32 Travel Hacks | Colesville Travel

32 Travel Hacks That Will Help You Travel Like a Pro

Cynthia Amin • July 6, 2021

Anticipating a trip can be exciting, but the preparation alone can be incredibly overwhelming.

Whether you’re headed out for a quick vacation or a longer getaway once it's safe to travel again, these travel hacks will have you traveling like a pro in no time.

I’ve gathered the best travel tips and tricks to help you save money, avoid mistakes, and travel like a pro! Let’s get started!

1. Travel on the Holiday

If you fly on the actual day of the holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, you will generally get a lower airfare and there will probably be plenty of seats available.

2. Book in Advance

The less expensive hotel rooms sell out quickly so make your reservation well in advance to get the best rates. If there is a special room that you want, like a swim-out room or an overwater bungalow you especially need to book early.

This also applies to rental vehicles. If you don’t book in advance you may end up paying for a larger or more expensive vehicle than you need.

3. Contact Your Credit Card Company

Notify your bank or credit card company of your destination where you are traveling to make sure that your card is authorized for overseas use. This will prevent the bank from blocking your card or worse yet getting your card confiscated by the ATM machine.

4. Pack and Travel Light

There is nothing wrong with wearing the same clothes a couple of times. Swap out your tops and bottoms. Bring a small pack of detergent to wash small items or use the hotel laundry service if you can afford it. Pack neutral clothes so that everything matches. Take half the clothes and twice the money. Chances are you won’t wear half of what you packed.

5. Make an Extra Copy of your Passport

Make a copy of your passport and put it in your suitcase. You can also email yourself a copy and take a picture of your passport. This way if anything happens, you can easily access your information.

6. Ask the Hotel Staff or Concierge for Information

The hotel is a great resource for information. They can tell you how to get to places, and where to go for the best restaurants, local shows, and attractions. They can also provide information on the best modes of transportation.

7. Purchase Travel Insurance

You never know when something may go wrong. You may lose your bag, your luggage may be delayed, your purse may be stolen, or you may trip and fall, accidents do happen. By having travel insurance, you will be prepared when the unexpected happens. Without travel insurance you may be out of thousands of dollars, so it is better to always be prepared.

Colesville Travel will be happy to provide you with a travel insurance quote for your trip.

8. Take a First-Aid Kit

Accidents can and do happen, so it is best to be prepared. Purchase a first aid kit that includes Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, and antiseptic solution.

9. Bring a Sewing Kit

I always like to have a small sewing kit in my bag in case I need to sew on a button or fix a hem. The kit should also include safety pins.

10. Roll Your Clothes

Instead of folding your clothes and packing them in your suitcase, why not roll your clothes? By rolling your clothes you will have more room in your suitcase, and it will leave room for souvenirs or any other things you may purchase when you are away.

11. Pack a Couple of Pens

Always travel with a couple of pens. This way you can easily complete any custom forms that you receive as soon as you receive them, and you won’t be rushed having to do it standing in line when you arrive.

12. Use the ATM Machines to Get Local Currency

Do not use the currency exchanges at the airport because you will pay higher prices. The ATM machine will provide the local currency and you can use your debit or credit card to get your money. Ask your bank ahead of time about the cost of any international fees when withdrawing money.

13. Unpack Only What is Necessary

This may be a matter of choice, but when you get to your hotel room, unpack only what you need. By only unpacking the necessities from your luggage you will save a lot of time repacking when it’s time to go home. You also take the risk of leaving something behind.

14. Always Carry Emergency Cash

Emergencies can and do happen. To avoid being stranded or unprepared, always have access to emergency cash or access to emergency funds.

15. Travel With a Jacket

Depending on where you are traveling, nights can get chilly, and you don’t want to ruin your evening by being too cold. For example, the nights in Dubai get chilly, because Dubai was built on a desert and deserts get cold at night.

16. Invest in a Pair of Noise-Cancelling Earphones and Earplugs

Snoring, traffic, and hotel noise is inevitable, and you’ll need plenty of sleep after long days of touring. You also may want to listen to movies on a long flight and the earphones will drown out the noise around you. It will also help you get a good sleep.

17. Eat at Expensive Restaurants During Lunch

If there is a famous, expensive restaurant that you really want to eat at, why not go during lunch time or visit for happy hour? Most of these restaurants offer lunch specials.

18. Make a Souvenir List

Having a list will save you time and money while shopping because you will know and remember who you are buying gifts for ahead of time.

19. Get Up Early in the Morning

It’s a good idea to always get a good night sleep and get up early in the morning to start your day. You will get a jump start on the day, avoid long lines, and get more accomplished.

20. Meet the Local People

Take every chance you can to meet and mingle with the local people. By doing this you will experience the culture and come home with a better understanding of the people and the destination.

21. Try the Local Food

Culture is often best experienced through food. Step out of your comfort zone and try the local food. Visit the local restaurants and food stalls. While there try to meet the local people.

22. Get Lost on Purpose

Put down the map and phone and just walk. You may find hidden gems that are not in any of your tourist guides.

23. Be Flexible

Don’t forget to leave space for spontaneity. It is nice to have an itinerary but do not be afraid to deviate from your plans. Be flexible, you never know what you may discover.

24. Be Patient

When you travel, you must pack your patience. There is a lot of waiting involved when you travel. You can either get impatient or get used to it. If you travel enough, you will becomes used to waiting. Being impatient doesn’t make the bus come any faster or the corner restaurant open any earlier.

Stay in the moment and appreciate your new surroundings. There’s no reason to be in a hurried pace while you’re on vacation – relax.

25. Be Adventurous and Leave the Comfort Zone Behind

Do not be afraid to experience new things! Go ziplining, go for a hot air balloon ride, ride camels and elephants in the jungle or desert.

Come face to face with your fears in ways that really challenge your boundaries by bungee jumping, sky diving or taking a helicopter tour.

26. Take Lots of Photos and Video

Memorialize and cherish your memories by taking lots of photos to look back on in years to come.

27. Bring a Journal

Journaling is an excellent way to stay in the present moment and to be mindful of your surroundings as your mind wanders. Get creative and write about your experiences.

28. Travel with a Metal Water Bottle

Find out if the country you are visiting purifies their water. It they do, you can save on purchasing bottles of water by refilling your metal bottle with water.

29. Travel with Healthy Snacks

Always carry protein bars, nuts, peanut butter, or trail mix in your carry-on bag. These snacks will help you stay prepared when hunger strikes.

30. Be Kind to Your Body

By getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated you will function better throughout the day and get the most out of your vacation because you will feel energized.

31. Look Both Ways When You Cross the Street

Be careful when you cross the start, particularly in countries where traffic flows in a different direction than what you are used to. Like in Europe, Australia, and Asian countries.

32. Visit the Local Tourism Office

Even if you have an itinerary, it’s a good idea to visit the local tourism office. They may have info on free activities and special events happening during your visit.

Final Thoughts

The best way to feel at home on your vacation is to leave home feeling confident and well-informed. Remember, we all started out as tourists, but we can quickly become travelers.

Some of these travel mishaps can be avoided and some of them are just a part of traveling. You simply cannot plan for everything. However, keeping a few important things in mind when you travel will make your travels much easier.

When you are ready to travel, Colesville Travel is here to guide you on every step of your journey.

Contact us today at 301-989-1654 or email us at cindy@colesvilletravel.com for more inspiration. Feel free to visit our website http://www.colesvilletravel.com.

Until then, stay inspired!

Cindy

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