drinks, WiFi, and more.

20. Heading abroad? Use a third-party encrypted program like WhatsApp, Viber, or Signal for international texts and calls—you can avoid extra data and call charges!

Alert your credit and debit card companies about your travel so you don’t get flagged for fraud.

21. If you need access to international calls, buy a SIM card locally—you can usually find kiosks in the airport after arrival, or sometimes your carrier will offer a global SIM card for temporary use.

22. Alert your credit and debit card companies about your travel so you don’t get flagged for fraud.

23. Get a no-fee ATM for international destinations; my favorite is the Charles Schwab.

24. Only ask for ATM withdrawals in the local currency, not your native one.

25. Same for credit card charges; if you’re in Italy, pay with your card in Euros, not USD (for example). Then you’ll avoid fees and often score better conversation rates.

26. Download the airline app before you fly for easy access to your boarding pass, checking in, and seat or meal selection.

27. While you’re at it, you can check out the seat map on most flights to see what’s open and change seats accordingly.

28. You may even find an open seat in First or Business Class—consider politely asking for an upgrade. You never know if they’ll say yes!

29. If your travel plans are flexible, volunteer for a later flight when they’re offering compensation to offset the cost of the airfare.

30. If you decide to volunteer, try and wait to see if they’ll increase the compensation before you agree. Sometimes, you can get thousands of dollars in flight vouchers if you hold out long enough.

31. Buffer in extra time for delays—always.

32. Have a connecting flight? Aim for at least a 90-minute layover in between to avoid missing your flight in case of delays, security issues, etc.

33. Travel during shoulder season (i.e., not quite peak time yet). For example, if June-August is the best time of year to visit Greece, consider going in May or September for lower prices but still preferable conditions.

34. Don’t cut costs over convenience either, though—if you know you suffer from insomnia and back pain, taking a red eye in economy to save $100 may not be worthwhile. Similarly, don’t go for the cheapest hotel without thorough vetting; you don’t want to be stuck three miles from the beach without a bike because you didn’t know how far it was!

35. Check out alternative modes of transport besides the typical plane or car: Trains, bikes, public transportation, buses…the list goes on. These are often cheaper, better for the environment, and more accessible.

Create a default packing list for yourself that you can copy and tailor for each trip.

36. Create a default packing list for yourself that you can copy and tailor for each trip. This way, you’ll know you’ve included all the necessities most important to you, like specific medications, chargers, and toiletries.

37. Wear layers while in transit—it’s easier to pack your luggage, and you can stay warm (or cool) as needed.

38. If you suffer from swollen ankles or potential blood clots when sitting in one place for hours, get a pair of compression socks. There’s a reason many travel pros swear by them!

39. Another must? A reusable water bottle. Perfect for refilling inside the airport after security, carrying with you on tours, and having in case of emergency.

40. Heading to a place without clean, potable water? Don’t forget to bring a water filter or purifier for when you’re on the go.

41. Easily organize your suitcase (and save space!) with packing cubes .

42. If you’re really in need of space, consider vacuum bags to compress all your clothes.

43. If you know you’ll want to shop or bring back many souvenirs, get a secondhand suitcase at your local thrift store for cheap and fill ‘er up.

44. Don’t bring too many valuables. Many women travel pros will wear fake wedding rings to avoid burglaries or attacks.

45. Always tell someone at home what your itinerary is and where you’ll be. Even better if you can tell someone you trust locally in case of an emergency. #safety

46. Turn on location services and sharing, too, for good measure.

Print out extra copies of your passports and travel docs; keep digital copies in your email as well.

47. Print out extra copies of your passports and travel docs; keep digital copies in your email as well. Losing your passport is all too easy! 48. Need to drive worldwide? Don’t forget to pick up an International Driver’s Permit , which are readily available at most AAA locations.

49. Want to save money or avoid excess noise? Stay slightly away from downtown city centers and tourist spots—usually going even two or three blocks away can make all the difference.

50. Another way to cut costs is to consider house-sitting or couch surfing, depending on your level of comfort. 

51. Hostels are another great budget-friendly accommodation option; it’s also a wonderful place to meet like-minded people and organize local tours.

52. Weigh the cost of laundry versus the cost of a checked bag. Sometimes packing light and doing laundry will be far cheaper than paying for an extra suitcase.

53. Pack a capsule wardrobe for easy mix ‘n matching for your daily #lewks.

54. Think about items you may need at a destination that you’ll end up paying a premium for later and see if you can get them beforehand. For example, sunblock at a tropical destination will be far more expensive than getting it in the off-season in the Midwest.

55. Pack an essentials kit in case you need certain toiletries or accessories while in transit—for example, a small bag with spare underwear, ear plugs, eye mask, tampons, and charging wires.

56. Carry a purse or travel bag that you can keep close on your body, closed with zippers rather than buttons or flaps. This will help stop pickpockets!

57. Pack extra snacks. Just trust me on this one! You never know when you may need sustenance and can’t find anything worthwhile.

If you can, take the day off after you get home so you can ease back into everyday life.

58. If you can, take the day off after you get home so you can ease back into everyday life. Then you can finish up any chores or errands like laundry, grocery shopping, and more without worrying about rushing back into the office.

59. In your carry-on backpack or purse, keep an extra set of clothes, a toothbrush, and undies in case your luggage gets lost. (Which is another reason why you always want travel insurance!)

60. If you’re not using data and/or are heading to a remote area, download offline versions of Google Maps and take screenshots of any information you need.

61. If you’re heading to a foreign country and the local language isn’t one you speak, download the Google Translate app. You can then converse with locals, take photos of written text to translate, and more. (This was an invaluable tool when I was stranded in northern Thailand during a downpour once!)

62. Download media a day or two before you leave, so you can access it while traveling—think audiobooks, ebooks, Netflix, etc.

63. Get the best portable charger you can afford if you know you’ll be relying on your phone throughout the trip. You’ll never regret it.

64. Pack a universal adapter so you can use your electronic devices around the globe.

Pack a universal adapter so you can use your electronic devices around the globe.

65. Don’t forget a converter too, if your electronics’ voltage doesn’t match up to the outlets abroad.

66. Getting a rental? Book the reservation on a credit card like Chase or AmEx, which offers auto insurance and collision insurance for rentals.

67. If that’s not an option, it’s well worth getting auto insurance from the rental company. 

68. Take photos of everything important: The condition of your rental when you pick it up/drop it off, receipts if you’re going to be reimbursed or splitting costs, WiFi passwords, and so on.

69. Make sure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations and shots , which vary by country. (And don’t wait until the last minute to book your appointment!)

70. Read. The. Reviews. Make sure you look for any bots or planted reviews, and keep an eye out for any red flags, whether you’re searching for accommodations, a tour, or restaurants.

71. Similarly, seek out vetted tour groups if you’re traveling alone. A few of my favorites for women include El Camino Travel , Stellavision Travel , and G Adventures .

72. Sometimes DIYing a trip can be helpful, but other times, a good travel agent is the most valuable. They’ll get access to exclusive discounts, tours, or accommodations that you couldn’t leverage otherwise.

73. If you’re considering traveling with a friend or partner, ensure your travel priorities are aligned before leaving. Nothing will be more frustrating than having a companion sleep in when you’re a morning person or dealing with a racket first thing in the morning if you’re a night owl.

74. In the same vein, learn many of your destinations’ cultural nuances and customs—it’s important to be considerate and mindful of the communities you’re visiting.

75. Heading to a faraway destination? Try pairing nearby cities together on this trip so you knock out two at once.

76. Stay hydrated, especially when traveling. We’re already adjusting to new environments, time zones, etc., and hydration is key for our bodies to adapt.

Get sunlight as early as possible when you’re in a new time zone to help reset your circadian rhythm. 

77. Get sunlight as early as possible when you’re in a new time zone to help reset your circadian rhythm. 

78. Napping to adjust a timezone is okay, but try staying awake the whole day and sleeping at night to beat jet lag once and for all.

79. Chew gum while taking off or landing if your ears pop while in flight.

80. Invest in a quality skin mask or moisturizer, lip balm, and lotion during and post-flight when our skin is driest.

81. Luggage scales can be clutch—if your baggage is overweight and you can’t rid yourself of any items, you’ll be on the hook for hefty excess fees.

82. Traveling with kiddos? Bring a “busy bag” to keep them entertained throughout the day, stocked with coloring books, toys, a tablet, snacks, and whatever else your little one prefers.

83. If you’re dealing with long-haul travel, you’ll want a quality neck pillow—this is mine and I’m obsessed.

84. If you can , opt for a backpack over a suitcase or duffel. There’s a good chance transportation carriers won’t bother to weigh your backpack!

Whatever you’re budgeting for your trip, add another 10-20% in case of emergency.

85. Whenever you get samples like shampoo, moisturizers, or sunscreen, throw them in your travel toiletry bag. That way, you don’t need to bring the bulk items or worry about the liquid limit.

86. Throw a lavender satchel or a dryer sheet in your bag to keep things smelling…fresh. 🙂

87. Pack at least two extra large plastic or ziplock bags for shoes, dirty clothes, etc.

88. Opt for a bright-colored suitcase so it’s easy to spot at baggage claim or while in transit.

89. If you’re flying with another person and can book your seats in advance, one of you can take the window and the other can take the aisle. That way, the middle seat will likely be left open for you both to enjoy.

90. Always keep a spare pen on you, especially if you know you’ll have to fill out customs forms or write down directions.

91. Take a picture of your car or write down where it is in your notes app so you don’t forget where you’ve parked, whether at an airport parking lot or a new hotel.

92. Bring extra wipes or a sanitizer spray for when there’s no washroom or when things need some tidying…like your tray table.

93. Whatever you’re budgeting for your trip, add another 10-20% in case of emergency.

94. Check out local walking tours in big cities; they’re often free or pay-what-you-can and are a great way to see the most important sights and get acquainted.

95. Some businesses offer deals if you book with a partner company—for example, United MileagePlus members earn savings if you book a car rental through Avis or Budget.

Travel is one of the most valuable experiences there is in life. Enjoy every moment, be mindful and respectful, and explore as much as you can.

96. Don’t forget to check if you’ll need a visa for specific countries! Or, prioritize countries where you won’t need one for ease of access and to save money.

97. Eat street food (as long as it’s cooked in front of you and looks safe!). It’s often one of the best ways to enjoy a local culture.

98. Make lunch your biggest meal—it’s usually cheaper than dinner while being just as filling.

99. Most importantly, remember: Travel is one of the most valuable experiences there is in life. Enjoy every moment, be mindful and respectful, and explore as much as you can.

Henah Velez  (she/her) is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade. She is the Executive Producer at  Money with Katie  at Morning Brew, a personal finance brand for women including a chart-topping podcast, blog, and newsletter. She’s also a long-time writer at The Good Trade. Henah holds a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship and is a proud Rutgers grad. Originally from NJ, Henah’s now in Atlanta where she loves shopping small, hanging with her pets, or traveling.   Say hi on  Instagram !

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100 tips, tricks and hacks from travel insiders

Last updated . 30 January 2020

When it come to travel, packing and flying can be some of the trickiest parts. It pays to have a few hacks up your sleeve…

We speak to some of the world’s most seasoned travellers to discover what you need to know when it comes to travelling the world without issues. Bookmark this and read up before you travel anywhere…

1. Invest in a good suitcase

Top packing hacks to help you master the art of a perfectly packed suitcase, by travel blogger and photographer Edwina Hart

Nothing will make the task of packing easier than finding a suitcase with all the right features. Pick something:

• Lightweight, as a case weighing a few extra kilos might mean that you won’t be able to pack your favourite shoes or even result in an expensive ‘oversized baggage’ fine.

• With wheels. It’s so effortless to zip around without having to locate an airport trolley.

• That has a protective casing made from polycarbonate, a must as there is nothing worse than finding your toiletries have exploded all over your clothes and electronics.

• With useful zip compartments to separate items and keep your suitcase neat throughout the journey.

• That’s brightly coloured so you can identify it immediately on the carousel among the ubiquitous black luggage.

• With an in-built lock to keep your items safe and secure.

Keep an eye on the time

Everyone knows packing last minute is the surest way to over-pack. By writing a list in advance you will cut back on unnecessary items.

Take a small bag for important items

You need one safe place to keep your phone, passport, credit cards, cash and boarding passes on your person, a secure over-the-shoulder bag that is easy for you to access and keeps your arms free to focus on other tasks.

Roll with it

Rolling your clothes instead of folding them makes your clothing items more compact and will save room in your case. Plus, it prevents them from creasing. Also, try rolling precious items inside your clothes as a great way of keeping them safe.

Choose your shoes wisely

No more than three pairs, please. One pair for comfortable walking (i.e. your trusty Converse), one for everyday chic and one pair for looking your best. A simple trick is to wear the heaviest pair on the plane to save luggage weight.

Travel-size items

Have a special travel makeup kit pre-packed at the ready so you can just grab and go. Essentials include travel-size items like roll-on perfume, moisturisers and hydrating lip balm to battle in-flight dryness, classic mascara, bb cream for easy coverage, lip gloss and dry hair shampoo. These beauty essentials will keep you looking glamorous wherever you are.

Pack a scarf

I could go on forever about the virtues of travelling with a scarf. Packing a few colourful scarves is a lightweight solution to completely change the look of an outfit. They’re also useful for using as a shawl if you’re cold on the flight, bunching up to create makeshift pillows on trains, as a nifty blindfold if you need to sleep on the road and a necessity if you’re travelling to places that require a certain level of modesty.

Hold onto your hat

In the summer a hat keeps the sun off your face, in the winter it keeps you warm, and it will jazz up any outfit too. Best of all, after a long-haul flight, when holidaying in extreme humidity or after a few days on the road without a good shower – you can cover up that terrible mess your hair has become.

Invest in a good travel camera

It should be lightweight, compact and give you all the creative control you need.

Always leave a bit of space in the bag

You never know what treasures you’ll find on your travels. Make sure that you leave enough room in your case so that you don’t have to part with that beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime object that will forever remind you of your amazing holiday.

2. Seize the day

I’m Not sure it’s unique to me but ‘don’t wait’ would be my recommendation. If the feeling takes you, book a holiday and get out and explore. Doesn’t need to be an adventure overseas; it can be as simple as a night staying in an AirBnb a few hours from home. Travel resets the senses, allows you to look at the world through a new lens and always makes memories to treasure – even those epic travel fails turn into humorous stories when enough time passes! Kristen Angus, marketing communications manager Australia, VisitBritain

3. Go plastic-free

I’ve created my own plastic-free travel kit that I can throw in anytime I’m packing for a trip: reusable coffee cup, water bottle, metal straw and a carry bag that folds up to the size of a business card. And while some air hostesses still seem annoyed to fill up my bottle rather than hand over a small plastic water bottle, I feel I’m at least doing what I can to help reduce single-use plastic waste during transit. Celeste Mitchell, travel journalist

4. High and dry

Packing well is all about items that can do double duty. I always take a waterproof ‘dry bag’ as my toiletry bag – it’s easy to throw stuff in quickly on hotel check-out and it can be packed in my luggage loose or rolled up. Once on a trip, I’ve used it to protect my camera on boats and in monsoonal rain; as a back-up sick bag (a godsend to have in the car with a carsick child); even as a rainwater collector on a Vanuatu beach for the freshest of refreshments! I like the Scrubba bag, an Aussie invention, which also has little washboard-style corrugations so I can use it as a washing machine when it’s not doing all that other stuff!

Jac Taylor, travel, food and lifestyle media specialist

5. Travel enhancers, for free

There are these amazing little travel enhancers that will cost you nothing, says travel writer Elspeth Callender

SPEAKING A FEW WORDS AND PHRASES in the local lingo of a destination will say a lot to the people whose country you’re visiting. It’ll communicate that you know where you are (not every tourist does). It sets you apart from the last traveller they encountered (who didn’t even try). It suggests you give a hoot about the place you’re in beyond what you can take from it; that you believe in cultural exchange.

I USED TO GET DESPONDENT and self-conscious about being a monolingual moron but now I try to work with what I have: a decent memory and a reasonable ability to parrot pronunciation, at least enough to be understood. I’ve also lost the fear of making a fool of myself and, rather than mumbling my foreign words, I speak them with a boldness incongruous with my linguistic inabilities.

BEFORE I GET ON A PLANE I make sure I have, at the very least, hello and thank you. For languages that come more naturally or if I’m going to be somewhere for an extended period I aim for good morning, good evening, thank you, you’re welcome, please, excuse me, one, two, three, four, five, coffee, milk, sugar, sausage, goodbye, fantastic, delicious, of course and maybe.

REPETITIVE LISTENING LODGES NEW WORDS and the right intonation in my brain, and there is a world of aspiring teachers on YouTube to help do that, so find your favourite. Write things down, have them on your phone, keep listening and asking while travelling, whatever works for you. Return journeys can really build on your vocabulary especially for buying food and speaking slang.

IN TOURISTY PLACES, WHERE PEOPLE ARE BUSY and tired of outsiders, trying to use your local words beyond simple greetings isn’t always appreciated unless you’re fluent. But where there’s little or no English spoken or you’ve veered off the beaten path you’ll really notice the effects of your attempts. Technology now allows us to converse with each other even if we don’t share a language at all, and those apps have their place in breaking down barriers, but I never want to stop looking strangers right in the eye and saying: “Buongiorno, un caffè per favore”.

6. Have kids, will travel

It sounds obvious and super-boring, but identifying potential ‘d’oh’ moments before your trip really helps with long flights. For example, there’s nothing worse than rummaging around your bag in an economy class seat or a tiny plane toilet for nappy supplies, so when our son was a baby we packed a nappy and plenty of wet wipes into individual disposable nappy bags for quick, easy access. Keep dummies, special toys and comforters in side pockets; and pack extra small bags to stash any dirty clothes for washing once you reach your destination. Also, pack a bag of colourful balloons in your hand luggage: they’re cheap, tiny to carry, and provide immediate boredom relief in case of emergency.

Nikki Wallman, travel and lifestyle writer

7. Stay well oiled

I travel a lot and planes are unfortunately a singer’s worst nightmare when it comes to germs, recycled air and getting sick. Lavender oil is a must for me, it’s antibacterial and so damn relaxing. Aromatherapy works on me quickly and no one next to me has ever complained if I’m dousing the stuff here and there! Also, I use paw paw ointment for dry lips and even nostrils, as dryness leads to cracking and anything cracked or dry will let the germs in quicker. Have a hydralyte or any other kind of super-hydrating tablet or drink on hand, so you can keep your insides hydrated as well. All sports people do it, I hear, and hey – we musos are kind of like athletes too!

Ella Hooper, musician, Killing Heidi

8. A few travel essentials

Sophie Miura is a senior editor at MyDomaine . An Australian in New York, she flew for more than 200 hours last year on assignment, and shares her travel essentials here

Make the most of disposable hotel shower caps by using them to cover shoes when packing. They’re the perfect size to fit around one pair of shoes and shield the contents of your bag from dirty soles.

I follow a simple sleep routine on long-haul flights and it works every time. First, I put earplugs in to muffle engine noise, then I wear over-ear headphones and play storm sounds via the free Rain Rain Sleep Sounds app. It’s so soothing.

DOCUMENTING TRIPS

Rather than keep a travel journal – something I never have time to do, no matter how well intentioned I am – I buy one postcard in each destination and write bullet points on the back about my favourite memories. It’s not a laundry list of attractions; rather, I try to write about smells, sounds, and fleeting interactions that I’d otherwise forget.

9. Bag it up

One for the ladies: when flying, I never take a handbag. I travel through security with a backpack and a folded-up soft fabric bag inside, which acts as my handbag while travelling. On board, my backpack goes overhead, and the soft bag, now filled with all my in-flight essentials, under the seat in front.

Lisa Perkovic, travel expert, Expedia

10. Sleep well

I am a big believer in melatonin: a great natural way to ease the effects of jet lag, especially useful when flying between Hong Kong and Miami and dealing with the 12-hour time difference.

Toby Smith, managing director, SWIRE Hotels

On the ground

11. get the lay of the land.

If I am arriving in a foreign city on my own and have the luxury of time I will search for a hop-on hop-off tour bus as my first port of call. This is a great way to become oriented with the layout of the city and to work out what I would like to visit. I will then walk the city areas that I want to see. I will always visit the local markets as this is a great way to get an insight into the people and products available. Many markets also offer a place to eat local food and it is always cheap. A great way to become accustomed to the value of the local currency is to walk through a supermarket or corner store, taking mental note of the prices. This immediately gives you a reference point for the value of the currency and helps you to become accustomed to converting the currency in your head.

Marika Martinez, founder and director, Women’s Own Adventure

12. Download maps

Maps.me and Avenza Maps are among my favourite travel companions. Both use satellite, thereby avoiding the need for internet – and costly data. The catch is that maps for both need to be downloaded before travel when you do have good wi-fi. Like Google Maps, Maps.me is free and shows your location on the map. You can save locations – your hotel for example, which helps when you’re returning on a bus from a different direction later. It also shows walking tracks, so you can be confident you’re on the right path. Avenza Maps is the topographical version. It charges per map downloaded and the app is a little clunky – but it’s invaluable when you’re in a remote mountainous area.

Michele Eckersley, public relations manager, World Expeditions

13. Just buy it

One of my favourite reasons for travelling is not only gaining inspiration for my design practice, but also bringing home the spoils! Weaving in objects and art from diverse cultures has become a signature of my work. My travel trip would be to travel as light as possible to leave ample room in your suitcase for new finds. And be sure to travel with your FedEx account number! Beautiful objects, craft and art are everywhere. If you see something you love – buy it! It is these unique pieces that tell your personal story and add the layers to your house. Also, be sure to seek out the shops at local museums and art galleries, as they are always a great trove of design and perfect for gifts.

Thomas Hamel, interior designer

14. Don’t forget to bring cash

While we live in a cashless world, it is essential to carry some currency for the local markets, cab fares and in most regions, tips (which go a long way to receiving good service).

Mike Smith, public relations and marketing general manager, World Trade Travel

15. Stay residential

When I travel, I like to experience the place like a local, so where possible, I will pick a hotel that is located in or near a residential area. It’s eye-opening to experience a country from a local perspective and see how their habits differ or are the same from place to place. It’s hard to feel the authenticity of a place and its people when staying in city centres or touristy areas, but as soon as you step out a little bit, everything changes. Often, you will find that people are friendlier, in less of a rush, more relaxed and genuine, and things are cheaper!

Florence Pasquier, sales director, Rail Europe

16. Go with local guides

Don’t be afraid to travel on your own as part of a group tour – you could end up meeting the love of your life like I did in South America! Or perhaps if love is not in your sights, new friendships or just the company, security and peace of mind of exploring with other people. Secondly, there is no greater investment when travelling than paying for a local guide. They have first-hand local knowledge of their city, town, culture and traditions. If you truly want to learn and experience your destination of choice, then pay for a guide rather than just taking yourself around the local sights. You will hear enriching stories of their life, and they know all the best places to eat, grab a cold beer and access experiences you may not have ever heard about.

Emma Prineas, acting head of marketing, Wendy Wu

17. Be curious

Ask questions of anyone and everyone you meet when you travel. From your taxi driver to your waiter to the front desk clerk and the guy next to you in line at the store. Find out what they love about where they live and any unique spots that you should visit. Everyone enjoys sharing what’s special about their hometown and you’ll learn something new every time. And who knows, you might even make a new friend. Jennifer Vandekreeke, vice president Australia, Carnival Cruise Line

18. Only human

I find, both as a hotelier who oversees thousands of staff and as a regular traveller on the other end of that equation, that it’s always helpful to remember that people are, at the end of the day, human. The human element is what always takes a great hotel up into that top level, and equally, all people are by nature, sometimes fallible. It’s good to remind oneself when something goes a bit wrong that most people at a hotel are usually genuinely trying to please. I’m by nature very exacting and impatient, so I find that reminding myself of this has helped me relax and roll with the situation. As a perspective shift, it’s priceless because it can be the difference between a ruined day of your holiday and a salvaged one. Guy Heywood, COO, Alila Hotels and Resorts

19. Keep it charged

Bring a power board with you as well as a plug adapter so you can charge multiple electronic devices at once – cameras, mobile phones, laptops and toothbrushes etc.

Ryan Bennett, brand leader, Bentours & Hurtigruten

20. Be safe as a solo female traveller

Journalist, author and commentator Dilvin Yasa’s guide to conquering the world deftly and safely as a solo female traveller

Connect with other females

Sign up with networks that work to connect female travellers from around the globe, such as Wanderful and Pink Pangea. Through these sites, you can get recommendations from like-minded women, seek advice from locals on various customs and, if the solo thing gets a bit too lonely at times, you can even organise to meet up during your travels.

