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Our Favorite Packing Tips, as Seen on Reddit

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

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Reddit is an online community platform that happens to be a goldmine for travel advice, particularly when it comes to hacks and packing. After landing on a subreddit (the name for an individual topic forum) when researching a story, I often find myself checking back for more great ideas. Here are some of the best packing tips I’ve found while researching on Reddit.

For more minimalist packing advice and hacks from Reddit, follow the subreddit, r/onebag . You’ll be hooked too.

Carry-on and Personal Item Size Limits for 32 Airlines

Packing Tip #1: Dry Bags Can Do It All

“Always carry a dry bag ~20L to do laundry on the road, as detailed  here . Throw in clothes, add detergent (or a spoonful of dishwashing liquid), and shake or let soak for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Wring clothes out with a towel to speed up drying. This is the easiest way to wash clothes on the road – hotel, hostel, or wherever – without hogging an entire sink. Plus, the dry bag comes in handy for adventures and protecting your laptop in storms.” – ABrotherAbroad

How to Do Laundry on Vacation

Packing Tip #2: Migrate to One Cable

“All in all, I went from seven different charging cables (or battery) to  just a single one.  All devices are at least an upgrade from the previous one, with some offering a  major  upgrade. The devices include:

• Action Camera
• Mirrorless Camera
• Bluetooth Earphones
• Portable Battery
• Portable Storage
• Bluetooth Keyboard
• Bluetooth Mouse
• Wireless Charger
• Travel Adapter
• Flashlight/Headlamp
• Electric Razor/Beard Trimmer

13 devices  that make use [of] the same type of cable

I can charge all devices from a single power adapter that offers three USB-A outputs and 1 USB-C output but it never happens – at worst I have to charge two at the same time as most devices have a fast charge.” – MarcusForrest

Packing Tip #3: Pack Like You Can’t Buy Anything for 24hrs

“What would you want/need? Personally, I’ve lost track of the number of endless bus rides, delayed flights, power outages, and rental car breakdowns I’ve had to deal with. I wouldn’t carry a huge first aid kit, but I would absolutely carry a mini-bottle of Advil and a roll of antacids. I carry a Vapur bottle that I fill and use all the time. I usually have a Cliff bar in my bag somewhere.” – Hakote

Packing Tip #4: Fabrics Are Your Friends

“Always pack at least one quick-dry outfit. Ideally, pack ALL quick-dry items. Nothing you take should require more than 12 hours to dry.” – Hakote

“In my opinion, the combination of merino and bamboo is really nice. Makes the merino stronger, softer and airy. I tend to sweat in it less and just like the feel. My favorite shirt of last year was a Pally’Hi with 60 percent merino and 40 percent bamboo. There is a discussion going on that the bamboo origin doesn’t really matter since it is merely the source for the cellulose to create viscose (meaning things that are often called modal or bamboo are simply viscose) but there is a difference in the way the fibers are treated after spinning. Which means that with a better-quality viscose you get a stronger and lighter fiber.” – ormagon_89

“Invest in at least one item of merino wool. T-shirt, socks, underwear, or button-up shirt. Merino is a game-changer for packing light. They are wrinkle-resistant, and don’t smell after wearing it multiple days.” – GeoffMeetsWorld

Packing Tip #5: Make a Decoy Wallet

“I always pack a fancy looking wallet with a 20 Euro bill and old credit cards. If somebody mugs me that’s what I give them.” – inthenameofmine

Packing Tip #6: Have a Travel Drawer at Home

“I travel enough for work and often with so little notice that I have a ‘Travel Drawer’, with my pre-packed toiletry bag, a pouch with charging cables and other handy stuff, and a packing cube with leggings, a t-shirt, and some socks and underwear in it. I basically corralled that stuff together because on a couple of occasions I had to ask my boyfriend to grab my stuff and meet me at work or the airport, and it was easier to say ‘grab the stuff from the travel drawer’ than to give him a full packing list … Eventually, I added a document folder to that drawer with my passport, social security card, some cash, and other stuff.” – Hakote

Packing Tip #7: Swap Your Liquid Toiletries for Bars

“I use the Neogen green-tea face stick when I travel as a joint face/body wash. It comes in a tube-like a large stick of lip balm, it’s easy to use with or without a washrag, and it lasts forever. It’s also very affordable and doesn’t count as a liquid for TSA purposes. I use one in my gym bag as well.” – violtetviceroy

“I just bought my first Lush shampoo bar and love it, but plan [on] buying a bar of dr. Bronner’s for my body. I personally love the tea tree one, and both bars will fit in my stainless-steel soapbox.  Someone else mentioned their soap turning to mush; I don’t store my soap in the shower and keep the box on the outside edge so water doesn’t get in it, or place it outside of the watered-down area right after using it and it stays together fine.” –bohemianmarie

Packing Tip #8: Rolling vs. Folding

“Folding lacks organization unless I put them in packing cubes. Ranger roll is too finicky and doesn’t save me any space. The bundle method is ok for wrinkles but is a pain for getting individual items out. It would work better for me in situations where I stay in one place for longer periods of time, I.e. long enough to unpack and live out of a dresser/closet instead of my suitcase. I think my new go-to might be a combination of rolling with rubber bands or hair ties and packing cubes or clear bags.” – katmndoo

The Best Packing Cubes Ever

Packing Tip #9: The One Item That Surprised Even Us … The Linen Towel

“As for linen itself, I greatly prefer my towels to both cotton and also to the microfiber camping towel I used before my linen towel. It’s not as soft as a plush cotton towel but it dries me well, dries itself quickly, and folds down much smaller. Linen is also supposed to be much more durable than cotton although I can’t say I ever wore out a cotton towel.” – chackoc

How to Pack a Suitcase: The Ultimate Guide

“Basically, this thing folds up so thin, doesn’t take much space, and most importantly dries up quickly (ie. no bad smell). I tried the microfiber quick-dry towel, and they were not quick-drying, especially in humid weather. They also smell really horrible if not dried properly, and I could never get used to the grippiness of the towel. The only drawback I say for the linen towel is the price and that you have to get used to the roughness initially. After a few uses, the roughness will be gone and it will become smooth.” – polarium

You Tell Us: What are your favorite lesser-known packing tips?

Travel Products Suggested by Reddit Users

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Linen Travel Towel

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Merino Wool Socks

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More from smartertravel:.

• Ingenious Packing Tips Every Traveler Should Know
• The  Essential  International  Packing  List
• The  Essential  Carry-on  Bag  Packing  List

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on  Twitter   and  Instagram   for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

Editor’s note: Some posts have been edited for clarity.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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According To Reddit: These Are The Best Travel Hacks We Should Know About

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There are some people who travel like pros and have so much wisdom to share. While the rest of us struggle with packing too much (it just seems so important to have several outfit changes a day), these people know how to bring light carry-ons, pack the right snacks, and make any trip feel like a breeze.

Thanks to Reddit, we have access to tons of tips about how to make traveling as convenient, easy, and stress-free as possible. Here are the best travel hacks we should know about, according to people on Reddit.

Ask For An Earlier Flight And You'll Get Perks

For a lot of people, flying is a huge stressor and it feels like it's best to just grin and bear it (or download some good music or podcasts to distract yourself the whole time). Other people enjoy finding flight deals and figuring out how to get the most out of their travel time.

This travel hack comes straight from  Reddit  and it's really smart: talk to someone who works for the airline at the gate and ask if you can be on an earlier flight. They'll have a waiting list for people who are interested in doing this. This person wrote, "The upside to taking a bump is tremendous; there are typically financial incentives and sometimes upgrades on your next flight. If you have to stay an extra night in your location the airline will put you up in a hotel."  They also shared that they've been bumped to an earlier flight that was a direct one, so they didn't have to deal with a layover. Someone responded to this Reddit post and said they once got bumped into business class and even got a voucher for a free round-trip flight.

This sounds awesome because you can save time and get home earlier or start your trip earlier than you thought that you would. And since not everyone knows that you can do this, you'll probably be successful. (And then you'll be the one in your friend group with the clever travel hacks.)

Buy Plane Tickets To Europe Or Outside The U.S. For Thanksgiving

When we think about the craziest, busiest times to be at an airport, we typically think about two major holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas. These are the times when people want to be with their families and people definitely want to fly home.

This travel hack from Reddit is also great: someone shared that they find super cheap plane tickets when they book them for Thanksgiving Day. They said that this works if you're in the U.S. and want to somewhere else. They wrote, "Ticket prices go WAY down if you are leaving the country. Few years ago I wanted to go to Ireland and booked my tickets 2 months in advance. Tickets were around 1,200 dollars every day except thanksgiving which dropped to 550. Have done this every thanksgiving since."

This is a really smart idea since chances are, you've already got some time off work booked if it's Thanksgiving or even Christmas. It would be a good time to go on an epic vacation (if your family doesn't mind you missing Thanksgiving one year, of course).

RELATED:  12 Instagram Photos That Show Just How Disappointing Travel Can Be

These Hacks Help Make Your Hotel Feel More Like Home

Then there are the travel hacks that help make you feel like you're at home when you're staying in a hotel for the weekend or the week. Whatever you can do to feel more comfortable will help a lot. According to this post on Reddit, there's a way to make sure that you can sleep in a dark hotel room: "keep a couple of clip devices (binder clips, chip clips, clothespins, etc) in your cosmetic case or Dopp kit. Quite often hotel curtains don't close completely and you can secure them with the clips."

This hack involves the Continental breakfast that is often available at hotels: take the ingredients and enjoy a lovely sandwich. Someone wrote, "If they have bagels or English muffins, you can make breakfast sandwiches. I don't know why this doesn't occur to people in hotels, but nobody ever makes them. But one day I saw my coworker make one and it just seemed too obvious."

The final thing that you can do in a hotel: if you're given the choice to stay in an upgraded room but would have to pay for it, you can say no. This way, you might be granted this upgrade anyway and it won't cost you anything extra at all. Hotels can book too many people in rooms just like airlines can oversell seats.

If you're curious about some useful travel hacks, these ones from Reddit are really helpful. From how to sleep better in a dark hotel room to getting on an earlier flight, these hacks should make your next trip much smoother.

NEXT:  24 Common USA Travel Tips That Are Actually Really Unhelpful

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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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50+ Genius Travel Hacks For Every Traveller

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Meet your author! 👋

Travel Hacks, Tips and Tricks Every Traveller Need to Know in 2024

At DNA our team is made up of long-term travellers with decades of travel experience between us, from budget backpackers to digital nomads to travel influencers, so collectively we’ve been there, done it and made all the travel mistakes so you don’t have to. 

Thanks to our wealth of experience, we’ve learnt that with the right travel hacks, you can save money, have smoother journeys, and unlock incredible experiences you never thought possible. 

In this article, I’ve collected all of our team’s best travel hacks, tips and tricks that you need for 2024 to help you up your travel game, enhance your adventures and make your trips that little bit better.

From packing tips to money-savers to how to make your trips a bit greener I’ve got you, so let’s jump into it!

Packing and Luggage Travel Hacks

Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save space and prevent wrinkles – check out this video on how to maximise space by turning your clothes into cute lil pills that keep themselves tightly rolled and compressed. 

Use Packing Cubes: Organise your items and maximise suitcase space. Honestly a game-changer, as everything is kept organised and separate, easy to find, and you save so much space, even more so if you use compression cubes that, you guessed it, compress everything. This Reddit thread has some great recommendations and reviews for different cubes.

Keep a Separate Electronics Bag : Store chargers, adapters, and electronics in one bag for easy access, and to protect your cables from tangles. 

Prioritise multi-use Items: Pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched rather than packing full outfits. It’ll be way more useful to you to have a variety of versatile items that you can throw on with anything and still look good. Opt for easy-to-match neutral tones or a simple colour scheme that can be dressed up or down. 

Get a smaller bag if you are an overpacker: we tend to pack to the size of the bag, and if you’re a person who typically overpacks then consider downsizing. That way you can be sure that you will only be packing the essentials. And trust me, once you’re on the road you’ll be wishing that you had left more at home.

Money-Saving Travel Hacks

Be flexible: if you can, be flexible with the dates that you want to travel on. Most booking sites have a setting that lets you look at prices across a range of dates so you can find the cheapest. If you don’t have a set location in mind, you can also set the destination location to anywhere, and pick the best deal!

Travel during Shoulder Season or Off-Season: Prices for flights and accommodations are generally lower outside of peak times so do your research before opting for certain dates, and don’t be put off by rainy seasons. I was in Thailand during the rainy season and honestly, it didn’t rain that much, and it was still plenty hot, plus everything was super beautiful and green.

Use Public Transportation: Buses can be daunting, but it’s so much cheaper and more authentic than taxis or rental cars. And have you even really been backpacking if you haven’t spent 8 hours + in a tiny bed on a night bus? It’s definitely an experience…and it’s all part of the adventure, plus it saves you a night of accommodation!

You should know that not all night buses are made equally – the picture below is form an AMAZING night bus between Hoi An and Hanoi in Vietnam. It has curtains, wifi, USB ports and aircon. Bougie AF. Most night buses are not like this, instead they’re cramped with tiny beds that you sometimes have to share…

Cook Your Meals: In more expensive locations like Europe and Australia, save money by cooking instead of eating out wherever possible, especially if you’re staying at a place with kitchen facilities.

Collapsible Tupperware and travel cutlery : even if you don’t have the ability to cook your own food, I would recommend these items. You can pack yourself easy lunches to save money – think fruits, crackers, sandwiches etc. anything that is super easy to make with minimal mess and preparation. These are also great for any leftovers from restaurants so nothing goes to waste. I use this Stojo tub – it’s lightweight, very durable and has a capacity of 700mls. 

Free Activities: Explore free or low-cost activities at your destination. Often your accommodation will host free activities from pub quizzes and bar crawls (especially if it’s a party hostel), to walking tours, so ask at reception if there’s anything you can join. If not, then reach out in local online communities or ask around with the other guests for their recommendations. Many places have offers and discounts for young adults and students, and in big cities, you might find that museums and galleries are free. 

Take Care of Your Money: I don’t mean this in a look after the pennies, and the pounds will look after themselves way (though this is always good advice!), I mean literally be careful with your cash. In countries like Cambodia and Laos, you will find that people refuse to accept notes that are torn, worn out or crinkled, even if it’s just minor so keep those notes in a safe place and in good condition!

Safety and Security Travel Hacks

Stay Hydrated on Flights : Cabin air is very dry and dehydrating, so make sure you drink plenty of water. If you’re like me, and not a massive fan of water, you can take mini squash drops to add to your water or try out electrolyte sachets like Royal-D. These come in a variety of flavours and can be added to your water to aid in rehydration. 

Know Local Emergency Numbers : Familiarise yourself with emergency contacts in your destination, and save them in your phone so that if anything happens you’re prepared. 

