Last updated: September 3, 2024
Travelling the world has never been easier. You can book flights on the go, connect with fellow travellers and even get AI tools to generate an itinerary for you. And one of the great things about travelling is that it’s so easy to learn from fellow travellers, learning little tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your travels.
So with that in mind, take a look at these seven random travel hacks you need to know, ready to help you out on your next adventure.
1. Save a tonne of space with packing cubes
If you haven’t used packing cubes before, then your life is about to change! Packing cubes are fantastic for organising your clothes in your suitcase, making it easier to fit more in. They come in different sizes, and when you buy packing cubes from Amazon, Temu and similar stores, you’ll usually get some additional cubes for your toiletries, dirty washing, etc. If you struggle with packing, learning how to use packing cubes could be a game changer for you.
@bricksbychay These #gifted packing cubes from @Home Lab are a game changer when it comes to packing your suitcase, whether you have a hold bag, shared luggage or carry on. Bring more with you and organise you luggage for accessibility while you maximise storage space and fit more in. The ultimate summer essential travel hack. #packingcubes #travel #travelessentials #luggagehack #suitcase #luggage #summeressentials #carryonbag #packmybag #bricksbychay #tiktokmademebuyit ♬ Aesthetic Sunset – Adriel
2. Download local maps to your phone (and Google Translate too)
Using Maps and Google Translate work well when you’ve got mobile signal, but what happens when you don’t or your phone provider wants to charge the earth to use your data abroad? This is where downloading Maps and Google Translate in advance can come in handy. Simply download the map and languages you need so you can access them offline. That way, even when your phone is good for nothing else, at least you’ll be able to use these two travel essentials.
3. Take a portable extension lead with you
We carry so many devices with us these days, and you think hotels would have caught on to that. But sadly, most of us end up scrambling around to find enough sockets to charge our things or having to sit in awkward places to dry our hair. Save yourself the hassle by investing in a portable extension lead, giving you a bit of flexibility whenever you travel. You can buy ones that are designed specifically for travel, featuring USB ports and even different plug configurations to make sure you can use your devices with ease. Say goodbye to charging your phone way across the room at night!
4. Access your favourite streaming services with a VPN
When you’re travelling or on holiday, watching TV might be the furthest thing from your mind. But when you’re having some downtime or you’ve got a long journey, it helps to access some form of entertainment. If you’re worried about accessing your local shows when you’re away, you could use a VPN to hide your location, letting you watch iPlayer in Spain or HBO in Australia when it’s not available there! A VPN is also a good idea to help keep your browsing secure, and you can turn VPNs on and off as needed in case you need to access some local content.
5. Create custom maps to help you plan your activities
Besides downloading maps to use offline, you can also create your own custom map that’s tailored to your activities. This hack is great for exploring cities – you could plan a different map for each day so you plot your routes and ensure you don’t miss anything that was on your list of places to see.
6. Take portable luggage scales with you
If you struggle with keeping your suitcase within the weight limit, then it’s a good idea to invest in some portable luggage scales. These scales will let you weigh your bags quickly and accurately, preventing extra charges! You can avoid surprises at the airport with the help of this simple device.
7. Invest in an eReader or make the most of hotel book collections
Books can take up a lot of space, and for that reason, a lot of people get through a book quickly and then find themselves without anything else to read! eReaders are perfect for this, as they allow you to download books on the go, so you’ve always got something to read on your travels. Alternatively, most hotels have collections of books left by other travellers which you can either borrow or exchange from, so why not keep books circular by leaving one of your own and picking up one that’s been left behind? You’ll often find the shelves are stacked with the latest must-reads, as well as some quirkier books that could end up becoming your favourite.
And there you have it. These hacks may be random, but they’re a great way to enhance your adventure and perhaps even make it more enjoyable. Do you have any useful travel hacks you’d like to share?
Leave a Reply