Nominate a contact

You already know to register your travel details with smartraveller.gov.au and to leave an itinerary with someone back home, but also be sure to set up a daily point of contact with someone you’re close to at home. It could be something as simple as a daily 5pm WhatsApp message to let them know you’re safe and thriving.

Pack sensibly

You’ve packed your toothbrush, deodorant and a pair of hiking boots. Now throw in a rubber doorstop to wedge under hotel room doors, a whistle to carry in your pocket and perhaps even a cheap wedding band which can be a simple and effective way to keep unwanted admirers away and out of your hair.

Investigate broadly

Conducting research on hotel/hostel reviews is essential, but just as important is seeking reviews on the neighbourhood the property is located in so you can see whether it’s safe or not. Sites such as Oyster, TripAdvisor and Hotelz will often allow you to search both.

Talk to hotel rooms

Never admit you’re travelling alone. If anyone asks, your boyfriend Bazza is back at the hotel aggressively pacing the room wondering where the hell you are. To make this story seem more authentic to neighbouring hotel guests, always be sure to yell out a quick, “Okay baby, see you shortly!” as you head out the door.

Salute the sun

Always plan to get to your destination well before dark, but should you find you haven’t quite made it and need to walk a distance, walk out on the road where you can. This reduces the risk of being pulled into dark alleys, doorways and parked cars unseen.

Start simple

Not sue if you’re ready to brave the streets of Mexico City by yourself just yet? Consider earning your solo traveller wings first by joining a tour group such as On The Go Tours (onthegotours.com). Within each group, 40 per cent are solo travellers, and there is no compulsory single supplement on group tours. Fancy a walking or biking trip instead? Butterfield & Robinson (butterfield.com) has a range of great trips for solo women including Italian Lakes Walking, and Vietnam and Cambodia Biking.

Back yourself

Sure, we could tell you to remain sober at all times and to dress conservatively (important tips to note regardless), but ultimately everything comes down to your flight or fight response, honed over millions of years of evolution. If your gut is telling you something doesn’t feel right, listen to it and seek safety. As much as we want to shrug things off as paranoia, your first instinct is usually correct.

Check out more of the best 100 tips, tricks and hacks from travel insiders by category

Europe | Beaches and islands | Classics | Hacks | Food and wine | No place like home | More for less | Off the beaten track | Asia

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87 Unique Travel Tips & Hacks You Can’t Afford to Miss Out On

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: October 23, 2023  - Last updated: October 31, 2023

Share with your friends!

After years of travel (and now full-time travel curator), I’ve put together my ultimate collection of unique travel tips, hacks and advice to help you plan your next trip with ease.

You’ll find everything from packing advice, the best travel apps, building the best travel itinerary, in-flight comfort tips, how to get through airport security in a breeze, budgeting & saving money, in-destination advice and more. 

I think these genius travel tips are pretty unique, so here’s the full list!

In this post, you’ll find:

Packing tips, travel planning and trip research, finding things to do, itinerary building, hotel booking tips, accommodation tips, booking flights, airport & security screening tips, in-flight comfort, best travel apps, budget tips, before trip departure, in destination tips, cultural tips.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!

DIY Clothing Hack for Packing Light

Mix Febreze and wrinkle release in a travel-sized spray bottle. This method allows you travel with fewer clothes and maximize a compact wardrobe.

It also prolongs the freshness and usability of your garments, which is especially helpful in humid climates.

Packing Cubes Help Keep Things Organized & Easier to Find 

Packing cubes are especially useful if you’re moving hotels every couple of days.

Make sure you get cubes with compression , and you can almost double the amount of clothing you bring.

Also, if your bag gets searched at the airport, everything stays together and it’s so much quicker to repack.

Split Your Clothing Up

If you’re traveling with a partner, split your clothes between both of your checked bags.

That way, if one of the bags goes missing, you both have clothes in the other bag.

Pack a Full Outfit in Your Carry-on

If you don’t want to split up your clothing, pack a full outfit in your carry-on.

 This is one of my favorite travel tips that has saved me more than once. 

In the event your bag does get lost, you’ll still have a full set of fresh clothes.

If I’m traveling to a warm destination, I always pack a swimsuit and a beach/pool outfit in my carry-on.

Even if my bag isn’t lost, sometimes you can’t check into your room for a few hours but can still use the pool/beach area while you wait.

Instead of digging through your tightly packed suitcase, you can quickly pull out your swimsuit from your carry-on and get down to the pool faster.

Pack Slippers

Hotel room floors are never as clean as they look, even the nice hotels.

I always pack a pair of thin memory foam slippers to wear in the room.

Especially helpful if the floors are cold or tile (like in Mexico, Caribbean, etc.).

Use the Rubberized Luggage Tags

Don’t use the belt buckle-style luggage tags which fail more often.

I like these rubber luggage tags that are one piece so you don’t have to worry about it breaking, and they come in bright colors for easy spotting.

Use a Quart-sized Ziploc bag for Packing Liquids in Your Carry-on 

Don’t waste money on “TSA approved” liquid bags (they’re often too big).

All you need is the quart-sized Ziploc bags, which also seal water tight. 

Pack Necklaces Inside Metal Straws

They’ll never get tangled.  

Compeed Blister Patches

If you’re prone to blisters, didn’t get the chance to break in a new pair of shoes you’re brining, or you know you’re going to be walking a lot – get Compeed .

These blister patches will save your vacation and you’ll never travel without them again.

Use Lotion Sticks Instead of Liquid Lotions or Creams

This helps reduce your amount of liquids.

I even do this when checking a bag because there’s no risk of it spilling or exploding in your bag.  

If You’re Going on a Long Trip, Get Yourself a Scrubba wash bag  

You put your clothes, soap and water in the bag, and swish it around for a bit.

Then wring out your clothes and hang and dry.

Sinks aren’t always practical for washing clothes or if you’re camping or backpacking, these work great. 

Use Toiletry Skins

For leak-proofing your bottles and containers, just stretch these toiletry skins overtop of the bottle. Works great for shampoo, sunscreen, micellar water, makeup, etc. 

Refill Travel Toiletries Bag Before You Pack it Away

Your bag will be ready to go for your next trip. One less thing to do when you’re stressed about packing!

Read the rest of my packing guides here:

• 13 Things You Should Never Travel Without if You’re Staying in a hotel
• My best travel tips for packing toiletries if you’re flying carry-on only

People always ask how I plan my itineraries – here’s what I do to get started.

Use Tour Company Websites as a Starting Point

To get me started with a rough idea of what I should include in my itinerary, I always start out by browsing websites like Exoticca, Intrepid Travel, Gate 1 Travel, G Adventures, or whatever your preferred tour operator is.

I scan the itineraries for the destination I’ll be traveling to, and this gives me a really quick rundown of the top places to visit and top things to do. As well as what’s realistic for traveling between different areas. 

Read the YouTube video comments

I always watch a few YouTube videos when I’m starting to plan a trip.

But make sure you read the video’s comments – they’re usually full of additional helpful tips from locals or seasoned travelers. 

Join Facebook Groups

You can find a Facebook group for almost every travel destination out there. In the search bar, type in your destination and then filter by ‘Groups.’

These groups are full of people who have taken trips similar to the one you’re planning, and I always find them so helpful.

If you’re traveling to another country, use an e-sim card 

I use Airalo , and all you do is purchase the sim card for what country you’re traveling to and you can purchase as much data as you want.

If you need more while you’re on your trip, you can reload more data with one click. 

Use Viator to Look for & Book Tours

Not only is this the biggest source of finding all available tours in whatever region you’re traveling to, you can use the “book now and pay later” feature.

This really helps with budgeting.

I’ve booked some of my favorite travel experiences through Viator, such as natural hot springs in Mexico and a sunrise horseback ride through the desert.

The majority of tours also offer free cancellation 24 hours before.

Use Airbnb Experiences

Often you’ll find much more local & immersive experiences.

If you’ve traveled to a destination before and are looking for more unique things to do, you’ll find them here. 

One of my favorite Airbnb experiences was sandboarding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico !

Use ChatGPT

You can use ChatGPT to help you build an itinerary for free. Here’s a prompt to get you started: 

• “Create a [duration] day itinerary for my trip to [destination]. My interests include [list of interests], and my budget is [budget]. I will be staying at [type of accommodation] in [preferred neighborhood or area]. Please consider the [season/weather] and any [additional information] that might be relevant to this trip.”

Use Thatch Guides

Thatch is where you can browse unique travel guides and services curated by travel experts around the world.

Many of the guides, maps and itineraries are free, or you can purchase custom itineraries.

Check out my Thatch profile for inspiration! 

Maximize your time as it relates to geography

Group your must-visit stops and restaurants together by geographic area.

By planning ahead and mapping out your route ahead of time, you can fit more in your schedule.

The Thatch map feature is great for this!

Build in Flex Time

There is always something that is going to go wrong when you travel.

Whether its delayed flights, lost luggage, bad weather, someone gets sick, etc., it’s important to be flexible.

Leave some wiggle room each day in your itinerary in case something happens. 

The best way to experience a place is through its food! 

Look up 1-3 local dishes before you go so you feel prepared to order something new & delicious.

Choosing a hotel to book is often the most stressful part of travel planning.

Here’s some advice to help you choose the best place to stay. 

Zoom in on Google Maps

Often you’ll want to stay somewhere that’s close to all the places you’ll be visiting and the attractions you want to hit.

Once I have an area narrowed down, I usually do a quick browse on Booking or Expedia to give me an idea of prices.

Then, I open up Google maps and zoom in on the neighborhood I want to stay in. This way I can see all the reviews to help me narrow things down. 

Price Things Out With Uber

If I won’t be renting a car, I usually open up Uber and plug in a few of the places I’ll be traveling to, which gives me an idea of how much the rides will cost.

This helps me choose whether to spend more money and stay closer to the action, or save a ton by staying somewhere a little further out and taking Ubers. 

Here are my best tips & things to do when you check into your hotel. 

Check Your Hot Water 

I like to make sure I have hot water and that the shower works properly as soon as I get to my room.

This way if I happen to take a late night or early morning shower and something doesn’t work, I’m not going down to the front desk at odd hours (especially if I’m on a schedule).

Luggage Storage

If you have a late flight and need to check out of your hotel by a certain time, hotels will hold your bags for you.

This also works the opposite way – if you arrive early but can’t check in. Saves you from hauling your luggage around all day.

Sink Stopper

Pack a universal sink stopper so you can wash your clothes in the sink or fill it full of ice to keep your drinks cold.

I do this in places like Las Vegas that never have mini-fridges in hotel rooms.

Read more of my essential items to pack for a hotel stay to help me feel comfortable and get a good night’s sleep.

You can save hundreds of dollars on flights just by setting cheap flight alerts with Faredrop .

It sends me notifications when flights drop in price from my home airport so it creates a lot more opportunity for budget travel! 

My favorite part is the flight deals on business class flights, like this recent deal for lie-flat business class fares from Calgary to Hawaii for $618, $1200 lower than the average price of $1900. 

Google Flights

If you have some flexibility with travel dates, the Google Flights ‘Explore’ feature shows you the cheapest airfare around the world.

If you’re eyeing up a destination, you can also set free price alerts to be notified when the price changes.

It’s also a great tool to show you the cheapest dates to travel as well as whether or not prices are currently, high, normal or low based on the flights you’re looking to book. 

Flight Connections

This website shows all non-stop flights from every airport to help you plan a long-haul trip. 

Flight Aware

FlightAware provides accurate, real-time flight tracking information.

It will typically show if your flight is canceled/delayed BEFORE your airline sends you a notification.

You can also track where your plane departs from to anticipate delays ahead of time.

Roame.Travel

Roame simplifies credit card rewards – helps you find the best redemptions for your credit card points and airline miles.

Just input your origin and destination airports and your date of travel, and the search engine will show you how many points it will cost to fly via different loyalty programs.

In the example above, it shows that you can fly first class from Las Vegas to New York City for $5.60 and 41,500 points.

Finding Cheap Business Class Flights Without Credit Card Points

While it’s very possible to fly business class solely on credit card points, not everyone wants to accumulate credit card debt or has the necessary credit score to apply for a premium credit card.

And depending on your home country, you might have limited options.

As a Canadian, I don’t get access to nearly as many travel rewards programs and credit cards as my American friends.

So, I wrote a guide on how to score cheap business class airfares like a pro, without having to churn credit card points by comparing the best flight deal tools, apps, websites and services.

If you’re parking at the airport…

Take a photo of which section you parked your car in to easily remember where your car is after your vacation. After a long flight, you’ll be tired and just want to get home.

Security Screening Tetris Tip #1

Put your possessions through the scanner in the order you need them to come out so they can easily be re-packed.

For example, send your backpack through first, so that as your items come out you can just place them right into your bag. 

Security Screening Tetris Tip #1.5

If you have a laptop or a valuable electronic, place it in the middle or second bin.

For example, I sandwich my valuables in between my personal item (first tray), and my carry-on luggage (third tray).

This keeps your valuable stuff safe from getting mixed up with other items, but it also makes it simpler when you need to pack everything back u

Luggage Cupholders are a lifesaver

If you aren’t an octopus and only have two arms, get yourself one of these luggage cupholders .

You just slip it over the handle of your suitcase and you can travel through the airport with ease when you’ve got a cup of coffee, water bottle, snacks, baby supplies, your phone, and anything else you need quick access to – now you’re hands free and not fumbling around.

Beware of Juice Hacking

DO NOT use one of the USB charging outlets at the airport.

Use a power bank to charge your phone instead.

Hackers are now using the public charging-USB ports at airports to infect your phone with malware and then steal your personal information.

The solution?

Use a power bank instead (handy to have when traveling anyway) or a charging-only data blocker cord .

Foot Hammock 

Nothing worse than a long flight where you can’t elevate your feet.

I always pack my trusty foot hammock which attaches to the seat in front of you for an instant foot rest. 

Just make sure you’re mindful of the person in the seat in front of you and avoid swinging your feet or moving them around too much.

Or Bring a Deflated Beach Ball

It packs flat and once you’re in the air, blow it up and now you have a foot rest.

Choose a larger size and only partially inflate it so that it’s a bit flat for more stability.

OR Use a small, folding step stool

As another way to prop your feet up on long plane rides – it feels like you’re in first class (and no risk of bothering the person in front of you).

Try this stool which folds up flat & is lightweight. Easily fits in your carry-on or backpack. 

For long-haul flights, bring a spare pair of dry socks to wear once you’re settled in on your flight. Makes a world of a difference for feeling fresh. 

Brushing your teeth…

is the quickest way to feel human again after a long flight.

Bring your own tea bags for the plane

Cabin air is dry and dehydrating, so bringing your own herbal tea helps so much.

You can usually get a cup of hot water for free (although I won’t be surprised if and when they start charging for that), but then you can have a nice soothing cup of mint or eucalyptus tea.

Emergency Row Exit Tip #1

Are you someone who likes to board the plane first ?

Purchase an emergency exit row seat – not only do you get more leg room, but guests in these seats get priority boarding so you can be first on the plane.

Emergency Row Exit Tip #2

If you’re on a plane with two rows of exit seats, the first row of emergency exit row seats don’t recline because they could obstruct the row behind them.

So if you plan on reclining your seat a bit, go for the second row.

Middle Seat Hack

Try the middle seat hack. If you’re traveling with a partner, try booking an aisle seat and a window seat.

There’s a big chance no one will book the middle seat and you’ll get the whole row to yourselves. 

Overhead Bin Tip

Put your carry on in the bin or rack across from your seat.

It’s much easier to grab at the end of the trip or to keep an eye on if you are nervous.

Here’s a list of my favorite travel apps that are a complete game changer.

Google Maps Offline

Make sure to download your map area to use offline, then you’ll never need WiFi or cell service to access where you are.

Make sure you’ve saved things like your hotel or Airbnb, restaurants and attractions so you can get directions any time. 

Another great use for Google Maps is when you’re on a bus in a foreign country where you’re not familiar with the language or if it’s loud and you can’t always understand the next stop announcement.

You can use maps to put in your destination and follow the route on your phone, so you know when to get off.

I also follow along when I’m in a taxi , so you can make sure you’re going in the right direction. 

Google Translate

Download the language of the country you’re visiting for offline use on Google translate. Just in case you need it and don’t have a connection.

My favorite features are the conversation mode for real-time interpretation and translating text – just point your camera at a sign or a menu and your translated text is displayed overtop.

An audio tour guide app with perfectly timed stories, tips & directions that matches your location.

A must-have if you’re on a scenic road trip, or traveling through national parks.

Faredrop is one of the best flight deals apps on the market. Get notified when flights drop in price from your home airport. 

Thatch 

Browse unique travel guides, itineraries and maps curated by travel experts around the world. 

TripIt keeps all your reservations and bookings in one spot.

Keep track of your flights, hotels, car rentals, confirmation numbers, and other details – all in one place – so you don’t have to search through multiple emails or apps to find what you need. 

PackPoint you organize what you need to pack in your luggage and suitcase based on length of travel, weather at your destination, and any activities planned during your trip.

Timeshifter

The jet lag app that creates a personalized plan to minimize jet lag using the latest sleep and circadian neuroscience.

These are user generated maps to help  you navigate cities like a local – indicating things you should know about certain neighborhoods.

I find it’s useful when I’m traveling somewhere that I have very little knowledge about, and want to know about safety, where the super touristy spots are, or low key spots where locals hang out.

Even if you don’t plan to use Uber, it will give you an idea about how much a typical fare costs for your route.

For example, when I’m traveling in a country where I feel more comfortable using a taxi, I check a few Uber prices before negotiating with the taxi driver about how much the fare will be.

Numbeo is the world’s largest cost of living database.

Use it to help determine how much things cost in any city such as housing, restaurants, transportation, etc.

Use Cashback Programs 

Cashback programs work like a digital rebate where once you make a purchase, you get a percentage of your money back.

Popular cashback sites for travel bookings include WayAway, Rakuten and CapitalOne Shopping. 

Read more details about How to Get Cashback on Flights (+ other travel saving tips)

Sign Up for Flight Alerts

Want to find flight deals with minimum effort?. Instead of searching the internet for flight deals, have someone else find deals for you.

One of the most popular flight alert programs is FareDrop , which regularly sends out deals like this one:

• $516 round trip flights from San Francisco to Tahiti, French Polynesia.

Utilize Positioning Flights

A positioning flight is a separate, cheaper flight taken to reach your main destination, typically from a nearby airport.

Taking one of these flights allows you to access more affordable airfares from larger airports (and maybe snag those flight deals on business class fares from FareDrop ). 

Rick Steves’ Books 

Are a wealth of information, especially for European travel.

He’s got tons of advice on saving money when it comes to booking hotels, free self-guided tours & avoiding overpriced tourist traps.

View his travel guide book collection here

Stay in One Place Longer

Traveling in between locations eats up your budget (the more you move the more you spend). 

Often it’s much cheaper to stay in a central point and focus more on day trips. 

Swiss Half Fare Card 

If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, you can use the half fare card for all public transportation (trains, trams, buses, etc.) in Switzerland and can also be used for some attractions.

The card does exactly what the name implies, so if you’re doing a lot of train travel you can save a decent amount of money.

Saving on Car Rentals

If you’re renting a car – check to see if there’s a rental agency that’s a short cab or Uber ride from the airport. These places are usually significantly cheaper and have shorter wait times.

Open a Wise Account

If you haven’t yet, open up a Wise account .

The Wise card is a prepaid debit card attached to your Wise multi-currency account – you can load up multiple currencies and pay local like a local when you’re abroad. 

Save money on international travel by changing your money into a different currency without paying a lot of extra fees and getting better exchange rates.

Learn more about Wise here . 

Embrace Shoulder Season

To save money and travel at an affordable price, find out the off season of your planned destination and travel then. You also get the added bonus of fewer crowds. 

Become a House Sitter

Save money on accommodation by house-sitting and pet-sitting for locals while they’re away on vacation.

Trusted Housesitters is one of the best platforms to start house sitting. 

Stay Somewhere With Kitchen Amenities

Even if you book a hotel room or an Airbnb with a small kitchen that’s a little more expensive, you can save a ton of money by cooking your own meals.

Often when we travel, we make our own breakfast and lunch, and only go out for dinner. 

Go Where the Locals Eat

If you’re visiting a popular tourist city, do a little research beforehand to find out where the locals eat.

These restaurants will be a little outside of the main tourist spots, but 9 times out of 10, the food quality is much better and prices are a lot lower. 

Multi-attraction passes can save you tons

If you know you’re going to be hitting several main tourist attractions in the city you’re visiting, it can be worthwhile to purchase discounted access passes to multiple attractions.

GoCity is one of the best and is currently available in over 30 cities around the world. You often save up to 50% vs buying individual attraction tickets.

Do you get anxious or a little nervous leaving for a trip? Here are a few tips that help me feel better about being away from home: 

Get a Wyze Camera

Get an inexpensive camera that you can install either inside or on the exterior of your home.

You can check up on your place from wherever you are in the world for peace of mind. 

Do a weird dance…

when you lock the door so you’ll never forget that you locked it!

For real, do a shake, throw your hands up, whatever you have to do.

(works for other things too, like turning off the stove, etc.)

Confirm With Your Hotel

Email the hotel in advance of travel just indicating you’re double-checking your reservations.

If there are any issues when you arrive, you now have someone you’ve corresponded with at the hotel.

Once you’ve arrived at your destination and you’re officially starting your trip, here are my top pieces of advice to help you enjoy and navigate things smoothly. 

Foreign Currency 

The best way to get foreign currency (cash) is by withdrawing from an ATM on arrival (just avoid the ones at the airport). There will still be a fee, but it’s usually much better than the banks back home or currency exchange offices.

You can also use your Wise debit card for this, or if you’re from the United States, you can sign up for a Charles Schwab account, which gives you a rebate on foreign ATM fees at the end of each month.

Walking Tours & Food Walking Tours are Your Friend

As one of my favorite travel tips, I always recommend joining a free walking tour or food walking tour. 

Make sure to do it early on in your trip.

These are the best ways to get acquainted with the city.

Having a local guide take you to some local food joints is a great way to not only become familiar with the local cuisine, but can help you step out of your comfort zone.

Food vs. Views

When choosing a restaurant, remember that if the view is great, the food doesn’t have to be. 

Finding a Bathroom

If you need a bathroom, find a hotel, and walk in confidently like you’re a guest.

Bathrooms are usually located on the main floor somewhere near the elevators, at the beginning of a hallway or beside meeting rooms. 

Early Arrivals

If you have an early flight where you’re arriving in a city in the morning, take one of the hop on hop off city tours.

They start early and are a great way to spend a couple hours getting a lay of the land and familiar with the main parts of the city. 

Always try the local food! 

It’s often the best and the cheapest. Not sure where to go?

Look for places that have lineups – that also means food will be fresh.

Take Photos of Landmarks

When traveling in unfamiliar places or a busy city that you’ve never been to, use your phone to take pictures of landmarks that stand out.

That way if you want to get back to a certain place you have a picture on your phone to match with your map pin.

This is helpful when you’re getting an Uber or a taxi to drop you off in a certain pickup area – or if you parked your car somewhere.

Works great if you’re traveling around a downtown area and you want to meet back at a certain spot.

Ask for a Sunroof

If you’re renting a car and taking a scenic road trip, try to get a car with a sunroof – you’ll be able to see so much more of the scenery. 

Learn Basic Phrases in the Local Language

Before your trip, try to learn a few key words and phrases in the local language and practice them at home.

Look up basic greetings, please and thank you, and how to ask where the bathroom is located. 

Learn the local tipping customs to show appreciation without inadvertently causing offense.

More Helpful Travel Tips:

My biggest list of Mexico travel tips (that saved me so many times)

How to book a perfect Airbnb/vacation rental every time

How to plan a trip from start to finish (the easy & organized method)

How to Find Cheap Business Class Flights Without Credit Card Points

Postcard Narrative

The Proof is in the Postcard

23 International Travel Hacks: Genius Tips We Wish We’d Known Sooner

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or about to embark on your first international vacation, it’s normal to feel some unease about the unknowns and the “what ifs” of a new place. The key to enjoying the journey, including its unexpected twists, lies in mastering a few crucial international travel hacks.

In this post, we’ll dive into the essential strategies for saving money abroad, flying internationally, staying safe, and even more hacks to feel ultra-prepared.

The Best International Travel Hacks

Book accommodations direct.

This international travel hack was contributed by Sally from Sally Sees.

Your accommodation is one of the most important parts of travelling. It’s also one of the most expensive!