Scan your Important Documents: Scan and save a copy to your phone or email and send it to close family or friends. That way you have a backup even if you lose all of your belongings.

Take a Copy of Important Documents With You : along similar lines, take a photocopy of your passport, plus extra passport photos, boarding passes, travel insurance, visa, prescriptions, and any other necessary certifications before your trip. Leave one copy somewhere safe at home and take another copy with you. This minimises potential disruptions and expedites document replacement when needed.

Download Offline Versions of Google Maps: If you heading to an area where you might not have a reliable signal, or if you’re landing in a new country without a SIM preloaded onto your phone then make sure you download the local Google Maps. That way you’ll still be able to navigate if and when you can’t get online.

Flight and Airport Travel Hacks

Pack an Essentials Kit: Pack an essentials kit for any long travel days or in case you need anything while you’re in transit that you can’t get from your main luggage. This could include earplugs, an eye mask, any toiletries or medication you need, chargers, and a change of clothes. It’s always nice to be able to brush your teeth before settling down to sleep on an overnight flight or to freshen up during a layover. This is also a good idea to ensure you have your essentials and a change of clothes just in case any checked bags get lost in transit.

Know the Best Places To Sit on the Plane: check out websites such as Seat Guru to find the best seat on the plane, even in economy. This website provides seat maps designed to help you decide where to sit on the plane. So, if you want to find a seat with a bit of extra legroom for your next long-haul flight it’s worth a look!

Look Out for Air Miles and Points Sales: This is a great way to get yourself some extra points towards a free flight or upgrade. 

In addition to sign-up bonuses, credit card companies frequently run promotions where you can buy points or air miles. Obviously, it’s better to get the points for free through reward schemes and bonuses, but it can make sense to buy points at certain times. Especially, if you only need a few more points for that free flight!

Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday typically offer the best deals, but you might find some good offers throughout the year.

Pack Snacks: Bring snacks to avoid overpriced airport food. I recently flew from Bangkok to London and during a layover in Abu Dhabi bought a Pepsi and some M&Ms for 50 UAE Dirham which, as I later discovered, is equivalent to £10.75! Never again. Bring your own snacks.

Entertainment: Load up your devices with movies, books, or games for long journeys. Use the time wisely and listen to a new podcast, begin learning a new skill or language, or just enjoy the free time with your favourite comfort TV show. 

Take advantage of long layovers: If you’ve got a long layover, don’t waste it! Get out and explore the city (make sure you’re back with plenty of time for the next leg of the journey!). Some airlines even have stopover programmes that offer the chance to see an additional city and come with free hotel stays, sightseeing discounts, and other perks!

Accommodation Travel Hacks

Don’t Be Afraid To Stay in Hostels: Hostels sometimes get a bad reputation, but I’ve stayed in some great hostels all over the world, and some are pretty bougie without breaking the bank. They provide affordable accommodation and cater to all sorts of different needs: budget hostels, party hostels, eco-friendly hostels, and hostels for digital nomads to name a few, plus if you’re not feeling the dorm life, you can always opt for a private room for a little bit extra. And, while they may not be suitable for everyone, hostels offer a great way to save money and meet fellow travellers.

Travel with a sleeping bag liner : my sleeping bag liner was probably my most used item on my last trip. Super thin and soft, this is a great alternative to the blankets and bedding provided in hostels, which I often find too thick, hot and heavy. They can add a few extra degrees if you’re someplace cold, and crucially keep you from touching anywhere not-so-clean you may have to sleep. Small and lightweight, this is a great addition to your bag that can really add to your comfort and sleep hygiene. 

Loyalty Programs: Join hotel loyalty programs for potential upgrades and discounts. Booking.com has a really great program that can save you loads of money as you earn points so that definitely one to check out. 

Alternative Accommodations : branch out from hotels and hostels, and explore options like Airbnb, guesthouses for a more local experience, or co-living spaces if you’re a digital nomad. In countries like Thailand, you can even stay at some of the Buddhist temples in exchange for a donation. 

Room Inspection: Make sure to inspect your room or bunk when you check in at new accommodation. Look for things like bedbugs and other cleanliness aspects, and if you’re in a private room, double-check your locks and test the mirrors for two-way glass. I don’t want to make you paranoid but it’s always better to be safe, and these are some super easy things that you can check for to keep yourself safe. 

Book Direct: Sometimes, booking directly with the accommodation can result in better deals as sites like booking.com often take quite a big cut. Also while places might say they’re fully booked online, they often keep some beds back for walk-ins and have no-shows or cancellations so it’s worth checking. 

Stay outside the city centre: Accommodation can be cheaper outside of the main areas and you’ll probably find a more authentic experience away from tourist hubs anyways as it gives you more of a chance to connect with locals rather than just other travellers. 

Volunteer work and accommodation exchange : Consider programs that offer free or subsidised stays in exchange for volunteering work. A lot of hostels find their staff this way so don’t be afraid to ask if they need any help when you’re checking in. There are also some great apps for this like Worldpackers and Workaway . Here you can find and apply for volunteer places in the areas you’re travelling to, in exchange for accommodation and food, and if you’re lucky you might even find a rare paid position.

Eating and Dining Travel Hacks

Book accommodation with free breakfasts: If you’re staying somewhere with breakfast included, make sure you take advantage of this! Eating well at breakfast will set you up for the day and you may not even have to worry about a big lunch or dinner. This is an easy way of saving money and (if you’re feeling cheeky) you can always sneak out some extras for later in the day!

Bring along a stash of coffee and/or tea: Caffeine addict? Same…

I tend to always travel with either a personal stash of coffee or my favourite pyramid tea bags. Often the coffee served at hostels is… not the greatest, and the go-to tea bag is Liptons. Going to a cafe every morning to get your fix gets expensive quickly. Even if you are just carting around a plastic bag full of instant coffee and Yorkshire’s finest, you are doing well.

This strategy provides both convenience and a way to cut down costs every single day, as well as allowing you to bring a little home comfort with you. 

Local Markets: Explore local markets for fresh and affordable food. Street food is not something to be scared of, most of the time it’s good, cheap and safe, especially if you see a lot of locals eating there.

Tech and Connectivity Travel Hacks

Invest in decent noise-cancelling headphones: these are a must for me as I travel. Not only are they great for getting work done in loud hostels and busy cafes but they are amazing on long travel days (planes, trains, buses, boats…) allowing you to find a little bit of peace in the chaos. I use Sony’s wh-1000xm4 , which I got refurbished for half the price, they’re lightweight, comfortable for long periods, and have adaptable noise cancelling. 

Portable chargers: Definitely a must-have, but make sure you check out your charger’s capacity before you travel with it. Most airlines allow passengers to bring power banks in their carry-on luggage but the capacity of power banks is also typically limited to 100 watt-hours or 27,000mAh. 

Universal adaptors: get a good universal adaptor rather than getting specific adaptors for each location. Many of them also have ports for plugs and USB devices so you can charge multiple things at the same time. 

Get a long charging cable : often powerpoints in accommodations aren’t in the most convenient places, so invest in a longer cable for your convenience. 

Don’t buy a SIM card in the airport: it is so much cheaper to buy a local SIM card in a shop outside of the airport. For example, in Thailand, you can get 30-day SIMs with unlimited internet at any 7/11 for around 200 Baht. Another alternative is to get a global SIM or eSIM before you travel, these can be loaded straight onto your phone, work in multiple countries and mean you’ll be connected the moment you land, which is very helpful for navigating from your arrival port to your accommodation. eSIMs do tend to be more expensive though, but that’s the price you pay for convenience.

Health and Wellness Travel Hacks

Stretch and Move: Make sure you’re stretching during long flights or road trips to prevent stiffness and improve circulation. Follow simple instructions like these to maintain your blood flow, but be mindful about disrupting other passengers while you do so!

Pack smart for comfort and adaptability: Layer your clothing rather than trying to pack for all seasons – this way you can add or remove items when you get hot or cold, and prioritise comfortable, versatile, walking shoes that give you support. 

Embrace local healthy habits: Try local fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated with clean water, and incorporate light exercise into your daily routine. Don’t neglect your health just because you’re travelling, especially for long-term travellers, it will quickly catch up to you. A lot of hostels offer yoga classes, and why not try something new like the national sport of whatever country you are in. On the DNA tours , we try out Muay Thai, which is great fun and an amazing workout, I 100% recommend giving it a go if you get the chance. 

Prioritise sleep and relaxation: Build in downtime to avoid burnout , listen to your body’s needs, and consider adding activities like meditation or yoga into your routine. This will help keep you grounded and in touch with your mental, emotional and physical needs. Just because you are travelling you don’t need to be busy all the time, take space to relax. 

Stay prepared for minor health issues: Pack a small first-aid kit with essentials like painkillers, bandages, and anti-diarrhea medication. It’s pretty much inevitable that’ll get sick while travelling as you’ll be encountering all sorts of bacteria that your body is unfamiliar with. It’s best to be prepared so you don’t have to worry if and when you are struck down.

Cultural Adaptation Travel Hacks

Homestays and Couchsurfing: this is a fantastic way to get to know locals and connect with their culture. You can join platforms like Couchsurfing or find some awesome homestays on HostelWorld. These are often pretty cheap alternatives to hostels and hotels, but make sure you are respectful as these are people’s homes. Offer to cook dinner during your stay, or help out in some other way to show your appreciation. 

Learn Basic Phrases: Learn a few basic phrases in the local language to show respect and facilitate communication. I always make sure that I at least learn how to say hello, goodbye and thank you in the language of whatever country I am in. Local people are always happy when you show some effort to connect with their culture, and often will happily teach you other helpful phrases. 

Dress Appropriately: Research and respect the local dress code to blend in with the culture. Cover your knees and shoulders in temples, churches and other appropriate settings, try to dress modestly when out and about (i.e. leave the bikini for the beach), and remember your shoes and shirt! Not only is this respectful, but it helps you to blend in a bit rather than look like an obvious tourist who is more likely to be targeted for scams. 

Observe Local Customs: Be aware of and respect local customs, traditions, and etiquette. As with the above, you don’t want to be disrespectful and you want to blend in, so make sure you do your research, follow what the locals are doing, and obey any rules signposted about. A simple one I often see being disrespected in Asia: don’t take selfies with the Buddha statues! 

Local Cuisine Exploration: Try local dishes and don’t be afraid to get stuck into the street foods to immerse yourself in the culture and support local businesses. It’s cheaper to eat like a local rather than seeking out Western foods and home comforts, plus you’ll learn so much more about a place when you spend time immersed in local hotspots.

Eco-Friendly Travel Hacks

Pack a Water Purifier: I use water-to-go , but I know that Grayl and Lifestraw are really good alternatives for this. These specialist water bottles can help safeguard your health by preventing waterborne illnesses while reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles and saving you money on buying bottled water.

Solid soaps: cut down on plastics with shampoo bars and solid soaps. These are so much easier to travel with as you can throw them in your carry-on, and you don’t have to worry about leaks and spills. They also last so much longer than liquid soaps do so they also save you money in the long run. 

Stay green in your accommodation: Pick eco-certified hotels or guesthouses, utilise reusable water bottles and bags, and minimise energy use in your room by turning off lights and air conditioning when not needed. Sites like booking.com give an overview of how sustainable accommodation is so you can compare options.

Support local, sustainable businesses: Eat at local restaurants, buy souvenirs from ethical producers rather than mass-produced plastic rubbish that’ll get immediately thrown away, and avoid activities that harm wildlife or the environment. If you want to really make a difference and take this travel hack to the next level then look out for places, like our fav Tiki Beach , that organise events like beach cleans that you can get involved in!

Leave no trace: Pack out all your rubbish when out and about, respect local wildlife and ecosystems, and avoid contributing to pollution. It’s worth noting that some places do not have great systems for rubbish disposal and often trash cans/rubbish bins are few and far between. I would suggest keeping a plastic bag on you for your rubbish so you can safely dispose of trash later.

Hopefully, you’ve discovered some new and useful travel hacks, tips and tricks from this to help you save money and level up your travel game in 2024 – and there’s always more to come! Follow along on our Instagram , Facebook and Linkedin for more travel hacks, advice and inspos…

Until next time, I’ll leave you with one final travel hack: Take a Pen With You

You never know when you might need a pen. It’s so small and simple and 100% worth carrying around. Whether it’s for keeping scores during games at your accommodation, to fill out the customs forms on the plane or to write down directions when you arrive. Always take a pen with you.

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The best travel hacks on Reddit

Reddit is home to just about every type of content available on the Internet. It’s where nunchuck videos, cat photos, celebrity Q&As and conspiracy theories come together in online harmony. No topic is too broad or too niche.

For that reason — and that the platform has about 330 million monthly users — it’s become an interesting intersection of travel tips and ideas. We combed through Reddit’s travel “subreddits” (think sections, if you’re not familiar with the site) to find the most useful hacks for your next trip.

How to take care of your skin on a flight

You’d die before you could research every skin-care product available out there for travelers. This thread in r/AsianBeauty breaks down users’ thoughts on the best masks, moisturizers, balms and gels to use while traveling. For example, a flight attendant notes that you don’t have to pare down your routine just because you’re traveling by plane. Instead, decant or de-pot your products into smaller, TSA-approved containers.

Make sure you’re mindful about your beauty routine onboard and consider your seat neighbor. Some Redditors recommend various face mists to use in-flight, but make sure you use them in the lavatory only so you don’t spritz those around you.

How to pick the best travel pants

Not all of the clothes in your wardrobe are good for the road. Instead of spending hours Googling “good travel pants,” check out the crowdsourced answer in r/OneBag , a subreddit devoted to “the art of minimalist packing.” There’s a handful of options, plus arguments to back up those opinions, to find the best-performing pants on the road. Criteria for judgment includes number of pockets, material and durability. Favorites include the ABC Pant Classic from Lululemon for men and the Willary C-Fit Core Pants for women.

As with any online shopping, what works for some people and body types won’t look the same for you. Try ordering a couple options and trying them on well before your trip.

How to blend in when abroad

If you’re trying to fit in outside of the country, there are certain details that will give away your tourist status immediately. Some of those hallmarks are obvious (like a big foldout map or a selfie stick), and some are more subtle. In an r/AskReddit thread, a user asks: “Non-USA Redditors, besides accents, what is a dead giveaway that a tourist is American?”

There’s nothing wrong with being yourself when you travel, but it can be enlightening to learn what others notice about you because of your culture. One easy tell for foreigners is when American travelers ask about directions in terms of miles — not used in the metric system. Other signals included asking for ice in your drink, naming your home city or state rather than country when asked where you’re from, wearing a baseball cap and speaking at a loud volume.

