There is nothing near the excitement of preparing for a trip, but traveling is quite stressful-from preparation to taking that actual trip. So we have faced delayed flights and forgot some essential things, and the usual events of traveling don’t leave much room for fun. Worry not; with a couple of simple travel hacks, you are going to minimize stress during your getaway.
In this article, we will discuss five absolute travel hacks that will help you save more of your time, money, and avoid some common headaches when going through smooth travels.
1. Pack Smart with a Minimalist Approach
One of the most common stressors when traveling is packing: how to decide what to bring, ensuring you don’t forget something, and then somehow jamming everything into your luggage. Adopting a minimalist approach is the key to making your packing experience stress-free.
Travel Hack: Use the 3-1-1 Rule
Pack only three outfits that could be mixed and matched, one versatile jacket, and one pair of shoes, preferably comfortable walking shoes. The trick is to choose neutral colors, and lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric. Sticking to the basics will save you space and reduce the weight of your luggage, which should make airports and other public transportation easier to navigate.
Bonus Tip:
Roll your clothes instead of folding them to allow much space to fit inside your suitcase. This way, also gets rid of wrinkles, so you will be less anxious about your closet when you reach your destination.
2. Book flights and accommodation in advance to get the best deals
Timing is everything in booking your flights and accommodation. Most travelers do not know that booking too early or too late can lead to high prices.
Travel Hack: Book Flights 6-8 Weeks in Advance
Air travelers should book their flights about 6-8 weeks in advance to get the best prices, according to a travel expert. And when you fly mid-week, from Tuesdays to Wednesdays-best avoided by most travelers-cheap airline tickets are often up for grabs.
Accommodations: Often, booking directly on a hotel website allows for lower rates or perks, such as free breakfast or a room upgrade. With vacation rental sites, like Airbnb, try to book during slower periods of the year for cheaper and more available accommodations.
3. Use Digital Tools for Organization
With so many details to consider-from a flight itinerary to a reservation at a hotel-it is no wonder that travel planning can be overwhelming, with all the logistics. But never fear, because there are numerous digital tools out there that can help make planning travel an easier feat.
Travel Hack: Download Travel Apps
Use apps such as Google Trips or TripIt. Consolidate all travel documents in one application. You can include information stored about flight plans, hotel plans, and activity plans; therefore, everything you need is easy to find on the road.
Bonus Tip
Use your camera phone to take pictures of copies of documents such as your passport, ID, and itinerary. That way, if something happens to them, you have a quick printout to access anything you may need, and you can reference information immediately when you need it.
4. Research Avoid falling into tourist traps.
Nobody wants their vacation spent standing in the lines or overpaying for amateur attractions. Therefore, spend your time finding local experiences to avoid tourist traps and maximize the enjoyment of your trip.
Travel Hack: Tap into Local Blogs and Forums
Before you embark on your trip, make sure to read travel blogs and forums such as Reddit. Try using social media hashtags to find hidden gems like off-radar restaurants or uncharted scenic spots, unique experiences that are often off the beaten path. Locals will share some of the non-very touristed areas or fun activities you would not find in popular guidebooks.
Bonus Tip:
Take advantage of the “Explore” feature within Google Maps to find restaurant and activity recommendations based on your destination area. You’ll also be able to save favorite spots to your map for a personal travel guide once you arrive.
5. Prepare for Jet Lag and Travel Fatigue
Jet lag and travel fatigue are two of the biggest culprits behind that post-vacation exhaustion. Long flights and changes in time zones wreak havoc on your body’s natural rhythm, but a little preparation beforehand might be able to curtail the damage.
Travel Hack: Adjust Your Sleep Schedule Before You Go
Three to four days before you travel to the destination, start slowly readjusting your sleep pattern to that of the time of the destination. When traveling east, try to go to bed an hour earlier each night; when you are traveling west, do the same but one hour later. This will make adjustments less strictly effective at fighting jet lag.
Bonus Tip:
Rehydrate before flying out. Dehydration worsens jet lag effects; hence, drink plenty of water. However, avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages as they interfere with your sleep-wake cycle and make you dehydrated.
Travel Smarter for a Stress-Free Vacation: Final Thoughts
A vacation is an opportunity to relax and have a good time, and so it shouldn’t be stressful and frustrating. These hacks on necessary travel can help you save time and money for your trip, as the experience will be enjoyable as well. These hacks include preparing smart packing and using the digital tools for organization, each developed with the idea of minimizing the problems commonly experienced in travel.
So, get ready for your next adventure! Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be all set for a stress-free vacation-no matter where you are going!