The bulk of most people’s travel budgets is allocated to accommodation. Whether you’re staying in dorms beds in hostels or in luxury resorts, you’ve got to have a place to sleep every night, and those costs add up fast.

If you’re willing to commit a bit more time and effort to booking your accommodation, you can save a ton of money with this handy tip.

Third party booking engines like Booking.com or Airbnb are fantastic ways to find accommodation options. However, they all take a decent cut out of the price you pay for your room.

Airbnb is particularly bad for this, and if you checked out the invoice for any of your recent bookings, you’ll most likely find $50 + of Airbnb fees.

By booking directly with the accommodation provider, you can usually get a cheaper rate and save the extra fees whacked on by the booking company.

This can be a little tricky when its an Airbnb, and it generally only works when the host is actually an accommodation business, rather than a spare room in their house. It’s usually possible to work out how to contact the host directly and organize your stay outside of the app, if it’s something you and they are comfortable with.

This trick works particularly well in countries like  Mexico , where there are a lot of accommodation options that aren’t big enough to advertise on sites like Booking.com or Expedia. They use Airbnb to list their property, but are happy to receive bookings directly from travelers.

Exchange Money Before Traveling

Recommended by Eleanor of  Elevate Your Escapes

Before leaving for your trip, go to the bank or AAA and order local currency. Many banks will allow you to specify what bills you order. I recommend ordering mostly smaller bills. These bills are very useful for tips, taxi rides, water bottle purchases from corner stores, souvenirs from street vendors, and so much more.

Many travelers know to get local currency before traveling but end up with larger bills that they then have to spend time and money breaking. Though credit cards are accepted more widely now, it’s not always the case. I’ve found myself in situations where I’ve had to pay taxes on hotel rooms and entrance fees for historic sites in cash.

Most banks, like Chase and CapitalOne, will exchange money with no fees. Some banks do charge fees, so always call ahead to be sure. You’ll also need to order the money 3-5 business days in advance of when you need it.

Avoid ATM Hidden Fees

Now, let’s say you didn’t get around to acquiring foreign currency before your trip. Whatever you do, don’t exchange currency at the airport! The airport vendors charge enormous fees.

Hopefully you can make it out of the airport and to your accommodation with the us e of a credit card without foreign fees. When you do, look for a bank ATM. The small ATM use fees will be far more economical than currency counters.

While using the ATM is the preferred option for withdrawing cash during travels, sometimes the prompts can be misleading. The machine will ask you whether to process the transaction in local currency or in your bank’s currency. Always choose local. Read more on this below.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Catherine – Savvy Family Travel (@postcard_narrative)

Pay in Local Currency

Contributed by Jess from Uprooted Traveler

When traveling abroad, you’ll oftentimes have the option of paying for things at restaurants and businesses in either the local currency or United States dollars. 

While it may feel tempting to pay in your more familiar home currency, this almost always comes out to be the more expensive option for you in the long run. In fact, studies suggest that not paying in the local currency results, on average, in paying anywhere from one to three percent more than the bill actually costs—which will not be clearly disclosed to you on the receipt itself! This is almost always higher than what your home bank would charge for paying the transaction in a foreign currency (but you should be traveling with a credit card with no foreign transaction fees anyway!).

This practice of charging customers to spend their home currency, called dynamic currency conversion, regularly occurs in destinations around the globe.  So whether you’re paying for a wildlife spotting tour in Costa Rica; riding the  Hogwarts Express in Scotland ; or going to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and have the option to choose how to pay, always remember to use the local currency!

International Flight Hacks

Locate children’s areas in airports.

Contributed by Sara of Big Adventures With Little Feet

If you’re a regular traveler with kids then you know how hard it can be to entertain them at the airport.  Especially when you’re connecting between flights and might have a layover of a few hours or more.

Did you know that some airport lounges have children’s play areas in them?  Yes, small play areas with loads of fun things to do, and they’re never as busy as the main airport ones.  Or, that most airport lounges have large windows over the runway?  This is perfect for watching the planes takeoff and land.  Plus, the obvious perk for both adults and kids – unlimited food and drinks!

It used to be that airport lounges were reserved for first-class and business-class travel.  However, not anymore.  Airport lounge access can now be found as a regular perk with some bank accounts and credit cards .  If you shop around you can sign up and get instant access to hundreds of lounges all over the world.

Save Time at Immigration with Global Entry

Submitted by Karissa of In Old Cities

You may already know that lots of travel credit cards offer tons of points and miles, making it possible to  fly around the world for free . But did you also know that many of those same credit cards can also help you speed through immigration when you return to the United States after international trips?

It’s through a perk related to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program called Global Entry. If you’re approved for Global Entry, there’s no need to stand in long immigration lines after landing in the U.S. — just pop over to a Global Entry kiosk, get your photo taken, and breeze right past that crazy line for passport control. Plus, you get automatic access to TSA PreCheck!

The application for Global Entry costs $100, and your membership is valid for five years. Here’s where the travel credit cards come in: they’ll reimburse you for the full cost of Global Entry. Just pay for your Global Entry application with one of these cards, and you’ll get a $100 statement credit.

Popular travel credit cards offering this perk include the Capital One Venture cards, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and AmEx Platinum.

A Free Alternative to Global Entry

Mobile Passport is a shortcut through immigration when entering the United States because it bypasses the need for the paper immigration forms.

Travelers who can show their Mobile Passport Control App are often redirected to a shorter line.

Packing for International Travel

Know the liquid requirements.

Contributed by Rachel of Barcelona Uncovered

Trying to get to Europe from America? There’s a strong chance you might be flying through London’s famous Heathrow Airport (LHR). Heathrow connects many US flights to popular cities such as Paris, Rome, and  Barcelona . 

Unfortunately, this layover means tons of travelers lose their travel-sized liquids to Heathrow’s strict liquid requirements daily. Don’t let that be you! You may have to slim down quite a bit of your current travel liquids in your carry on to adhere to this one.

Per  Heathrow’s requirements , liquids must be carried in 100ml or less containers separately in a single, transparent bag measuring 20cm x 20cm. That’s not a lot of liquid! 

Even if you have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck leaving the States and get out unscathed, you’ll want to remember to pack accordingly and bring your Ziploc baggie for when you arrive at or depart from LHR. 

The Item You Never Thought to Pack

Olga, from A Girl in Istanbul , says that bringing a portable carbon monoxide detector is the best way to gain peace of mind anywhere in the world. With several incidents reported at hotels and rentals in very popular destinations, taking this preventive measure could be a smart choice for every traveler.

But what is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that’s usually used in households for water heaters, boilers, gas stoves ovens, etc. but can be dangerous and deadly.

It is known as the “invisible killer” according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, as CO is odorless and tasteless that makes it undetectable by our human senses.

How does it work: The carbon monoxide detector is a safety device that monitors the air for carbon monoxide levels 24/7. When detecting carbon monoxide beyond the safe level, it activates the alarm warning the traveler to take action and leave the place on time.

Most portable Carbon Monoxide detectors can be found on Amazon or Walmart for as little as $18. They’re typically around 4-5 inches, making them suitable for every budget and every luggage.

Filter Your Drinking Water

Submitted by Claire of Tales of a Backpacker

As international travel hacks go, having safe access to safe drinking water wherever you go has got to be the most useful.  A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter means that you can fill up from any fresh water source and know that you can drink the water safely.

It works for everything from muddy ponds and streams to bathroom sinks and non-potable tap water, so you can save yourself from all the nasties that can come with drinking tap water abroad.

Once you’ve got one of  these filter water bottles  you’ll never look back – as well as keeping you safe and well you will also save money as you won’t need to buy bottled water, and you’ll reduce your plastic waste too so it’s great for you and the environment. 

There are various brands that make filter water bottles, and they use different techniques to clean the water.  For international travel make sure you choose one which filters bacteria and viruses as well as other particles like dirt heavy and metals, like Water-to-Go or Grayl.

Documentation to Carry

Recommended by Ann of Packing Light Travel

Have you been asked by service providers to present your passport while abroad? It might have been when checking into a hotel, purchasing a SIM card, buying alcohol, seeking medical attention, or confirming an online purchase of a hiking permit.

In each of these cases, and other scenarios except when crossing a border or visiting an embassy or diplomatic mission, a laminated copy of the information page of your passport will likely satisfy the needs of the person making the request.

If this is your experience, carry a laminated copy of the information page of my passport in your purse, personal item, and travel bag. What issue does this resolve? Each time you hand over your passport, there’s no guarantee it will be returned in the same condition (or returned at all).

Someone purporting to be a law enforcement officer attempting to extort money for the return of an actual passport will be foiled when presented with a laminated copy. If a service provider’s coffee is spilled on a laminated copy, you won’t be denied boarding an aircraft because of a damaged passport. A copy can also be useful if you can’t speak for yourself because of an accident and your passport is locked in a hotel safe. It provides first responders with your name, age, and citizenship. These can be invaluable in getting medical attention and consular support.

For more information, see  9 simple reasons to carry laminated copies of your passport .

General International Travel Hacks

Ensure accessibility needs are met.

Kristin from World on Wheels shared this crucial international travel hack.

If you have special mobility requirements, it is important to remember to ask about the accessibility of a hotel or attraction you want to visit as not all countries have accessibility laws that require accommodations to be made.  Furthermore, simply asking if something is accessible will likely lead to misinformation due to people’s perceptions of what that word means (which may also be influenced by cultural differences). 

Instead, ask specific questions based on your abilities.  For example, ask whether there are stairs required, if there is an alternative step-free route, whether a bus has a wheelchair lift, etc.  This will help avoid disappointment from being told something is accessible, only to find out it doesn’t meet your needs.

Similarly, another example of things to consider is the size of elevators.  Often outside of the US, if elevators (or lifts) are present, they may be significantly smaller than what you are accustomed to.  

So, for example, if you are looking for  wheelchair accessible hotels in London , you’ll want to ask questions such as “What are the dimensions of your elevator” and “Is your elevator currently working” as even if you find a lift that will fit your mobility device, due to age or maintenance, an elevator may be out of order and you don’t want to be stuck once you arrive, expecting that it will be working.

Asking specific questions about accessibility when traveling internationally will not only help to ensure that your needs are met but avoid disappointment from being given incorrect accessibility information as well.

Apply for Visas Online

Victoria from Guide Your Travel recommends this international travel hack.

Applying for visas online has revolutionized the travel process, offering convenience and efficiency for travelers worldwide. For example, in Bali , travelers can now apply for a visa online, streamlining the once tedious process.

Bali’s online visa application process eliminates the need to visit a consulate or embassy, saving time and effort. travelers can complete an online form, upload the required documents, and pay the visa fee electronically. Once approved, the visa is emailed and ready to be presented upon arrival in Bali.

This innovation solves the problem of long visa application queues and complex paperwork, which is particularly beneficial for travelers on tight schedules. It is helpful for those who wish to avoid jet lag by reducing time spent at airports or embassies.

Invest in a Universal Adapter

Suggested by Catherine at Day Trip Nomad

Packaging a universal adapter may be one of the most easily forgettable travel hacks, but this simple device solves a problem many travelers encounter when venturing abroad: the vast array of electrical outlet types and voltage compatibility issues.

The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination late at night and be unable to charge your devices, leaving you disconnected from your maps and travel guides or missing a picture-perfect moment on your camera or phone.

Electrical outlets and voltages vary around the world. Universal adapters are designed to fit multiple types of sockets. Most models feature a range of sliders or detachable parts that adjust to fit the specific socket type of the country you’re visiting. Before you travel, check which plug types your destination uses, although a well-designed universal adapter should cover the most common variations. 

Get Educated on Vaccinations

Recommended by Shweta from Zest In A Tote

The essence of international trips is to go to far-off lands, where the culture, food, traditions are different from your home country. It sounds exciting and is. But with most countries, you do need to check on health safety and requirements. One key aspect for health safety is vaccination. This is especially true if you are travelling outside of the US and Europe: to countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Let me illustrate this with an example of a recent trip to Jamaica. Before finalizing the  Jamaica itinerary , I read on general safety and health safety on this tropical island. Some vaccinations are recommended before your Jamaica trip: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies, Measles, mumps & rubella (MMR), TDP (tetanus, diphtheria & pertussis), Pneumonia.

Being Asian and living in a tropical country, I and my family members were already vaccinated for the above list. But if we weren’t given the dose for any particular vaccination, we would have scheduled a doctor appointment and done the necessary medication before the trip. There is absolutely no reason to endanger health when common tropical diseases can be easily prevented by vaccination.  A no brainer when it comes to international travel hacks.

eSim Cellular Coverage Abroad

One of my favorite international travel hacks (that I only found out about in 2022) is the ability to install an electronic sim card to my smart phone before even traveling!

Gone are the days of me trying to hunt down a corner store to purchase a physical sim to use while I’m in a specific country.

I’m a huge fan of Airalo’s eSims so far. Their prices are fair and I love that there are regional sims so I don’t need multiple as I cross borders.

Here are some sample costs, as of March 2024.

Cost for a 3GB, 30 Day eSIM on Airalo (Lesser plans are available.)

• European Region $13
• Japan $8.50
• Costa Rica $22

We’ve purchased European-wide Sim cards a couple times now and also one for Tunisia. My friends and family said Airalo worked great in South Korea and Brazil as well.

It’s easy to add an eSIM under your cellular settings.

Language Translation

Submitted by Sharon from I Travel Peru

One of the travel hacks I wish I had known sooner is how useful the Google Translate app can be. 

I regularly travel internationally, including to countries with a very different alphabet, like Thailand, where it doesn’t matter if you understand a bit of the language: if you can’t read it, it’s useless. 

And even in countries with the same alphabet but where you just don’t know the language. 

But the magic of the Google Translate app is not about translating a long menu word by word. This can take ages and, even though it’s useful, it’s something most travelers already know about. 

What makes it really useful and special for travelers is that they can just point at a text with the camera, and it will automatically translate the text on the screen of their phone. 

This happens in real-time, as you move your phone along the text. Imagine how easy it can be to understand the food menus during your  Peru itinerary  or the train signs when traveling around India.

Keep the Change

Depending on where you’re from, it may be an adjustment to get into the habit of keeping coins on you while traveling.

Check out these most common reasons to need coins while in Europe, specifically.

Download Maps Offline

Contributed by Louise from Travel With The Whitrows

Trying to navigate somewhere you’ve never been before can be tricky even with the entire internet inside your phone, but what do you do if you’ve got no internet connection? Perhaps you’re visiting a place with slow or non-existent internet, mobile data is too expensive to run Google Maps, or you don’t want to drain your battery. Rather than having to buy an oversized map that screams tourist, plan ahead to ensure you always have access to a map in the convenience of your phone. 

Use Google Maps to download the area you’re visiting and it can be accessed even when you have no internet. You’ll have access to the map view and directions as long as you stay within the area you’ve downloaded. To download a map that can be used offline you need to head to the Google Maps app. You can easily do this by searching for the place you want to download the map for, click more or the ellipses and ‘download offline map’. Once you’ve downloaded a map they’re stored in the Google Maps App and can be found by clicking on your profile picture or initial and ‘offline maps’.

Beating Jet Lag

Use the tips below to help fend off jet lag after long travel days or when your destination is in a drastically different time zone than you left.

In addition to the tips in the caption below, try your best to gradually adjust your sleep and food schedule in the weeks prior to travel.

Safety Related International Travel Hacks

Join the smart traveler enrollment program.

Recommended by Michelle from The Trav Nav

While traveling, staying abreast of local news events is often challenging, especially when the situation in a particular area changes daily. However, understanding the safety situation is essential in  planning a trip . 

Fortunately, the United States government has a system called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP for short) to help alleviate some of these concerns. The free service for U.S. citizens/nationals traveling abroad lets travelers enroll with the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for up to date information during your visit. So, for example, you could receive an email notifying you that a protest is expected at the local airport and that you need to arrange alternative transportation.

In addition, by completing the provided form, the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate will know where you are staying in case of an emergency and you need to be evacuated. 

To enroll in this program, visit the  STEP homepage  and travel safely.

Shoe Safety

Melanie, a seasoned traveler at The World Travel Girl, has encountered her fair share of wildlife adventures. She has  visited the Amazon rainforest , explored African savannahs, and volunteered in wildlife sanctuaries in Asia. One trick she swears by, especially when visiting places with lots of creepy crawlies, is a simple yet effective shoe hack: placing them vertically against the wall.

She learned this hack from her mom when she was in South America. She felt this stinging in her shoe and thought it was a rock. She took off her shoe and shook it, and out fell a scorpion! Ever since then she started setting her shoes up a certain way.

Unwanted critters seek dark, sheltered areas, making shoes a prime target for them to hang out. This solution addresses this common problem faced by travelers, when visiting an insect-rich place. She relies on this method to keep her shoes critter-free.

All that is required is to simply put your shoes vertically against a wall instead of on the floor. This simple adjustment denies insects easy access, reducing the risk of unwelcome surprises when slipping into footwear. For Melanie, it’s a small but essential precaution that ensures her travels and shoes remain insect free.

Look More Confident Thanks to Street View

Submitted by Ashlea – She Roams About

Nothing screams “tourist” quite like someone who is lost trying to read a map. Exuding confidence is a part of personal safety when it comes to international travel, but it’s hard to be confident in a new place. The good news is, Google Street View is like seeing into the future for that walk to the restaurant or museum.

Along with Google Maps’ Directions function comes a Preview feature that provides turn by turn walking directions along with photos of what each area should look like. So instead of looking for that street name in a foreign language, travelers can just remember to take the third left at the statue of the man with a big hat.

Google Street View is also a great way to find entrance doors, identify a location before the Uber drives away, check if an area looks safe to walk, and scope out accommodation surroundings before deciding to book.

This is a travel hack every traveler should have in their arsenal so they can spend less time being lost and more time feeling confident.

Access Your Documentation Anywhere

Rebecca, from Veggies Abroad, suggested this hack.

No matter if you’re backpacking across Europe or taking a  vegan small group tour  to Asia, you have to be prepared for a terrifying situation — your passport getting lost, damaged, or stolen. Most people think this will never happen to them as they are super careful and keep a close watch on all of their belongings, but it can happen to the most vigilant.

Prior to leaving home take a clear photo (so you can read the passport number) of your passport and upload it into your Google Drive. It is better to save it in the drive so it doesn’t get buried in your email or camera folder. In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, you need to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. If you can provide them with a copy of your original passport, it can sometimes help expedite the replacement. 

Final Thoughts on International Travel Hacks

From saving money without sacrificing experiences, to packing like a pro, and ensuring your safety in unfamiliar territories, these tips are designed to pave the way for a smoother, more enjoyable adventure.

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50+ Travel Hacks For A Stress-Free Vacation

This article may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy .

Are you planning your next vacation and looking for ways to make it stress-free and budget-friendly? Here you’ll find all the best travel hacks to save money, time, and energy while maximizing your fun.

Table of contents

Who loves to travel?

I bet you do!

It’s so exciting to get on a plane or take a road trip to a dream destination you’ve never been to.

Even a few days away can be restorative to your soul and leave you ready to tackle your life when you return.

But getting ready before going away can be a little anxiety-inducing.

However, there’s no reason for that! In this all-encompassing guide to travel, I’ve covered 45 travel hacks to make sure your vacation will stay a vacation.

Take a few moments to read through these super helpful travel tips before you pack your bags : you’ll be glad that you did!

50+ Top Travel Hacks To Save Money, Time, And Space

• Travel hacks to use before you go
• Travel hacks to use at the airport
• Travel hacks to use once you reach your destination

Travel Hacks Before You Go

Once you get the hang of it, these tips won’t really take too long. Just a little bit of preparation can make your travels much more enjoyable and stress-free!

1. Pick the best seat 

SeatGuru has seat maps to help you pick the very best seat on every plane, complete with other travelers’ reviews.

Just enter your airline, date of travel, and flight number to find out the most comfortable location on each plane!

2. Leave a gap in the middle

If you are flying as a couple or with a friend or a family member, try this one! If you book the aisle seat and window seat and the flight isn’t full, you will likely end up with an empty seat in the middle to make your flight more comfortable.

You’ll be able to stretch out and enjoy your flight without having to squeeze by anyone whenever you need to visit the restroom.

If someone books the seat between you, you can kindly ask to swap at no loss!

3. Make a copy

A lost ID or passport is at the top of everyone’s fear list. Simply take a clear, quality photo of important documents with your cell phone and email them to yourself. And print a copy too.

Even if you lose the documents, you’ll be able to supply ID and passport numbers, check into your hotel, and continue with your vacation.

4. Solid everything

I had only discovered shampoo bars a few months ago, but I am converted! It takes a few goes to get used to it, but there is no going back once you do. I love Godiva from Lush .

It has an incredible jasmine scent and leaves your hair soft and wonderfully clean.

These long-lasting, light little shampoo bundles are concentrated and easy to transport (no liquid problems!). They are not cheap, but a single bar could take you around the world in 80 washes, which is the equivalent of 3 shampoo bottles of 250ml.

And you can go solid with conditioner, sunscreen , and insect repellent too! Perfect for travel lovers!

5. Refill 

Travel-size containers can be purchased from anywhere, and you can use them to pack your favorite products.

This is much cheaper than buying travel-size products, and you can keep reusing your containers over and over again!

6. Be ready for an emergency

You’ll never know when you’re going to need a pain reliever or a bandaid.

Make sure you always pack a mini first aid kit (or if you are as cheap as me, just pack some essentials in your beauty bag!). Bandaids have multiple uses, as well; you might find yourself needing a few to cover the heels of your feet as you hike around your town.

I never forget bandaids of different sizes and shapes, paracetamol, and ibuprofen.

7. Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are a game-changer for travel.

They’re small fabric containers that fit neatly into your luggage, helping to maximize space and keep your clothes organized.

You can use them to sort your clothes by category, making it easy to find what you need.

Plus, they make packing and unpacking a breeze, saving you time and hassle. I now use them all the time, especially when I only pack my carry-on bag and I have limited space.

Give them a try, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them!

I love these cheap on es from Amazon. They are light, and you can easily see what’s in each one thanks to the mesh front.

8. Use zipper file bags

A bit like packing cubes for clothes, zipper file bags are a lifesaver for electronics.

A good zipper file bag will protect your electronics from spills, rain, and other hazards, and you’ll avoid having to deal with tangled cords.

It’s one packing hack that can save you a lot of headaches, so be sure to pick some up before you pack.

9. Fold the Marie Condo way

Once upon a time, rolling was the new thing while traveling.

Not anymore!

You need to fold your clothes the Marie Kondo way. I swear you will save space, and your clothes are more likely to stay wrinkle-free. Less time ironing, and you still get to look fantastic? Sounds like a plan to me.

10. Stuff shoes

When shoes get bent or folded, they can lose their shape.

Avoid this travel mishap by stuffing your shoes with paper before packing. They’ll withstand the rigors of suitcase life and look great when you unpack.

And remember: always put your shoes in bags to avoid dirty soles spreading germs on your clean clothes!

11. Always bring a change of clothes in your carry-on

Always, always, always bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. Trust me on this one, you never know when you might need it.

According to The Points Guy , 7 bags out of 1,000 handled at airports were lost in 2022. It might not seem like much, but according to this survey , over 50% of people said they lost their luggage at some point during their travels (I am one of them!).

Imagine this: you’ve just landed after a long flight, excited to start your adventure. You head to baggage claim, but your suitcase is nowhere to be found. Uh oh. You start to panic as you realize that you have no clothes and no toiletries.

That’s where your trusty change of clothes in your carry-on comes in. Even if your luggage gets lost or delayed, you’ll have a fresh set of clothes to wear until your bag arrives.

12. Only use Carry-On Luggage 

Yes, this one is a bit controversial, but it’s my favorite travel packing hack. Dan and I rarely check in bags these days.

You won’t have to wait in long lines to check your bags, and you won’t have to worry about your luggage getting lost or delayed.

Plus, it forces you to pack light and be more intentional with your packing. We’ve all been there: we bring five pair of shoes (just in case) and end up using two.

And it can save you money: many airlines charge extra fees for checked bags, so by packing light and only bringing a carry-on, you can save some cash that you can use for fun activities.

13. Keep a packing checklist on your phone

Do you ever have that nagging feeling that you’re forgetting something important when you’re packing for a trip?

Here is the solution:

Before your trip, make a list of all the items you need to bring with you.

This could include things like clothes, toiletries, electronics, and travel documents. Then, save the list on your phone so that you can easily access it whenever you need to. It can be a handy PFD like the one I made, and you can download here .

Or a simple note that you can save on your phone works too.

You can then check off items on your list as you pack them, so you can be confident that you have everything you need.