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How to tell if you were in the wrong to deny a family your empty row on a plane

There’s a corner of Reddit devoted to giving users “a place to finally find out if you were wrong in an argument that’s been bothering you.” For Redditor aboveaveragek, the argument in question took place on a red-eye flight across the country. The Redditor had paid extra to book an exit row that appeared to be empty so that he could lie on the seats and get some sleep before landing and going straight to a meeting. Come boarding time, a mother and her two young children were sitting in the Redditor’s exit row and asked him to take her aisle seat instead. “Here’s the thing: if circumstances were different, I would have!” the Redditor wrote. “But I explained that I had a meeting at 8:30 and paid extra for that ticket so that I could sleep.” The mother dismissed the Redditor’s request until a flight attendant stepped in and explained that children couldn’t sit in the exit row in the first place.

Was the Redditor in the wrong to deny the family in the first place? According to the most popular answer (with more than 23,000 “likes” to back it up), you’re allowed to hold on to the seat you paid for, even if that means a family can’t sit together.

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How to know if the stuff in your suitcase is too weird

A post in r/AskReddit prompted users to share the weirdest things anyone had seen or personally packed in their luggage for a flight. It turns out, people are traveling with extremely weird things in tow, including: a chicken preserved by taxidermy, a glove full of about 1,000 pennies, human remains, live spiders, homemade sex toys, amethyst sex toys, metal sex toys, vibrating sex toys, lawn gnomes, a goat skull, a human skull, a whole dead carp, an entire frozen beef brisket, “fake butts mounted on wood,” every kind of knife, and dumbbells. If you’re not sure whether something in your carry-on bag is going to get through security, check out TSA’s What Can I Bring website or tweet them about the object in question @ AskTSA .

How to pick a credit card with travel benefits

Credit cards and their potential benefits operate in an intricate world. Reddit has a bunch of corners discussing every aspect of the credit card universe to help you get the most out of the system. For starters, there’s a breakdown of miles vs. points to clear up that confusion. A next-level credit card subreddit is r/churning , where an active community of people discuss ways to profit from sign-up offers. They host daily and weekly digital meetups to discuss pros, cons, gleaned wisdom and painful lessons learned. Once you’ve found the right credit card for you there, find out how to use your points on r /awardtravel .

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Travel hacking 101: A beginner’s guide to travel hacking like a pro

When I started travel hacking 11 years ago, it was an obscure “hobby” that few had heard about and most dismissed as a scam . Nowadays, seemingly everyone is doing it to some degree. Whether getting in on the latest credit card promotion or snagging a first-class seat for the price of coach, travel hacking has become more popular than ever.

It’s the easiest way to save on travel and improve your experience. Utilizing travel hacking methods, you can fast-track your way to top-tier elite status and earn frequent flyer miles without ever stepping on a plane.

There is endless information about maximizing every dollar (and mile) spent. But if you’re new to this “game” and just want a simple explanation of how it works, you’ve come to the right place.

Here is everything you need to know about getting started with travel hacking.

What is travel hacking?

Travel hacking involves earning frequent flyer miles or points through non-traditional methods and redeeming them for nearly-free travel.

The most common travel hacks include leveraging credit card welcome bonuses for premium cabin flights and taking advantage of sweet spots and generous routing rules to get the best deal on award flights.

How much are points and miles worth?

Points are worth 1-2 cents each, depending on the loyalty program and how you use them. You’ll generally get the highest value by redeeming points for premium cabin flights and luxury hotel stays. Some programs impose a fixed value on points, depending on the fare cost. For example, Southwest Rapid Rewards points are worth 1.3 cents towards Wanna Get Away fares.

The same goes for transferrable rewards. Most of them are worth at least one cent each towards direct travel bookings. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards® are worth 1.25 cents each towards direct travel bookings for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card  cardholders and 1.5 cents for those with a Chase Sapphire Reserve®  through Chase Travel℠.

The difference between points, miles, and rewards

Points, miles, and rewards are different types of loyalty currencies. There are exceptions, but airlines usually issue miles, while points come from hotel loyalty programs or bank rewards.

A good travel hacking strategy involves having a mix of all three currencies.

Transferable rewards

Thanks to their flexibility, transferable bank rewards are the gold standard of loyalty currency. You can transfer them to airline miles or hotel points, usually at a 1:1 ratio or better.

Examples of transferrable rewards include Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Venture Rewards miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards®, and Citi ThankYou® points.

Airline miles

You might be wondering if it’s worth earning airline miles when you can just transfer your bank rewards points instead.

Well, you should earn airline miles from a co-branded airline credit card for several reasons. For starters, you can supplement welcome bonuses from airline cards with a bonus from a transferrable rewards card to reach your travel goals faster.

In addition, some airlines incentivize you to earn miles (through a co-branded credit card or otherwise). For example, American Airlines counts all co-branded credit card spending towards elite status. Meanwhile, Southwest Rapid Rewards issues the Companion Pass after you earn 125,000 points in a calendar year (which increases to 135,000 next year). Earning airline miles can pay off.

Hotel points

Hotel points can go a long way in reducing out-of-pocket travel expenses. You can earn hotel points from co-branded hotel credit cards, by shopping online, and even by participating in surveys. Hotel credit cards offer generous welcome bonuses, with perks like elite status and annual free nights.

Examples of hotel points you should consider earning include World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards.

How to start travel hacking

Travel hacking is fun and rewarding but can also be a lot of work. There is a wealth of information about ways to earn and burn points for maximum value. But if you’re just learning and want to know the basics, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started.

Step 1: Set a goal

Before you embark on your travel hacking journey, you’ll want to set a goal. Are you hoping to redeem miles for international travel ? Or perhaps you’re saving up for a family trip to Disneyland. Regardless of your goals, it’s important to identify them early on to determine which credit cards and loyalty programs will help you get there.

Step 2: Choose your rewards program(s)

Once you’ve determined your travel goals, it’s time to pick your loyalty programs. Start with your home airport; if you live in an airline hub city, that airline can be a good starting point. There’s no sense in earning Southwest points if you live in Alaska. You might be better off with the Alaska Mileage Plan program since the airline serves the region and offers domestic and international partners. You’ll have more opportunities to redeem miles, and if you fly the airline often enough, you’ll even earn elite status.

When choosing a loyalty program, keep partner airlines in mind. For example, if you’re saving up for a Hawaiian vacation and want to fly United, you should consider collecting Turkish Miles&Smiles instead. Turkish Airlines is a Star Alliance member, like United, and offers domestic United flights for just 15,000 miles round-trip in economy. Exploring partner programs can help you save on award travel, stretching your miles further.

Choosing a hotel loyalty program might be easier. Think about which hotels you like when traveling and which elite benefits you care about. Most hotel loyalty programs let you earn top-tier status from credit cards alone, so think about which programs offer the best perks and properties in the destinations you like to travel to.

Here’s a look at every major hotel program’s global footprint to help you choose:

• Marriott Bonvoy: Over 8,000 properties in 139 countries
• Hilton Honors: Over 7,000 hotels in 122 countries
• Choice Privileges: Over 7,000 hotels in 40 countries
• IHG One Rewards: Over 6,000 properties worldwide
• Radisson Rewards: Over 1,700 hotels worldwide
• World of Hyatt: Over 1,150 hotels in 70 countries

While it’s good to identify at least one airline and hotel program, you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket. Try to collect at least one transferable rewards currency, so you’re not limited to only a few programs.

Transferrable rewards can also protect you against program devaluations — if one airline or hotel increases its redemption requirements, you can transfer your points to another.

Here are some of the most popular transferrable rewards programs:

• American Express Membership Rewards®
• Bilt Rewards
• Capital One Miles
• Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• Citi ThankYou® Rewards

Step 3: Choose a credit card

Once you’ve identified the loyalty program you want to earn points with (and incorporated at least one transferrable currency), it’s time to find a credit card.

When choosing a credit card, you should consider the following features:

Welcome bonus

A high welcome bonus will help you achieve your travel goals much faster. Some credit card bonuses are high enough to cover a round-trip international business class ticket. You’ll incur a 2-5 point credit score hit from every inquiry, so make it count. You should aim for a welcome bonus of at least 50,000 points, and plenty of cards meet that criteria.

Credit card application rules

Remember that some banks have strict application rules when applying for credit cards. For example, American Express limits welcome bonuses to one per lifetime. Meanwhile, Chase’s infamous 5/24 rule prevents you from being approved for a new card if you’ve had five or more in the last 24 months.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with these rules before applying for a card to avoid unnecessary rejection.

Travel perks

Many travel rewards cards come with valuable perks like elite status, airport lounge access, airline fee credits, and annual free nights. Think about which of these perks you’re likely to maximize every year. Doing so can help you choose the best credit card and figure out if the card is worth renewing every year.

Annual fees

Travel hacking can get expensive if you’re not careful about annual fees. Rewards credit card annual fees range from $89-$695. It’s easy to get tempted by a high welcome bonus, but annual fees can dent your travel budget if you’re not careful.

Before settling on a credit card, explore the lower or no-annual-fee version to see if it’s a better fit.

For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card may seem appealing with its welcome bonus, but you’ll pay a lower annual fee with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

Step 4: Other ways to earn points

Credit card welcome bonuses are the fastest way to earn points, but they’re not the only way. You can earn points from shopping portals, dining rewards programs, completing surveys, and more.

Shopping portals:

• American AAdvantage eShopping
• Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping
• Delta SkyMiles Shopping
• Free Spirit Online Mall
• Hilton Honors Shopping Mall
• JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping
• United MileagePlus Shopping

Dining rewards programs:

• American AAdvantage Dining
• Alaska Mileage Plan Dining
• Delta SkyMiles Dining
• Free Spirit Dining
• Hilton Honors Dining
• IHG Rewards Club Dining
• JetBlue TrueBlue Dining
• Marriott Eat Around Town
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining
• United MileagePlus Dining

Airline companion passes

Airline companion passes are one of the best travel hacking tools to stretch your points further. Some passes are issued annually as a credit card benefit, while others have to be earned. In most cases, you can save 50% or more on airfare with a companion pass.

Here’s a look at companion passes you should consider adding to your travel hacking arsenal:

Alaska Airlines Famous Companion Fare

The Alaska Airlines Famous Companion Fare is a great travel hacking tool for west coast flyers. The pass is issued as part of the welcome bonus on the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card and reissued annually. Considering the Alaska card has a reasonable annual fee, this is a terrific benefit.

Simply book a companion on the same flight and pay just $99 (plus taxes and fees).

American AAdvantage

You can get an American Airlines Companion Certificate from one of four co-branded credit cards. The spending requirement ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Once you’ve secured the certificate, you can use it to cover a companion’s airfare for just $99 plus taxes and fees.

• Barclays Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard: Spend $20,000 in a year
• AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard: Spend $20,000 in a year
• AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard: Spend $30,000 in a year
• CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Spend $30,000 in a year

The American Airlines Companion Certificate is only valid on round-trip economy class tickets within the contiguous U.S. For Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Island residents, the pass is good for round-trip flights originating in those destinations.

British Airways Travel Together Ticket

The British Airways Travel Together Ticket is issued to British Airways Visa Signature® cardholders who spend $30,000 in a calendar year . This perk can take the sting out of high fuel surcharges imposed on British Airways award tickets transiting through London.

The Travel Together Ticket is valid in all cabins, including first class and international fares .

Delta Companion Passes

Delta has two companion passes: one is valid on economy class tickets only, while the one issued through the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card can be applied to first-class travel. You’ll pay just $80 for your companion’s ticket, which is a bargain — especially when using it for first-class flights.

Note that the Delta companion tickets are not valid on award flights or basic economy tickets.

Here’s a list of cards you can earn the companion pass with:

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Iberia airfare discount

Iberia offers a $1,000 airfare discount on two tickets booked on the same flight. You can earn it by spending $30,000 on the Iberia Visa Signature® Card per calendar year. It’s valid in all cabins, providing ultimate flexibility.

Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most popular travel hacking tools out there. You can get one after completing 100 segments or earning 125,000 Southwest points in a calendar year, though the requirement is increased to 135,000 points in 2023. However, points earned from the Southwest credit card welcome bonuses count towards the pass.

It only takes one business or one personal card welcome bonus to earn the Southwest Companion Pass:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card : Earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 within the first three months of account opening
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening

Redeeming points

You’ve accrued thousands of points and are ready to start booking your dream vacation. Now what? Redeeming points isn’t exactly easy, and that’s by design. Loyalty programs count on members not doing their due diligence to get as much out of their points and miles as possible.

While booking the first award that pops up in the search result is easy, that’s not the best way to stretch your points. Here are a few concepts you should familiarize yourself with to get the most out of your points:

Stopovers and open jaws

While a simple round-trip flight is great, you can stretch your points further by incorporating stopovers and open jaws into your flights.

A stopover is when you visit an additional destination on your way to your final destination or home. Several airline loyalty programs allow you to add a free stopover to award flights:

• Alaska Mileage Plan (free stopover on one-way awards)
• ANA Mileage Club ( one free stopover and one open-jaw on round-trip awards)
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles ( up to four destinations per itinerary)
• Emirates Skywards (one free stopover per round-trip)
• Japan Airlines Mileage Bank ( three stopovers or two stopovers and one open-jaw )
• Singapore Krisflyer ( one stopover and one open-jaw per roundtrip flight )
• United MileagePlus (one free stopover within the same region per round-trip flight)

Open jaws are another great way to add a destination to your itinerary. An open jaw is when you return from a different destination than you flew into.

One example of an open-jaw ticket is if you fly from New York to London and then return home from Paris. Many people book this route with Avios because British Airways imposes hefty fuel surcharges on flights departing from London. Savvy travelers will take a train to Paris and fly back from Charles de Gaulle to save money.

But booking an open-jaw doesn’t have to be about saving money. It’s a great way to see multiple destinations on the same trip, especially in Europe, where connecting flights are relatively cheap. Here’s a list of loyalty programs that allow open jaws on round-trip award tickets:

Fourth and fifth night free

Some hotel programs offer free nights when you redeem points for consecutive nights at one property. These deals can help you save as much as 25% on an award stay. The most generous is IHG One, which offers a fourth night free to IHG Rewards Traveler, IHG Rewards Premier, and IHG Rewards Premier Business card members. Meanwhile, Marriott members and Hilton elites get the fifth night free on award stays.

These discounted award rates can help you save thousands of points and book extra free nights at no cost. Factor this into your award-booking strategy, and you’ll stretch your points further.

Take advantage of sweet spots

Sweet spots are awards that are significantly discounted compared to other loyalty programs. Both hotels and airlines have sweet spot awards that can help up your travel hacking game.

For example, Turkish Airlines offers round-trip economy class tickets between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii for just 15,000 miles. That’s what some loyalty programs charge for a one-way ticket, making this an excellent sweet spot award.

