Unconventional Travel Hacks That Will Step Up Your Travel Game

The chance is most of us want to think about nothing more than relaxing when we head on vacation. Unfortunately, that can be easier said than done when we have everything to think about and plan. Thankfully, things don’t have to be so tough when it comes to jetting away, as several travel hacks can make our vacations even easier than ever.

Use vacuum travel bags to avoid wrinkles in your clothes

Of course, there’s a chance that most of us don’t need telling that space-saving travel bags are sure to take up less room in our suitcase than just packing our clothes in piles as we usually would. They work by packing everything we need into zip bags before sucking the air out with a pump or our vacuum cleaner to keep everything in place.

These, in turn, can be stacked into any suitcase. As well as keeping things smaller, these bags should help keep any wrinkles out of our clothes. As if that’s not enough, it also means that our outfits will be protected just in case something like our shampoo or makeup leaks in our suitcase when we’re traveling.

Place a shower cap around your shoes if you’re worried about getting things dirty

One of the best things about heading away on vacation is getting out there and exploring the new world around us. However, this can also mean that our shoes get a little bit dirty while we’re away, and not all of us want to risk getting our clothes filthy when it’s time to head back.

Of course, we don’t always have the time to clean the soles of our shoes before we leave either. If that sounds familiar, you might want to pack some shower caps in your bag. Even if you forget them, there’s a chance your hotel might have a few spare caps you can use for free. Simply wrap the caps around your shoes to keep all the dirt off everything else in your suitcase.

Use a Ziploc bag to keep your passport and phone dry while traveling

Let’s face it; plenty of us can’t imagine heading out without our cell phones. Traveling could also mean that we need to take our passport in case we need our ID. Whatever the case, heading anywhere with water can be enough to worry us that things will get damaged. Thankfully, there could be a simple way to keep things safe.

If you plan on heading to the beach, pool, or anywhere else there could be water, then be sure to take some Ziploc bags with you. Then, add your passport into one and your cell phone into another. The best bit? You should still be able to use your phone through the bag. You might just need to enter your passcode as touch ID won’t work.

Cover the head of your razor with a binder clip to protect everything in your suitcase

Toothpaste? Check. Mouthwash? Check. Body wash? Check. We usually need to take plenty of things from the bathroom when we head on vacation, but there can be worries with taking each item. While we don’t have to think about the bottle exploding when it comes to our razor, it could cut things and damage our stuff once it’s packed away.

It turns out you can simply keep everything safe without spending any extra money, and it’s all thanks to a binder clip. Take the clip and attach it over your razor head before folding the metal parts over the top to keep things extra secure. This also means you won’t accidentally damage your hand when you unpack your stuff the other end.

Download on an offline map of the area you’re visiting to save money on international data

Did you know that adding an international plan to your cell phone can cost a staggering number of dollars each day? Forgetting to do it and risking using your data or minutes while away can cost even more. Of course, buying a local SIM card at the airport is also an option, but even this can cost a pretty penny.

Thankfully, you could save yourself time and money by using WiFi when you can and making the most of other apps when you can’t. Google Maps comes with a feature that allows us to download an offline version of a map we can use and interact with before you head out for the day, which can certainly come in helpful.

Meal prep before your trip to save money on eating out every night

Okay, not all of us want to spend all of our vacation hauled up in our room without exploring the local area. However, there’s a difference between taking in the scenery and spending too much money on things we don’t necessarily need. One of those can be food, with plenty learning that eating out every day can quickly take its toll on our bank balance.

Rather than finding a restaurant for every meal, why not meal prep and take some food with you to cut down on costs? So long as it can travel, such as dried food or packet meals, you should be good to go. Of course, you can then enjoy your meal even more when you decide to head out to eat.

Wrap plastic wrap over the top of toiletries to avoid any unwanted leaks

One surefire way to start your vacation off on the wrong foot is probably opening your suitcase and finding that your toiletries have leaked over all of your stuff. Now, you could be stuck without any shoes or clothes to wear and the tricky situation of figuring out what to do.

It turns out there could be a simple way to keep everything where it needs to be. Before you go, remove the lids from your bottles and cover the opening with a section of plastic wrap. Then, retighten the caps over the top to keep the plastic wrap in place. This should mean that even if the lids come open, the plastic wrap will keep all the liquids in the bottles.

Book one plane ticket at a time to save money, even if you’re traveling with a group

There is a very good reason to start booking multiple plane tickets in single goes rather than opting for a group. Airlines have a thing called a “fare bucket” that they use to describe how upgradable and refundable tickets are when they’re sold. There could only be one ticket left in the fare bucket that comes at the lowest price.

If you want to book more than one ticket and there is only one cheap option left, the airline’s site will naturally choose two tickets from the next price band up. Instead, book one plane ticket to see if you can get one from the fare bucket – and get the best deal – before choosing all the other tickets and potentially spending a little more.

Use a small bottle to carry vitamins instead of taking multiple containers

Are you one of those people who likes to try and make your life as balanced as possible? Perhaps there’s a reason you need to take several vitamins a day, but you don’t want to try and take them all with you on your next vacation? You’re not alone. Plenty of us bulk buy our vitamins to save money.