Top tip: Save your list and update it all the time, so you

14. Pack a USB charger

Pack a compact multiple USB charger. It’s super-useful to keep all your devices together, and it will avoid having cables all over your room.

It’ll be harder to forget things when they are all charging in the same spot.

15. Pack a foldable bag

Chances are, your suitcase is full, so be sure to pack a foldable bag into your luggage. You’re going to need it for that souvenir you just had to have, or that fantastic outfit you find while visiting local shops.

Save yourself the hassle of purchasing another bag and just pack one before you go.

16. Make it smell like a fresh flower

Let’s face it: depending on how long your flight is, your suitcase doesn’t always smell like a rose when you first open it.

Solve this unpleasant side effect of packing by placing a bar of your favorite soap or a dryer sheet inside your bag.

Your clothes will smell fresh and clean when you arrive. And as a bonus, dryer sheets are serviceable as lint removers when rubbed on your clothes.

17. Buy a portable phone charger

The last thing you want is to be stuck in an unfamiliar city without a working phone.

Purchase a charger and carry it around with you. Don’t be shy about asking your cab, uber, or other transportation if you can plug in for the ride.

I use this .

18. Prepare your mobile

Check if you can use your data allowance in your destination. If you can, great!

If you can’t do this:

• Turn off your data roaming BEFORE you land. I wish Dan remembered that when we went to Indonesia last time…He kept it on for 5 minutes without realizing it while waiting for a connecting flight. Once we reached our hotel, he got a message saying he had spent over $50 in data. Ouch!
• Make sure your phone is unlocked. This will let you buy a local SIM card in your destination to use cheaper data to communicate with your friends and family. Or, even better , buy an eSim so you can be connected as soon as you land at your destination ( This is my favorite . I used in when I went to Morocco, and their customer service is top-notch!)

19. Split your photos

If you use SD cards to store your travel photos, it’s better to buy multiple smaller cards than a big one.

In the unfortunate event that you’ll lose one or it becomes faulty for any reason, you’ll still be able to recover some of your photos from the other cards.

20. Find the cheapest flight

Finding a cheap flight can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on long flights.

There are so many tips to find the best deals out there: from securing error fairs to setting up price alerts to finding the right time to book to using private browsing when looking for the best deal (just to name a few).

For all the best flight travel hacks, check out these 12 Terrific Tips To Book Cheap Flights Every Time

21. Weigh your luggage

Weigh your bag before you go to the airport to ensure you are within the limit. The last thing you need is to pay an extra charge for a bit of excess weight.

22. Mark it as fragile

No matter what’s in your bag, mark your baggage as fragile, even if it’s not.

Airport baggage handlers are notorious for being rough with travelers’ goods.

The chances of airport workers tossing your bag around in a free for are much slimmer if it’s marked fragile, and your items will be protected from unexpected damage.

23. Write it down

I am sure you have your hotel’s reservation details on your phone (in an email or your booking app). But you never know if you’ll have access to your data when you arrive or if you’ll have problems with your phone.

By having the address handy, you’ll be safer and able to get to your desired location, no matter what happens.

24. Let your bank know

The last thing you want is to be eating at a restaurant, and your card be declined.

Yes, many banks will flag an account that’s spending in unusual areas. Do yourself a favor and let your bank know about your travel plans.

With some banks, you need to login into your online banking and add information about your destination and travel dates. With others, you need to make a simple phone call.

Either way, make sure you notify them to avoid being stuck in another country with no money!

For more packing tips: 9 Packing Tips: The Worst Mistakes You Need to Avoid

25. Pick the best time to travel

I am an expert on the best time to travel. I hate going to places when they are crowded and prices are high wherever I go.

Shoulder season can be the perfect time to travel. It’s when the weather is still good, but destinations are not as busy. It’s the perfect time to enjoy your destination to the fullest without all the stress and hassle of peak season.

This can vary depending on the destination. For example, on the Amalfi Coast , Capri , and Puglia (most of Italy really), shoulder season is between April and the beginning of June and September to October.

If you are visiting Petra , the shoulder season will be April to May and October to November.

Travel Hacks At the Airport and on Your Flight

Airports are sometimes painful.

They’re crowded, noisy, and full of people trying to get to different places. Especially if you have a connection to a flight and find yourself having to travel from one end of the airport to the other, and once you are on the plane, your seat is too small, the food is never great, and you just might find yourself sitting next to someone you’d rather not.

It’s ok!

Follow these travel life hacks to make your airport experience and flight a breeze, and settle in to enjoy your trip.

26. Travel early in the morning 

Ok, this might not be a popular one (and if I have to be honest, one that I struggle to do myself).

But it is a great travel hack! And every time my mid-afternoon flight gets delayed, I always regret not listening to this advice.

First of all, you will also arrive earlier at your destination and be able to make the most of your day.

But most importantly: early morning flights are less likely to be delayed or canceled since there’s less air traffic and fewer disruptions.

Plus, if your flight does get delayed, you’ll have more options for alternative flights throughout the day.

27. Bring your own water bottle

Liquids are a no-go through security gates these days. But why pay over the top price for water bottles at the airport?

Carry your own empty water bottle and refill it as needed at water fountains throughout the airport. You’ll save money and help the environment!

28. Wear a comfortable travel outfit

We all know how uncomfortable it can be to sit for hours in tight jeans or a constricting dress, so why not opt for something comfy?

And remember: comfortable doesn’t mean shabby!

There are so many cute options these days to look stylish yet cozy.

Some popular options include leggings, loose-fitting pants, or even a charming tracksuit. Pair them with a soft, breathable top, a light jacket, and comfortable shoes.

Also, avoid belts and wear some comfortable shoes, to pass airport security faster.

29. Bring a scarf

I never travel without a scarf !

It doesn’t matter if I am going through the desert in Jordan or on top of a volcano in Indonesia.

Scarves are the original do-it-all accessory. Honestly, a scarf can help you out in so many situations.

Use it to cover your head from the sun, as a blanket on the plane, or to cover your shoulders when visiting churches in Italy .

30. Bring your own food on the plane (yes, you’ll thank me later)

This is one of my favorite travel hacks by far. Food served on planes is normally highly processed and full of salt, which can reduce energy and make you feel bloated.

I normally pack fresh fruit (like grapes, bananas, apples), and a couple of healthy meals full of veggies. If it’s only a short flight, I’ll opt for some snacks only.

I then eat my meals following the time of my landing destination. This helps my metabolism get into the right time zone.

Since I started doing this, I am less exhausted, and I find it easier to fight jet lag.

31. Moisturize inside and out

The recycled air on flights is notoriously dehydrating.

Be sure to pack lotion to moisturize during your fight. It’ll help you to keep your complexion perky and healthy.

And remember to put the water bottle that you packed to good use and drink up to moisturize your body from the inside.

It doesn’t always have to be water, but try your best to avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol while traveling.

32. Keep a pen in your pocket

As far as life hacks for traveling, this is the most overlooked but simple tip.

You might need to write your name down on a document or fill in your landing card while you are on the plane or as soon as you land, especially if you are flying internationally.

Just keep a pen with you to avoid having to beg your neighbor for one.

33. Keep your muscles in shape

If you suffer from muscle cramps or back pain, sitting in the same position for hours can be a killer!

Take a massage ball in your carry-on and use it to relieve those aches and pains.

And if you don’t want to invest in a massage ball, just use a tennis ball. It’ll work perfectly fine to relax your muscles .

34. Do this before you land

Don’t get caught searching through a busy, crowded airport for the restrooms.

Chances are, there’s going to be a line when you get there. Use the toilet on the plane before you land, and be ready to grab your bags as soon as you get out.

Travel Hacks Once You Reach Your Destination

35. don’t change currency at the airport.

As soon as you reach your destination, it might be tempting to exchange your money at the airport, but you’ll likely end up paying higher fees and getting a worse exchange rate.

Instead, wait until you’re in the city and find a reputable bank where you can get a better deal. Or even better, travel with a Revolut card .

I’ve had one for years, and it’s, by far, the card with the best exchange rates around, especially if you travel to many destinations with different currencies.

With Revolut, you can easily convert your money into over 150 different currencies at the interbank exchange rate, which is usually much better than what you’d get from a regular bank. Which means more money to spend on gelato !

36. A bit of exercise goes a long way

Everyone hates jet lag, but a few people realize it can be shaken off quickly with a little exercise.

Be sure to stretch, do a bit of yoga, or go for a run to get your blood flowing and relieve your body from the traveling stress.

37. Shop like a local

I love to explore local supermarkets when I am traveling abroad. It lets me discover new foods and products I would never taste if I only ate in restaurants.

I normally buy fresh fruit, snacks, and ingredients to make delicious homemade sandwiches.

By doing this, I can also save lots of money!

38. Stay with the locals

Avoid the tourist traps, and get great deals and perks using Airbnb.

You can find lodging just about anywhere in the world, and you’ll get to meet local people and experience the authentic way of living in your destination. Plus, you’ll end up saving money too!

Read more: 12 Genius Airbnb Tips, Secrets, And Hacks

39. Talk like a local

If you don’t know the local lingo, download the Google Translate app on your phone. It’s super useful.

You can translate by copying text in the app, by taking a picture, and you can even translate a two-way conversation on the go in 32 languages.

It’s really impressive!

40. Housesit 

Fancy not having to pay for your stay on your getaway? Just become a housesitter and get free accommodation everywhere in the world.

Some amazing websites to explore to find housesitting deals:

• Trusted Housesitters
• Housecarers

Some of these house sitting websites will charge you an annual fee, but you’ll save so much money that if you are serious about trying it out, it’s a no-brainer to pay the fee!

41. Always split up your money

Never carry all of your cash or cards with you all the time. If the worst happens and you lose your purse or wallet, you won’t be stranded without money.

Either use the hotel safe or find a secure place to stash an emergency card and cash in your room.

42. Your shoes are your ATM

Another cool travel hack is to fold a $50 note and put it under your insole. If your purse is stolen, you’ll still have enough cash to get a taxi back to your hotel or accommodation and get some help.

This is an excellent way to ensure your emergency cash stash is protected, no matter where you might be.

43. Only unpack what you really need

If you are moving around quite a lot during your trip and staying in each location for only a few days, don’t unpack everything.

Just take out what you need.

This will save you time when you need to check out at the last minute.

44. Batteries in the fridge

Not the freezer, but the fridge.

This can help rechargeable batteries live a longer life, especially if you stay in a hot country.

It’s one travel tip you can’t live without.

45. Turn every type of liquid into water

If you’re hiking or staying in an area where you question the water quality, be sure to pack a LifeStraw water bottle.

Its incredible water filter removes bacteria and protozoa from lakes, streams, or contaminated water to ensure safe, clean drinking water everywhere you are. Brilliant!

46. Use Google Maps offline

This little travel life hack is ingenious. It’s great to save battery life and useful if you lose your data connection for any reason. You’ll never get lost, and you’ll be able to get everywhere interesting.

Just open the Google Map app on your phone while you are connected online, find the place you are looking for, then click on the 3 little dots on your screen and select “Download offline map.”

Click here for more details.

47. Charge your electronics through a TV

If it’s a smart TV, it has a USB port, and if it has a USB port, you can charge your electronics through it.

A genius but often neglected way to keep your devices fully charged. Give the TV in your room a quick glance to see if this will work with it.

48. Eat locally

Sometimes, it can be tempting to end up in safe places like Macdonald’s and Starbucks when you are abroad.

But for me, travel is all about experiencing new things, so skip the obvious international restaurants and hit local eateries.

You’ll discover some incredible new flavors that you could never experience in your own country.

49. Find free things to do 

There are always dozens of free things to do in each location. Go to Google and type your location + free things to do.

You’re likely to find an abundance of interesting activities that won’t cost you a dime. Common free events are open-air concerts, art fairs, and museums offering free admission.

50. Explore with the locals

If you’re new in town or have taken a solo trip, check out Tours By Locals .

If you are looking for an authentic cultural experience, this website connects you with local people willing to share their knowledge and expertise about the area. Learn to cook a traditional dish from each country

I love to cook, and one of the things I can’t wait to do during my travels is to learn new flavors and recipes.

If you sample a dish you love, find out how to make it. It’s surprisingly easy, and you’ll be able to bring those memories back when you recreate the dish at home.

You can find great cooking classes on websites like Airbnb or EatWith .

51. On your last day, give away your change

If you’ve got leftover currency, why not share it and give it away before you leave the country?

There’s no point in bringing it back and keeping it in a drawer.

Stock up some good karma and make someone’s day. After all, what’s the good in travel if you can’t help the locals a bit?

I sometimes leave my change to the cleaners in my hotel room or people in need.

52. Use AirHelp to get compensated for flight delays or canceled flights

On my last trip to Morocco, my flight had a four-hour delay. Of course, this was incredibly boring and upsetting at the time.

But did you know that you may be entitled to compensation for these inconveniences?

You can use websites like AirHelp to help you get compensation for delayed, canceled, or overbooked flights.

All you have to do is submit your flight details, and AirHelp will take care of the rest.

And the best part? If AirHelp successfully gets you compensated, they only take a small percentage of the payout as their fee. That means you get the majority of the compensation money back in your pocket.

I got $450 for my delayed flight. Not too bad for a few extra hours at the airport!

Ready for your holiday?

There you have it!

My top 45 genius travel hacks will save you time, money, and space on your next trip.

Did any of them surprise you? I hope that you’ve found at least a few that you can use to make your next vacation a little bit easier.

If you have more useful travel hacks, please let me know in the comments!

MORE Travel Tips

How to find cheap flights in 12 easy steps (2024), 9 common packing mistakes that can ruin your trip, 27 essential italy travel tips: everything you need to know, 12 genius airbnb tips, secrets and hacks for first timers, share your thoughts cancel reply.

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16 Comments

Finally…someone who kindly responds to questions. So many of these sites never do. I’ve traveled for years and still enjoyed your article. Thank you.

Thanks so much, Mousey 🙂

Great content! Extremely helpful! Let me add one single thing: traveling to hot and/ or humid countries? Don’t pack blouses or dresses in light and/ colored! Because they will look stained dark all over! White and beige will do best! Safe travels!🥰

That’s a good point, thanks Claudia!

Very helpful, thank you!

Glad you found it useful, Donna!

An airline pilot told be if you drink 1 L of water every 4 hours it helps prevent jet lag.

Never heard this tip before, Kelly! If I did that I would spend all the flight in the bathroom, lol!

We travel a lot and I can’t believe I’ve never thought of or heard some of your tips. Thank you. As soon as this pandemic is over and we can safely travel again, I’m going to adopt them.

Glad you found some useful tips, Jacky 🙂

Thanks for sharing these tips & tricks – lately, I’ve been loving the Toothy Tabs from Lush instead of bringing toothpaste. Love the idea of solid shampoo, too!

Oh, I need to try the Toothy Tabs then Cindy! Let me know what you think of their shampoo!

Great list! However, I’m anaphylactic allergic to nuts so maybe think twice before bringing them into an enclosed space!

Very good point, Abbie 🙂 I removed nuts from the list of snacks!

Can’t believe I never thought of charging devices through my TV… I might even have to use that one at home.

Yep! It’s a great one 🙂

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22 Cheap Travel Hacks You Can Use Right Now

Home » Blog » Travel Tips » 22 Cheap Travel Hacks You Can Use Right Now

If you dream of traveling but don’t know how you can afford it, you’ve come to the right place! We’re sharing all our cheap travel tips that have allowed us to explore the world, even while paying off student loans! This guide will explain exactly how you can afford travel, even if you’re broke right now.

If you dream of traveling full time but are wondering how the heck people afford it, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve been traveling the world for the last 4 years while paying (lots!) of student loans at the same time.

And no; we don’t come from wealthy families & we didn’t win the lottery.

This has forced us to get creative and learn the best hacks for traveling the world on a super tight budget!

It is our passion to share these cheap travel hacks with others so we can prove that travel does not have to be expensive, and you don’t need to be rich to go on the vacations of your dreams. If we can do it, you can too!

We will go through these tips with you one by one and show you exactly how to travel on a budget like us.  

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1. become good at saving money.

It’s a constant learning process, but we’ve been able save quite a bit of money over the years that we use to fund our travels, save for the future and just pay for life… ya know, like eating food and buying toothpaste and stuff.

We’ve got all sorts of tips and tricks that have helped us save enough money to travel extensively and live out of our backpacks (on and off) for 3 years. We’ve put together all of our money-saving advice in one article and hope you can use our hacks to save up for whatever your dream may be

2. Be a master budgeter

No matter if we’re going on a weekend camping trip or a year-long, round-the-world adventure, we always, ALWAYS create a budget. If you don’t set an expectation of how much you’re going to spend, you’re almost guaranteed to overspend.

Sometimes our budget is tight, and other times, we decide that we’ll travel a little more luxuriously. Setting a budget doesn’t mean it has to be a low budget. Heck, you could set a budget of $1,000 USD a day if you’d like. The important part is to know your limits. 

Creating a budget can actually be pretty simple and fun. Follow along as we show you exactly how we make a fail-safe travel budget .

3. Find Cheap Flights

You can find amazing deals on flights if you know a few tricks. While there isn’t an exact science that works every time, there are a few ways you can find great deals on flights !

Track your flights

The best way to get a incredible deal is to monitor it frequently.  Sign up for newsletters, like Thrifty Traveler and Dollar Flight Club , or join Facebook Groups like Airfare Watchdog . These programs will let you know the best deals right now and will let you in on mistake fares. For example, we recently saw a round trip flight from LA to Hawaii for just over $300! Say whaaaat?!

Do the research

We usually start with Skyscanner because we love the fact that you can see the cheapest days each month to fly. Once we have a flight in mind, we compare the price with other search engines like Kayak and Google Flights.

4. Choose Cheap Countries

A budget of $5,000 will mean very different things depending on where in the world you plan to travel. In Western Europe, for instance, it might get you 1 month, where in South America you could spend 3 months traveling. And if you bring that amount to India, you could stretch it out to 5 months.

If your goal is to travel longer, choose countries where your money will last longer. Simple.

We typically choose countries where we can travel for less than $70 per day between the two of us because we know we can travel longer. (Plus, many of the places we’re interested in just happen to be inexpensive to travel.)

If you do choose expensive countries, PLAN it out

We have traveled to some infamously expensive places (like Iceland and Japan ), and we’re so glad we didn’t rule them out because of money.

You’ll need to do a lot more planning for expensive countries than you would if you’re visiting a cheap countries. Think about how you can save money: Will you be able to cook? What is the cheapest mode of transportation? And think outside of the box when it comes to accommodation. (Hint: read the rest of this article for all the answers to those questions. 

For some budget-minded wanderlust inspiration, find out how we traveled in these notoriously expensive places without breaking the bank:

Galápagos: How to Travel the Galápagos on a Budget

Iceland: Money-Saving Tips for Traveling Iceland on a Budget

Japan: Travel Budget for One Week in Japan

5. Pick the right travel season

Even for cheap countries to travel in, you need to think about the time of year you’ll be visiting because that can really affect your budget.

Croatia in July will be packed with tourists and you’ll be paying top dollar because it’s peak season (we made that mistake). But in October, you’ll still have nice weather and cheaper prices. If there’s a more expensive country you really want to visit, try traveling during low or shoulder season for the best deals.

6. Keep track of all your expenses (yes, ALL of them!)

We track every single thing we spend money on while traveling.

And when we say “everything”, we mean everything: accommodation, food, transportation, tours, entrance fees, beers, and yes, even that woven bracelet we bought from a small child that was too cute to resist.

It may sound extreme, but it is the best way to stay on top of a tight budget, and after a while it becomes a habit. There was one month we realized just how much money we were spending on ice cream, and let’s just say that we tried to cut down on that habit a bit…

There are plenty of apps out there to keep track of your budget so make sure you try out a few and pick one that works for you.

7. Get the Best Travel Credit Cards

Never pay an ATM fee again. That’s right, NO ATM fees anywhere in the world! We are seriously obsessed with this card (and it’s not a credit card), so get ready for our ravings…

The Charles Schwab High Yield Investors Checking Account debit card is a must for any serious traveler because it’s free to set up, there are no annual fees, and they reimburse ALL ATM fees at the end of each month.

Whenever we enter a new country, we take out the local currency at an ATM. We’ve found this to be more reliable than currency exchangers (some can really rip you off!), and more convenient than bringing currency from home. Some months we’ve been reimbursed as much as $50. This card has seriously saved us hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars.

Tip: Be sure to take a picture of each ATM receipt so you have a record of the amount that your should be reimbursed.

The Travel Credit Cards we use:

We’re going to go over exactly which cards we actually use, as well as the reasons we love them.

Caution: The cards we use might not be the best choice for you, especially if you are just starting out with credit cards. Also, remember there are two of us. Some of these cards, we EACH have, while others only one of us has.

American Express Platinum – Great for: Lounge access, Uber credit, extra airline perks, sign up bonus

Chase Sapphire Preferred – Great for: Sign up bonus, Extra bonus for using miles when purchasing travel (If you have great credit, you should apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve which is the elite version of the Preferred.)

Capital One Venture – Great for: Everyday card, good sign up bonus, easy to use miles

Barclays Arrival Plus – Great for: Great sign up bonus, easy to use miles, similar to Capital One Venture

8. Pack Light and Pack Right

We have certainly been guilty of over-packing in the past and we’d lug around extra clothes we never wore. The luggage fees that many airlines have started enforcing made us simplify our packing list so it’s down to the essentials.

Carrying less makes us feel more free, plus, packing light means you can carry on your luggage and you won’t have to pay those pesky baggage fees, which can add up if you have multiple flights.

Find out How to Pack Everything You Need for Travel in a Carry-On , where we share all our packing tips and the best gear we can’t travel without. 

Related: Eco-friendly travel gear you can take anywhere that will save you money

9. Watch what you eat

Food can add up while traveling since you’ll likely be eating out lots of the time. Here are some tips for finding cheap (and delicious!) food on your travels:

Go to happy hour:  Order drinks and appetizers on discount for a fun dinner!

Try street food: It’s often the best (and most authentic!) food you’ll find on  your travels. Pro Tip: If you’re nervous about sanitation, choose stalls that have a line because you’ll know the food is not sitting for long.

Ask locals where they eat:  Try asking, “Where do you eat for lunch?” or “If you were to go out to eat, where would you go?” instead of saying, “Which restaurant do you recommend I try?” Sometimes when asked this last question, they’ll point you in the direction of restaurants that are popular with tourists instead of locals because they may assume that’s what you want.

Pack a picnic: In expensive places, picnics are a great way to save money on food. Stock up with staples like bread, cheese, veggies, hummus, fruit, cookies, wine(!) and whatever else your heart (or tummy!) desires. Enjoy your meal with a view and save the leftovers for the next day!

Split your meals: Whenever possible, try to split with others. Oh, and Ben and I split a lot. Typically we get two meals, but if we want a smoothie or a dessert, we’ll only order one. When you’re trying to save money (and you’re part of a couple), it just doesn’t make sense to ALWAYS get two $4 ice cream cones. At least, this is what I try to convince myself…

Have a big lunch:  Make lunch your biggest meal of the day when prices are often lower for the same dish than at dinner time.

Know which restaurants to avoid: Stay away from restaurants where someone is calling you inside. This is a sure sign of a tourist-trap restaurant where prices are inflated and food is mediocre. Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions or on main city streets. They pay higher rent, which is reflected in the prices of their food.

10. Take Public Transport

Avoid taxis and chartered vehicles. Instead, take public transportation — metros, buses and trains. Not only will you rub shoulders with locals and have a more authentic experience, but your wallet will thank you. Renting a bike is also a good way to explore a city and it’s usually cheaper than taking taxis.

Pro Tip: Research what apps are popular for transportation in the country you’re visiting. In much of Asia, for example, Grab is a cheaper alternative to Uber. And in Europe, try using BlaBlaCar – a ride sharing app.

11. Take advantage of free activities

No matter how expensive a country you’re visiting, there are always free things to do! Try searching Google for ideas: “free things to do in __________”. Here are some of our favorite free (or cheap!) things to do in any place we visit around the world:

Take a free walking tour

Explore local markets

Rent a bike and see the city

Have a picnic at a park

Explore free museums

Go on a hike

Get a killer view at a rooftop bar or tall building instead of paying the steep prices of the popular tourist views

12. Talk to Locals

Don’t be shy: ask the locals what they do on the weekend. Ask the man next to you on the bus or your waitress or a stranger in front of you in line at a coffee shop. You’ll get a good idea of authentic ways to see their city, and much of the time their suggestions will be cheaper than the touristy alternatives.

13. Cook whenever possible

In Europe and South America, we typically stayed at places with kitchens and were able to cook many of our meals, which saved us tons of money.