Travel hacking is all about finding ways to stretch your points further. You can do this with tactics like searching for generous credit card welcome bonuses, booking flights with stopovers and open jaws, taking advantage of hotel programs that offer free nights, and looking for airline sweet spots.

With a little bit of effort, you can travel hack your way to (nearly) free travel.

Happy travels!

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Traveller reveals one safety hack holidaymakers should always do when staying in a hotel

Redditers are hailing the top tip as a total 'lifesaver'.

Rhiannon Ingle

Hot girl summer is in full swing and I'm sure many of us can't wait to hop on that flight, touchdown somewhere sizzling and unpack in our hotel rooms.

Now, while there's a whole lot to be excited over when it comes to holidaying - it's always a shout to stay prepared and organised ahead of time to ensure there are no mishaps later down the line.

So, to help shed some light on it all, one traveller has revealed their number one safety hack holidaymakers should always do when staying in a hotel.

One person took to the 'Travel Hacks' thread on Reddit to ask the community to share their 'actual' travel hacks .

Hundreds rushed in to impart their wisdom, with one advising: "Air tags in checked luggage. I've heard so many people have success in retrieving lost luggage because of them!"

A second recommended: "If you can't check into your Airbnb and they won't hold your bags, you can drop them off at a nearby hotel for them to hold.

"You don't have to be staying there, but you need to tip obviously. This also works if you need to check out of your Airbnb and have a later flight as well."

"I would say to download Citymapper," a third suggested. "It will give you directions but will also tell you what public transportation to use and how much it will cost. It has many major international cities on it."

"Make sure someone has a photo/copy of your passport just in case yours is lost/stolen," warned a fourth. "I keep a hardcopy in travel-size Kleenex pack that I keep in my luggage.

"Don't keep your money , credit card and debit card together. If your wallet gets stolen you are screwed." Noted .

On the subject of safety hacks, another Reddit user shared their 'lifesaving' top tip.

They wrote: "If staying at a hotel, I always get a business card with the hotel's address on it. If my phone battery dies, I can show this to a cab driver and have them get me back to my hotel.

"Especially useful if you don't understand the language."

"This is a lifesaver," agreed a second. "I got mugged once in Barcelona and the only thing they got was my phone… which was my directions back to my hotel at 4am… thankfully two very old men who apparently were night owls helped me get back to my hotel lmao."

A final Reddit user echoed: "Definitely a lifesaver in Tokyo!"

Topics:  Travel , Hacks , Life Hacks , Life , Holiday , Summer , Reddit

Rhiannon Ingle is a Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from the University of Manchester in 2021 in English Literature. Alongside her studies, she was the Lifestyle Editor of The Mancunian, the largest student newspaper in the United Kingdom. Her favourite topics to write about include sex and relationships, bizarre lifestyle trends and all things travel.

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70 Travel Hacks That Will Change Your Travel Game Forever

With 57 countries under my belt and more than a decade of traveling regularly, I think it’s safe to say that I’m an expert in the field. I’ve made every mistake you could imagine—missed flights, lost baggage, exploding hair irons—but with each disastrous experience, I’ve grown a little bit wiser, and a LOT savvier when it comes to traveling like a seasoned pro.

These travel hacks for flying, packing, saving money, getting hotel upgrades and more are the secrets I swear by. I hope they’ll help make your next trip pleasurable, memorable, and stress-free.

70 Travel Hacks That Will Blow Your Mind

1. use my “contact lens case” hack for makeup and skincare products ..

This is one of my best space saving packing hacks. People tend to take up unnecessary room in their toiletry bags by bringing full-sized products.

Here’s the trick: put your foundation, moisturizer, eye cream , and any other liquid products into contact lens cases. Every inch counts!

2. Be strategic in your seat selection when booking a flight.  

There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in a seat that doesn’t recline, or ending up in a row next to the lavatory with people hovering over you for the entire flight. I avoid these kind of mishaps by checking SeatGuru before I choose my seat on flights.

Occasionally, I’ll even choose a flight based on the type of plane that SeatGuru tells me I’ll be flying on. The website and app shows you photos of the plane’s interior so you’ll know in advance whether you’re booking an outdated 747, or a brand spanking new plane.

Plus, it gives you warnings about seats that have potential issues, like limited recline or a misaligned window.

3. Pack your own DIY amenity kit for long-haul flights.

I loooove the amenity kits that you get when you fly First or Business, but since I don’t always have that luxury, I decided to start making my own. My “DIY kit” stays in my carry-on bag at all times, and includes a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, sheet masks, moisturizer, hand cream, eye masks , lip balm, and socks.

4. Avoid cankles by wearing compression socks.

They’re basically Spanx for your calves and feet, because feeling swollen after a long-haul flight is the WORST.

5. Consider choosing an “alternate destination” when you search.

If the city you’re flying in or out of isn’t a main hub, consider flying into a bigger city and connecting or finding a flight (or other mode of transportation) out of that city.

Not only will you save money, but you have the potential to earn more mileage points.

6. Download the Google Translate app to help with language barriers.

You can use it to take photos of text in another language, and it will translate the words in real time. (I have a separate blog post featuring the best travel apps for savvy jetsetters , which you should check out as well!)

7. Use packing cubes.

Another space saving packing hack that I swear by? Packing cubes! I truthfully thought these were a scam until I tried them out for myself.

They not only compress your items to give you additional space, but they also help keep you organized—I use a small one for socks and underwear, a medium-sized one for tops, another medium-sized one for comfortable walking shoes and sneakers , and a large one for jeans , pants, and dresses.

8. Look out for price errors.

Often times, there will be glitches on airline or third party sites that offer a ridiculous low fare. Sign up to these sites to keep an eye on them. But know that you will have to act quick, as these companies will typically fix the fare as soon as they catch it. Here are some great resources to keep an eye on for low fare deals.

• Scott’s Cheap Flights (or Jack’s Flight Club for UK-based people)
• The Flight Deal
• Secret Flying (if you’re based out of Europe)
• Holiday Pirates
• Airfarewatchdog.com 
• FlyerTalk Mileage Run (discussion board)

* Bonus Tip: Fill your social media with these sleuths by following them on Instagram and Twitter!

9. Take advantage of generous credit card offers.

The greatest travel hack of all time? Credit cards and points. Open up a credit card that has a sign-up bonus (assuming you can be responsible enough to pay your bills!), and transfer the points to an airline for a pricey international flight.

Check out my full step-by-step guide to using points and miles for free travel if you haven’t already!

10. Be strategic with flight cancellations.

If you book a nonrefundable ticket and your plans change or you know you won’t be traveling on that flight—do not cancel the ticket until the last possible moment.

Or…just don’t show up. Here’s why: in the rare case that there’s a flight cancellation or schedule change, your nonrefundable ticket could entitle you to a credit or refund. Had you cancelled the ticket, you wouldn’t be entitled to anything.

11. Learn how to avoid long airport security lines.

TSA-precheck, Global Traveler, and Clear have been an absolute gamechanger for me, and if you travel more than a few times a year, they are absolutely something worth investing in. If you’re not familiar:

• TSA Precheck enables you to use a separate line for domestic (US) flights, and you won’t be required to take off your shoes or take out your laptop.
• Global Traveler is for international flights and (as far as I know) is for the US only. When you’re returning to the US, you use a machine that scans your passport rather than having to wait in line at customs.
• Clear lets you scan your fingertips at security and then get escorted to the front of line at airports where it is offered.

12. Take a hydration multiplier for long flights.

While everyone will tell you to “drink as much water as possible” and “try to stay hydrated” on a long-haul flights, the reality is that if you’re drinking a liter of water on a plane, you’re going to find yourself getting up to go to the bathroom repeatedly.

My hack for this is to use Liquid IV. It’s a “hydration multiplier” that hydrates you 2-3 times faster than water alone. You pour the little packet of powder into your water bottle, shake it up, and then drink.

It tastes pretty similar to Gatorade (the lemon/lime is my preferred flavor) and will keep you hydrated without sending you to use the restroom every 30 seconds.

13. Keep track of itinerary ideas in Google Docs.

I use Google Docs for all of my itineraries—especially when I’m planning a girls trip and there are multiple people involved. I’ll share the link with everyone I’m traveling with to make it more collaborative. It’s also where I keep a running list of recommendations from people for the destination that I’m visiting.

14. Challenge yourself not to check a bag.

Avoid lost baggage nightmares by packing carry-on only for trips under a week. In need of luggage that actually fits a lot of stuff? Here’s a list of the best carry-on bags that help save space with packing.

15. Order a “special meal” in advance of a long-haul flight.

Most major airlines will offer the option to order a special meal when you book your flight—these include vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, vegan, low fat, and sometimes even low sodium options.

People who place orders for “special meals” will always get served first, so if you’re hoping to catch some z’s on the flight, you’ll have more time to sleep while everyone else is waiting for their food to arrive.

16. Save local currency from the country you’re visiting as a souvenir.

My husband and I started doing this many years ago, and now we have what we jokingly call a “world bank” at home. It’s a cool alternative to buying a dumb keychain or t-shirt you’ll never wear.

17. Create a framed collage of foreign currency from your trips after you get home.

I often find foreign currency to be incredibly beautiful. We’ve taken some of the best-looking bills from various places we’ve visited, and framed them.

18. Do the same with hotel room keys, airline tickets, and baggage tags.

You can use a place like Framebridge to arrange and frame them for you—they’ll even send you a pre-paid envelope to mail in your items.

19. Talk to taxi drivers.

Often, a simple taxi ride from the airport to your hotel will turn into an impromptu city tour if you ask the right questions.

20. Build your itinerary using Go ogle Maps Trip Planner.

This might be the greatest travel hack of all time. Did you know that there’s a FREE tool within Google Maps that you can use to create an entire itinerary for your next trip? It’s called Google Maps Trip Planner and it’s incredible.  

21. Don’t exchange money at the airport.

Wait and go to an ATM near your hotel for better exchange rates.

22. Take advantage of layovers as often as possible.

Sometimes, I’ll even choose flights with 12+ hour layovers as a way to see another city for a day.

23. Never miss another photo opp.

Take photos in “burst” mode so you don’t need to worry about missing the shot.

24. Carry a photocopy of your passport in your wallet.

Just in case.

25. Speaking of wallets… invest in a good travel wallet.

Trying to keep track of boarding passes, passport photocopies, foreign currency, and receipts can get a bit messy if you’re trying to stuff everything into your regular, everyday wallet.

The best way to stay organized while you’re heading out of town is to use an inexpensive but chic travel wallet that has additional compartments for travel-related items. 

26. Use a travel agent or tour operator for special trips or multi-city itineraries.

They can often get you better rates and preferential treatment at hotels.

27. Become a points and miles pro.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—I’ve learned everything I know about points, miles, and travel hacks from my friend Brian Kelly, aka The Points Guy . Browse through his site for all the secrets.

28. Easily share photos with friends/family.

Start a shared album with your the people you’re traveling with at the beginning of a trip, so you’re able to easily exchange photos.

29. Get the experience of a luxury hotel without staying at one.

Dying to stay at a fancy hotel but can’t afford the nightly rate? Pop in to the lobby bar for drinks instead.

30. Plan your trip during “shoulder season” to take advantage of better hotel rates and less crowds.

Shoulder season = the period between high and low season, when the weather is still great but the destination is less busy. In places like Positano , Santorini , and Mykonos for example, shoulder season is generally April through the middle of June, and September through October.

31. Avoid jetlag by getting onto the local time zone as soon as you board the plane.

If it’s technically morning in the destination you’re going to when you board the plane, do NOT go to sleep—even if it’s midnight where you’re leaving from. If you work on adjusting to the time zone while on the flight, you’ll have a better chance of battling jet lag when you arrive.

32. Hire a local guide during the first day of your trip in a foreign city.

It’ll help you get the lay of the land. Then ask your guide for non-touristy recommendations to hit up during the rest of your trip. Also: if you’re traveling with a big group, DEFINITELY hire a guide. It takes the pressure off of one person being put in charge of the itinerary.

One of the best things I’ve ever done was hire a guide for my five-day trip to Tokyo since I wanted to see as many things as I could in a short period of time.

33. Use a sheet mask on long flights to replenish the moisture back into your skin.

I love using these sheet masks on the plane. Instead of looking haggard when you land, your skin looks super glowy and fresh.

34. Hire a passport/visa expediting service if you’re in a pinch.

I used a company called “It’s Easy” to renew my passport when I was super tight on time, and they were able to get it to me within a few days.

35. Keep a “packing checklist” in your phone.

You can refer back to it every time you’re heading out of town. I have an example of my travel packing checklist here .

36. Always keep your boarding pass.

I usually keep mine until I see that my miles have posted on my frequent flyer account—if you end up having to claim missing miles from your airline, you’ll need to have your ticket number and confirmation number as a reference. Which leads me to my next point…

37. Create a frequent flyer account on every airline you travel with.

There’s no reason not to. If you don’t you’ll be missing out on valuable miles that could potentially be put toward your next trip. I personally have FF account with: American, Delta, JetBlue, United, Cathay Pacific/Asia Miles, British Airways/Avios.

38. Keep your iPhone photos organized.

Save all of your favorite trip photos into an album in iPhoto so that you can find them quickly.

39. Turn your travel photos into cool animations using free apps.

One of my favorite ways to jazz up my photos following a trip is by using apps like KiraKira and Enlight Pixeloop. (For example, I have a little tutorial that shows you how to add falling snow to your photos in 30 seconds.)

40. Use a pants hanger to ensure blinds stay closed over night.

There’s nothing worse than waking up at the crack of dawn on vacation because of a small gap in the hotel drapes. I avoid this by using a hanger with trouser clips to secure the two window shades together.

41. To find cheap flights, consider looking beyond the obvious sites like Kayak and Expedia.

If you set the tab or filter to “everywhere” or “anywhere” and are flexible with your dates and travel time, you can find really inexpensive flights and even earn extra miles if you fly an extra leg.

A few of the best “deals” sites are:

• Sky Scanner

42. Always ask for an upgrade.

Unless you’re on an unlimited budget or celebrating a special occasion, never book the best room at a hotel—but always ask for an upgrade. I did this on a recent trip to Maui , as well as in the Maldives and St Barths , and totally lucked out!

Make sure to join the hotel’s loyalty program before arriving (they’re free), since they usually honor those requests for members as long as a higher room category is available.

43. Sometimes, the budget airlines have even cheaper flights on their sites.

Also, if you sign up for their newsletter and loyalty clubs, you get added perks and insider info. A few that comes to mind are Norwegian, Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit.

44. Be a “country counter.”

Download the “Been” app to keep track of the countries and states you’ve visited.