However, that doesn’t mean we have room to take all those bottles and packets with us in our suitcase, especially if we want to store them in our carry-on bag. Rather than try to cram them all in, use a bigger bottle – such as an empty vitamin bottle or anything else with a lid – and only take as many as you need.

Roll your clothes instead of folding to save space in your suitcase

Did you know that you can fit the same amount of clothes into your suitcase without taking up so much room? It turns out that all we need to do is learn how to pack them sensibly to make the most of our space. To start, forget all about folding your clothes and staking them in your bag. Instead, lay each item out in long strips.

Then, roll them up from one end to the other like a burrito, and you’re good to go! All you need to do is lay these in your bag, and you should find you can suddenly pack all those outfits you thought you’d have to leave behind. As if that’s not enough, the rolled method should also avoid any unwanted wrinkles in clothes.

Check one-way flight options to see if you could save money

One of the most expensive parts of jetting away on vacation is booking the flights. However, one thing plenty of us have noticed is how these prices change almost every day and can vary greatly between airlines. It can be tempting to book a round-trip with one airline to keep things simple, but you could be spending unnecessary money.

That’s because one-way flights can sometimes be cheaper. This doesn’t always work out. Still, your airline might be the cheapest outbound flight and more expensive on the return. Try out different options when looking for tickets to see if you can save some money while still getting the same vacation. There are also several travel sites that do just this for you.

See if you can restrict yourself to carry-on bags only to save time and money

We’re heading away for a few days, so we need at least ten outfits, 15 pairs of shoes, and more socks than we ever imagined possible, right? That’s how plenty of us have felt while packing for a vacation, especially if we want to take clothes “just in case.” However, you could be wasting more time and money for plenty of reasons.

For one, most airlines charge extra fees for any checked bags, meaning you could be paying to take your clothes on a trip across the world even though you don’t need them. As if that’s not enough, having to wait for a checked bag and lining up to go through the checking process in the first place can all waste time we don’t need to.

Grab a hotel’s business card so that you always know how to get back – even without your phone

Heading to a new country, especially one where we don’t know the language, can make it interesting when we try to get around. Of course, plenty of us love to get lost and find wonderful adventures along the way. However, it’s all fun and games until we need to get home.

There’s a good chance most of us rely on our smartphones to get back, but what happens when it runs out of battery? We could soon find ourselves stuck with no way to get back. Plus, it can be tough to explain to someone where we need to be if there’s a language barrier. That’s where grabbing a hotel’s business card can save the day, as we’ll always have the address to hand just in case.

Look for plane tickets on a Tuesday six weeks before your flight to get the cheapest deals

When it comes to booking a vacation, it can sometimes feel like a task to find the best deals possible. Thankfully, there could be an easy way to save money on flights without spending hours searching through the internet. All you need to do is be in the right place at the right time – which it turns out is on a Tuesday six weeks before you want to leave.

Studies show that this is when flights are at their absolute cheapest as airlines are often trying to fill their seats to make the flight worthwhile. This is also before the prices start to increase again as they prey on people looking for a last-minute getaway. Simply add a reminder to your calendar, so you don’t forget.

Fill your shoes with smaller items to help hold their shape and save on space

We all need to take at least one pair of shoes on vacation. Of course, some will simply wear the ones they take on the plane or journey to save on space. However, there are times that we need a few more pairs for our trip. That’s when things can get tricky, as they’re some of the bulkier items we need to take and can often feel like wasted space.

All you need to do is pack your shoes with smaller items, such as socks, underwear, or things that could get lost, to make the most of your space. This helps to fit more in your suitcase and should also avoid your shoes getting crushed and bunched out of shape during the trip.

Potentially try booking your plane tickets at the airport to save some money

Some of us love to be prepared for everything, meaning the idea of waiting until we’re at the airport to book our plane tickets can seem pretty overwhelming. Of course, there’s always the chance that the plane is full or we have to wait until later in the day if there’s no room for us on the flight.

However, if you’re willing to take the risk, there could be a big payoff. That’s because some airlines charge a hefty booking fee for booking your tickets online. If you don’t want the risk, but you still want to save some money, then you can even travel to the airport in advance to book your plane tickets for a later date to still avoid the fees.

Consider traveling in shoulder season to enjoy the weather without the crowds

“What is shoulder season?” we hear you ask? It’s simple: it’s the time between on and off-peak. This means that somewhere usually comes with the beginning or last of the weather that so many people are after from their vacation without the added crowds. Shoulder season is different for every location as things like the weather, local holidays, and other factors mean they’re constantly changing.

However, a little research could mean you save a ton of money as hotels won’t have the high price tags that usually come with the busy periods, and restaurants and bars are more likely to have deals. Plus, you can enjoy some beautiful weather without the worry of dealing with so many people trying to do the same thing.