In our 5 months traveling Asia, however, we never once had access to a kitchen ( except for when we took cooking classes, of course! ). And it was fine because food there – especially the local stuff – is so cheap that cooking wouldn’t have been any less expensive.

14. Choose your splurges wisely

If you’re traveling for a long time, you can’t do it all. You need to choose what experiences are important to you, and you’ll also need to get comfortable passing on some things.

Splurging on once-in-a-lifetime experiences ( like taking a hot air balloon ride in Turkey!  or whale watching in Victoria, British Columbia ) is part of traveling. You’ll regret it if you don’t. But choose your splurges wisely and know when to pass. Your budget will balance itself out.

Trust us… we know about splurging all too well. We’re obsessed with eating (everything!), we usually spend a little more money on comfortable accommodation, and we can’t resist adventure sports.

But we cut costs in other ways and pass on things that we know we know we won’t regret.

15. Find Deals on Hotels

Accommodation adds up quickly and can often be the biggest expense while traveling, but there are ways to cut this cost significantly. Accommodation does not have to be expensive!

Just to give you an idea, during our year of round the world travel , the most expensive place we stayed was $55 per night for the both of us (in Lake Bled, Slovenia).

And believe us – we were not slumming it during our travels. We stayed in some pretty fantastic places, and the sites below are how we got got ahhh-mazing deals:

If you are traveling in Asia, Agoda is hands-down the best place to find cheap accommodation. This site is easy to use and has a great review system, so you’ll easily get a feel for how nice each hotel is. And the deals are unbeatable.

Booking.com

We loved using Booking.com when we were in Europe and traveling around the U.S.A. They have really good hotel deals and are always running discounts on night stays. They typically have free cancellation as well, which is a nice perk. 

In Europe and the US, we love Airbnb  because we we’re able to stay in a more “local” area and have access to kitchens so we can save money on food.

Try out Airbnb . If you’re new, sign up here and you’ll get $55 off your first stay ! Yes, seriously – no gimmicks!

We have loads of info on how to book Airbnbs, red flags to watch out for when booking, and our favorite Airbnbs in our  Airbnb article .

Hostelworld

Before you get all judgey when you hear the word “hostel”, keep reading…

Hostels are almost always cheaper than traditional hotels, and contrary to popular belief, they are not just dorms! There are almost always private rooms that are quite affordable. Plus, many hostels have kitchens you can use, free breakfast, affordable tour options and local advice. And they typically have a common space where you can meet other travelers and exchange stories and travel information.

Couchsurfing

Another option to try is Couchsurfing . It’s completely free and you’re able to stay with a local which can lead to some unforgettable experiences that you wouldn’t be able to have in a hotel. And who knows, maybe you’ll make a new friend! Before trying it out for the first time, you might want to read about Couchsurfing safety and tips so you feel more at ease.

Depending on where you are in the world, camping can be a great way to save money on accommodation (and it’ll add to the adventure!). Be sure to really research the laws in your country when it comes to where and when you can pitch a tent, and invest in quality gear. There’s nothing worse than waking up to a soaked tent and sleeping bag.

One potential downside of this option is that you’ll have pack your accommodation with you. You’ll have to find the balance between minimizing your load, while still being prepared.

16. Travel slowly

If you only have 2 weeks, it makes sense to bounce around quickly. You’ll want to see as much as you can in the time you’ve got (even if you’re fighting back to the urge to quit your 9-to-5 to travel ).

But if you’re traveling for an extended period of time, you’ll need (and want!) to slow down. Traveling for a longer period of time can be much cheaper per day than a short trip. Bus rides are cheaper than flights and agreeing to stay somewhere for a week might land you a great deal.

17. Do a skill exchange

And while we’re on the topic of traveling slowly… Volunteering on your travels is a great way to delve into a community, make a positive difference and get free (or very inexpensive) room and board.

We’ve had great experiences working on organic farms through WWOOF and WorkAway . HelpX is another site trusted by travelers to find volunteer opportunities overseas. And if you want to/able to stay in one area for an extended period of time and don’t mind taking care of an animal, you could try House Sitting .

Caution: Whenever talking about volunteering abroad, we caution people to really do their research. “Voluntourism” is a growing industry and there are many programs that are actually detrimental to the communities in which volunteers work.

Many of these programs also require a hefty fee, so they are by no means a cheap alternative to travel. There are great organizations out there, so don’t let this warning scare you away!

18. Drink from the tap

Ben sterilizing water on our trek to Everest Base Camp

Water isn’t something you really think about when you’re packing for long term travel or figuring out a budget, but it should be on your radar.

If you’re planning to visit countries in Central and South America, Africa or Asia, a Steripen should be on your list of must-get travel gear! In many regions of the world, you can’t drink from the tap, and buying plastic bottles of water is not only wasteful, it can be very expensive (especially if you are hydrating properly!). So using a Steripen to sterilize your water is an amazing money-saving (and waste-saving!) tip. 

Being the Excel-loving nerd he is, Ben calculated how much money our Steripen saved us during our 3-month trip to South America, and it was surprising… We saved over $200 in 3 months, because we rarely needed to buy water bottles.

Read more: Check out this article with some of our favorite money-saving gear and resources .

19. Avoid being scammed

While we are big believers that there is more good in the world than bad, there are unsavory characters in every city and country. However, while traveling you’re in unfamiliar territory. This can make you a bigger target for people trying to scam you and take your money.

A couple pieces of advice are to Google “common scams in _____” before visiting a new place. Each country has scams of their own, and once you’re aware of them, you’ll be less likely to fall victim.

And as a general rule of thumb, the most common places to be scammed are before, during and after transportation. For example, the time between landing at the airport and getting to your hotel. This is when you are carrying all your luggage, tired from traveling and in a totally new place.

Being aware and cautious can save you from losing money to scam artists. 

20. Make money on the road

There are lots of ways to earn a little cash online (or a lotta cash! – depending on how much time you can dedicate).

Freelance work: There are quite a few sites out there that connect freelancers with clients looking for all types of help on their business. I used to use Upwork.com and had luck finding projects I could do from anywhere in the world.

Teach English online: One super easy way Ben has recently found is to teach English in an online classroom with VIPKID . You can earn anywhere between $16-$22 per hour (plus additional incentives) practicing English with elementary-age students in China. You can set your own schedule, work as many hours as you want and you don’t even need to your TEFL or teaching experience to do it. All you really have to do is be on time, be energetic and be happy, which many of you already are. It will be the easiest money you make online !

Start a Blog: Another way we make money online is through this blog. We’ve shared more information on how to start a successful money-making blog here so check it out!

But don’t be fooled – earning money while traveling isn’t easy. You need to have access to reliable Internet, which can be difficult in some parts of the world. If you are working with clients in your home country, you might need to think about working in different time zones to meet deadlines.

And sometimes, you’re going to have to forgo fun things in order to get work done. Trust us, it’s not easy saying no to a daiquiri on the beach in order to meet a deadline.

21. Teach English Overseas

If you want a long term international experience, we can’t stress enough how great an opportunity teaching English in South Korea was for us. It allowed us to live in another country and really delve into the culture while making (a lot of!) money.

We’ve gone over exactly how much money you can plan to make in one year teaching English in South Korea , so we won’t say much more on the topic other than DO IT if it is remotely interesting to you.

22. Purchase Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is something you just can’t risk going without. It won’t save you much money up front, but if something were to happen, you could save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by being covered.

We’ve met a handful of people who have had unfortunate accidents on the road and have had to be airlifted to nearby hospitals. That type of evacuation ain’t cheap, and it most certainly will add a couple zeros to the end of your budget. Don’t risk it.

Travel insurance isn’t as expensive as you’d think and it will cover these emergencies (even though you hope you never have to use your coverage!). Some policies even cover valuables stolen on the road or delayed flights.

We have an entire article devoted to helping you choose the right travel insurance policy for you ! There aren’t any excuses anymore.

Create a Travel Budget in 6 Simple Steps

Now that you know all our cheap travel hacks and how we afford to travel around the world, let’s create a travel budget just for you. 

Your budget will determine how much money you need to save, and it will also kind of shape your trip. For instance, if your travel budget is small, you might opt out of certain cities or activities. And if you’ve got a lotta dough to spend, you can research all the fun things you can do with it!

And we’re going to share with you exactly how we do it, in 6 simple steps. The beauty of this exercise is that you can cater it to fit whatever your dream trip may be – whether it be a one-week vacay in Hawaii or a one-year journey around the world .

And better yet, it only takes about 20 minutes to come up with a really solid plan of how much money you’ll need to save for your trip. So what are you waiting for?

Let’s take the first step in turning your daydreams into reality…

Step 1: Define your Travel Style

Travel is completely personal, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do it. But in order to determine your budget, you’ve first got to figure out your travel style.

Read the following statements and see which one sounds most like you:

Budget Traveler:

“I don’t mind sleeping in dorm rooms or taking local forms of transportation (even though it’s sometimes slower). I prefer eating at authentic “hole-in-the-wall” type eateries and don’t typically like doing organized tours. I enjoy traveling on a budget because it allows me to interact with locals and often brings more adventure than when you pay top dollar.”

Mid-Range Traveler:

“I like a mix of comfort and authentic adventure. I don’t want to sleep in dorm rooms with people I don’t know, but I don’t need a 5-star hotel every night. When traveling, I enjoy eating at a variety of places –ranging from street stands to nice cafes. I like splurging every once in a while, but am okay roughing it a bit too. For me, it’s all about balance.”

Luxury Traveler:

“When I travel, I like to enjoy the finer things – from plush hotels, to the top-rated restaurants and entertainment. I think that a vacation should be full of splurges, and I don’t like holding back. I enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences and I like to have all the details arranged for me, even if it costs more money. Traveling is my time to relax and explore, and I don’t want to miss out by sticking to a strict budget.”

So which one is it?

Maybe you are between two styles. Not quite “budget”, but not exactly “mid-range” either. Or perhaps you’re between “mid-range” and “luxury”.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to feel. But determining what type of travel style you identify with is the first step to coming up with a realistic budget.

Step 2: Find your Daily Budget

Do a quick Google search for a daily budget of a country you’re thinking of visiting. A good site to start with is Budget Your Trip .

Choose a country, your travel style (Step #1) and your currency, and you’ll get a pretty good estimate of how much to expect to spend each day.

Write this number down because you’ll need it for the next steps.

Step 3: Get your Preliminary Total

Multiply the number you got in Step #2 (Daily Budget) by how many days you plan to be there. This will give you the preliminary cost of your trip. But, hold on – you’re not done just yet!

Step 4: Give yourself some “Padding”

Now, calculate 10-20% of the preliminary total you got in Step 3.

You know yourself best. If you’re great at sticking to a budget, maybe you can get by with an additional 10%. But if budgets aren’t your thing, maybe an extra 25% is more realistic. We typically add a 15% padding.

Add this number to your total, but don’t include it in your daily spending budget (Step 2). Remember, you don’t necessarily want to spend this money – it’s just there as a buffer for souvenirs, last minute splurges or incidentals.

Step 5: Plan your Splurges

Even if you have a budget to stick to, splurges are just part of traveling. Don’t let lack of money hold you back from something you’ve been dreaming about, like diving in the Galápagos or a taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia . It may be expensive, sure, but it’s part of your journey. And if you want it badly enough, it’s worth it.

Plan out your splurges so you’re ready for them. (Include this cost in your total budget, but don’t divide it into your daily spending.)

And when you do splurge, make sure it’s with a ethical company giving back to the local community and environment. Read our 36 Tips for Traveling Responsibly article for more information.

Step 6: Add on Airfare and Travel Insurance

Note that when you search for a daily budget in a particular country, it will typically NOT include airfare or travel insurance. You will have to add these costs in as well.

For airfare: We like getting airfare estimates on SkyScanner because you can search an entire month and see the cheapest day to fly.

For travel insurance: We like World Nomads for travel insurance. Get a super quick quote here.

And there you have it: Your own fully-customized travel budget! CONGRATS!

Tip: You can also do this exercise in reverse. What I mean is if you have $3,000 USD saved up, and you want to visit Thailand , start with Step #6 and work backwards by subtracting the costs. You’ll be able to see how many days a reasonable budget will bring you with $3,000 USD to spend.

Interested in more budget travel resources?

Be sure to check out our Budget Travel homepage for resources on everything you need to get your travel budget started and more! Or you can read some of our favorite articles about budget travel below. 

How to Find Cheap Flights: 17 Expert Tips

8 Reasons Why You Should House Sit and How to Get Started

Money-Saving Tips for a Cheap Road Trip Across the USA

Plan a Trip: The Ultimate Guide to Budgeting, Planning & Packing

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We want to hear from you!

Which cheap travel hack do you like the best? Which one will you use next? Have you created you travel budget? Let us know in the comments below. Or ask us anything about budget travel, we’d like to help you out!

Comments (13) on “ 22 Cheap Travel Hacks You Can Use Right Now ”

Thanks for sharing such valuable tips.

Hi, great tips! If I may add a few more especially related to money — since travellers from outside the US cannot get the charles schwab card – there are other ways to avoid ATM Fees – I use this app – it gives you a list of ATMs with the ATM Fees in 30-40 foreign countries along with withdrawal limits for foreign card holders so you can choose the ones which do not charge any fee to foreign card holders. Also, I always decline conversion at foreign ATMs or select “Without Conversion” and not exchange cash at airports, worst currency exchange rates ever.

Very useful tips to save money.

Great! Also, nice advice also check this out http://bit.ly/2WuFwkQ it might help as well.

I actually spend very little time finding deals! The key to getting a good deal is to be spontaneous, especially while traveling, so thanks. These is STUNNING TIPS!

Hi You Two!

Thank you so much for this incredible article and your site as a whole. My husband and I are getting ready for our first RTW trip, starting in November. This article had tons of valuable information in a concise and efficient way. We so appreciate you!!

Thanks so much Sophia, glad you liked all our travel hacks!

Wow – super comprehensive guide! Thanks for these tips! I’m pretty good at getting deals but I definitely got some new ideas here!

Great, happy to hear you got some new ideas!

Thank you for breaking down the expenses of travelling in South East Asia vs normal living in the states. This helped me get a grasp of what I will need to budget for when I decide to travel that way for 3 months! Thanks again, very much appreciated!

Thanks for the kind words, Kraig. We are so glad it has been helpful to you. Best of luck as you plan!

Stumbleupon your travel blog. My GF and I started

Great Derek, glad you found us 🙂

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9 Travel Hacks By 9 People Who Wander The World

Avid travelers shared their best hacks and advice for smart travel to help others see the world!

• Always carry multiple cards to keep your travel funds safe and avoid getting stuck without access to money.
• Register your trip in S.T.E.P. for solo female travelers to feel safe and ensure someone knows their whereabouts.
• Use apps like Emma Finance or YNAB to budget and save for your dream adventure, keeping you on track for your departure.

Travelers from around the world are constantly sharing online their tips and tricks for traveling smarter , safer, and wandering the world more affordably . But with so much noise and so many travel creators out there, it can be hard to sift through all the information and suggestions to find the hacks that really help. We’ve done the hard work for you with 9 tips from some of the world’s most well-traveled and adventurous content creators. Keep these tips from people who wander the world in mind next time you’re planning an adventure!

Anchors Aweigh: 10 Travel Tips For A Hassle-Free Cruise Experience (Before Boarding)

9 always carry multiple cards, the wanderer: hey ciara.

Full-time traveler Hey Ciara recently took to Instagram to share a key tip with her followers: carry multiple cards when you travel. After her credit card was swallowed by an ATM less than 24 hours into her trip in Ghana, the travel expert advised followers to:

“Carry two cards (debit and credit) at the least and limit daily cash withdrawals.”

She also advised that travelers should notify their banks before traveling to avoid locked cards and ensure they have the ability to lock or cancel a lost or stolen card immediately. Ciara also says downloading the Western Union app is a good way to transfer money internationally.

• How It Helps Your Budget: Keeps your travel funds safe
• Best For What Budget: All budgets (but especially backpackers $)
• Options To Get You Started: Carry two cards, download the Western Union App, and wear a money belt

8 Register Your Trip In S.T.E.P

The wanderer: crosby grace travels.

Crosby Grace Travels is a YouTuber and full-time traveler with tips for solo females who are discovering the globe. In a video about her solo adventures in Mexico , Crosby shared a useful tool for women traveling solo: registering in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

The site allows you to register your trip, the dates, and where you’re coming from. Then, the information is sent to the closest US embassy to where you’re staying at your destination. This helps provide peace of mind that if friends and family at home lose contact with a traveler, the closest embassy knows, based on the itinerary provided, where the individual is supposed to be and can help locate them.

The S.T.E.P. program is for U.S. travelers.

• How It Helps: Keeps female travelers feeling safe knowing there is a record of their whereabouts
• Best For: Solo female travelers
• Options To Get You Started: Sign up online

7 Use Apps To Help Save Money For Trips

The wanderer: travelwrighter.

Megan Wright, “Travelwrighter” on Instagram, promotes the ability to take an adult gap year as she herself has done, and is helping others get there by teaching them how to budget for a year of travel. She recommends using apps like Emma Finance or You Need a Budget to help breakdown all your income and monthly expenses to determine where you can cut costs and how long it will take you to save what you need for that epic year of adventure.

• How It Helps Your Budget: Keeps you on track for your budget by departure
• Best For Budget: Low-budget to mid-range ($-$$)
• Options To Get You Started: Download the Emma Finance or YNAB app

Take To The Skies With Confidence: 10 Travel Tips For A Smooth Flying Experience

6 use google maps offline, the wanderer: drew binsky.

Traveler Drew Binsky has been to every single country in the world, and he shared a key hack in a video on his YouTube channel : download and use Google Maps offline while exploring a new destination. Doing this before arrival is essential when you’re not sure how reliable cell phone data or Wi-Fi access will be. Having an offline map allows you to get to your accommodation from the airport or train station without having to pay for additional cell phone data usage. Binsky also mentions the app Maps.me as an alternative, but says he prefers Google Maps.

• How It Helps Your Budget: Reduces the need for additional cell data
• Options To Get You Started: Download Google Maps for the destination offline or download the app Maps.me

5 Get A Priority Pass For Airport Lounge Access

The wanderers: kara and nate.

Kara and Nate have a following of more than 3 million subscribers on YouTube and have been traveling the world full-time since 2016. As huge proponents of miles and points and airport lounges , the Husband and Wife team have frequently shared a particular travel hack in their videos over the years: get a Priority Pass .

The Priority Pass is a great option for travelers who fly frequently throughout the year and want to reduce their cost on food and water while at the airport. A Priority Pass incurs an annual fee, but this is well worth it if you travel more than 4–5 times per year. You’ll have access to the world’s largest network of lounges and get complimentary meals, drinks, water, and even showers at airports around the world. Perfect for the avid traveler who wants to invest now to save later!

Some credit card holders may already have access to Priority Pass lounges. Be sure to check with your bank! If you don't have access, you may have a discount available for purchasing the pass.

• How It Helps Your Budget: Reduces food and drink costs at airports
• Best For Budget: Low budget ($)
• Options To Get You Started: Sign up for a Priority Pass, or get a credit card that comes with complimentary lounge access (and use responsibly)

4 Upgrade To Business Class With Points

The wanderer: renee roaming.

Renee Roaming is an outdoor, lifestyle, and travel blogger whose Instagram account and blog focus heavily on hiking and US national parks. The Aussie-born turned Seattle resident recently flew from the US to Japan on American Airlines and shared a tip via Instagram for her followers: upgrade to Business Class using miles and points.

In Renee’s case, she was able to upgrade to American Airlines’ Flagship Business class using points amassed by flying frequently with the airline as an AAdvantage member . This hack shows the value in sticking to an airline or airline alliance and racking up points to later apply for an available upgrade before a flight. It's a great way to elevate the Economy experience without paying for a Business Class price outright. Before selecting an airline to stick with, consider which ones have the best points systems .

Usually, using points to upgrade from Economy Class to Business Class is much more affordable and requires the use of fewer points than booking Business Class straight away.

• How It Helps Your Budget: Uses fewer points for a better flight experience
• Best For Budget: Mid-range ($$)
• Options To Get You Started: Look at what airlines fly out of your home airport and see if many of them belong to a specific airline alliance (Star Alliance, Oneworld, etc.) - sign up as a loyalty member and start collecting points

10 Tips For Travelers When Planning A Backpacking Adventure

3 choose booking platforms based on your destination, the wanderer: nomadic matt.

One of North America’s top travel bloggers, Nomadic Matt (Matthew Kepnes), shares helpful hacks and insightful travel encounters on his blog, Nomadicmatt.com . Recently, via Instagram stories, Matt shared a helpful tip for travelers about booking their accommodation: change your booking platform based on the destination.

For example, he shared that Agoda often has the best hotel and hostel deals when looking at destinations within Asia.

• How It Helps Your Budget: Offers more options at better prices
• Best For Budget: Low budget ($) to mid-range ($$)
• Options To Get You Started: Check out sites like Agoda (for Asia), Hostelworld (for Europe)

2 Bundle Hotel And Flight Bookings

The wanderer: hey nadine.

British Columbia-based content creator Nadine Sykora (Hey Nadine) recently shared a travel hack on her Instagram Reels where she says travelers are “sleeping on,” and that's bundling flights and hotel bookings. In her post, Nadine highlights Expedia’s bundles, which can save Expedia Rewards members up to 30% on their trip compared to booking their flight and hotel separately. This is a great way to find an affordable hotel and flight combination, even in luxury destinations like the Maldives, on a budget .

This underrated feature is also available on Booking.com and is a great way to save hundreds of dollars on a trip, especially if you want to travel during a busy season or aren’t flexible with your dates.

• How It Helps Your Budget: Reduces costs by up to 30%
• Best For Budget: Mid-range ($$) to High End ($$$)
• Options To Get You Started: Expedia , Booking , Kayak

1 Find Flights Using Skyscanner

The wanderers: ian and ana.

Ian and Ana Ryan have been traveling the world full-time for over five years, and they have amassed a significant following on YouTube throughout their adventures. Ana shared a tip via Instagram Reels for the cheapest way to book flights and compare costs based on destination and travel dates: Skyscanner.

Travelers may not realize they can use Skyscanner’s cool feature of setting the destination to “everywhere” from their home airport and seeing a list, ranked by price, pop up of where they can fly during their desired dates. Even more flexible? Input the dates as “Anytime” for a sense of the lowest fares this year ! This is one of the best ways to book cheap flights .

• How It Helps Your Budget: Compares costs by date, destination, and airline
• Best For Budget: Budget travelers ($)
• Options To Get You Started: Download the Skyscanner app using the App Store or Google Play

Kinda Frugal

16 Budget Travel Hacks to Explore the World Without Breaking the Bank

Posted: March 19, 2024 | Last updated: March 19, 2024

Many people would love to travel the world but feel they can’t due to the cost. That might be true depending on the destination and how you plan to travel. 

Listen, I get it. World travel is more expensive than ever, making it seem like the trip of a lifetime is permanently out of reach for the average person with big dreams. Thankfully, there are ways to make any adventure infinitely more affordable, and you’re about to learn about many of them!

Today, you’ll learn vital budget travel hacks that will get you one step closer to traveling the world without declaring bankruptcy at the end of it.

1. Be Strategic With Your Timeframe

Use common sense when booking any trip; you’d want to avoid visiting Miami or Cancun during college spring break, wouldn’t you? Apply that same logic to planning an overseas adventure. Be strategic; traveling to tourist-friendly cities like Paris or Rome in the summer is the quickest way to spend most of your time waiting in endless lines to glimpse some of the most popular tourist attractions.

Plan your trips during the traditional off-season if you can deal with some cold weather. You’ll save money (always a plus) and experience a more low-key (yet still utterly fantastic) vacation!

2. Book Monthly Airbnb Stays

I recommend jumping on one of the most unheralded aspects of renting an Airbnb for international travel: booking a month-long stay! Many European properties offer substantial discounts for monthly stays. I’ve saved over 50% on standard rates on more than one occasion.

It’s an opportunity too good to ignore. You’ll be surprised how often staying a month at a time at the same Airbnb costs less than paying for only three weeks. At that point, you’re vacationing on Airbnb’s dime!

3. Always Search for Deals

Nobody stumbles upon can’t-miss travel deals on accident. Most savvy and frugal travelers end up going on incredibly affordable adventures as a result of diligent searching for the best deals possible! It’s a thankless job until you finally enjoy the fruits of your labor by going on a trip of a lifetime. We all spend too much time mindlessly scrolling through our smartphones anyway; we might as well be somewhat productive and search for travel deals while we’re at it!