45. Get a more authentic “local” experience with your accommodation.

Using sites like Air BnB, VRBO, Booking and others gives you the opportunity to live more locally and at a significantly discounted rate. In fact, sometimes the house share experience is more personalized and luxurious.

46. Book a private room at a hostel to save money.

If hostels are an option (check HostelWorld.com), you can book private rooms for a really cheap rate. This is a great way to 1) save money 2) meet new people (perhaps people you could room with in another country on future trips.)

47. Always have a back-up power source.

Charge an external battery before you travel, and have it with you on the plane in case the seats don’t have outlets.

48. Compare flight prices using Airfare Matrix.

AirFare Matrix is something travel agents use. It is a Google tool and allows you to do some great price comparison without the third party interjection (that can sometimes cause you to pay more if you’re not searching in an incognito browser).

You can’t book directly from the site, but can use the codes as a source to get the cheapest price when you call an agent, or even the airline.

49. Try toggling to a different “home” country when searching for flights to get cheaper rates.

If you’re looking to fly a specific airline, set your country (usually in the top right hand corner or in the website’s footer) to one that has a good FX rate (of the countries available, of course).

This will allow you to view and purchase the flights in another currency, and potentially save big! It will take some time and some trial and error, but if you have the time, it’s worth it!

50. Mark your bag fragile.

It’ll be handled properly and make it to the top of the pile, ensuring your luggage comes out in the first batch!

51. Before you pay for an upgraded cabin, see if the flight is full.

If not, put yourself on the upgrade list as soon as you can. Also, offering to get bumped from a flight and wait for the next flight could give you leverage to negotiate a better seat (and maybe even money or points).

52. Use FourSquare for Wifi.

You can find wifi passwords on FourSquare for restaurants, cafes and other places (just be careful, obviously, as not all of these are secure.)

53. Turn on “Private Browser” when searching for flights. 

Prices do, in fact, fluctuate based on the cookies in your web browser and how many searches you’ve performed for a specific destination. Which is why searching for flights in a private browser (also known as “incognito mode”) is an absolute must.

If you’re using Google Chrome, you can enable Incognito mode by hitting Command + SHIFT + N.

If you’re using Firefox or IE, you can enable a private browser by hitting COMMAND + SHIFT + P.

54. Bring an oversize scarf on the plane that doubles as a blanket.

Then wear it as a chic cape during your trip.

55. Save on parking by pairing up with a local.

Garage Pointer is a website that connects you with people who own parking spaces and are willing to rent them (temporarily) to visitors. As of now Garage Pointer is only available in the U.S.

56. Rent a car…from a local.

Ready for the best car travel hack? Look into whether or not Turo is available in your destination. The app and website connects you with people who own cars and are willing to rent them out for a fee that is (usually) much less than traditional car rental.

57. Overwhelmed with what to pack? There’s an app for that.

PackPoint helps you determine what to pack based on where you are going and the length of your trip. It checks the weather in your upcoming destination and then provides a detailed packing list for you. (I would also recommend using my “what to wear” guide if you’re packing for trip to Europe in the winter .)

58. Use a service to ship your clothes ahead of your trip.

Sure, this might not be for everyone, but did you know there was a service that stores, packs, ships and cleans your clothes prior to trips? It’s a company called DUFL . While it’s definitely targeted to a very specific market, DUFL is an incredible concept.

You send them a capsule wardrobe (consisting of clothes you need for every trip, like business travel), and they’ll store the clothes in a “virtual closet,” which you can access through the app prior to your departure. They then send the clothes to your hotel ahead of your arrival, and collect them to dry clean and store when you leave.

59. Use FlightAware to track your flights.

The website and app allows you to track your flight (or the flights of loved ones) in real time. It’ll also keep you up to date on important info, like whether the incoming flight is delayed, or if the flight had to be rerouted for any reason.

60. Invest in a good adapter/plug converter.

I like this one because it works in all countries, and also has USB ports.

61. Book tours and experiences through AirBnB.

Did you know that Airbnb can be a great resource for things other than accommodations? Over the past few years, the company has expanded to include incredible local experiences and tours.

62. Wear a travel outfit that looks super chic—but it secretly comfortable.

I have an entire blog post dedicated to this (linked above!) but in a nutshell, I’m a big fan of looking put together when I travel. However, I also wouldn’t be caught dead wearing jeans on a long flight.

There are a few little tricks I use to turn otherwise sloppy outfits into something that you’d be confident walking into a luxury hotel wearing.

The most important thing? A lightweight fringed scarf (which doubles as a blanket mid-flight) and a leather or denim jacket. 

63. Invest in a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

We’ve all been stuck next to a screaming child or chronic sniffler on long flights, and the experience can truly get your trip started off on the wrong foot.

I truly can not tell you how much of a game-changer noise-cancelling headphones are. While everyone else around you is having a meltdown over not being able to sleep or concentrate, you’ll be in your own little zen world.

Pro tip : if you don’t want to spring for the fanciest new technology, buy older or discontinued models of Bose headphones on Amazon for a fraction of the price for latest models.

64. Leverage special occasions for perks.

Celebrating a big anniversary or planning a trip for your honeymoon ? Be sure to let the hotel know in advance. When my husband and I went to Thailand and the Maldives for our honeymoon, we mentioned it to each property that we booked, and ended up with upgrades, bottles of champagne sent to the room, and other extra special perks from hotel staff.

65. Use your h otel’s shower cap to protect your toiletries from exploding.

Nervous about your liquids exploding in your toiletry bag on the flight home? Wrap them in the shower cap provided to you in the room. And if you don’t have a shower cap: use the plastic liner that comes with your ice bucket. 

66. Download the Revolut app.

The popular European banking app recently launched in the U.S., and it allows users to exchange currencies from 55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. 

67. Seek itinerary inspiration through social media.

Use Instagram to inspire your itinerary. Browse through hashtags and geotags to see where people took gorgeous photos—and then go to those places! Alternatively, you can google things like “ The Best Instagram Spots in NYC ” or “ The Most Instagrammable Places in London ” for fun ideas.

68. Use AirHelp to get compensated for flight delays or cancelled flights.

We’ve all been there: you miss a connection because of a delayed flight, or your flight get inexplicably cancelled, and you know that the airline has to owe you some kind of compensation.

The problem is that actually getting what you’re owed can be a logistical nightmare that involves long wait times, endless phone calls, and unanswered emails. AirHelp essentially plays the middleman by acting on your behalf.

They do charge a fee (which is a percentage of what you’re ultimately compensated) but as someone who has used the service successfully, I can say that it is VERY much worth saving you the headache.

Plus, Airhelp knows exactly what you’re entitled to based on their expertise, so you’ll often end up getting more than you would have received on your own.

69. Do your souvenir research ahead of a trip.

One thing I always do before I travel is a bit of research about the most unique gifts and souvenirs to buy in the destination I’m heading to. Looking this up ahead of time might top you off to some really cool new boutiques, and it will also guarantee that you don’t end up at an airport gift shop wasting your money on a meaningless memento.

For example, this list of the best things to buy in Paris contains a ton of “hidden gems” within the city you might never have known about otherwise. There’s also something extremely satisfying about going on the hunt for a specific unique item—and then finding it! 

70. Keep a note in your phone filled with travel quotes .

For those times that you desperately want to post an Instagram photo, but you’re at a loss for a caption.

Did you find this list helpful? Are there any travel hacks you love that I didn’t include? Drop them in the comments below!

Thank you to nicole cueto aka @thecubancarrie for her contributions to this piece.

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How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight (or any flight, for that matter)

If you’re traveling with an infant/toddler; bookmark, screenshot AND print the rules for taking things like breastmilk/formula/snacks through security as well as the policy about early boarding for families. It helps to be prepared for any hiccups. And even if you just fly once or twice a year with a child, get TSA Precheck. Your child under 12 can go through the line with you, which makes things SO much faster.

Lindsay Silberman

this is SUCH a good tip (and one i would never have thought of!) thanks for sharing!

I always get a seat on the plane forward of the wings. Any turbulence the plane encounters dieting the flight is less bumpy in the front half.

Charles Loes

these hacks help me a lot thanks for such guidance.

I always get a seat on the plane forward of the wings. Any turbulence the plane encounters during the flight is less bumpy in the front half.

Helen Gaskin

Really a complete guide has never seen such stuff there. I am all the way from Pinterest and your pin is best to attract anyone. And guide too.

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17 Hotel Hacks You Really Need To Know Before Your Next Trip

You'll never travel the same way again.

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After you're done reading this article, check out Bring Me for even more of BuzzFeed's best travel tips and hacks, vacation inspiration, and more !

1. No bottle opener in your hotel room? Check your door — it might do the trick.

2. If you're just going away for a day or two and don't want to lug all your cosmetics and moisturizers with you, a contact lens case makes the perfect little container for whatever you'll need.

3. Nowhere sanitary to stash your toothbrush in the hotel? Take a paper cup and stab right through it.

4. Are you the type who always leaves your charger in the hotel? Attach your car keys to the charger — you literally won't be able to leave the hotel without it.

5. Are you grossed out by touching those germy hotel TV remotes? Take one of the plastic liners from the ice bucket, and wrap that nasty thing up.

6. Not enough counter space in your hotel room? There's probably an ironing board in the closet you can break out.

7. If your hotel room doesn't have a fridge, grab your ice bucket and fill up the bathroom sink instead.

8. If your hotel doesn't have a nightstand, a simple fold in the sheets can come in handy.

9. If you're packing bottles with caps that can easily pop open, wrap a little saran wrap underneath the caps to prevent any shampoo-related disasters in your suitcase.

10. Y'know those hotel power switches that force you to put your key card in the slot? Yeah, any card or thick piece of paper will get you power — not just your key. Now you can charge your electronics while you go out and explore the city!

11. A daily pill box makes for a great way to transport necklaces and bracelets without them getting tangled together into one giant knot.

12. If the curtains in your hotel room don't close all the way, check the closet for one of those hangers with clips.

13. If you're traveling internationally, instead of bringing multiple power adapters for all your electronics, just bring one adapter — and a power strip.

14. Need a good, safe place to stash your cash while sightseeing? An empty tube of Chapstick can do the trick.

15. Packing something that wrinkles easily? A plastic file folder doubles as a cheap and effective way to protect those items.

16. If you're on a long plane ride with no in-flight TVs, a crushed soda can makes a decent impromptu phone stand.

17. Or stick your phone in a plastic baggie and hang it from the seat in front of you. Magic!

Safe travels, my friends!

H/t to r/lifehacks .

Don't forget to check out Bring Me for all of BuzzFeed's best travel tips and hacks, vacation inspiration, and more !

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50 Travel Hacks That Will Save You Time, Space And Money

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: May 22, 2019  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

Recently, travel hacks have become quite popular for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts as well as general travelers.

Not only do traveling hacks save you a lot of money but they can reduce the amount of stress you may experience on a nationwide or international tour.

The best travel hacks help with packing correctly, creating a surplus of on-board entertainment, help you book a cheaper flight and plan your trip .

In effect, travel hacks will make your next trip the finest adventure of your life.

Table of Contents

Travel Hacks:

1. create more space by rolling clothes.

Chutima Chaochaiya / Shutterstock

It always seems like there’s never enough room in your luggage when packing for a great journey.

However, one of the top travel hacks for packing is to roll your clothes instead of folding them.

Simply roll each item into a small tube and you will save an amazing amount of space. Furthermore, rolling your clothes will prevent wrinkling and ugly creases.

2. Pack Just Half Your Toiletries

akvarelmed / Shutterstock

Your lightweight backpacking list should not contain cumbersome bottles of grooming products and toiletries. Instead, pack just enough for an overnight stay.

Most likely you will have plenty of “beauty” products. If you run out, buy a miniature sized bottle of conditioner or shampoo.

3. Avoid Packing Bulky Clothes

minianne / Shutterstock

This is one of the most important travel hacks by far. If you’re not planning on traveling to Siberia or climbing Mount McKinley then leave the bulky coat at home.

Instead, try layers of clothes and “smart” apparel choices like flannel, lightweight cardigans and waterproof jackets.

4. Pack A Small Bottle Of Hand Washing Detergent

mdbildes / Shutterstock

When traveling, you never know when you’ll have the opportunity to wash your dirty clothes.

Sometimes it is necessary to hand wash your underwear and socks in order to stay clean and refreshed.

Remember to pack small bottle of hand washing detergent for such occasions.

5. Transfer Fragrance Into Small Spray Bottle

Lamyai / Shutterstock

Instead of carrying large-sized bottles of perfume or aftershave, try downsizing to a small plastic spray bottle. Not only will it save you space but it will eliminate breakage.

Merely pour your perfume or aftershave into a durable plastic bottle the size of an antiseptic spray.

6. Stuff Your Shoes And Wrap Them

Alexandr Googe / Shutterstock

You can save a little bit of packing space by stuffing your shoes with your socks. Likewise, wrap your shoes in a shower cap or plastic bag to help protect your clothes.

7. Use A Pill Box For Tiny Items

iamnoonmai / Shutterstock

Pill boxes are fabulous traveling kits, you can stuff them with all sorts of small items that you need.

For instance, it will hold jewelry, safety pins, bobby pins, tiny batteries, paper clips, thumbtacks and other objects.

8. Place A Dryer Sheet Into Your Bag

malgosia janicka / Shutterstock

Generally your clothes start to smell like dirty socks after a few days of traveling.

On the other hand, the best travel hack is to place a dryer sheet into your bag to get rid of bad odors.

In fact, a dryer sheet will keep your clothes smelling fresh throughout your trip. There are also more natural selections on the market if you’re not fond of dryer sheets.

As well, you can make your own with some cotton balls and essential oils like orange, lemon, lavender or geranium and a touch of white vinegar.

9. Purchase A Portable Power Bank

FotoHelin / Shutterstock

There is nothing worse than having your phone go dead while traveling.

And to top it off, a dead phone means that you have no way to make important reservations or call home to let everyone know you arrived safely.

A power bank is actually one of the ultimate travel hacks for saving you a lot of stress. The device acts as an external battery that charges solely with the use of a USB connector.

10. Book All Your Flights While On The Go

amirraizat / Shutterstock

One of the best apps around for last minute flight deals is SkyScanner . It is a very useful app that will compare every airline for you.

However, do not book the cheapest flight that you see available.

These flights will direct you to a third party like Travelocity or Expedia, which will have a higher price tag due to commission.

Instead, go directly to the site itself and book your flight.

11. Get Cheaper Airline Flights With Private Browsing

Oftentimes, travel sites and airlines will record your browsing history by installing cookies on your browser.

These companies know how often you visit their site and will typically raise the price because of your frequent visits.

In truth, the increasing price is used to trick you into what is called impulse buying.

On the other hand, you can trick the system by using privacy mode or “private browsing” or “incognito mode”.

