Travel Hacks

Who doesn’t love a good road trip? Your favourite music, the open road, and the freedom to have whatever adventure most appeals to you. A bad road trip, on the other hand, is a nightmare that no-one wants to be stuck in. Armed with these travel hacks you’ll never have to experience the latter again.

Plan Your Route in Advance:

It sounds counterintuitive. What about the freedom to enjoy spontaneous adventures? Isn’t that what a road trip is all about? Well... yes, and no.

A good road trip always has a plan: which destinations to visit, what hidden gems to explore along the way, where to stop for fuel and snacks? With this plan in your back pocket you know you’re in for an exciting adventure, and it doesn’t stop you from enjoying the odd spontaneous experience that might crop up, it just means you aren’t reliant on fate to make the most of your holiday.

We recommend using Google Maps or Roadtrippers to help you plan your trip, and booking overnight accommodation to make sure you are well rested and don’t lose your sense of humour thanks to road fatigue.

Pack a Road Trip Survival Kit:

A well-stocked survival kit can make your road trip much more comfortable and stress-free.

Include essentials such as:

• First-Aid Kit
• Snacks & Water
• Flashlight
• Phone Charger & Power Bank
• Blankets & Pillows
• Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitiser
• Spare Tyre & Car Tools

Having these items on hand can help you deal with unexpected situations and keep you comfortable throughout your journey.

Download Offline Maps:

It’s always smart to have a backup plan in case your cell signal dies. Downloading offline maps from Google Maps will ensure that you can find your way even if you lose internet connection. This can be a literal lifesaver in areas with poor reception.

Use Fuel Reward Programmes:

The biggest expense on a road trip is usually fuel. So, we recommend freeing up some funds for other more exciting expenses by signing up for and making use of fuel rewards programmes. These often provide discounts, cash back, or points that can be redeemed for future purchases. Plan your fuel stops around participating stations to maximise your savings.

Stay Organized with Packing Cubes:

This may sound silly, but truly packing cubes are a game changer for organizing your luggage, saving space, keeping things easy to find, and making sure you have no toiletry mishaps. These are a real must have for road trip convenience.

Optimise Your Car for Comfort:

Long hours on the road can be exhausting, so it's essential to make your car as comfortable as possible. Consider these tips:

• Adjust your seat and steering wheel to a comfortable position.
• Use seat cushions or lumbar support for better back support.
• Bring a travel pillow for naps along the way or during rest stops.
• Keep a cooler with cold drinks and snacks within reach.
• Wear sunblock and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from UV rays.

Plan Rest Stops & Breaks:

Taking ten minutes to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and give yourself a break from driving is really important for both staying safe and getting the most out of your road trip. Driving for long periods can be tiring and unsafe. Google Maps can help you find regular rest areas, petrol stations, and restaurants along your route. Don’t forget to also book quality overnight accommodation that allows you to relax and ensures that you are well rested for the drive ahead.

Entertainment for the Road:

Remember, at least half the fun of a road trip comes down to in-car activities. Download podcasts, audiobooks, and music playlists in advance. Bring along travel games, books, or tablets with pre-loaded movies and shows to keep everyone entertained during long stretches of driving.

Pack Healthy Snacks:

While it's tempting to indulge in fast food and petrol station snacks, packing healthy options can keep your energy levels up and help you feel better throughout the trip.

Consider bringing:

• Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
• Nuts & Trail Mix
• Granola Bars
• Whole Grain Crackers & Cheese
• Water & Low-Sugar Beverages

Stay Connected with a Car Charger:

Bring a car charger with multiple ports to ensure that your phone, GPS, and other gadgets remain powered throughout your journey. A fully charged phone is essential for navigation, emergencies, and staying in touch with family and friends.

Explore Scenic Routes:

While highways are often the fastest way to get to your destination, there is nothing more rewarding about a road trip than the chance to explore scenic routes. Look for byways and less-travelled roads that offer beautiful views and interesting stops along the way to turn an ordinary road trip into an adventure.

Everything from saving money on your booking, to optimising your luggage, and having a comfortable flight, can be improved with a few travel tips and tricks. Read below to find out how you can upgrade your next travel-by-flying experience in a few easy steps.

Use Flight Comparison Tools:

Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak can help you compare prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms. Set up price alerts to get notified when fares drop for your desired route.

Book Flights in Incognito Mode:

When searching for flights online, use your browser’s incognito mode. Travel websites often track your search history and may increase prices based on your repeated searches. Incognito mode prevents this tracking and can help you find better deals.

Track Your Luggage:

If you decide to check a bag in, throw an Airtag into your suitcase, so you can always track where it is and can ensure it reaches your destination.

Mark Your Bags as Fragile:

Marking your luggage as fragile can result in gentler handling by airline staff and potentially having your bags placed on top of the luggage pile, making them one of the first to appear on the baggage carousel.

Book in Advance:

While last-minute deals can be tempting, booking your flight well in advance often secures the best rates. Aim to book at least three to six months ahead for international flights and one to two months for domestic flights.

Fly Off-Peak:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically the cheapest days to fly. Avoid peak travel times like holidays and weekends to save money and experience less crowded airports.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items:

Save space in your suitcase by wearing your heaviest and bulkiest items, such as jackets and boots, on the plane. This also helps keep you warm in chilly airports and during flights.

Use a Personal Item Wisely:

Most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item. Use a backpack or tote bag to carry essentials like a change of clothes, toiletries, electronics, and any valuables.

Stay Hydrated:

Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, which can lead to dehydration. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it up after passing through security. Drink plenty of water throughout your flight to stay hydrated - you’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel when you land.