Keep your eyes peeled. Visit travel websites and forums, and always be on the lookout for email offers. You never know when you’ll stumble upon a deal.

4. Limit Pricey Excursions

Unless you’re made of money (and judging by the fact that you’re reading this in the first place, I doubt you are), it’s best to limit excursions that can quickly dent your wallet. Ignore the allure of social media clout and restrain yourself from spending money on white-water rafting experiences or air balloon rides. These are activities that can easily be had at a much lower price here in the United States.

Exploring the world on a budget means dedicating yourself to living slowly and enjoying what’s around you. It shouldn’t be an excuse to break the bank on ridiculous “experiences” that you can do elsewhere for cheaper.

5. Target Inexpensive Parts of the World

While overly popular destinations like Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Rome are breathtaking in their own right, they come at a considerable cost. To save money, I highly suggest traveling to places that are just as mind-blowing but exceedingly affordable. Destinations in Sicily, Croatia, and Spain offer everything an adventurer could want at a fraction of the price of major tourist cities.

If Europe doesn’t tickle your fancy, places in Asia, like Bali, offer even more mind-blowing bang for your buck! Don’t follow the status quo; explore parts of the world that are inexpensive and still worthy of your time. You’ll be surprised at how fulfilling it is.

6. Work During Your Trip

There’s one clear-cut method to travel the world without breaking the bank: work during your next trip! The world is your oyster if you work remotely or are a digital nomad. Trust me, there’s nothing better than not just vacationing but living in an unfamiliar foreign city. It sounds crazy, but working while I travel makes me feel part of a local community and like I’m part of society’s fabric.

For most people, making money while traveling the world is impossible. For those who can make it happen, what are you waiting for?

7. Pack Lightly and Avoid Baggage Fees

One of the most challenging things to do is to exercise restraint and make yourself pack lightly for an international journey. However, doing so has many benefits. Packing in this manner will make your trip more enjoyable overall due to less strain on your muscles and joints, and you’ll also avoid dreaded checked baggage fees at the airport. I’ve seen countless travelers experience sticker shock at the counter when faced with checked or overweight baggage fees they weren’t anticipating. (This is also the perfect time to remind you to check your airline’s baggage policy beforehand. Don’t be caught blindsided!)

8. Don’t Rent a Car

Renting a car is overrated. Hear me out: unless you’re one of the lucky few who can drive a manual transmission car, you’ll pay an exorbitant fee to rent an automatic transmission vehicle overseas. Trust me, renting a car in an unfamiliar country is far more expensive than you think. Oh, and in my experience, parking is a headache everywhere.

Instead, utilize the local public transportation system to get around town. You’ll be glad you did, and your wallet will thank you!

9. Embrace Layovers and Save Big

Direct, nonstop flights are expensive. Suppose you genuinely want to explore the world without paying through the nose. In that case, it’s time to embrace the reality of your situation:

It’s time to accept that layovers will be part of your life from now on.

They’re not that bad, believe it or not. The layover life saves you lots of money and allows you to stretch your legs and experience new airports worldwide. Have you ever wondered what Wendy’s tastes like in a random German airport concourse? Of course, you haven’t, but that’s just part of the layover experience! Learn to love it, people.

10. Redeem Credit Card Rewards

Allow me to outline how to take advantage of credit card rewards. First, put all everyday spending on the best rewards card you currently have in your wallet. Then, hoard those reward points for as long as possible. The final step is straightforward: Cash those points in for unforgettable travel deals!

Credit card rewards can offer ridiculously discounted airfare and hotel stays to most destinations. I’ve even traveled for free due to my expert points-hoarding abilities, and you can too. A sound credit card is arguably the best travel tool in your wallet.

11. Travel With Others

While many swear on the benefits of traveling solo, there are more economical ways to see the world. Traveling with a partner can theoretically cut most of your costs in half (airfare notwithstanding). I’m constantly in awe of people who embrace the solo travel lifestyle. Still, in the end, I’d rather save money on expenses by traveling with a friend, significant other, or group of people. The more the merrier, right?

12. Live Like a Local

As mentioned earlier, living like a local is imperative to saving money on your next international trip. Forego trips to tourist-friendly restaurants and bars and fully immerse yourself in the local culture. Befriend random strangers, shop at local grocery stores and supermarkets, and participate in free community events.

Switching from thinking like a tourist to considering yourself a local (and embracing everything about it) will help you spend far less money. Think of all the fresh, homecooked meals you’ll enjoy—that is reason enough to live like a local!

13. Walk Everywhere

I was shocked to discover how much of Europe is exceedingly walkable. Unlike in the United States, pedestrian-friendly cities are the norm in Europe, not the exception! Even large, sprawling towns like Madrid cater to the walking population. Of course, there are numerous advantages to walking everywhere. Not only will you save money on public transportation and overpriced car rentals, but you’ll have a better appreciation of the unfamiliar place you’re exploring by fully immersing yourself on the ground.

(If you don’t consider yourself a “walker,” don’t stress; it’s much more manageable than you think!)

14. Download Maps and Save Data

Unfortunately, international data plans are a must-have for any serious overseas traveler. However, there is a way to mitigate these costs and use less data than usual: download offline maps for navigation before you arrive at your destination! Modern smartphone apps like Google Maps allow users to download any map for offline use while keeping turn-by-turn navigation features intact.

Doing this will ensure you’ll never get lost in an unfamiliar city and never use more data than you need. How convenient is that?

15. Don’t Be Afraid to Tweak Your Plans

Don’t be afraid to pivot and change your itinerary, even if it’s at the last minute! You’ll never know when you’ll stumble upon the deal of the century, so if that means upending your plans to cater to a lower price point, so be it. That being said, I advise you to always book fully refundable airfare and hotel stays because that flexibility gives you the potential to save even more money down the road. Airlines and hotels raise and lower their prices on a whim, and you should always take advantage of an opportunity to save some hard-earned cash.

16. Start Saving Now

Let’s cut to the chase: there’s no such thing as a “cheap” international adventure, but you can make the ordeal far more palatable by saving money long before you take the trip. In other words, start saving now. Any dollar you put toward your trip will make it far easier on your wallet in the long run. When I book a trip about nine months in advance, setting aside $100 a month works like a charm!

Treat any potential vacation or trip as a significant expense, and treat it as you would other large purchases like a car or home. Saving (and saving often) is the key to exploring the world without breaking the bank.

10 States Americans Are Leaving in Droves and 5 States They Are Moving To

Do you know what’s becoming as American as apple pie? Internal migration! People are packing up and moving from sea to shining sea, but why? Let’s dive into this great American shuffle; check out the top 10 states folks are abandoning and the top five they’re flocking toward. What motivates the movers? Is it the quest for better jobs, sunnier skies, or just a change of scenery? Buckle up as we hit the road to discover what’s pulling Americans in new directions!

18 Underrated U.S. Destinations Worth Exploring

Every state in the United States has its unique charm and attractions. However, some states are often perceived as less exciting or engaging than others. This perception, which may not always reflect reality, could be based on various factors, from a state’s geography and culture to its lack of iconic landmarks or tourist hotspots. Here are 18 states that some Americans might dread visiting due to a perceived lack of exciting activities or attractions.

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Travel the world for cheap with these 13 tried & tested hacks

Travel Travel Inspiration Travel Tips & Hacks How To Travel For Cheap

Traveling to your dream destination doesn’t have to be a long-term plan that breaks your bank account. You can always travel to your dream destination on a budget. Here are some of the tested and proven ways to travel the world for cheap. You can thank us later!

13 sure shot ways to travel the world for cheap

#1 become a pro at travel hacking.

Travel hacking is essentially collecting points on travel credit cards, frequent-flier points, and miles to get freebies. This will, in turn, help you travel for cheap. Depending on how much you collect you can afford free flights, free nights at hotels, access to tours, and much more. Travel hacking can even allow you to have once in a lifetime experience if you collect enough points. For example, certain credit card companies offer luxurious stays like villas in Rome and trips to the French Riviera. Additionally, you can even experience exotic destinations like the Galapagos Islands for dirt cheap if you’ve travel hacked your way right.

What’s truly brilliant is that anybody can accumulate these points and become a pro at travel hacking. All you have to really do is get an airline card, a travel card, or a general rewards card like Chase Sapphire. Ensure that the cards offer a sign-up bonus of at least 50,000 points. The more the better. Now, simply pay for your groceries, restaurants, and daily shopping with these cards. This will help accumulate points extremely fast. Of course, you can go a step further and accumulate more points by using these cards to take surveys and indulge in (necessary) online shopping.

You can even get multiple credit cards for your different needs and club them. For example, some cards might offer free accommodation while some might only offer free miles. Once you take away the airfare and price of accommodation you can spend much more on brilliant experiences.

Your Guide To Traveling The World For Free!

#2 learn the art of finding cheap flights.

Surprisingly, you can save a ton of money on airfare by simply looking for cheap flights in the right places. While platforms like Google Flights and Booking.com can make it easier for you to find tickets, it doesn't show the best offers.WhichBudget is a great site as it shows you hundreds of cheap airlines in over 200 countries. All you need to do is put in some research time and book much in advance. It’s also best to never book around the holidays as prices are almost always at an all-time high.Interestingly, the airports matter as well. A flight to a relatively smaller airport in the city might be cheaper than flights to the bigger ones. Additionally, you can travel for cheap by avoiding checking in luggage as it tends to cost a lot if you’re traveling to multiple countries.

17 Golden Hacks To Snagging Cheap Flight Tickets

#3 couchsurf and list your place on airbnb.

#4 Trust last-minute deals

Hotels and airlines almost always offer last-minute deals to fill up the last seats or rooms. They even go to lengths to price it below their profit margin closer to the dates. . If you’re not concerned about the last-minute hassle and risk, it’s worth pouncing on these deals. Most importantly, you can travel for cheap and save a ton of money. Finding these last-minute deals have become quite easy with sites like Jetsetter and Hipmunk. For last-minute experience deals, there’s no place better than Headout. Planning to visit the Colosseum while standing in a queue at the Vatican? Get the Headout app and in 3 taps find the best last-minute deals in 50+ cities across the world.

#5 Opt for budget travel destinations

This one’s a no-brainer. If you’re looking to travel for cheap, simply opt for a budget travel destination. A budget travel destination does not only offer cheap accommodation but even the food and experiences will be much cheaper than other popular travel destinations. For example, you can eat amazing food, travel around and stay at a paradise-like place in Bali all for less than $100 a day. Countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Portugal are not only extremely affordable but are also rich in culture and are safe. Most importantly, since transportation, food, and accommodation are cheap, you can afford to stay for long and even splurge a little

#6 All-Inclusive packages can be a steal deal

If you’re looking for a super-condensed travel experience, then an all-inclusive package can be an amazing deal. Not only is it cheaper than traveling to all the places on the itinerary individually but it’s also extremely convenient as everything like stay and travel is taken care of by the travel company. Additionally, it’s super safe as you’ll more or less be traveling with a group. Of course, these days all-inclusive packages can be personalized. So, you have the option to spend more or less. And if you want to save some money, it’s best to look out for those last-minute all-inclusive getaway packages

#7 Off-season travel is the way to go

The off-season is the best time to travel if you're wondering “how to travel for cheap?”. Of course, peak seasons have their advantages - the weather, locals out and about, all establishments open in full swing and whatnot. If you’re willing to let go of the little pleasures, then off-season travel is your best bet. Moreover, you won’t be rubbing shoulders with other tourists which you have to admit is a blessing. If you do your research and figure out the off-season months for a city you can expect the airfare and accommodation to be significantly cheaper as well.

#8 Use cards with no foreign transaction fees

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#9 Sign up for free tours

In a majority of cities around the world, free walking tours are easily available. Free tours are essentially pay-what-you-feel tours conducted by a local guide or a college student who knows the city in and out. You can book a slot online and at the end of the tour, you can tip your guide as much as you please. However, that is optional as well. These tours usually last from 1-2 hours and the guide will take you around the most popular places in the city on foot. You get to learn a lot more about the city you're visiting and the history from these tours than the paid ones that tend to cut corners. Furthermore, you can get amazing nightlife and food recommendations from the local guide.

#10 Steer clear of tourist traps

In every city, there are always several tourist traps that you’ll inevitably bump into. It might be accommodation in certain countries or public transportation in others. Regardless, it’s always better to know what are potential tourist traps you could fall for before you step foot in the country. Public transportation and even popular tourist spots in certain countries tend to take advantage of naive foreigners and charge exorbitant prices. Always negotiate and finalize the price before buying a ticket or before getting into the vehicle. When it comes to food and accommodation, book from trusted online portals in advance and you’re good to go!

12 Travel Scams to Watch Out for in 2021

#11 don’t leave home without travel insurance.

Having a travel Insurance policy that suits your travel style is one of the most underrated parts of traveling. Not just for your belongings but also your health. It’s even more important to get it if you have pre-existing health conditions. Travel insurance is also comprehensive protection of sorts that helps you save a lot of money in unfortunate scenarios like theft, cancellations, accidents, and even injury. While it may seem like an extra expense, when things go wrong you can bank on your insurance for coverage. You can get travel insurance from either your pre-existing insurance provider or from third-party providers like World Nomads, Insure My Trip, and Medjet.

The Ultimate Guide To Buying Your First Travel Insurance In The Post COVID World

#12 travel overnight to avoid hotel costs.

One of the best ways to save money and travel for cheap is to travel overnight to avoid hotel costs. You can skip paying for a night if you’re traveling overnight. It might be a tad bit uncomfortable compared to your hotel bed, but it’s worth the money you’re saving.

#13 Get a local sim

We recommend you get a local simcard if you’re planning on staying for more than a week. Roaming charges or even paying for Wi-Fi abroad can get expensive. Getting a local sim allows cheaper international calls and most importantly affordable data plans. Roaming around in search of Wi-Fi is not fun and a local sim can come in handy especially if you’re working while traveling.

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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7 Budget Travel Hacks to Explore the World on a Shoestring

Many people would love to travel the world, but realistically speaking you have to deal with a lot of costs. Fortunately, nowadays there are legitimate budget travel hacks that can help you realize that trip you’ve been dreaming of.

With right planning, you can explore new destinations, experience different cultures, and create amazing memories. In this article, we’ll uncover some of the best budget hacks that expert travelers use to make the most of their adventures while keeping expenses in check.

1. Genius flight discounts

2. go off-peak, 3. hostels over hotels, 4. look for free/low-cost activities, 5. be the anti-tourist, 7. do as the locals do.

Buying a plane ticket is arguably one of the most expensive parts of traveling. So, this is a great area where you can save a ton of money if you get savvy about where to look.

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Use a source for finding cheap airline tickets and you will never look back. These websites will inform you of price drops on destinations across the world, so you can save up to 90% of airfare instead of paying full price

Similarly, you should make use of fare comparison sites to get the best flight deals.

While jetting around in the warm summer months has its perks, there is a lot to be said for traveling during off-peak season. If you look ahead and plan for the season in your country of choice, then the time of year shouldn’t matter all too much.

There are tons of more affordable options out there when you move in this direction, so rethink your schedule and be open to a more flexible itinerary.

Another key area where it is possible to economize is where you stay when you get there. Hotels have their place, but if you want to really see the world on a shoestring budget then hostels are the better way forward.

Hostels offer affordable rooms and dormitories that will save you significant money and also allow you to meet amazing friends during your stay. You may also want to look into guesthouses, homestays, and even couchsurfing as alternative options. Depending on where you’re going, Airbnb features reasonably priced rooms especially for long-term stays.

There are always free (or low-cost) activities up for grabs everywhere you look – including parks, museums, and markets. The key is to do a little bit of research prior to arriving, and then you’ll be able to book amazing experiences for little to no cost at all. Make sure to sign up before you go because the free stuff tends to get fully subscribed fast.

Another way to enjoy experiences in a budget is to look for city passes that comes with a bundle of multiple attractions at a discount.

If you love the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and swimming are often budget-friendly yet fulfilling activities that will let you witness the natural attractions of an area.

There will always be a few popular tourist spots that make your bucket list. However, going away from the crowd is advantageous in a lot of ways, especially when it comes to your wallet.

Go off-the-beaten path for authentic experiences. Also consider traveling slower and staying in a specific location rather than bouncing from attraction to attraction. This is a great way to see a country through a more authentic lens and will help you find the hidden gems that everyone yearns to see.

Do you wonder how people afford to travel for months? The trick is to work while you travel.

If you are planning on traveling for a longer period, why not pick up a part-time position while you’re out there? There are amazing seasonal positions that look specifically for traveling employees — you just have to find them. Just make sure, if you are going down this route, that you sort out any visa requirements before you turn up for the role.

You can also try to find digital nomad jobs, which will let you work anywhere.

When you find a place you want to stay, think about where the local residents shop, eat, and hang out. These will be the optimum spots for saving money and having a cheap, but amazing, experience. With numerous blogs, social media posts, and online groups, this is easy to find out — it just takes a little research and planning in advance.

Remember that traveling on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice the quality of your trip or your comfort. Choose the best budget travel hacks that fit your preferences.

Nowadays, there are thousands of budget-friendly accommodations, experiences, and adventures waiting to happen. Don’t let a price tag hold you back from seeing the world!

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This article is contributed by an expert guest author.

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• World Travel Hackers: How to plan a multi-city trip for cheap
• < Travel hacks

Travel hacks

By Hana Leakey August 22, 2023

By Hana Leakey | August 22, 2023

Our World Travel Hackers have set off on their adventures! They’ve shown us how to pack to save money, how to get the best flight deals on multi-city trips, and more

It’s time for our first round of World Travel Hackers highlights! Two of our seven duos — Emilia and Joel and Amin and Nathanael — have been on the move for several weeks now, completing travel challenges as they see the world and endeavor to spend as little of their €10,000 budgets as possible. This is where our savvy globetrotters have been, what they’ve been up to, and the travel hacks they’ve used to save money so far.

This campaign is sponsored by Visa.

The easiest way to plan a multi-city trip

Before Emilia and Joel set out on their trip around the world, they carefully calculated how much of their €10,000 budget they wanted to spend on flights, accommodation, and everything else. With €2,800 allocated to flights, they used Nomad , an exclusive travel hack available on Kiwi.com, to find the best multi-city travel itinerary that’d get them to East Asia via some European city-break favorites.

So far, they’ve flown from London to Venice , from Venice to Budapest, and they’ve just arrived in Shanghai. What was the price that Nomad found for these three legs? €640 per person — an absolute steal — at the height of summer, as well!

With four more countries on their list, it looks like Emilia and Joel are on track not to spend more than €2,800 on flights. But of course, travel budgeting is a fine art, and anything could happen. This is the summer adventure of a lifetime, after all, and no adventure is so easy!

Check out how you too can use Nomad from Kiwi.com to create your own budget mega-vacation…

Fit everything for a four-week trip in carry-on only

Both Emilia and Nathanael showed us exactly how they packed their carry-on bags. And that’s carry-on bags only , by the way; they managed to fit everything they’ll need for four weeks into a single practical backpack each. From packing cubes to microfiber towels and shampoo bars, we knew we could trust our savvy World Travel Hackers to find clever ways to make the most of such little space.

Packing light is one of the most important things to do, if not rule number one, if you want to travel for cheap. Play around with the ‘Bags’ search filter on Kiwi.com to see just how much money you could save by forgoing checked luggage on your flights.

See more of the world for less money

@kiwi.com Trip planning of our Travel Hackers – Amin and Nathan💚 #kiwicom #worldtravelhackers #summerjob #contentcreator #travelinfluencer #kiwicomtravelhackers #kiwicomflight #kiwicomworldhack #cheapflight #summercheaptravel ♬ original sound – Kiwi.com

Amin and Nathanael made use of our Self-transfer travel hack to spend a day in Madrid and a day in Mexico City! When they searched for their itinerary on Kiwi.com, the Kiwi-Code presented them with an option to South America with two layovers in these dynamic capitals.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @aminthestreets

These layovers, made possible by Self-transfer, were long enough that the boys could leave the airports and explore, but brief enough that they wouldn’t end up splurging on extra accommodation. (Okay — they did spend one night in Madrid, but staying with a friend meant no blow to their budget!) Bonus destinations unlocked.

Budapest on a budget

After their brief visit to Venice ( where they found the cheapest, most incredible fresh pasta ), Emilia and Joel managed to get around all the best things to do in Budapest for just €50 each! Their top money-saving travel hacks for this destination included heading to Széchenyi Thermal Bath before 9 am, getting a 24-hour travel pass that’s valid on public transport and the river cruise, and, if you need to eat out, opting for self-service restaurants.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kiwi.com (@kiwicom247)

Subscribe to Kiwi.com’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on our World Travel Hackers’ journeys, and make sure to follow us on Instagram and TikTok to catch all their bonus content!

Want more travel hacks and inspiration? Visit Kiwi.com Stories .

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Frequent Flier Miles: How to ‘Travel Hack’ Around the World

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Twentysomethings Hannah and Chad Janis just quit their jobs to depart on an adventure around the world. They booked their 40-country, $62,000 trip with a classic travel hack — ‘free’ airline points.

Fresh out of college last year, Chad Janis found a job as a banker in New York City. He hacked his first free flight to JFK for the interview.

Chad knows personal finance, and his job paid well. So he and his wife, Hannah, have a little cushion. But they also have an idea that they think is worth spreading: Buy less, do more. Or at least try to travel hack your next adventure.

Inside Credit Card Travel Hacking

For example, Barclays Red Aviator card gives you 60,000 American Airlines points after swiping the card one time. It sounds easy. But Chad studied and experimented with travel hacking extensively over the last five years to figure it out, some 20 hours a week beyond his day job.

He started small by seeing how many single vacation destinations he could get to for free. He flew to Mexico, Italy, France, South Africa, Switzerland, and Iceland — for nothing.

A post shared by Hannah and Chad (@hannahandchad) on Jan 9, 2018 at 10:33am PST

Then, they kicked things up a notch. Eventually, the couple systematically opened 26 credit cards and accumulated over 2 million points, documenting the whole experience online for others to follow.

In theory, the premise of a travel hack is pretty straightforward. “We hit the minimum spend on each of our cards to activate signup bonuses ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 points by simply planning ahead of time what our expected expenses would be in the near-term future,” Chad said.

It’s the details that make it a potentially onerous side hustle.

Frequent Flier Miles: Keeping Track of It All

The Janises’ own travel hacking led to building the web-based premium app  Wall Street Minimalist , which has since morphed into a side business. It includes a free flight search engine, a video course, and a tracking system to help others travel hack easier.

The app was a result of trying to manage cards and minimum spend data through a Google spreadsheet, which Chad said was difficult.

“You still have to be responsible with paying off your balances and closing credit cards before annual fees roll around,” he explained. “So the app is just meant to help you track all of the moving parts and information.”

Timing is another struggle. Travel hackers must open and close credit cards at the right time for their best rates.

“You never know whether a bank is going to raise or lower their signup bonus offer,” Chad said. “You also have to be wary of certain rules that each bank has to restrict individuals like us from opening and closing too many cards.”

For example, Chase only allows you to open five cards in a 24-month period.

“Obviously, their rules are only so effective, though, as we were still able to hack our way to over 2 million points. However, for someone who is just taking a couple of trips each year, these rules aren’t very applicable, as they will never be restricted by them.”

What About Credit Scores?

What may be most surprising to those new to travel hacking is that the Janises simultaneously boosted their credit scores. They managed to build Hannah’s credit so she could open more cards while keeping Chad’s credit intact the way most of us were taught: paying credit cards on time and never carrying a balance.

But with 26 pieces of plastic, that requires some serious organizational skills. “When you have so many credit cards, it’s important to develop an autopay system so you never have to worry about missing payments,” he said.

“If you’re good about living within your means and never spending more than you have in the bank, you can use credit cards instead of cash to quickly build up enough points to redeem for your next free flight.”

That means to start small, like with your next flight to somewhere cool.

Travel Hack Cheats System, Not Your Wallet

Chad and Hannah know money doesn’t grow on trees. They live within their means. “We never went on any spending rampages to rack up points, and we’ve never had credit card debt,” Chad said.

“We saved up money over the last year by living intentionally as minimalists. For the trip, we’ll cover our food and activities using the cash we saved. However, without our points, we never would have been in a position to afford this.”

For their global journey, which starts next week, the Janises booked the majority of flights with Singapore Airlines, which has a Star Alliance Round The World Award . The business-class program costs 240,000 points per person. The cash value of the couple’s flights to 40 countries is around $62,000, according to Chad.

A post shared by Hannah and Chad (@hannahandchad) on Aug 22, 2018 at 6:30pm PDT

“We used the points we earned with other airlines through our cards’ signup bonuses to book ancillary tickets such as our flight from Auckland, New Zealand, to Vava’u, Tonga,” he said.

