Travel Savvy: Do These 14 Travel Hacks To Elevate Your Adventures

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Do you want to become a more efficient traveler? Deciding to travel is the first step in any adventure, but how you plan, proceed with, and execute your trip is another thing entirely.

Fortunately, this list of wanderlust wisdom should make it all easier. It’s a compilation of 14 hacks from an online travel community, helping others embark on their escapades and travel like a pro.

1. Don’t Leave Packing to the Last Minute

Young woman holding suitcase to travel forgetting something

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This one might seem obvious, but plenty of people still leave their packing to the last minute. Take it from someone who has procrastinated on this job until just hours before a flight – it’s not worth the stress. Besides, packing should be a fun part of the process. Starting earlier lets you enjoy before the adventure starts.

2. Carry Cash and Exchange In Advance

Woman travelling with suitcase.

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If you’re off to a more adventurous destination, you’ll want to carry cash in advance in case there are no easily accessible ATMs upon your arrival. The same can be said for exchanging your money. Often, airports are the most expensive place to do this, so it’s best to visit a bank or credit union before departure.

3. Clean the House Before You Travel

Woman travelling with suitcase.

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Several people online chimed in on this hack as one of the best things they’d ever done for their post-travel self. The idea behind this hack is that travelers often return home late in the evening, and coming home to a messy living space can be stressful. So, by cleaning before you leave, you won’t feel guilty about falling into bed and tackling unpacking later.

4. Meal Prep Before Travel

A woman in shock looks into a paper check from a supermarket in a shopping center against the background of an escalator and holds a package with fresh products, price increase

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One shared, “Make a simple meal and freeze it. After all the eating out, some homemade soup, or whatever you find comfort in, is great to heat up and enjoy.”

Other commenters agreed, and a few mentioned that they set up a grocery delivery order for the day after they returned from travel. Of course, no one wants to go to the grocery store after vacation!

5. Travel with Only a Carry-On

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One would think in 2023, the airlines would have a better grasp on technology. Sadly, lost luggage is still a thing, and the best way to avoid having your luggage lost or misplaced is by keeping it with you.

6. Bring Ear Buds or Noise-Canceling Headphones

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Everyone agreed that at some point during your travels, you’ll want a little quiet. Whether that time comes on a plane or in a hotel room, it never hurts to keep noise-canceling headphones on hand.

I also use an app or physical sound machine to block out noise when trying to sleep.

7. Bring an Empty Water Bottle through TSA Check Points

Woman hiker with backpack driking from reusable water plastic bottle outdoors in nature

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Several commenters mentioned saving on those expensive airport prices by using refillable water bottles. Take them through security without any liquids and fill them up after arriving at your gate.

Others also stated that ice is not a liquid and have never had problems going through security with ice.

8. Purchase a D-Ring Clip for Multiple Uses

d-ring-clips

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Often found in a baby aisle at big box stores, a D-ring clip is advertised for parents to clip baby bags onto strollers. However, it can also hold several grocery bags at once, attach items to carry-on bags, or secure purses to chairs, strollers, or shopping carts. It’s the travel essential you didn’t know you needed!

9. Pack Zip-Top Bags for Travel

ziplock bags

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Zip-top bags have many uses when it comes to travel. They can hold dirty clothes, keep electronics from being exposed to moisture, or bring home leftovers. Never leave home without one.

10. Pack an Extra Bag for Souvenirs

souvenir bag

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Like the zip-top bag concept, commenters shared that packing an extra bag (such as a collapsible duffel) for souvenirs or other items purchased during travel was helpful. Though they may have had to pay for a checked bag, it cost them less than shipping items home, especially from international travel.

11. Have a Medicine Stash

basket of medicine

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It can be easy to remember prescriptions when packing but less to remember to bring the basics. Medication for headaches, nausea, indigestion, nasal spray, cough, and colds can be expensive if you make a last-minute purchase in the airport or hotel lobby.

12. Invest in Clear or TSA Pre-Check

tsa precheck

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American travelers, especially ones with children, should consider investing in Clear or TSA Pre-Check for airline travel. The security lines are typically shorter, and children are covered under the registered adults until twelve.

13. Make Photocopies of Important Documents

photocopy machine

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From driver’s licenses to passports to hotel confirmations, make photocopies of these important travel documents. Should you lose them, it may expedite the replacement process to have a copy of the original with you.

14. Roll Clothing to Maximize Space

rolled clothing suitcase

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Finally, no matter how you are traveling, maximizing space is essential. Consider rolling clothing tightly to maximize space in luggage, whether it’s the trunk of a car or an airplane carry-on. Wear bulkier clothing in the car or onto the plane. This will help avoid having multiple bags to carry everything.

15 Epic Travel Experiences Around the World People Swear By, Have You Been?

indian holi festival

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The world has no shortage of epic experiences. Every country is ripe with adventure if you have an idea of your interests and are willing to look. For those wondering where to start the search, here are 15 travel experiences people in one online community swear by.

15 Epic Travel Experiences Around the World People Swear By, Have You Been?

Social Media Reveals the 10 Most Picturesque National Parks in America

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What’s the point of traveling without capturing the perfect “Insta’ pic?” Scenic destinations such as the Grand Canyon likely come to mind as being the most visited and photographed places, but the national park in the U.S. with the most hashtags per acre is Gateway Arch National Park.

Social Media Reveals the 10 Most Picturesque National Parks in America

Incredible Peaks: Here Are the 15 Most Beautiful Mountains in the World

Rainbow Mountain, Peru

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The planet is full of incredible peaks. Each continent hosts its own contenders. Long used as a symbol for challenges and overcomings, these natural wonders are solemn and majestic.

Here are 15 of the world’s most beautiful mountains. You don’t have to be an avid hiker to appreciate their beauty, but are there any you would dare to climb?

Incredible Peaks: Here Are the 15 Most Beautiful Mountains in the World

15 Bucket List Hot Spots To See the Northern Lights

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One of the most enchanting natural phenomena in the Northern Hemisphere is the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. On the proper night, with perfect weather conditions and peak solar activity, you can see the stunning lights that paint the night sky. Here are some of the best places to view the Northern Lights.

15 Bucket List Hot Spots To See the Northern Lights

15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences

thailand street food

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There’s something about the vibrance of street food, the richness in flavor, and the rawness of surrounding cultural scenes. Not only is street food more affordable for travelers, but it grants a more authentic experience since this is where natives also gather and convene.

With that said, here are 15 countries serving up the best street food experiences, as voted on by an online foodie forum.

15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences

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Source: Reddit

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Sarah Gilliland

Sarah is an expert travel writer and founder of On the Road with Sarah, a travel website with a focus on family experiences in the travel sector. She created her website as a resource for families looking to make the most of their vacations together. In addition to managing her own site, Sarah is a freelance writer for outlets such as Insider, Conde Nast Traveler, YahooLife, MSN, and Wealth of Geeks.

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