To use private browsing, just disable your browsing history and clear the web cache.

This will allow you to browse the web without storing local data that can be retrieved at a later date such as with a travel site and airline.

12. Download Your Own Personal Arrival And Departure Board

ImYanis / Shutterstock

Oftentimes, in order to see the departure board you have to do a few yoga positions to view it.

On the other hand, you may be relaxing in the airport bar and need to leave in order to find the board that shows your departure time.

Then again, instead of the constant inconvenience you can download FlightBoard onto your phone. The app allows you to view the departure and arrival time of every airline.

13. Preventing Jet Lag

Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock

Today, evidence suggests that exercise increases arousal levels in people suffering from jet lag or desynchronosis.

Although there is no indication as to which type of exercise is best for jet lag, most experts agree that light to moderate exercise like jogging or yoga can do wonders.

In addition, according to the Washington Post, exercise can also help with travel fatigue.

14. Mark Your Baggage As Fragile

Efired / Shutterstock

Oftentimes your baggage is either lost or it comes back damaged. To avoid lost luggage simply mark your luggage as fragile.

In truth, your luggage will be treated with extra care or at least handled properly. In fact, your luggage will probably be on the top of the pile in the planes storage compartment.

Not only will your luggage avoid being trampled and smashed by being on the top but you will most likely receive your luggage first.

15. Safeguard Your Razors To Prevent Injury

Kris Black / Shutterstock

One of the worst types of cuts is from a razor. To makes matters worse, having a razor cut while traveling can be messy and embarrassing.

As well, razor cuts can cause profuse bleeding and damage everything within arm’s reach like your airline seat or the carpet.

However, a great life safer that safeguards your razors and prevents injury is a binder clip. A binder clip or banker’s clip can be utilized to easily cover most razors.

16. Only Pack What You Absolutely Need

Aleksandra Suzi / Shutterstock

If your backpacking adventures include various destinations, then you probably won’t be in one place to long.

To save room and packing time, take only what you will be wearing in each hostel or destination.

This travel hack is very handy, especially when you are running late for the bus or your next flight.

17. Never Buy Airport Water Again

Bubbers BB / Shutterstock

As time goes by, airport restrictions seem to drastically increase. Oftentimes, it feels like you have no choice but to purchase airport water at a ghastly price.

However, you can save a lot of money by bringing in an empty bottle to the airport then refilling it after it has passed through security.

18. Charge Electronic Devices Through A TV

Sunshine Studio / Shutterstock

One of the most innovative travel hacks is to charge your electronic devices through a TV. This is extremely helpful if you forgot or lost your wall plug for your charger.

The back of most TVs will have a USB connector. Sometime the USB port is located on the side. Basically, plug your device into the USB connector until it is fully charged.

19. Email A Scan Of Your Passport To Yourself

mcjeff / Shutterstock

Having proof of who you are is vital when traveling international flights. This is especially true if you are a victim of burglary or loss.

Just take a screenshot of your passport so it is available on one of your devices. Remember, a screenshot is visual with or without internet access.

This means that you do not have to have an internet connection to view the screenshot of your passport.

Actually, this is one of the most important travel hacks for travelers and hikers as well as the general public. You never know when something may go wrong.

20. Book Your Lodgings With Hostelworld

Hostelworld is renowned for their spectacular international accommodations. Their trendy and budget lodgings are focused on travelers who want the best in a hostel.

They host a variety of epic events plus connect you with outstanding hostels through the world.

In addition, Hostelworld has a new mobile app that makes booking simple. It includes online savings and an in-built map.

21. Make Sure You Have Skype, WhatsApp And Viber

Alex Ruhl / Shutterstock

Skype, WhatsApp and Viber are lifesaving apps that you should definitely have while traveling.

Skype provides video chat and voice calls between various devices. WhatsApp offers instant messaging and Viber lets you make your calls for free.

22. LifeStraw For Safe Water

LifeStraw / Facebook

When traveling, you can never be too careful when it comes to drinking water.

Actually trusting tap water in many countries is an easy way to acquire stomach issues. Bottled water is a good alternative but it can be weighty and expensive.

The best solution is to pack a portable water purifier such as LifeStraw , Steripen Ultra or other quality compact water purifiers.

23. Line Your Backpack With A Plastic Bag

It may sound odd, but lining your backpack with a plastic garbage bag may extend the life of your gear. The plastic bag protects your backpack from any spillage or leakage.

For example, exploding pens and bottle caps not tightened often play havoc on the pack. Likewise, the plastic bag can be used for dirty laundry at the end of the trip.

24. Try Beeswax To Waterproof Your Things

https://youtu.be/Cb-FmQGTq0A

Beeswax is a great way to waterproof many of your things such as your backpack, thin jacket, Converse shoes and other items.

Simply purchase a stick of bees wax. Whatever cloth you want to waterproof needs to be laid flat and turned inside out.

Next, rub the material with the piece of beeswax. Look for some a uniform graying to occur. Your material is now water-resistant.

25. Use Tic-Tac Containers And Straws To Transport Spices

monticello / Shutterstock

When traveling, you don’t have to eat just plain food. You can easily stock your spices and herbs into a tic-tac container or a straw.

For a straw, heat on end with a lighter, fill with spices then repeat process on the other end to seal.

You may also want to bring some tin foil to place on the tip after it is opened. For tic-tac containers, makes sure you wash the mint taste out.

26. Create Your Own Airline TV

Angyalosi Beata / Shutterstock

The bad thing about airline TV is that their selections may not be the best. Instead of relying of the airlines selection of shows you can create your own TV line-up.

First off, you will need to free up some storage on your device, TV shows and movies take up a lot of space (several hundreds of megabytes per show).

Next, download your favorites via iTunes, Amazon Prime, Netflix, YouTubeRed or other digital stores.

One of the greatest advantages of downloading to your device is that you can watch your favorites even when you are offline.

Also, use your earphone out of respect and courtesy of others.

27. Buy A “Fake” Wallet To Fool Pickpockets

Jacob Lund / Shutterstock

Get a dummy or fake wallet to fool those that are dishonest. That way, if the wallet is stolen, nothing will be lost.

Also, make sure that you hide your real wallet somewhere clever and close to you.

Good places to hide your wallet are within a security belt, hidden pockets within a coat or a scarf with a hidden pocket.

28. Bring An Extension Cable Or Power Strip

navee sangvitoon / Shutterstock

If you are planning to stay in hostels, plugins may be minimal. Instead of taking turns to use a plug-in, just bring an extension cable or power strip.

And since there are numerous outlets to share, you will quickly become everyone’s pal.

29. Bulldog Clips Can Protect Your Earphones

A bulldog clip or alligator clip can be used to help extend the life of your earphones.

Basically, use the bulldog clip to wrap the cables for easy storage. As well, the alligator clip can help attach your earphones to a pocket, shirt or backpack.

30. Protect Your Cables With Pen Springs

If your cable connections keep breaking when you travel then try wrapping them in springs from a ballpoint pen.

Remove the spring from the pen. Fit the extended end of the spring to one of the cable ends (the end that meets the plug). Gently wind the spring around the cable.

Fasten the other spring end with pliers so that it does not move up or down. When ready to use the cable, just remove the spring.

31. Hack Into The Best WiFi Available

Oleksiy Mark / Shutterstock

Being without a good Internet connection while traveling can be rather daunting. Instead of being overwhelmed, locate the First Class Lounge while you are at the airport.

Take a seat and then connect to high speed Internet for free. Likewise, if you are on the boulevard or downtown, mosey on up to a classy restaurant and sign in.

32. Use Google Maps Offline

Naritsorn Hirunon / Shutterstock

When exploring an area it is not realistic to stay by an establishment just to get a WiFi connection.

Prior to your journey you can download the lifesaving Google navigation map onto your phone or tablet then view it later without having to rely on a WiFi signal.

In fact, the Google Maps 8 will display distance, travel time, ETA, lane guidance and even public transport.

33. Use ATMs & Cash Machines To Exchange Local Currency

franz12 / Shutterstock

Instead of trying to locate the national currency office or a kiosk try using an ATM or cash machine.

An ATM has by far a lot cheaper rates than the currency exchange bureau or any kiosk “conveniently” located near the airport luggage carousel.

In actuality, most money converters have outrageous fees and exchange rates. Actually, your banks fee will so much cheaper than other venues that offer currency exchange.

34. Place Your Rechargeable Batteries In The Fridge

Photo Intrigue / Shutterstock

Placing your batteries in the fridge will keep them fresher and greatly extend the shelf life.

In fact, most rechargeable batteries retain 90% of their full charge if they are kept in cold temperatures . This means that you do not have to charge them as often.

35. Get Numerous Free Things Just For Traveling

Cookie Studio / Shutterstock

Today, there are numerous companies that are searching for people to try out their products, test their employees and provide feedback.

In exchange, you can get a variety of products like free films, movies, drinks and other amazing items.

Moreover, being a market researcher in the country you are traveling requires minimal work and can actually be a lot of fun.

36. Make Real Travel Friends Via Your Phone

While exploring, it is great to meet fellow travelers. However, while visiting unfamiliar territory, it can be intimidating and daunting when meeting new people.

Instead, you can make some wonderful friends out on the road by using various apps online.

Backpackr and Travel Buddies can assist you with finding nearby travelers and checking their itinerary.

37. Bring A Box Of Crayons Instead Of Candles

When traveling, you never know when an emergency will strike such as the electricity going out.

Since candles are bulky and take up too much room, you may want to consider bringing a box of candles instead.

In fact, one crayon will burn up to 30 minutes of bright light.

Place the crayon in a small holder or on a lid. With the point end up, light the paper around the crayon using a lighter. Enjoy!

38. Create An Instant Lantern From A Water Bottle

This useful travel hack will light up the entire room! To create a lantern out of a clean water bottle or a milk jug, simply fill the jug with water.

Put your headlamp strap around the jug pointing the light into the side of the jug.

The light will actually disperse through the water to create the ideal amount of glow for lighting up a room.

39. Create Your Own Mobile Phone Speaker

An easy and Eco friendly way to make your own phone speaker is with a used toilet roll or empty paper cup.

Just cut a slit on the side of the used roll of toilet paper and then insert your phone. You now have an instant speaker.

Even better, place your phone into an empty cup and the speaker will transform faint and distant sounds into a clear vocal language.

40. Use Your Phone To Meet Locals

Maarten Zeehandelaar / Shutterstock

A fabulous way to get to know a country or to discover the secret getaways is to get to know the locals.

Finding the perfect places to go can also be organized on an app such as Party with a Local .

This app can guide you the local nightlife, favorite local coffee shop, finest restaurants and more.

41. Get Your Own Personal Tour Guide

Ammit Jack / Shutterstock

Good tour guides can be hard to find and very expensive. However, you can try to look for an individual local to be your personal guide.

This is definitely cheaper than attending organised tours.

42. Give Up Your Seat For Upgrades And Free Extras

Viktor Konya / Shutterstock

Many airlines often get overbooked. As well, they often offer numerous benefits if you give up your seat.

Some of these benefits include nearby accommodation, free food and drink and an upgrade on your next flight at no extra charge.

43. Shadow The Pub Crawl Path

Master1305 / Shutterstock

You may want to join the pub crawl path but not pay the high price. Instead, you can research and find the pub crawl route in the chosen city then head on over to the start of the fun.

If you feel uncomfortable following the crowd, you can always take the pub crawl path on your own time. You are sure to meet other fellow travelers along the way.

44. Predict The Sunset Like A Pro

IMG Stock Studio / Shutterstock

When hiking in international lands, it can be a challenge to figure out when the sun will be going down.

This old survivalist trick is a winner when hiking the great outback.

Basically, each finger represents 15 minutes. To know the time, count the finger-width between the sun and the horizon.

45. Don’t Forget About Selfies

DavideAngelini / Shutterstock

When traveling abroad, taking a selfie is not for memories sake but for identity, especially when you start a new SD card on your camera.

The selfie will actually prove that the camera is yours if it ever gets lost or stolen.

46. Learn Annoying Pop Songs

Solis Images / Shutterstock

If you really want to save money, learn how to play a few annoying pop songs. Most pop songs are just three chords.

With these three chords you can play many songs and impress several people. Maybe you song will get you a few free meals or some beer.

47. Learn To Cook Traditional Dishes From Each Country

suriya yapin / Shutterstock

Learning to cook traditional dishes from each country you have visited is a wonderful travel hack for making friends.

Purchase some inexpensive local ingredients and then make a regional classic meal. Most likely you will have a nice feast and a few good laughs and beers.

48. Save Up Frequent Flyer Miles

Nada Sertic / Shutterstock

If you travel often, it is definitely worth your while to join a frequent flyer program. It really does not take long to accumulate the points and miles.

In fact, over time the miles really add up and will contribute to upgrades and discounted flights.

49. Forget The Car And Rent A Bicycle

MRProduction / Shutterstock

The greatest sights are seen when traveling on foot. The second finest option is to take the back roads on a bicycle.

Riding a bicycle will keep you fit plus help you discover the amazing local hangouts and the culture. In truth, many bicycle tours lead you to the roads less traveled.

These places are hidden from the tourist and general spectators. Riding a bicycle is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the locals and their customs.

50. Give Your Spare Change To The Homeless

Alisa24 / Shutterstock

For paying homage, show your appreciation to the country you visited by giving your change to the homeless.

You will be setting the stage for future travelers and doing a great deed.

Hope you find these travel hacks helpful! Remember to share these hacks with your friends!

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Using Your Credit Cards & Other Methods to Travel Hack Responsibly and Safely

Mastering the art of travel hacking can help you maximize your travel rewards while minimizing your expenses. MoneyGeek's expert tips and resources can guide you in making the most of your credit cards and loyalty programs.

Doug Milnes, CFA

Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.

Brett Holzhauer, CPFC

Personal Finance Journalist

Brett Holzhauer is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor (CPFC) and a personal finance reporter at MoneyGeek. He has written for several leading publications, including Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, CNBC and ValuePenguin. Holzhauer has a journalism and mass communications degree from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University.

Quality Verified

MoneyGeek is dedicated to providing trustworthy information to help you make informed financial decisions. Each article is edited, fact-checked and reviewed by industry professionals to ensure quality and accuracy.

Updated: August 20, 2024

Featured Experts:

Amit Mehrotra

Assistant Professor at New York City College of Technology

Professor Mehrotra has worked in the hospitality and tourism industry for more than 12 years. He has presented at numerous conferences, most notably in the areas of Hospitality Education Assessment, Technology in Higher Education, and Native American Cuisine and Tourism. He is a member of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education and served as an ACPHA Team Member and Chair conducting site visits to institutions across the United States

Julia Menez

Travel Hacking Coach and Founder of Geobreeze

Julia Menez is a points strategy coach, speaker, and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast. After traveling to more than 30 countries before the age of 30 and saving thousands of dollars each year through award travel, Julia distills the strategies from top travel hackers around the world in her Geobreeze Travel podcast, and prepares personalized points and miles plans for her private coaching clients. Through her podcast, Julia features a diverse roster of guests with experiences that are traditionally underrepresented in larger points and miles blogs and media. Her episodes often highlight travel hacking women, immigrants, or people of color.

