HappyLifestyleJournal
Maybe you consider yourself a pretty resourceful traveller but some of these hacks will definitely make you go “How haven’t I thought of this?“
Whether you need help packing, travelling or getting around, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Follow these tips and your next trip is going to be nothing short of smooth sailing.
Packing
Packing is always a struggle. How are you going to make everything fit into a single suitcase? How is it going to stay wrinkle-free? Are you going to forget something? We can’t solve all your problems, but here are some tips to make you worry less:
- Roll your clothes instead of folding. This way, you will save precious space in your suitcase and the clothes won’t wrinkle.
- You’ll probably be bringing back some wine bottles as gifts. In order to protect them, you can wrap them in pool floaties.
- Girls, this is a life saver. Getting your hair done at the last minute? Wrap your flat iron in a pot holder so you can pack it while it’s still warm.
- Use pill containers as jewelry boxes. Everything is in one place and it can’t be broken.
- Put your shoes inside shower caps. It will protect other things in the suitcase from getting dirty.
Travelling
It doesn’t matter which means of travelling you use, there are drawbacks to everything. But you can’t avoid that part. What you can do is follow some tips which will make your life much easier:
- If you want to use Google Maps offline, just type “ok maps” and the application will save the location for later. Besides, if you don’t want to depend on the Internet, just save the map in your phone beforehand, it’s much handier.
- If you’re travelling by plane, set your browser to private search before booking a flight. The websites can increase the prices by using your search history.
- You’ve probably heard this one before, but it’s a must-do. Scan your documents (passport, ID) and save it in your phone or, even better, send it to your email. In case you lose them or they get stolen you will have a back-up.
- If you’re travelling by car, you should make everything you need close and reachable. Buy a shower caddy, which is very cheap, and use it as a food container. It will make eating much simpler while you drive.
- Also, if you travel by car, it is essential to remember where you parked. So, unless you have a perfect memory, write the name of the street down, or take a picture. Even better, pin it on Google Maps.
Getting around
So you’ve finally arrived. There are still some things to keep in mind if you want to be safe and keep your travel expenses low.
- If you’re vacationing outside of the US, you should call your bank and make sure you can use your credit card abroad. Otherwise you risk getting your card blocked for suspicious use.
- This said, use your credit card in order to exchange money. That is, use ATMs instead of exchanging currency. Exchange offices can have crazy high rates and you will lose a lot of money. So stick to the ATM as it’s the safest way of getting local currency.
- If you’re going to the beach or a water park, make sure to protect your phone. Your phone could get wet and, unless it’s waterproof, it could just as easily be destroyed. And that’s the last thing you need on vacation.
- We agree you should try local food. But instead of eating in restaurants all the time, you should find the closest grocery store and buy some food. Fruit and snacks will do, but it’s even better if you have the possibility of cooking by yourself. Then you can prepare your own food and save a LOT of money.
- Who hasn’t forgotten a charger at least once in their life? If you’re only missing the wall plug-in, you’re in luck. Try the back of the TV in your hotel room. They usually have a USB port. And if you forget the whole charger, try going to the reception and asking if they have one to lend you.
