In promotional travel videos, travelers are often pictured looking fresh and energetic when approaching the hotel’s front desk. The airline cabins aren’t as cramped as they seem, and passengers look satisfied with their meal. These ads may also feature drone shots of picturesque destinations, looking deserted as if they’re not filled with crowds.
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| 13 Best Travel Life Hacks |
In real life, traveling isn’t as comfortable as depicted above. It involves aching shoulders from heavy luggage, haggard faces from the long-haul flights, and spoiled mood from long, suffocating queues.
To reduce travel stress, check out these 13 hacks that will surely help you make the most out of your next adventure.
1. Research, research, research
Stressful situations can be easily avoided if you do your research ahead of time. Before arriving at the hotel, use google maps to assess the area. Is there a nearby convenience store, restaurant, café, ATM or shopping center? How close is the hotel to the major attractions? What are the available transport services? What are the schedules/operating hours of the attractions you plan to visit?
2. Pack like a real jet setter
Make a list to make sure you’re not overpacking but you’re not forgetting anything important as well. You should also pack things that are lightweight, small, and collapsible.
Roll your clothes, instead of folding them, to make use of your luggage space more efficiently. Put the heaviest items at the bottom of your luggage to keep everything balanced. You should also pack a foldable bag (for souvenirs) and a zip-lock bag (for gadgets).
3. Be an early bird
It’s better to arrive at the airport way earlier and be bored with the ample time to spare than arrive late and cram everything, praying you’ll be able to catch your flight.
The same goes for booking your flight, hotel, and transportation. Book earlier and pretty much all your travel plans will be a breeze. When planning a holiday trip, book at least 5 weeks before your trip.
4. Scarfs and travel pillows are a must
Scarfs and travel pillows are more important than you think. Scarves are lightweight and versatile – you can use it to cover your head from the sun or use it as a blanket when the place is uncomfortably cold. You’ll also need an ample amount of stored energy for the long day ahead. Travel pillows help by letting you rest comfortably whenever and wherever you are.
5. Take extra measures to stay healthy
Pack anti-bacterial products, food supplements, and medicines. Make sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and full, and keep yourself clean. A weak physical state, whether it’s due to lack of sleep or due to unanticipated sickness, is enough to ruin your trip.
6. Mark your bag as fragile
Airport baggage handlers are notorious for being harsh with traveler’s goods. To protect your items from unexpected damage, mark your baggage as fragile (even if it’s not).
7. Bring water bottle
Security gates have been very strict with liquids these days. To avoid paying overpriced water bottles at the airport, carry your own empty bottle. You’ll find water fountains if you need to refill.
8. Combat jetlag with sleep, water, and a healthy diet
Adjust your sleep and meals before your trip to combat jetlag. Stay away from booze, caffeine, and heavily processed food which dehydrate you, making your jet lag worse. Get enough sleep too, so you can make the most out of your day trips.
9. Bring your own food on the plane
Airline food isn’t just ridiculously expensive – they taste bad too. Aside from the fact that they’re prepared prior, frozen then reheated, the airline food tastes so bad because the dry air of a flight cabin tends to suppress the sense of smell, making everything taste bland. For food to taste better, caterers have to add up to 30% more of salt and sugar to a meal, which makes you feel bloated and less energized.
10. Pack earphones and earplugs
While you can’t shush the crying baby in front of you, you can cancel out the noise by wearing earplugs, listening to music, or watching a good movie.
11. Use the toilet on the plane before you land
A few minutes before landing, use the plane toilet. With this, you won’t waste time and energy navigating through a busy airport, looking for restrooms.
12. Split photos among multiple memory cards
Because losing all your photos from your expensive, once in a lifetime trip to Ireland is a nightmare. Instead of using a single memory card with a huge storage, it would be better to buy multiple smaller cards. Should your camera become faulty or you accidentally delete all your photos while being hungover in a hotel in Dublin, you’d still be able to recover some photos from the other cards.
13. Be tech-savvy – don’t be a walk-in
Who doesn’t hate encountering mobs of tourists, long queues, and sky-high prices when visiting a popular travel destination? Skip all the hassle while saving money by securing a spot online. You may even use travel apps where you can get tickets to tourist attractions at a discounted rate.
Author Bio:
Carmina Natividad is one of the travel-savvy writers for IMI Residence Dublin, a modern hotel offering leisure travelers affordable and exceptional accommodation in Dublin Ireland. This frugal young lady believes that traveling shouldn't be expensive. She loves sharing money-saving hacks on lodging, traveling, and dining.
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