Linchi Kwok, PhD

Professor at The Collins College of Hospitality Management, California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Linchi Kwok publishes viewpoints and refereed articles in hospitality management and service marketing. His research work won several best paper awards at academic conferences. Linchi is now an associate professor at The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona and a visiting professor at Sun Yat-Sen University. Before moving to Southern California, Linchi worked at Syracuse University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Texas Tech University, and Marriott.

A. Scott Rood

Associate Professor at the School of Community Leadership and Development at Grand Valley State University

Associate Professor Scott Rood has entrepreneurial experience in many facets of the industry. He worked as General Manager, Operating Partner and Area Manager in the commercial recreation sector. He has owned and managed various Big Apple Bagels Cafe locations. Scott has experience in the regulatory side of the industry serving on the State of Michigan's Carnival and Amusement Safety Board, and experience with destination marketing organizations, as Vice President of the Grand Haven Visitor's Bureau. He is a former President of the Resort and Commercial Recreation Association and a former Council Member for the City of Norton Shores, MI.

Travel Blogger, Photographer, and the Founder of Global Viewpoint

Jon Miksis is a travel writer and photographer from Boston, MA. He's the founder of Global Viewpoint, one of the world's leading travel blogs, which reaches hundreds of thousands of global citizens each month. He also has over 700,000 subscribers across his blog and social media channels, where he shares in-depth travel guides, itineraries and photo/video content. Jon is passionate about learning, growing and inspiring others through travel.

Assistant Director & Scholarly Associate Professor, School of Hospitality Business Management, Washington State University, Carson College of Business

Dipra Jha is a scholarly associate professor in the Carson College of Business and Assistant Director of the School of Hospitality Business Management at Washington State University. He is recognized as an expert in luxury hospitality and tourism strategy, and he currently serves on the Board of Directors of Washington Tourism Alliance. A global scholar and innovative educator he is a recipient of the prestigious John Wiley & Sons Innovation in Teaching Award from the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), among other honors. At WSU, Professor Jha teaches courses in hospitality management and international business. He frequently collaborates with communities, government entities and private sector organizations in the United States and overseas on training, research, and outreach projects. In 2019, he was conferred a rare and distinguished Doctor Honoris Causa by the Kyiv Cooperative Institute of Business and Law in Ukraine for his outstanding contributions to international education through virtual exchange.

Andrew Coggins, Jr.

Clinical Professor at the Lubin School of Business at Pace University

Dr. Andrew O. Coggins, Jr. is an internationally known cruise industry analyst. He is an annual attendee at Seatrade’s Global and Asia/ Asia Pacific Cruise Conferences. He has spoken at and served as a moderator at numerous past conferences. He is regularly contacted by the media for interviews on cruise industry and travel and tourism industry topics. Past interviews include China International Radio, MSNBC, Voice of America, WPIX-11 NYC, The New York Times, The Miami Herald, The Baltimore Sun, The Houston Chronicle, The Maritime Executive, The Los Angeles Times, The NY Post, NPR, and Bloomberg. Topics ranged from travel and tourism trends to maritime law to the Costa Concordia disaster to the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.

Points and Miles Blogger at WeGetToTravel.com

Ross Jones and his partner are newfound empty nesters who previously didn't have much opportunity to travel while their children were growing up. However, since their children moved out, they embarked on a journey of discovering how to travel without spending money. In 2021, they delved into the world of points and miles, and it completely transformed their travel experiences. They now embark on an average of five significant trips each year, enjoying nearly $100,000 worth of free travel.

Best Ways to Start Travel Hacking

• Pitfalls of Travel Hacking
• Tips for Travel Hacking
• Expert Advice

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Travel hacking may be a good option if you’re looking to take a vacation without spending much money. Some people have even used “hacking” to finance their vacations around the world. The reality is if you aren’t careful, your trip could take a wrong turn quickly.

Travel hacking does not involve hacking into computers or data servers. In its simplest form, it means making the most of rewards that credit cards , airlines and hotels have to offer. The end goal in all cases remains the same — saving money.

Treading Water: Travel Industry During COVID-19

Take a look at these numbers from the past couple of years and during the COVID-19 pandemic to see the changing nature of the travel industry.

An estimated 35% to 48% of global tourism expenditures were lost in 2020 versus 2019 due to COVID-19 .

At least 18 airlines filed for bankruptcy within the last year and a half.

The global airline industry was estimated to have lost some $315 billion in passenger revenue in 2020.

The U.S. hotel industry was estimated to have lost some $95 billion in 2020.

McKinsey & Company

Some of the links will take you to one of our partner's sites, where you can compare and apply for a selected credit card.

Finding good deals is one part of travel hacking, but it’s not everything. It’s also about using certain programs to make your journey easier and more lucrative. To start, you should look closely at credit card, airline and hotel rewards which can help you score easy upgrades, travel points and bonuses.

Best Credit Cards for

Earning miles

MORE: Best Credit Card Combinations to Maximize Rewards

Credit cards are one of the best ways to earn perks. Between sweet welcome offers and rewards points based on your spending, you can easily earn hundreds of thousands of travel rewards. Several cards can make your travels more affordable by also offering discounts for commonly purchased items like food and gas. Below are a few ways to make the most out of your cards.

Apply for the right card

Select a travel credit card that you can earn bonus points upon signing up. One way to earn points is to collect them through regular or category-based spending. For instance, you may find cards that let you earn up to three times the reward points when you spend on specific categories, such as getting gas for your vehicle or choosing to fly with a certain airline.

Meet spending criteria to meet the welcome bonus

Meeting the card’s spending criteria can help you get bonus points. To reach the limit, use the card to make big-ticket purchases. Be careful about overspending. If you find yourself in debt, you can still work your way out of debt .

Redeem points

Redeem your points to pay for airline travel, flight upgrades or accommodation. Be sure to take advantage of promotional offers that can help you rack up bonus points and benefits such as airport lounge access, priority boarding and travel insurance.

We reviewed and ranked the best travel credit cards best travel credit cards in 2023 that you can get this 2024. Capital One Venture X Rewards offers up to 10X miles with great travel benefits such as access to Capital One and Priority Pass airport lounges and complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status. If you don't mind paying the $395 annual fee, you will surely get the most out of this card as this comes with no foreign transaction fees.

Another great travel rewards card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card . This card lets you earn 3x points on eligible dining, 5x on travel thru Chase Ultimate Rewards and 2x on other travel purchases and 1x on all other purchases. It charges no foreign transaction fees and only comes with a $95 annual fee.

Unless you’re taking a road trip, airlines are an inevitable part of the travel process. They’re also one of the most pricey. Travel hack your way through the airline sector to eliminate the hefty expense of airline tickets by doing the following:

Sign up for airline-branded credit cards or non-co-branded cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Reserve credit card or Amex cards, or book your flight tickets directly through an airline's website after signing up for a frequent flier program. You stand to earn bonus miles just by registering.

Use an airfare aggregator

You can use popular aggregators like Google Flights or use others like Skyscanner, Kayak and Expedia. These less popular sites run a vast number of searches to find the absolute best deals on national and international flights — and usually offer discounts if you book a car and hotel stay at the same time.

Set flight notifications

Most leading flight aggregators have price or fare alert tools. Use notifications to stay aware of price drops on your desired routes. Note that using a private browser is also not a proven way to save money. In some cases, logging into your account might actually give you access to better deals.

Stay flexible

Being flexible can make travel more affordable. Look for smaller local carriers, book your tickets ahead of time and reserve your own flights unless you have a special circumstance that requires consulting a travel agent.

We reviewed the best airlines and miles credit cards to help you rack up on miles.

If you are looking for a basic miles-earning card with a few significant travel perks, consider the United Explorer Card credit card . Cardholders enjoy priority boarding and a free first checked bag. This card also offers an appealing intro offer with a $0 annual fee for the first year.

For business travelers frequently flying with Southwest Airlines, Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a great credit card to have. It offers 1-3 points per dollar spent, 3X rewards rate on air travel, and comes with a welcome offer, anniversary bonus, and basic travel insurance. It charges no foreign transaction fees but does come with a $199 annual fee.

A number of hotels have co-branded credit cards or function as travel partners with existing rewards programs. Often, rewards points can help you score a suite or land a reservation at a moment’s notice. Here are three tips when using your hotel cards.

Consider fees

Before you get a hotel-branded credit cards , look into its annual fees. You find some with low fees, but some may have higher fees that you may be comfortable paying for. If that is the case, determine if you might be able to offset the additional cost by using a card’s rewards and benefits.

Identify hotels that fall under a single umbrella

For example, some of Hilton’s many brands include Waldorf Astoria, LXR, Conrad, Canopy and DoubleTree. The Hilton Honors rewards program covers more than 6,500 properties spread across 199 countries and territories. Knowing what’s included can help you get an idea of what your possibilities are.

Compare benefits

Some benefits include the ability to earn extra points for travel-related spending, bonus points for signing up, complimentary upgrades on membership status, airline credit to cover for incidentals, 24/7 travel assistance services and round-the-clock access to concierge services. Check out what’s offered before you commit.

We reviewed the best hotel credit cards to help you earn more points and maximize your rewards. For example, Chase has a great credit card for you whether you are a Marriott or Hyatt loyalist. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers up to 17x points when you spend at participating Marriott properties. All other purchases come with 2x points. You get Silver Elite Status automatically, and you receive 15 Elite Night credits each year.

World of Hyatt Credit Card , on the other hand, offers up to 2 points per $1 on everyday spending, let you earn up to 60,000 rewards points* on the first six months, and gives you a free night on your card anniversary.

The Pitfalls of Travel Hacking

Despite the benefits that travel hacking has to offer, it comes with risks as well. For instance, you might end up paying more in interest than the value of the points you earn if you maintain revolving balances on your credit card accounts. In general, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Common Risks

If you stay informed, you’ll be able to avoid many of the most common risks associated with travel hacking, including increased debt, account closures and credit hits. Below are a few issues to take into account.

1. Increased Debt

Some people get carried away in the euphoria of earning bonus reward points and end up spending more money than they normally would. No deal is worth the trouble if it causes you to accrue large amounts of credit card debt .

• Pay balances in full: Aim to make purchases that you can pay off in full before the next billing cycle. The best way to avoid accumulating debt and paying interest is to also pay on time.
• Look for cards that offer low APRs: If you plan to keep revolving balances in your credit card accounts, having a low APR (annual percentage rate) can keep your expenses down.
• Check your options: If you have outstanding balances on cards that charge high interest, consider looking at what balance transfer cards have to offer.

2. Account Closures

Keep in mind that some credit card companies have an idea that people may be travel hacking. If an issuer notices a cardholder has a pattern of using a credit card just to earn and redeem points, the credit card company might decide to shut down an account.

• Check the terms: Some banks enforce rules that limit the number of cards someone can apply for within a two-year period. When opening a card, look online to see how many cards you are allowed to apply for. With American Express, you can be approved for two products in a 90-day period — the 2/90 rule. For Chase, the rule is 5/24, which refers to the company denying you a Chase credit card if you open five or more cards within a 24-month period.
• Track your accounts: Keeping tabs on your cards and paying your bills on time can help you avoid account closures. If you’re able to set automatic payments on a monthly basis, you’ll have a better chance of staying organized.
• Consider downgrading or locking your card: You can consider downgrading your card to one with a lower annual fee. Some cards have no annual fee that you can hold on to for as long as you would like. You may also consider locking your card to prevent yourself or anyone from using it.

3. Credit Hits

Making repeated credit inquiries can have a negative impact on your credit score. You also need to account for the impact that canceling a card might have on your debt to credit or credit utilization ratio . This essentially represents the total amount you owe in comparison to the total credit you have available, and it should ideally remain below 30%. Stick to responsible spending habits to keep your credit score on track.

Tips for Safe and Responsible Travel Hacking

As much fun as it is to get a good deal, here are some additional tips to keep in mind when it comes to travel hacking safely and responsibly.

• Do your research. Determine how much you might end up spending on accommodation, food, sightseeing and shopping in advance. Having a general understanding of your budget can help you stay within bounds.
• Use non-credit card, airline and hotel-related travel hacks. Look for additional ways to save, such as minimizing travel expenses by traveling light and looking for freebies, travel passes and affordable accommodation. Other hacks include staying with people you know, finding free events and forming mutually beneficial partnerships with other travelers and people you trust.

Understanding the Rules

Travel hacking by using credit cards , airline and hotel reward programs is not only legal — it’s a key part of the travel industry. As long as you abide by the fine print, you’re not doing anything out of the ordinary. Credit card issuers and airlines know how travel hacking tricks work and craft their promotions accordingly. Just be sure to understand the rules so you can get them to work in your favor.

Expert Advice on Travel Hacking

MoneyGeek spoke to various experts to gain insight on the best ways to travel hack.

• What advice would you give to people with little to no financial knowledge if they want to start travel hacking?
• What would an average consumer need in order to have enough spending power to benefit through rewards programs? Are there certain rewards programs they should focus on more so than others?
• Are there certain reward programs they should focus on more than others?

Resources for Travel Hacking

From airfare aggregators to tools that can help you keep track of multiple reward programs, many resources can help you start travel hacking.

• AwardWallet : This website can help you keep a track of all your hotel and frequent flyer rewards. It works by automatically logging into a user's loyalty accounts on their behalf to retrieve miles and points.
• Skiplagged : A relatively new kid on the block, this airfare aggregator for cheap flights shows hidden-city ticketing trips, in addition to routine deals offered by sites like Expedia, KAYAK and Travelocity.
• Momondo : Momondo functions as an online travel agency and can help you plan your trip. It searches across hundreds of travel sites, from major booking sites to individual companies, to show you the best prices.
• Skyscanner : Skyscanner is a flight aggregator that continues to hold its own by consistently offering the lowest fares across various sectors. It also provides helpful fare alerts.

About Doug Milnes, CFA

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.

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USPS Text Scammers Duped His Wife, So He Hacked Their Operation

The flood of text messages started arriving early this year. They carried a similar thrust: The United States Postal Service is trying to deliver a parcel but needs more details, including your credit card number. All the messages pointed to websites where the information could be entered.

Like thousands of others, security researcher Grant Smith got a USPS package message. Many of his friends had received similar texts. A couple of days earlier, he says, his wife called him and said she’d inadvertently entered her credit card details. With little going on after the holidays, Smith began a mission: Hunt down the scammers.