Dress Comfortably:

Wear comfortable, layered clothing to adapt to varying temperatures in the airport and on the plane. Opt for breathable fabrics and avoid tight clothing that can restrict circulation during long flights.

Download Entertainment:

Load your devices with movies, TV shows, podcasts, and e-books before your flight. In-flight Wi-Fi can be expensive and unreliable, so having offline options is a great backup.

Bring Noise-Cancelling Headphones:

These can be a game-changer for reducing background noise and making your flight more enjoyable. They’re especially useful for sleeping or focusing on your entertainment.

Create a Travel Routine:

Establish a routine for flights, such as listening to calming music, doing light stretches, or practicing meditation. This can help reduce anxiety and make the flight experience more pleasant.

Sanitise Your Space:

Airplanes are high-traffic areas with many surfaces touched by different people. Bring sanitising wipes to clean your seat, tray table, armrests, and seatbelt buckle before settling in.

Move Around:

On long flights, get up and walk around every few hours to stretch your legs and improve circulation. This can help prevent stiffness and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Purchase Skip-the-Line Tickets:

Don’t waste your precious travel time waiting in lines! Pre-purchase skip-the-line tickets for all tours and activities that offer this feature. Sometimes a little planning really does go a long way.

Plan & Prioritise Your Itinerary:

Before your trip, research the top attractions and experiences in your destination, then create a list of must-see sights and prioritse them based on your interests and the time you have available. Better yet, to help you navigate your list with ease, create a custom map on Google Maps with all the locations you want to visit. This will help you visualise your itinerary and plan the most efficient routes to save time and avoid backtracking.

Start Early:

Beat the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience by starting your day early. Popular attractions are usually less crowded in the morning, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours:

If early mornings aren’t your thing, consider visiting attractions during off-peak hours, such as late afternoons or weekdays. This can help you avoid large crowds and have a more enjoyable experience.

Use Audio Guides & Apps:

Enhance your sightseeing with audio guides or mobile apps that provide detailed information about the attractions you’re visiting. These tools can offer historical context, fun facts, and insider tips that you might not get from a guidebook – and some of them are even free!

Look for Free Attractions:

Many cities offer free attractions, such as parks, museums, and historical sites. Research these options to include them in your itinerary and enjoy sightseeing without breaking the bank.

Wear Comfortable Shoes:

Sightseeing often involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Invest in a good pair of walking shoes or sneakers to keep your feet happy throughout the day.

Pack Essentials:

Carry a small backpack with essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a portable charger. Staying hydrated and protected from the sun will help you maintain your energy and enjoy your sightseeing to the fullest.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings:

Stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets and scams.

Combine Activities:

Look for ways to combine activities and make the most of your time. For example, visit a museum in the morning and explore a nearby market or park in the afternoon. This approach helps you see more without feeling rushed.

Ask Locals for Recommendations:

Locals often have the best insights into hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions. Don’t hesitate to ask for their recommendations on where to go, what to eat, and what to see.

Use a Bar of Soap to Keep Your Luggage Fresh:

Want to know the secret to keeping your clothes smelling fresh throughout your trip? Place a bar of scented soap in the middle of your suitcase to ensure clean and pleasant-smelling clothes all holiday long. This is especially helpful on long journeys with no access to laundry facilities.

Put Your Rechargeable Batteries in The Fridge:

Running out of juice on your rechargeable batteries quicker than you thought can be a real bummer. Well, there is a pretty cool travel hack to help keep your batteries fresher and full of charge for longer - just stash them in the fridge! As strange as it may sound, most rechargeable batteries retain 90% of their full charge when kept in cold temperatures.

Create a Packing List Template:

Nothing saves time, and makes sure you never go without an essential again, like a packing list template. Keep it on your phone or a cloud service for easy access and updates, and remember to customise it for the different types of trips you take most often (beach, hiking, safari) – you’ll thank us later.

Bring a Power Strip:

This is great to have and so easy not to think of! A compact power strip can be a lifesaver in hotel rooms with limited outlets. This way, you can charge multiple devices simultaneously without having to hunt for extra sockets. Make sure to add it to your packing list template.

Scan & Store Important Documents:

Before you leave, scan important documents like your passport, ID, travel insurance, and itinerary. Store these digital copies in a secure cloud service or email them to yourself. This way, you’ll have access to crucial information if your physical copies are lost or stolen.

Use a Pillowcase for Dirty Laundry:

This is the best dirty laundry hack! Pack a lightweight pillowcase to store your dirty laundry while you travel. Not only does it keep your clean clothes separate, but you can also use it as an extra pillow if needed. Plus, it’s easy to toss in the wash when you get home.

Use ATM Locators:

Avoid high currency exchange fees at airports by using ATMs to withdraw local currency. Apps like ATM Hunter can help you locate ATMs near you, ensuring you get the best exchange rates without extra fees.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle with a Filter:

Never travel without a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. This allows you to safely drink tap water or refill from any water source, which is especially useful in countries where tap water isn’t safe to drink, and makes staying hydrated without spending extra cash easy.

Travel with a Multi-Purpose Jacket:

A multi-purpose jacket with lots of pockets can serve as extra storage, helping you carry essentials like your passport, phone, wallet, and even small snacks. It’s also a handy way to avoid overweight baggage fees by distributing weight more evenly.

Use a Binder Clip for Razor Protection:

Protect your razor blades (and your fingers) by clipping a binder clip over the razor head. This simple hack prevents accidental cuts and keeps the blades from getting damaged or dull.

Stay Connected with eSIM Cards:

If you’re traveling internationally, consider using an Airalo e-SIM card to save on roaming charges. This hack ensures you have access to affordable data making it easier to navigate, communicate, and stay connected.