Free hotel stays are another perk of a credit card travel hack. Chad said he still has several hundred thousand points he can apply to hotel stays. He’s already redeemed some abroad, including a free, all-inclusive weeklong splurge at Marriott’s Fiji Momi Bay .

Because after all that work, the Janises deserve some vacay. Check out a handy list of their travel hacks below.

10 Steps for Your First Travel Hack

• Boost your credit score . It’s important that you first build your credit score so you’re eligible for the best credit cards with the highest awards rates.
• Pick your vacation spot . Look at the map and decide where in the world you want to adventure to next.
• Plan months in advance . Preparing to book a free flight with credit card points can take a little time. To earn the required points, give yourself six to nine months from the day you open the card to the day you want to leave for your vacation.
• Search your favorite airlines . Pick three to four of your favorite airlines. Go online and check flights on each airline’s “search award tickets” filter. Then, track award seat availability on your desired vacation days.
• Select the lowest rate . Comparison shop: Some airlines require fewer points than others to book the flight. Just like you do when booking with cash, you’ll want to fly with the “cheapest” airline (the one requiring the fewest points).
• Find the right card offer. After you know how many points it’ll take to book your free flight, and which airline you’ll be flying on, start earning points toward that airline’s rewards program. Do a quick Google search to find the credit card offering the highest signup bonus with the desired airline.
• Evaluate annual fee and minimum spend.  Pay close attention to whether the credit card you’re considering has an annual fee or a minimum spend amount that’s out of your range. I try to open cards that waive the annual fee for the first year, and most people find that everyday expenses sync up with hitting a minimum spend of $3,000 within three months of opening the card.
• Open the credit card. Once you decide on the card that will help you earn the required points for your trip, submit your application to open the card.
• Stay responsible. As you use your new card, make sure that you never miss any monthly payments and focus on spending within your means. Use autopay!
• Book your free flight. Once you hit the card’s minimum spend and the signup bonus triggers for your account, you will have thousands of points to redeem for your free flight. Go back to the airline’s website and book your flight using your freshly earned points.

Finally, celebrate. You just saved anywhere from $300 to $1,500 on an expensive flight. “I can’t think of a better reason to relax on the beach sipping a pina colada,” Chad told GearJunkie.

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How to travel light: 12 travel hacks to travel light

By: Author Monica

Categories Packing Tips , Travel Tips

I’m always harping on about how important it is to travel light. Travelling light gives you extra freedom and flexibility that you just don’t have with heavy luggage.

You can move quickly through airports and train stations and it’s so much easier to take public transport with a small bag. You’ll save money by not having to check your bags in on a plane and you can keep your luggage close when you’re on trains and buses.

You’re also less likely to lose things when you travel light because it’s easier to keep track of your belongings.

I’ve been thinking a lot about travelling light recently because I’ll soon be travelling with a baby and I’m pretty sure that travelling light + baby is pretty much impossible. I might not be able to pack light for the baby but I’ll definitely be able to pack light for me so the travelling light challenge is about to get extreme!

I could go on all day about the benefits of travelling light but I’ll leave it at that and start sharing my top tips for travelling light.

1. Use a small, lightweight case

The oldest trick in the book and possibly the simplest way to pack light – Use a small suitcase or backpack so you can’t possibly fit too much in it. Don’t be tempted to get a case that’s slightly too big because you will fill that space with unnecessary crap.

For more inspiration and proof of the benefits of travelling with a small bag, check out this post by Chris over at Backpacker Banter: My 25L Backpack Challenge . Yep, he travelled for 3 weeks around Thailand with nothing but a 25L backpack!

I like to travel with just hand luggage and recommend my range of luggage which is all available on Amazon. There’s the Travel Hack Cabin Case, the backpack and the tote.

It’s designed to be the perfect size for cabin baggage, meaning it’s as big as it possibly can be without being too big. It has separate compartments to keep everything organised and is an absolute dream to travel with. This is a great option is you plan to travel with cabin luggage only.

Below are a couple of great luggage options if you’re trying to travel light.

The Travel Hack Cabin Case

The Travel Hack Cabin Case is my all-time favourite for travelling light. The suitcase is perfect for a carry-on case for most airlines and weighs just 2.7kg but still has a massive 45 litre capacity. It also has handy pockets so you can access your belongings easily, whether you’re on the plane, going through security or at the airport.

• Generous 28 litre main compartment with packing straps and a variety of zipped pockets for everything from toiletries to straighteners.
• Rear padded compartment for a Macbook or a small laptop.
• Stylish 600D PU outer shell with faux leather inserts and rose gold detailing.

Cabin Max Metz

The Cabin Max Metz backpack is within the dimensions for most airline carry-on luggage and weighs just 0.7kg!

If you’re looking for ultra light but spacious luggage then this is the one.

• CARRY ON BAG 55x40x20 cm soft shell design to fit 94% of worldwide hand luggage gauges including: EasyJet and Ryanair, Eurowings, Vueling, Norwegian, Virgin, BA, Lufthansa, Jet2, Wizz Air, Iberia,...
• MAXIMUM CAPACITY - Large 44-litre capacity cabin bag makes it possible to fly without checking in baggage to the hold. Lightweight yet durable cabin bag 55x40x20 0.7kg (1.5lbs).
• CABIN BACKPACK - Featuring 3 main lockable zipped compartments, including document pocket, organisational accessories and tech pocket, including 2 zipped compartments. High strength durable,...

Tripp Ultra Light 4 wheel cabin case

If you’re looking for a lightweight suitcase then you can’t go wrong with the Tripp Ultra Light 4 wheel cabin case. It weighs 2.1kg, so you’re going to be left with 7.9kg for your belongings.

• 4 Wheel Carry On Suitcase
• Colour: BLACK
• 5 year guarantee

Antler Clifton Suitcase

The Antler Clifton Suitcases are great quality and so reliable. The cabin case is a little heavier at 3.5kg but if you’re looking for a really good quality case and you’re not as worried about weight then it’s a good option.

• CLIFTON LUGGAGE: Our Clifton cabin suitcase is everything you could want from a lightweight suitcase. Designed to last with its polycarbonate material, this carry on suitcase is strong, eye catching,...
• SIZE & MEASUREMENTS: Our carry on suitcase features flexible carry handles, 4 interior pockets, a zip closure & interior compartments. The cabin suitcase measures 20 x 40 x 55 (cm) with a packing...
• DOUBLE ANTI-THEFT TSA LOCKS: The Clifton cabin suitcase has anti-theft technology with its double TSA-approved locks for added security that separately secures the front pocket & the case itself. This...

Cabin Max Lightweight Backpack Trolley

If you aren’t sure if you want a backpack or a trolley then check out the Cabin Max Lightweight Backpack Trolley. It weighs just 1.7kg and has a 44 litre capacity.

• HYBRID - Cabin Max Lyon trolley backpack is a convenient wheeled carry on suitcase that coverts into a backpack for any type of travel. Just unzip the back section which covers the wheels and backpack...
• PACK TO THE MAX - Combines the maximum size allowed for hand luggage with an abundance of practical features
• DESIGNED TO FIT - At a massive 44L with dimensions 55 x 40 x 20 cm including wheels it is still extremely lightweight at 1.7KG

2. Pack 2 pairs of shoes and no more

Shoes can often be the bulkiest items in our bags so never travel with more than 2 pairs. Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane and a pack a smaller pair in your case.

I’m currently love the On Cloudnova trainers for trips where I’ll be doing lots of walking.

The Veja trainers are nice if you want some comfy white trainers that are a bit more stylish.

A comfy pair of Dr Martens are great for winter trips.

And I like a pair of Birkenstocks for daily wear in warm destinations.

Read more: What shoes should I take travelling?

3. 1 pair of trousers/jeans

Jeans or trousers are another bulky item to travel with so never travel with more than one pair and you should always wear these on the plane.

I usually opt for whichever jeans are my current favourites. You can’t go wrong with a comfy pair of black skinny jeans. My favourites at the moment are the classic Levi’s 501’s . I have them in a few different colours but black is the best for travel because they’ll match everything and no one really notices them, so you can get away with wearing the same jeans for days (don’t judge).

4. Minimise toiletries

If you’re staying in a hotel you can guarantee you’ll be provided with shampoo and shower gel so leave these at home. This means that most guys can get away with nothing more than a travel sized deodorant and toothpaste.

Most ladies will find it a little more difficult because there are some toiletries you just can’t leave home without.

I have a whole post over here about travelling with hand luggage toiletries and some nifty little products to make it easier to travel light! These tiny refillable pots are genius to help travel light with things like makeup and lotions.

How to Travel with Hand Luggage Liquids (& fit all your toiletries in that tiny bag!)

#5. Take an iPad/tablet

Cut down on tickets, books, magazines, a laptop, games, notepads, music, maps and travel guides and simply pack a tablet. My hand luggage used to be chocker with all sorts of entertainment options but now I just have my iPad and it’s made travelling so much easier.

Consider taking a portable powerbank  if you’re planning on taking long journeys. I have one that isn’t much bigger than a lipstick but it will charge my iPad for about 5 hours. It’s a good backup for emergencies too – like if you’ve got your hotel confirmation email stored on your iPad and the battery has died!

6. Pack simple clothes and lots of accessories

If you look at my Travel Style board on Pinterest you’ll see that I’m a bit obsessed with jeans and white t-shirts. It’s such a simple, easy style and so easy to pull off while you’re travelling. I’m really tempted to pack a bag full of white t-shirts next time I go away.

Team your jeans with sandals, white trainers, winter boots or heels. Then team your t-shirt with a blazer, a cardigan, a cosy jumper or a big scarf and you’ve got outfits for any situation without having to pack too much.

7. Pack ‘hard working’ clothing

No, you’re not sending your clothes to work, you’re looking out for clothes that have more than one use.

Think things like sarongs and scarves which can be used as towels, blankets and wraps.

You also can’t go wrong with black leggings. They’re easy to wash and dry and go with virtually everything.

It can be harder to pack light in colder climates. I love UNIQLO’s Ultra Light Down coats because they pack up into a tiny bag (similar to a cag in a bag) but they’re really, really warm!

8. Use packing cubes

I LOVE packing cubes. Not only do they keep your bag organised but they help make the most of your space and stop you overpacking. I tend to travel with four packing cubes. One for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear and one for evening clothes. Once each packing cube is full you can’t possibly squish anything else in so you’re forced into packing light whether you like it or not.

Read more: Are packing cubes worth it and do they really save space?

Are packing cubes worth it and do packing cubes really save space?

9. Wash your clothes while you’re away

No matter where in the world you’re travelling, it doesn’t need to be expensive to get your clothes washed.

Fancy hotels in certain cities will charge a fortune to wash your clothes so look out for laundrettes or, cheaper still, wash your clothes in your hotel bathroom. You can’t go wrong with the Dr Beckmman Travel Wash . It’s so cheap and amazingly effective!

I usually soak my clothes in the sink and rinse them out while I’m showering. Laundrettes and apartments with washing machines will become your best friend if you’re travelling for a few weeks or more.

If you’re travelling in a developing country it costs next to nothing to get your clothes washed but be aware that if you’re paying £0.50 for a load of washing, you don’t want to be giving them your expensive designer clothes.

• Special concentrated washing gel
• Formulated to use when you are travelling or away from home
• Can be used in any type of water

10. Remember: you can buy everything out there!

No matter where you’re travelling, you’ll always be able to find the necessities. You might not find your favourite brand of shampoo but you will find something very similar.

If you’re going somewhere where you think you’ll need specialist equipment, wait until you get there to buy it. You’re not the first traveller to visit and you won’t be the last so you can guarantee you’ll find local shops selling everything you need.

When I travelled to Borneo I climbed Mount Kinabalu. I’d spent the past 18 months in Australia and didn’t have a single item of warm clothing or a decent pair of shoes. I was panicking but when I arrived to Kota Kinabalu I realised I wasn’t alone and the city was filled with hiking shops thanks to all the travellers who pass through and pick up the necessary hiking items.

11. Don’t use lots of small purses and pouches

(This doesn’t apply for packing cubes – I mean really small pouches for tiny things like jewellery or socks) The first time I went backpacking I was super organised and had a separate little pouch for everything. A pouch for medicine, one for toiletries, one for souvenirs. Yes, my bag was organised for about the first 5 days (out of about 450 days!) but I had lots of unused space in my bag. Socks and toiletries are the perfect items to squeeze in your bag and fill up the gaps. Lots of pouches lead to lots of gaps and lots of wasted space.

12. Use a bag or case that opens fully

I don’t recommend using a top-loading backpack. This means smaller items slip to the bottom and are forgotten. Use a bag that opens all the way and you have access to everything. You don’t need to be quite as organised and this reduces the needed for all those little purses and pouches.

Do you have any more travel hacks to help you pack light?

You can find even more packing tips over here.

Sunday 24th of March 2019

The last 2 hotels I stayed at offered at the most is the mini bar soaps. The first one gave the soap and had to buy travel sized shampoo, lotion, etc. I take bar soap and refill the empty bottles with everything else I neeed.

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Saturday 7th of July 2018

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10 Most Affordable Tropical Destinations to Visit Around the World, According to Travel Experts

Warm, sunny places that won’t drain your entire vacation budget.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

Nothing says vacation quite like jetting off to a tropical destination with sunshine and beautiful beaches or rain forests and perhaps some dramatic mountains. Travelers can post up on the sand and enjoy midday naps under the shade of a palm tree, or take in the melodic soundtrack of jungle creatures. Of course, it's not all lazy days and nights, unless that's your preference.

Many torrid travel spots are ripe with adventure, from snorkeling excursions to ATV tours to zip lining. Culture and fresh, local cuisine also come with the territory. And while equatorial hot spots like St. Barts, the Maldives, and Bora Bora command a high price, it’s certainly not necessary to break the bank on a steamy escape. Prefer to save than splurge? You’re in good company. According to a recent Vacasa survey, 84 percent of travelers are shifting their plans to be more budget-conscious. 

Lush landscapes, reasonable rates, and frame-worthy photo ops lie ahead at these affordable tropical destinations, from Costa Rica to Vietnam.

Mérida, Mexico

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

Mérida , the capital of Mexico's Yucatan state, is one of the country's most underrated cultural hubs. “Surge tourism-related pricing hasn't arrived yet, as it’s often overlooked by travelers in favor of beachside resort meccas such as Cancun and Tulum ,” says Brandon Berkson, CEO of Hotels Above Par . Days unfold while ambling about the historic downtown, stocking up on affordable souvenirs at design-forward shops, and savoring regional dishes such as cochinita pibil at economical Yucatec restaurants. “If you’re looking for a boutique hotel in Merida that doesn't break the bank, Wayam Mundo Imperial is the move, with suites ringing in at under $175 a night.”

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

Bali might require a long travel day and some pricier plane tickets, but the Island of the Gods offers travelers superb value. The budget-conscious crowd should consider the upland town of Ubud in particular, a bastion of traditional culture and lush scenery with more wallet-friendly rates than along the coast. You can spend the day palling around with cute primates at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary for just $5. The surrounding landscape brims with rain forests and terraced rice paddies. Food from local warungs and accommodations are inexpensive as well. If you want to splurge, the top-rated Adiwana Unagi Suites is still around $150 a night.

Negril, Jamaica

Molly Aaker/Getty Images

The westernmost town in Jamaica, Negril — a.k.a. the Capital of Casual — offers sandy beaches, turquoise water, friendly locals, and a laid-back vibe. This relaxing paradise also won’t put stress on your wallet. Seven Mile Beach is dotted with affordable and delicious local beach shacks. “There are several great boutique properties — notably Skylark Negril Beach Resort , a member of Design Hotels — with rates under $200,” says Chelsea Bicknese, a travel advisor at Fora . “Rick's Cafe does a bar special that’s five Red Stripes and five shots for $25. Split between friends, it’s only a few bucks each.”

Phú Quốc, Vietnam

Qui Thinh Tran/Getty Images

Admittedly, getting to Phú Quốc, a Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia, does require connecting flights and higher airfare costs than most places on this list, but don’t let that be a deterrent. Once you arrive at this slice of paradise, it’s an incredible value. Rooms at the top-rated Mövenpick Villas & Residences Phú Quốc start at just $75. The night markets in Dương Đông overflow with cheap and delicious eats. And, of course, catching rays on the white-sand beaches and hiking through Phú Quốc National Park are free.

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

While the beach resorts in Santa Teresa and Peninsula Papagayo may fetch high price tags, that’s certainly not the case across all of Costa Rica. Off-the-beaten-path Manuel Antonio — the area including and surrounding seven-square-mile Manuel Antonio National Park — is a bastion of biodiversity with rain forests, pristine white-sand beaches , coral reefs for snorkeling, and diverse wildlife, including three-toed sloths and white-faced capuchin monkeys. Its remote location keeps the prices down. Many of the hotels cost around $100 a night, and eco-tours are fairy reasonable as well.

Madeira, Portugal

Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

Madeira is an adventure lover's paradise with cinematic scenery and eco-tourism opportunities galore. Its lush forests, black-sand beaches, natural lava pools, and towering mountains with idyllic viewpoints like Lombo dos Palheiros are just a few of the scenic highlights. “In downtown Funchal, many star attractions, including Mercado dos Lavradores and Livraria Esperanca, are free,” says Berkson. Entry to the flower-studded Monte Palace Tropical Garden costs about $13.50. “Right across from the sea and within walking distance of everything, Next hotel is a wallet-friendly stay with rates around $150 a night.”

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

“For travelers looking for an easy and affordable beach vacation, Puerto Rico supplies some of the most reasonable direct flights from the United States — with tickets starting at $129,” says Laura Lindsay, travel trends expert at Skyscanner . Besides low-cost outdoor activities like stretching out on the sun-splashed shores and trekking through tropical rain forests a short drive away, head to the historic district of Old San Juan to experience local culture. It’s free to wander around and snap photos of the colorful buildings. Admission to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the imposing 16th-century fortress and citadel, is just $10 for adults and free for kids under age 15.

Puebla, Mexico

Kryssia Campos/Getty Images

“Featuring a subtropical highland climate, the central Mexican city of Puebla remains one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets,” says Berkson. The city is teeming with affordable activities — from checking out the art galleries, colorful facades, and handicrafts along Callejón de Los Sapos and admiring the well-tailored architecture of the historic library Biblioteca Palafoxiana, Catedral de Puebla, and the ornate 17th-century Capilla del Rosario to stocking up on handmade pottery and feasting on delicious local dishes. “You can often book my favorite stay, Banyan Tree Puebla , for under $200 a night.”

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

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Droves of sunseekers flock to the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana . Far fewer realize the deals that await in Santo Domingo. Round-trip flights as low as $286 leave plenty of vacation budget for lodging, food, and entertainment — not that any of those things will set you back much in the commercial and cultural capital of the Dominican Republic. After lounging on the sandy beaches, take a tram tour of Jardin Botánico Nacional, eat your way through Mercado Modelo for cheap, and visit the famous Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor. And be sure to do a day trip to Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos.

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In comparison to nearby St. Martin or even Anguilla , St. Kitts flies under the radar. However, it’s deserving of your vacation days and hard-earned dollars — both of which will go far on the 18-mile-long island that’s known for its Atlantic and Caribbean beaches, lush rain forests, and candy-colored buildings in the capital, Basseterre. In November, JetBlue launched nonstop flights from New York (JFK) to St. Kitts (SKB) with one-way tickets starting at $183. But it's not just getting there that’s easy on the wallet; you can snag a room at St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino for just $218.

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The 22 most beautiful beaches in the world.

These stunning stretches of sand are bound to take your breath away.

The Most Beautiful Beaches in the World

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Appreciate nature's beauty at these picturesque shores.

Few vacation spots are as synonymous with relaxation as beaches. From tranquil options set near iconic sights to rugged spots that feel worlds away from reality, there are plenty of incredible choices across the globe for a seaside escape. To help you decide which picturesque coastlines to prioritize, U.S. News compiled this selection of the world's most awe-inspiring beaches. Whether you crave a leisurely afternoon of lounging atop powdery sand or an active day filled with hiking or water sports adventures, you'll instantly feel at ease while visiting these gorgeous beaches.

Whitehaven Beach: Whitsunday Island, Australia

Located off the coast of Queensland on the largest of the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach mesmerizes visitors with its bright white silica sand and turquoise water. When they're not snapping photos of their surroundings, beachgoers can swim in the clear water or walk to noteworthy spots like Hill Inlet – a shallow inlet on the northern end of the beach – and Chance Bay, which is a quieter area south of the beach that overlooks Pentecost Island. Keep in mind, though, this 4-mile-long stretch of sand is only accessible by boat, helicopter or seaplane from Hamilton Island (the most popular inhabited island in the Whitsundays) and Airlie Beach on the mainland. Consider staying at Hamilton Island's five-star qualia resort for luxurious waterfront accommodations. The hotel staff can assist with booking excursions to Whitehaven Beach, as well as scuba diving tours of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef .

Cannon Beach: Cannon Beach, Oregon

If your perfect beach vacation spot features postcard-worthy topography and lots of solitude, look no further than Cannon Beach. In this Pacific Northwest town about 80 miles northwest of Portland , you'll discover nearly 4 miles of shore with jaw-dropping rock formations jutting out of the Pacific Ocean. Head to the center of the beach between Ecola Creek and Tolovana Park to gaze at Haystack Rock, a 235-foot-tall sea stack known for its vibrant tide pools and puffin colony. You can even build a fire on the beach to relax beside while watching the sun set. When you need a break from the beach, walk to downtown Cannon Beach to browse its art galleries, boutiques and eateries. Or, retreat to one of the town's inns, lodges or resorts. Two traveler-approved options within steps of the beach include the Stephanie Inn and The Ocean Lodge.

[Read: The Best Oregon Beaches .]

Horseshoe Bay Beach: Bermuda

Visit Horseshoe Bay Beach to put a unique spin on your next beach getaway. Situated on Bermuda 's South Shore, this pink sand beach – made of a blend of crushed coral – is one of the island's most popular stretches of sand. Families come here to splash in its calm turquoise water and build blush-colored sandcastles. Meanwhile, active travelers love exploring its hidden coves, trekking its trails to Warwick Long Bay , and enjoying water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding (loaner equipment is available for a fee). Horseshoe Bay Beach's proximity to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse also makes it a prime spot to unwind after you climb the 117-foot-tall structure. Don't forget to save time for a snow cone or rum swizzle (Bermuda's national drink) from the on-site Rum Bum Beach Bar before retiring for the evening at the nearby Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club , one of the area's top beach resorts .

[See: The Most Beautiful Pink Sand Beaches Around the World .]

Mohegan Bluffs: New Shoreham, Rhode Island

What the beach at Mohegan Bluffs lacks in easy accessibility it more than makes up for in natural beauty. Located at the base of its 200-foot-tall namesake, this Block Island shore offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and – on clear days – New York's Long Island. Upon arrival, pause to admire your surroundings and read about the bluffs' ties to the Indigenous Manissean people. Then, take the 141 steps down to the sand to sunbathe or swim. When you do climb back to the top, you can walk to Southeast Light to get an up-close look at its 19th-century lighthouse, then hop on a bike to explore the island. The lighthouse and beach are both stops on the self-guided Block Island Bicycle Tour. Travelers can end the day with a stay at the Spring House Hotel or the 1661 Inn, two boutique properties with spectacular ocean vistas.

[Read: The Top East Coast Beaches .]

Siesta Beach: Siesta Key, Florida

Regularly lauded for having one of Florida's best beaches , Siesta Key – which is located less than 7 miles southwest of Sarasota – boasts three gorgeous shorelines, including Siesta Beach. Here, you'll find colorful lifeguard stands sitting on soft sand made almost entirely of quartz, which gives the sand its pure white appearance and keeps it cool to the touch even on the hottest Florida days. Plus, Siesta Beach offers volleyball courts, a playground, concession stands and beach wheelchairs, among other amenities, making it ideal for everyone from families to fitness buffs. When you're ready for a change of scenery, venture a few blocks north to Siesta Key Village to shop, grab a drink or bite to eat, or listen to live music. For lodging, reserve a vacation rental or a room at a boutique hotel like Tropical Beach Resorts .

[Read: The Top Beach Chairs .]