Over the course of a few weeks, Smith tracked down the Chinese-language group behind the mass-smishing campaign , hacked into their systems, collected evidence of their activities, and started a months-long process of gathering victim data and handing it to USPS investigators and a US bank, allowing people’s cards to be protected from fraudulent activity.

In total, people entered 438,669 unique credit cards into 1,133 domains used by the scammers, says Smith, a red team engineer and the founder of offensive cybersecurity firm Phantom Security. Many people entered multiple cards each, he says. More than 50,000 email addresses were logged, including hundreds of university email addresses and 20 military or government email domains. The victims were spread across the United States—California, the state with the most, had 141,000 entries—with more than 1.2 million pieces of information being entered in total.

“This shows the mass scale of the problem,” says Smith, who is presenting his findings at the Defcon security conference this weekend and previously published some details of the work . But the scale of the scamming is likely to be much larger, Smith says, as he didn't manage to track down all of the fraudulent USPS websites, and the group behind the efforts have been linked to similar scams in at least half a dozen other countries.

Gone Phishing

Chasing down the group didn’t take long. Smith started investigating the smishing text message he received by the dodgy domain and intercepting traffic from the website. A path traversal vulnerability, coupled with a SQL injection , he says, allowed him to grab files from the website’s server and read data from the database being used.

“I thought there was just one standard site that they all were using,” Smith says. Diving into the data from that initial website, he found the name of a Chinese-language Telegram account and channel, which appeared to be selling a smishing kit scammers could use to easily create the fake websites.

Details of the Telegram username were previously published by cybersecurity company Resecurity, which calls the scammers the “ Smishing Triad .” The company had previously found a separate SQL injection in the group’s smishing kits and provided Smith with a copy of the tool. (The Smishing Triad had fixed the previous flaw and started encrypting data, Smith says.)

“I started reverse engineering it, figured out how everything was being encrypted, how I could decrypt it, and figured out a more efficient way of grabbing the data,” Smith says. From there, he says, he was able to break administrator passwords on the websites—many had not been changed from the default “admin” username and “123456” password—and began pulling victim data from the network of smishing websites in a faster, automated way.

Smith trawled Reddit and other online sources to find people reporting the scam and the URLs being used, which he subsequently published . Some of the websites running the Smishing Triad’s tools were collecting thousands of people’s personal information per day, Smith says. Among other details, the websites would request people’s names, addresses, payment card numbers and security codes, phone numbers, dates of birth, and bank websites. This level of information can allow a scammer to make purchases online with the credit cards. Smith says his wife quickly canceled her card, but noticed that the scammers still tried to use it, for instance, with Uber. The researcher says he would collect data from a website and return to it a few hours later, only to find hundreds of new records.

The researcher provided the details to a bank that had contacted him after seeing his initial blog posts. Smith declined to name the bank. He also reported the incidents to the FBI and later provided information to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

Michael Martel, a national public information officer at USPIS, says the information provided by Smith is being used as part of an ongoing USPIS investigation and that the agency cannot comment on specific details. “USPIS is already actively pursuing this type of information to protect the American people, identify victims, and serve justice to the malicious actors behind it all,” Martel says, pointing to advice on spotting and reporting USPS package delivery scams .

Initially, Smith says, he was wary about going public with his research, as this kind of “hacking back” falls into a “gray area”: It may be breaking the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, a sweeping US computer-crimes law, but he’s doing it against foreign-based criminals. Something he is definitely not the first, or last, to do .

Multiple Prongs

The Smishing Triad is prolific. In addition to using postal services as lures for their scams, the Chinese-speaking group has targeted online banking, ecommerce, and payment systems in the US, Europe, India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, according to Shawn Loveland, the chief operating officer of Resecurity, which has consistently tracked the group.

The Smishing Triad sends between 50,000 and 100,000 messages daily, according to Resecurity’s research . Its scam messages are sent using SMS or Apple’s iMessage, the latter being encrypted. Loveland says the Triad is made up of two distinct groups—a small team led by one Chinese hacker that creates, sells, and maintains the smishing kit, and a second group of people who buy the scamming tool. (A backdoor in the kit allows the creator to access details of administrators using the kit, Smith says in a blog post .)

“It’s very mature,” Loveland says of the operation. The group sells the scamming kit on Telegram for a $200-per month subscription, and this can be customized to show the organization the scammers are trying to impersonate. “The main actor is Chinese communicating in the Chinese language,” Loveland says. “They do not appear to be hacking Chinese language websites or users.” (In communications with the main contact on Telegram, the individual claimed to Smith that they were a computer science student.)

The relatively low monthly subscription cost for the smishing kit means it’s highly likely, with the number of credit card details scammers are collecting, that those using it are making significant profits. Loveland says using text messages that immediately send people a notification is a more direct and more successful way of phishing, compared to sending emails with malicious links included.

As a result, smishing has been on the rise in recent years . But there are some tell-tale signs: If you receive a message from a number or email you don't recognize, if it contains a link to click on, or if it wants you to do something urgently, you should be suspicious.

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What to Know About the Latest Social Security Number Breach

Hackers may have gained access to the private information of millions of people from a background check company called National Public Data. Should you be worried? We have some advice.

By Ron Lieber

Ron Lieber covered the 2017 Equifax breach while fleeing from a hurricane .

The details are murky. In April, Hackmanac, a cybersecurity company, posted on X that about 2.9 billion records of personal data were for sale, from people in the United States, Canada and Britain. The data was supposedly stolen from National Public Data , a company that does background checks.

That company became the target of a class-action suit, which Bloomberg Law recently reported, contending that thieves got Social Security numbers in the breach. Bleeping Computer, a technology and security publication, rounded up reports of hackers leaking batches of the data.

We may never know the extent of the breach and the subsequent leak. But I’m not sure the details matter much.

Security breaches happen all the time. Thieves frequently find vulnerabilities in large systems and exploit them.

Our lack of data privacy and security is intensely hateful, but in the short and medium term, the only thing we can do is lock ourselves down as best we can.

Here are some reminders about how to do it.

Control Anxiety

Remember, some thieves steal simply because they can. If they don’t try to use stolen information, you don’t have a problem.

More nefarious crooks need to know how to use the data against whatever aggressive defenses exist at, say, a bank. Often, they fail.

Or they may try to sell the data. A market may not exist, so the stolen information languishes. If a sale does happen, the data might turn out to be outdated.

Also, the buyers may be state actors. If you’re not a likely target of blackmail or in possession of interesting secrets, they may have the goods on you but not want to use them.

Freeze Your Credit

The kind of identity theft where someone pretends to be you and uses your Social Security number to open new accounts can be damaging. One good defense is to freeze your credit files with the three big consumer credit reporting agencies, Equifax , Experian and TransUnion .

Credit card issuers, mobile phone companies and the like generally won’t open new accounts if they can’t check your credit. If you have frozen your credit, someone trying to open an account in your name at a new company won’t be able to proceed.

And if you need to open a new account yourself? You get a PIN when you freeze your file with each of the three companies and use it to thaw the file when someone needs to examine it. Don’t lose the PIN or chaos can ensue.

This is a pain, but I’ve done it for years and have heard only sporadic tales of people being unable to thaw their files when they need to. I’ve also set freezes up for my minor children .

Other Measures

Set up two-factor authentication on as many online accounts as possible, or use an authentication app to secure your online accounts. If thieves haven’t intercepted your email, text messages or phone, then it’s going to be hard for them to break in.

Account alerts are your friend. Depending on your bank or card company, you can set them up for many things, including any charge outside your home country, any (or all) A.T.M. withdrawals or transactions over a certain amount.

If you get an alert you didn’t expect — or even one you did — don’t click links or call phone numbers in the alert. Instead, log into the account in question and find a contact number there. That will keep thieves from redirecting you to their own operations.

Take the Compensation

I’m not confident we’ll ever live in a fraud-free world. Until one exists, I take some joy in accepting compensation from companies that have messed up.

I have cashed settlement checks from various class-action suits. The offers come so fast and furious in the mail these days that I can’t even remember them a week later. What did I send off earlier this month? A request to join the fight against Ticketmaster ? Quest Diagnostics ? There have been many recently.

Thieves don’t want us to gum up the works. Credit bureaus don’t like to slow down the system, either. Counteracting them and cashing in when money is on the table is some measure of revenge, or at least a way to protest the absurd security status quo.

Ron Lieber has been the Your Money columnist since 2008 and has written five books, most recently “The Price You Pay for College.” More about Ron Lieber

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With traditional mortgages for lower-priced homes hard to get, some home buyers are turning to riskier alternatives , like seller-financed loans known as “land contracts” that don’t involve a bank.

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U.S. intelligence officials say Iran is behind hacks targeting Trump, Biden-Harris campaigns

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U.S. intelligence officials say they are confident that Iran was responsible for the hack of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign , casting the cyber intrusion as part of a brazen and broader effort by Tehran to interfere in American politics and potentially shape the outcome of the election.

The assessment from the FBI and other federal agencies on Monday was the first time the U.S. government has assigned blame for hacks that have raised anew the threat of foreign election interference and underscored how Iran, in addition to more sophisticated adversaries like Russia and China, remains a top concern. Besides breaching former President Trump’s campaign, officials also believe that Iran tried to hack into the presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris.

The hacking and similar activities, federal officials said, are meant to sow discord, exploit divisions within American society and possibly to influence the outcome of elections that Iran perceives to be “particularly consequential in terms of the impact they could have on its national security interests,” officials said.

“We have observed increasingly aggressive Iranian activity during this election cycle, specifically involving influence operations targeting the American public and cyber operations targeting Presidential campaigns,” said the statement released by the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations denied the allegations as “unsubstantiated and devoid of any standing,” saying that Iran had neither the motive nor intention to interfere with the election. It challenged the U.S. to provide evidence and said if the U.S. does so, “we will respond accordingly.”

The FBI statement was released at a time of significant tensions between Washington and Tehran as the U.S. hopes to halt or limit a threatened retaliatory strike on Israel over the assassination of Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh in Iran . In addition, an Israeli strike last month in southern Beirut killed Hezbollah’s top commander , but while Tehran and Iran-backed Hezbollah have vowed to retaliate, they have not yet launched strikes as diplomatic endeavors and Gaza cease-fire talks continue in Qatar.

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The U.S. did not detail how it reached the conclusion that Iran was responsible, nor did it describe the nature of any information that may have been stolen from the Trump campaign. But it said the intelligence community was confident “the Iranians have through social engineering and other efforts sought access to individuals with direct access to the Presidential campaigns of both political parties.”

At least three staffers in the Biden-Harris campaign were targeted with phishing emails, but investigators have uncovered no evidence the attempt was successful, the Associated Press reported last week.

“Such activity, including thefts and disclosures, are intended to influence the U.S. election process. It is important to note that this approach is not new. Iran and Russia have employed these tactics not only in the United States during this and prior federal election cycles but also in other countries around the world,” the FBI statement said.

U.S. officials have been on high alert in recent election cycles for foreign influence campaigns and outright interference as in 2016, when Russian military intelligence operatives hacked the campaign of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and orchestrated the release of politically damaging emails through the website WikiLeaks.

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Iran has more recently emerged as an aggressive threat to American elections. In 2020, U.S. intelligence officials say, Iran carried out an influence campaign aimed at harming Trump’s reelection bid that was probably approved by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and was the subject of an unusual evening news conference featuring FBI Director Christopher Wray and other officials.

U.S. officials also have expressed alarm about Tehran’s efforts to seek retaliation for a 2020 strike on an Iranian general that was ordered by Trump.

The Trump campaign disclosed on Aug. 10 that it had been hacked and said Iranian actors had stolen and distributed sensitive internal documents. At least three news outlets — Politico, the New York Times and the Washington Post — were leaked confidential material from inside the Trump campaign. So far, each has refused to reveal any details about what it received.

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Politico reported that it began receiving emails on July 22 from an anonymous account. The source — an AOL email account identified only as “Robert” — passed along what appeared to be a research dossier the campaign had apparently done on the Republican vice presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. The document was dated Feb. 23, almost five months before Trump selected Vance as his running mate.

The U.S. government’s assessment aligns with the findings of private companies.

Earlier this month, Microsoft issued a report on Iranian agents’ attempts to interfere in this year’s election. It said Iran had impersonated activists and created fake news targeted to voters on opposite sides of the political spectrum. The report also cited an instance of an Iranian military intelligence unit in June sending “a spear-phishing email to a high-ranking official of a presidential campaign from a compromised email account of a former senior advisor.”

In a separate report, Google said an Iranian group linked to the country’s Revolutionary Guard has tried to infiltrate the personal email accounts of roughly a dozen people linked to President Joe Biden and Trump since May.

Tucker writes for the Associated Press. AP writer Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.

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Kentucky man who admitted faking his death to avoid child support sentenced to prison

The justice department said that jesse kipf, 39, falsified records to declare himself dead and attempted to sell logins on the dark web..

A Kentucky man was sentenced to nearly 7 years in prison after hacking state systems to fake his death, in part, to escape child support payments, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.

Jesse Kipf, 39, of Somerset, Kentucky, hacked into the Hawaii Death Registry System in January 2023 with the username and password of a physician living in another state to certify his death, resulting in Kipf being registered as a deceased person in several government databases, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Kentucky said Tuesday. He also infiltrated other states' death registry systems and private business networks, and governmental and corporate networks using credentials stolen from real people tried to sell access to these networks to potential buyers on the dark web.

"This scheme was a cynical and destructive effort, based in part on the inexcusable goal of avoiding his child support obligations," said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, in a statement. "This case is a stark reminder of how damaging criminals with computers can be, and how critically important computer and online security is to us all." 

Kipf was sentenced to 81 months by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier on Monday. Under federal law, he must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years upon his release.  

The damage to governmental and corporate computer systems and his failure to pay his child support obligations amounted to $195,758,65.

Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, said Kipf "hacked a variety of computer systems and maliciously stole the identity of others for his own personal gain." Victims of identity theft, Stansbury said, "face lifelong impact and for that reason, the FBI will pursue anyone foolish enough to engage in this cowardly behavior."

Defending against identity theft

Earlier in August, National Public Data revealed billions of American's addresses, names, and Social Security numbers were stolen and up for sale on the dark web due to a data breach. Experts previously told USA TODAY everyone should monitor their credit reports for illicit activity and take a step forward in freezing their credit accounts with the three bureaus for added protection.

If you're a victim of identity theft, the Justice Department recommends placing fraud alerts on your credit reports, closing accounts that were illegally accessed or created, and filing a police report. The department recommends people log all relevant information and conversations for the investigation and when speaking to the three credit bureaus.

Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at [email protected]. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @KrystalRNurse .