Reynisfjara: Iceland

Though you may not think of Iceland as a beach vacation destination, its abundance of volcanoes sets the stage for an otherworldly beach experience. The country is home to several black sand beaches made from volcanic ash, but the most striking is Reynisfjara in South Iceland . At this desolate beach, you'll discover jet-black sand, an enormous cave, giant offshore rock formations and a series of stacked basalt columns that will all take your breath away. Plus, the beach offers proximity to Vík, a seaside village known for its Icelandic Lava Show – the world's only opportunity to safely observe molten lava – and outdoor adventures like glacier hikes and ice cave treks. If you time your visit right, Reynisfjara and other black sand beaches can make a great spot to see the northern lights in Iceland . Accommodations by Reynisfjara are limited, so consider making a daytrip from popular hotels like The Retreat or the Silica Hotel, which both overlook Iceland's world-renowned Blue Lagoon and sit about 30 miles southwest of Reykjavik .

[See: The Most Exotic Black Sand Beaches in the World .]

Hidden Beach: Marietas Islands, Mexico

This beach on Mexico's Marietas Islands – off the country's western coast – is truly a hidden gem. Only accessible by boat from tourist hot spots like Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita, Hidden Beach wows visitors with its soft sand, crystal-clear water and one-of-a-kind location. Upon arrival, beachgoers must swim or kayak through a long water tunnel to reach the secluded beach, which sits within an exposed cave reportedly used for bombing drills during World War I. The unique layout makes the beach incredibly photogenic, as well as a haven for all kinds of wildlife. Birders can look for blue-footed boobies from the sand, while snorkelers should keep their eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles and even humpback whales. Following your visit, travelers can unwind back on the mainland at a chic all-inclusive resort like Hotel Mousai or IBEROSTAR Selection Playa Mita .

[Read: The Best Beaches in Mexico .]

The Baths: Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Head to The Baths in the British Virgin Islands if you crave awe-inspiring vistas everywhere you turn. Located on Virgin Gorda, this stretch of sand is one of the world's most beautiful white sand beaches – and it's easy to see why. Granite boulders tower above the beach and shelter rock pools and caves that you can explore on foot. Follow the path of steps and rope handrails to get to Devil's Bay, a prime place for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Or, spend the bulk of your time climbing The Baths' massive boulders and cooling off in one of the beach's grottoes. If you're not visiting The Baths on a Caribbean cruise – many of which offer shore excursions to Virgin Gorda when stopping in the British Virgin Islands – choose the luxe Rosewood Little Dix Bay as your on-island home away from home.

[Read: The Best Caribbean Beaches .]

Anakena: Easter Island

For a truly unique backdrop while sunbathing and swimming, visit Anakena on remote Easter Island. On the island's main beach, you'll find white coral sand, swaying palm trees, and eight broken and intact moai statues. The archaeological treasures sit atop two ahu (stone altars) set near the Pacific Ocean. Contemplate the statues' mysterious origins from up close – according to oral tradition, they mark the arrival of Polynesian settlers, the island's first inhabitants – then head down to the beach to relax on the beautiful sand and in the calm turquoise water. Once you've worked up an appetite, order a tuna empanada or a bowl of poe (a sweet pumpkin- and flour-based pudding) to enjoy picnic-style before exploring other parts of Rapa Nui National Park, which occupies roughly 40% of the island. Although Easter Island accommodations are limited, you'll have a few traveler-approved options to choose from, including Nayara Hangaroa and explora Rapa Nui.

[Read: The Top Beach Hats .]

Navagio Beach: Zakynthos, Greece

Nicknamed Shipwreck Beach because of the shipwrecked vessel that washed up onto its shore in the 1980s, Navagio Beach boasts a breathtaking setting on the northwestern coast of the Greek island of Zakynthos (also called Zante). What's left of the boat, which sits in the middle of the pebbly beach, is surrounded by vertical cliffs overlooking the turquoise Ionian Sea. Beach activities are limited to swimming and sunbathing. However, Navagio Beach's isolated location – which is only accessible by boat from Porto Vromi – means you'll likely see other noteworthy sights, such as the mesmerizing Blue Caves, on your way to and from the shore. Most Navagio Beach daytrips include hotel transfers from tourist areas like Planos (or Tsilivi) and Zante Town, so plan on staying in one of these locations. Traveler favorites include the Lesante Classic Luxury Hotel & Spa and TUI BLUE Caravel.

[Read: The Top Beaches in Greece .]

Papakōlea Beach: Big Island, Hawaii

Prepare to be wowed by the rare sands that cover this Big Island beauty. One of only four green sand beaches known to exist, Papakōlea Beach is a treat for the eyes. To reach the beach, which sits south of the Mauna Loa volcano on Mahana Bay, you'll have to hike nearly 3 miles down from its parking lot. Though the trek can be challenging, the unique setting is well worth the effort. You'll discover vivid green sand made from olivine deposited during volcanic eruptions, plus impressive gray cliffs and clear blue water. (Note, however, that there are no on-site amenities available at the beach.) After a few hours of lounging – swimming is discouraged due to the strong undertow – check out nearby attractions like the black sand Punalu'u Beach and Kula Kai Caverns. There are limited lodging options nearby, but the towns of Waimea, Kailua-Kona and Hilo are home to dozens of top-notch properties. If you're looking for luxury, base yourself in Waimea at a high-end hotel like the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii .

[Read: The Top Hawaii Beaches .]

Tulum Ruins Beach: Tulum, Mexico

This beach situated beneath the ruins of Tulum's famed archaeological site provides jaw-dropping views of El Castillo (a cliffside Mayan castle) and the Caribbean Sea. Descend the steps by the castle to get to the stunning white sand beach of Playa Ruinas and swim in its aquamarine waters. To rub elbows with fewer tourists, arrive right when the attraction opens in the morning. Keep in mind that an entrance fee of 85 Mexican pesos (about $4) per person applies. Once you've gotten your fill of the beach and its famous ruins, head to El Gran Cenote to snorkel or peruse the shops, restaurants and bars scattered throughout downtown Tulum . Then, hang your hat at a luxurious waterfront property like Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa or Jashita Hotel . Both sit around 10 miles northeast of the beach.

South Dune Beach: House Harbour Island, Quebec

Canada may not seem like an obvious choice for a beach vacation , but South Dune (Dune du Sud) Beach will sway you to think otherwise. Located on House Harbour Island (also called Île du Havre aux Maisons), one of 12 islands that make up the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this beach stands out for its towering red cliffs. Not only do the cliffs provide a gorgeous contrast to the gulf's blue water and the shore's white sand, but they also help shelter beachgoers from the wind, making the beach ideal for a stroll. Plus, you'll have access to picnic tables, should you wish to bring some food to enjoy by the water. Be sure to arrive during low tide so you can explore the cliffs' caves, and don't forget to visit the nearby Cape Alright lighthouse. For lodging, consider Domaine du Vieux Couvent, a charming former convent with around a dozen cozy rooms.

Mayflower Beach: Dennis, Massachusetts

The New England haven of Cape Cod is home to dozens of beautiful beaches, but few impress visitors like Mayflower Beach. At this Mid-Cape beach in the small town of Dennis, beachgoers will find amenities like a picnic area and a boardwalk, as well as plenty of space for beach games. But what sets this shore apart from others is what's exposed at low tide. When the water level drops, tide pools are available for kids to play in. Additionally, tidal flats appear, enabling visitors to walk for miles in ankle-deep water. Those who need a break from the sun can catch a performance at The Cape Playhouse – also in Dennis – or tour the Edward Gorey House in Yarmouth Port. Two top properties located within 15 miles of the beach include The Mansion at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club and Wequassett Resort and Golf Club .

[Read: The Best Cape Cod Beaches .]

Railay Beach: Thailand

Travel to Thailand's Railay Beach area for incredible scenery and plenty of amenities. Overlooking the Andaman Sea from its perch on this peninsula in southern Thailand , this beach destination's four shores feature massive limestone cliffs, crystal-clear water and clean white sand. Head to Railay Beach's northern stretch of sand (known as Ton Sai Beach) to rock climb, or venture to Railay East for a quiet spot to catch a colorful sunrise. If your main objective is to get in the water, you can check out Phra Nang Beach, a southern shore with shallow, calm water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. For those who crave a little bit of everything, there's Railay West. This beach provides countless opportunities for sunbathing, swimming and rock climbing, plus it sits close to restaurants, shops, bars and accommodations. Stay at Railay West's Rayavadee for five-star digs by the sea.

Marinha Beach: Portugal

Your jaw will instantly drop the moment you arrive here. Situated within southern Portugal 's Algarve region, Marinha Beach (or Praia de Marinha) boasts a hard-to-reach location alongside limestone cliffs. Getting to the beach requires traversing staircases and steep slopes down to the shore. Though this means Marinha Beach isn't suitable for travelers with mobility limitations, its remote location helps prevent overcrowding, meaning you can snap plenty of unobstructed photos. Soak up some sun on the sand, then go snorkeling in the clear water (but remember to bring your own gear, since rentals are not available on-site). If you visit during low tide, you can also walk to additional beaches, sea caves and the famed M-shaped rock formation. After exploring the beach, travelers can sign up for a boat tour to see more sights from the water or unwind at the upscale Vila Alba Resort, which sits about a mile northeast.

Baker Beach: San Francisco

Within San Francisco 's protected Presidio area, Baker Beach offers easy access to some of the city's best views. From the mile-long shore, visitors will enjoy panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Lands End , the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge . Head to the beach to sunbathe on the clean golden sand (keep in mind that the northern end is clothing-optional), or bring bait and tackle for a day of fishing. Baker Beach's position beneath towering serpentine cliffs also makes the shore a prime spot for hiking, so be sure to save time for a trek on the California Coastal Trail, one of several trails in the Presidio. Although most of the city's top hotels are located in the downtown area, a few noteworthy lodging options sit within 5 miles of Baker Beach, including the sophisticated Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights .

[Read: The Best Beaches in California .]

Grace Bay Beach: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Grace Bay Beach , a 3-mile-long white sand beach in Turks and Caicos , is incredibly picturesque thanks to its lack of seaweed and rocks. Plus, its position by Grace Bay makes it a terrific option for water activities. Venture a mile offshore to look for parrot fish, reef sharks and more while snorkeling around the barrier reef. Or, stay close to shore to swim in the calm, shallow water. Travelers can enjoy additional water sports (think: paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing) in the surrounding Princess Alexandra National Park by renting equipment via local outfitter Big Blue Collective. Resorts at Grace Bay Beach are easy to find, so plan on staying at a property with direct beach access, such as Seven Stars Resort & Spa or Point Grace .

Anse Source d'Argent: La Digue, Seychelles

Featuring massive rocks, soft white sand, clear blue water and lush tropical vegetation, Anse Source d'Argent is a feast for the eyes. It sits on the island of La Digue in the Seychelles , off the eastern coast of Africa. In either direction, you'll notice gigantic granite boulders perfectly positioned between the water and swaying palm trees. Follow the lead of countless filmmakers and photographers by capturing the beauty of this beach on camera before stretching out on the sand or dipping your toes in the calm water. Aim to arrive during low tide when the water is below your knees and more sand is exposed. Reaching the beach requires passing through L'Union Estate, a former coconut and vanilla plantation that charges an entrance fee of 100 Seychellois rupee (about $7) per nonresident. Lodging is limited on La Digue, so consider taking the ferry from the larger island of Mahé, where the highly regarded Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is located.

South Beach: Miami Beach, Florida

This tropical district on Florida's Atlantic Coast is world-renowned for its glamourous clientele, vibrant nightlife and powdery white sand. Although it is technically part of the greater Miami Beach area, South Beach is set apart by its Art Deco architecture evident in everything from the beachfront lifeguard towers to the high-rise buildings along the famed Ocean Drive . Lummus Park – equipped with sand volleyball courts, children's playgrounds and restroom facilities – flanks the crystalline shores. Situated on the northernmost corner of the park, The Betsy South Beach hotel offers luxury accommodations just a few blocks from the Lincoln Road pedestrian mall , where travelers will find opportunities for top-notch shopping, dining and people-watching.

Carmel Beach: Carmel, California

This laid-back beach town nestled along California's Central Coast harbors a dog-friendly swath of sand lined with trails and perfect for a beach fire. Carmel Beach is also known for its strong swell patterns ideal for surfing – but not so much for swimming, as riptides are common. Visitors who venture inland are treated to a charming village lined with boutiques, eateries and European-style architecture, plus a vibrant artist colony showcasing an array of work from local painters, sculptors and artisans. The historic La Playa Carmel hotel is located within walking distance to both the beach and the downtown district.

[Read: The Top Beach Wagons .]

Clearwater Beach: Florida

Families flock to this beautiful coastline – located on a barrier island about 25 miles west of Tampa – for its plethora of aquatic activities, waterfront restaurants and spacious sunbathing spots on sugar-white sands. Must-see attractions like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and dolphin watching cruises keep travelers of all ages entertained for days on end. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Clearwater Beach , make sure you end the day by watching a picture-perfect sunset at Pier 60 . Beach parking can be a pesky (and pricey) problem that a resort with direct beach access – such as the SandPearl Resort – can help guests avoid (although resort and parking fees apply).

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Beaches in the U.S.
• The Best Islands in the World
• The Best Beach Bags
• Cheap Tropical Vacations Around the World
• The Best International Travel Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Beach Vacations , Tropical Vacations , Vacation Ideas

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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The best days to fly around the Fourth of July this year

by: Sally French  , NerdWallet

Posted: May 12, 2024 / 11:00 AM EDT

Updated: May 12, 2024 / 11:00 AM EDT

( NerdWallet ) – For folks planning July Fourth vacations, prepare for crowds. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a record number of passengers in 2023, and those records are likely to be broken in 2024. In fact, in the first two months of 2024, travel volumes were roughly 6% higher than the same period in 2023, according to the TSA.

With the expected big crowds in mind, are some days better for air travel than others?

In 2024, July Fourth falls on a Thursday, which puts a wrench in predicting travel crowds. Will folks take the Friday after off to enjoy the long weekend? Or will they decide their vacation time is best used for another holiday?

Here’s some guidance around booking July Fourth weekend air travel in 2024, how you might be able to avoid the crowds — and potentially save money on airfare .

The best and worst days to fly July Fourth weekend

Are airports busy on July Fourth? NerdWallet analyzed TSA data showing the number of passengers screened at its U.S. checkpoints over the past three years, homing in on the seven days before and after July Fourth, to find the busiest days to fly.

The worst days to fly: To avoid crowds, don’t fly the Friday before July Fourth. In each of the past three years, the Friday before July Fourth was the busiest travel day before the Fourth of July weekend.

For post-holiday travel, the Sunday after ranks as the busiest day to fly.

The best days to fly: Typically, July Fourth is the least busy day to fly. On July Fourth of last year, airport crowds averaged just 70% of what they were relative to the busiest travel day, which was the Friday before July Fourth (June 30, 2023).

But if you’d rather spend July Fourth celebrating — and not in an airport — turn to Tuesday. The Tuesdays before and after the holiday rank among the least busy days to fly during July Fourth week.

The rankings of best and worst days to fly for July Fourth follow year-round travel patterns. No matter when you’re traveling, Fridays are, on average, the busiest day to fly, and Tuesdays are, on average, the least busy days to fly.

How this year’s Thursday holiday might impact long weekends

July Fourth falls on a Thursday, so people intending to travel for the holiday will likely take the next day, Friday, off and make it a long weekend. But given how few people are willing to travel on Independence Day, when will people actually fly?

The last time July Fourth fell on a Thursday was in 2019. Here’s a look at travel crowds by day in 2019, ranked from most to least crowded:

• Sunday after, July 7 (most crowded).
• Monday after, July 8.
• Friday before, June 28.
• Thursday before, June 27.
• Sunday before, June 30.
• Thursday after, July 11.
• Wednesday before, July 3.
• Wednesday after, July 10.
• Tuesday after, July 9.
• Monday before, July 1.
• Saturday before, June 29.
• Tuesday before, July 2.
• Saturday after, July 6.
• Friday after, July 5.
• Thursday, July Fourth (least crowded).

In 2019, the July Fourth holiday was the least busy day to fly. Meanwhile, July 5, the day after the holiday, wasn’t busy either. That bucks the usual trend of Friday being the busiest travel day of the week. When it comes to July Fourth weekend travel, most people are already set in their locations by Friday.

But there’s one day that people are definitely crowding airports, and that’s the Sunday after July Fourth. Flying this day will cost you, too. According to travel booking app Hopper’s 2024 Travel Booking Hacks report, Sunday is the most expensive day to fly in the U.S., with airfares averaging 15% more than midweek departures.

The smarter, cheaper Fourth of July travel itinerary in 2024

Following typical July Fourth holiday travel patterns could mean costs in terms of airfare and time spent waiting in line at the airport. Deviate from that schedule to find lighter crowds and perhaps better July Fourth flight deals, too. Try these travel days instead:

Fly on July Fourth

If you don’t mind traveling on the holiday, you’re looking at the single emptiest air travel day of the period analyzed.

Do one better by flying early on the holiday. Hopper’s spring 2023 Flight Disruption Outlook found that flights that depart from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. are half as likely to be delayed as flights with scheduled departure times after 9 a.m.

Plus, a morning flight improves your odds of catching the fireworks at your final destination.

Embrace Saturday travel

Rather than rush out from work on the Friday afternoon before the holiday to jump on a flight, relax at home that evening and depart Saturday morning before instead. Simply shifting your trip by one day could likely result in going from one of the busiest to lightest travel days of the July Fourth travel period.

The same goes for returning home. While it can be tempting to extend your trip as long as possible before you have to get back to work on Monday, skip the Sunday flight and fly home on Saturday instead. Bonus: You’ll have a day at home to rest and recover before the new workweek. How responsible of you.

Fly on July 5

Though Friday is typically one of the most expensive days to fly year-round, that’s unlikely to be the case this particular week.

So another option is to fly home on July 5. This allows you to still spend the holiday in your destination of choice. By returning on Friday, you’ll still have the full weekend at home to take a vacation from your vacation before Monday.

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The world’s best airport hotels—according to a 2024 report.

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Crowne Plaza Changi Airport

A stay at an airport hotel is usually booked with convenience in mind. You’ve got an early morning flight and want to be close to your departure gate or you’ve got a layover that’s too long to wait out in the lounge, yet too short to venture deep into a city. But some airport hotels go above and beyond with their amenities and design, and, Skytrax , a London-based air transport ratings organization, rates airport hotels each year.

The world’s best airport hotel in 2024 is: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport in Singapore, according to Skytrax.

The IHG Resort & Hotel is a repeat winner on the organization’s best airport hotel list, clinching the No. 1 spot for the past nine years.

TOPSHOT - Newly built Changi Jewel complex at the Changi international airport is pictured during a ... [+] media preview in Singapore on April 11, 2019. (Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP) (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

A major hub for travel throughout Asia, the Singapore Changi Airport is a traveler favorite thanks in part to the Jewel, a nature-themed retail and entertainment complex with amenities like the 7-story rain vortex, a hedge maze, shops, and restaurants all set among a lush landscape with more than 2,000 trees and palms and 10,000 shrubs.

The top airport hotel in the United States, and also high on the global list, is the wonderfully nostalgic TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK airport where you can enjoy a libation in a 1958 Lockheed Constellation “Connie” airplane that’s been transformed into a cocktail lounge.

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The Connie lounge at TWA Hotel at New York's JFK Airport

The Airport Hotel Awards are determined by guest surveys, which use criteria like access to the airport, friendly staff, cleanliness of rooms and bathrooms, a bedroom that allows for a goodnight sleep, hotel amenities, and value.

Corner suite bathroom at Grand Hyatt SFO

Ahead, find out which airport hotels are the best in the world — and what sets them apart.

What Are The Best Airport Hotels in the World in 2024?

1. crowne plaza changi airport in singapore.

The top airport hotel has rooms with runway views and a beautifully landscaped outdoor pool.

2. Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Airport in China

For travelers looking for a pick-me-up, the onsite spa is open until 11 p.m. and is outfitted with a sauna and steam room.

3. TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK Airport in the U.S.

Heated to 95 degrees and open year-round, the rooftop pool at TWA Hotel is a plane watcher’s paradise.

4. Hilton Munich Airport in Germany

Grab a nightcap at the Nightflight bar, which is located in an atrium with palm trees and greets weary travelers until 1:30 a.m.

5. Fairmont Vancouver Airport in Canada

Fairmont’s strong presence in Vancouver includes a luxury hotel at the airport where guests can watch planes take off with picturesque mountains in the backdrop.

6. Grand Hyatt at SFO in the U.S.

The luxury 351-room hotel has a dedicated AirTrain stop to get guests to and from their gates seamlessly, plus a nice collection of art and oversized bathtubs in the guestrooms.

7. Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

Daily “chocolate hour” rituals and a light-filled atrium serving French fare are perks at this airport hotel.

8. Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands

A covered walkway links the hotel to the airport, and 15-minute train ride zips visitors to downtown Amsterdam to see the restaurants, markets, and museums.

9. Pullman Guangzhou Airport

This 500-room hotel has an on-site Chinese restaurant and a buffet, plus nice touches like a pool table, courtyard pool, and a spa.

10. Sofitel London Heathrow

Sofitel’s posh airport hotel has a tea room serving teas from around the world and La Belle Époque, a fine dining French restaurant.

What Are The Best Airport Hotels in North America in 2024?

TWA Hotel's pool is a perfect perch for plane spotters.

The Skytrax team also named the five best hotels in North America, three of which made its global list.

1.TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK Airport in the U.S.

2. Fairmont Vancouver Airport in Canada

3. Grand Hyatt at SFO in the U.S.

4. The Westin SFO Airport

5. The Westin Denver International Airport

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Princess is launching an all-inclusive, 4-month, around-the-world cruise for $20,000— see what it'll be like

• Princess Cruises announced a 114-day  world cruise to 52 destinations in 2026, starting at $20,000 per person. 
• Guests who book early would get a free, all-inclusive package, a first for Princess' global itineraries.
• Extended and all-inclusive cruises have emerged as big trends in the vacation industry.

Princess Cruise's new around-the-world voyage will hit two vacation trends in one itinerary.

In January 2026, the company says its Coral Princess will embark on a 114-day cruise to 52 ports in 28 countries and six continents — more destinations than any of its previous global sailings .

It's the Carnival Corp brand's latest appeal to the extended cruising trend . But it's not the only fad this four-month vacation is targeting.

The sailing, which starts at $20,000 per person, also marks the first time Princess is offering a complimentary all-inclusive package as a way to entice early bookings.

Ultra-long and all-inclusive cruises have emerged as big trends in the industry.

Regent Seven Seas, Azamara, and Oceania's 2024 around-the-world cruises all sold out before departing in January. The former was fully booked within three hours, while every cabin on the latter was called for in 30 minutes.

Besides being high-end, these three companies share one commonality: some level of all-inclusiveness , as is common with premium cruise lines.

Mass-market cruise companies rarely go the all-inclusive route.

Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian are generally beloved for their affordability.

But if you want to experience all their ships have to offer, be prepared to face a list of up-charged amenities like pay-to-play rides and specialty restaurants . After all, there's a reason their base fares are much cheaper than their increasingly popular ultra-luxury, all-inclusive counterparts.

But Princess has been increasingly vying for a slice of the luxury cruiser pie.

The cruise line says guests who book its 2026 world cruise early (that is, by the end of October) will receive its most inclusive Princess Premier package for free. The perk — launched two years ago — covers amenities that typically have a fee, like WiFi, premium drinks, some specialty restaurants, and workout classes.

Travelers who reserve one of the ship's high-end cabins by the same deadline would also receive complimentary airport transfers and airfare, services normally exclusively offered by luxury cruise lines .

The itinerary would have two roundtrip embarkation options: Fort. Lauderdale, Florida, on January 5, 2026, or Los Angeles 16 days later.

From there, the 2,000-guest Coral Princess would sail more than 35,000 nautical miles to ports in North America, the Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Australia, Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Central and South America.

It wouldn't be Princess' longest voyage — that title goes to its 116-day world cruise in 2025 — but it would be one of its most destination-heavy.

While two days longer, next year's around-the-world cruise would hit six fewer ports and four fewer countries than its 2026 counterpart.

According to the itinerary, about half of the 2026 voyage consists of sea days.

That's a lot of time on the water with no land in sight. Luckily, travelers can keep themselves entertained by attending lectures and programs related to the destinations, leisuring around the adult-only lounge, or taking a dip in Coral Princess' four pools.

The 21-year-old ship also has 10 places to grab a bite, although the Italian and steakhouse restaurants are considered specialty. Premier is the cruise line's most inclusive package, but it only includes 16 free dinners at these upcharge restaurants, paced once a week.

Princess is still a mass-market cruise line, after all.

The company has been increasingly dangling its inclusive package as a big perk.

The company says its two-month-old Sun Princess will debut in the US in October with its first-ever Sanctuary Collection . Travelers who splurge on these expensive and luxurious accommodations would be rewarded with two major benefits: a private lounge and Princess Premier.

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