Place an object behind the door if you’re worried about staff might break into the room

Traveling alone can be a great way to experience the world and learn a lot about yourself. However, it also means that you need to be extra prepared for whatever could come your way. Some people want to ensure there’s no way anyone can get into their room, especially in crowded accommodation such as motels or places where they don’t trust the locks.

Thankfully, you don’t have to live in fear, as placing something behind the door could be all you need. Something like a mug behind the door or on the door handle means you’ll hear if someone is trying to get into your room. You can even use larger items, such as chairs, that will scrape on the floor and alert you to any intruders.

Any empty Tic-Tac container can be used to protect your toothbrush in your bag

Many of us have a wash bag we like to pack with everything we could need, but that doesn’t mean everything is safe from getting messed up on our travels. There’s a good chance most of us don’t want our toothbrushes to get dirty in our suitcase, even if they’re in a bag away from everything else.

Have no fear; you might not have to worry about it for too much longer. An empty Tic-Tac container has plenty of uses, such as being able to cover your toothbrush in your bag. Simply slide it over the top before you pack, and you’re good to go. This is also great for stopping the wet bristles from soaking everything else in your suitcase.

Use a medicine organizer to travel with jewelry without it getting lost

Just because something is marketed as one thing doesn’t mean that it can’t be used for something else. The same goes for medicine organizers. You know, the boxes that plenty of people use to ensure they take all their medicine at the right time and on the right day? They’re the ones.

They can be pretty inexpensive to get hold of but could make a world of difference next time you’re traveling. That’s because the compartments are the perfect size for adding your jewelry, such as rings and earrings. Merely add in everything you want to take, secure the lid to keep them in place, and you can now take all of your favorite jewelry without the worry of anything getting lost along the way.

Thread your necklaces through straws to avoid them getting tangled

Traveling with jewelry is something many of us want to do but not something that comes easy to everyone. That’s because it has a habit of getting lost and tangled around just about everything else in our suitcase, meaning some people find it easier to leave it all at home.

Thankfully, we don’t have to worry about leaving our necklaces behind for much longer. That’s because investing in some straws can keep things in place. All you need to do is thread the chain through the straw and do your necklace up again to keep it in place. Not only does it keep them tangle-free, but it should also make it easier to spot your necklaces without them getting lost.

Track flight prices for a week or two to ensure you’re getting the best deal

Booking flights isn’t something many of us look forward to. When is the best day to fly? What about the best time of the day? Will we make it to the hotel in time for dinner if we catch that flight, or do we need an earlier one? There are many things to consider, but that doesn’t mean that we should rush into the first good deal we see.

Prices are constantly changing with the market. Plus, some airlines use tracking software that automatically increases costs after a few days to try and rush people into choosing their tickets. Clearing your cookies or using incognito windows can avoid this. Plus, leaving a week or two to track your flights should mean you can choose the best price.

Store your cash in different areas and items just in case something gets lost

Are you one of those people who prefer to use physical money while on vacation to avoid any added charges from using your debit or credit card? You’re not alone. Of course, traveling with all of that money on you can be pretty stressful, especially if you’re worried about someone stealing your things or losing your bag.

Instead of leaving things to chance, be sure to store your money in different places just in case. This means leaving some in your room – if it’s safe – and finding other hiding places. This could mean adding money to other items in your bag, such as chapstick, empty sunscreen bottles, and mirrors, and even hiding it on your person, including in your socks and shoes.

A USB port on the back of the TV can be used to charge your phone in an emergency

It can be tough to remember everything we need when packing for a vacation, especially when we’re used to using things every day without too much thought. One of those on the list might be the outlet for our phone charger. By now, most of us have one that can be detached and used as a USB connection, too.

So what are we supposed to do when we remember the cable but somehow leave the bit we need at home? Thankfully, we might not be left high and dry if you happen to be staying somewhere with a TV that comes with a USB port. All you need to do is plug your cell phone right into the TV, and you can charge it up with ease.

Pack your belt into shirt collars to avoid them getting crushed in your suitcase

There are times when we might need a smart shirt or two for our vacation. Perhaps we want to head to a fancy restaurant, or maybe we have a business meeting to catch up on while we’re away? Whatever the case, it can be tough to know how to get our clothes from A to B without them getting wrinkled in our bags.

Some people think the only option is to pack an iron, but it seems there could be another answer – and it comes in the form of a belt. If you want to keep your collar’s shape, then simply coil your belt into a loop and tuck it inside the shirt to keep things in place during your journey.

Try negotiating with Airbnb hosts – especially if they’re new – to get a better deal

One of the more popular ways to find somewhere to stay in recent times is Airbnb. After all, you can have anything from a room to an entire house – and sometimes a pretty unique place to stay – often for a lot cheaper than a room at a hotel. Amazingly, it seems there could be even more ways to save some money on your next vacation.

Signing up to the site for the first time can often offer immediate discounts as a welcome. Plus, contacting the hosts directly, especially if they’re new and looking for people to get their ratings off the floor, could lead to further discounts. Simply message them directly and ask, and you might find you’re in luck.

Fly midweek if you can to save money on expensive flights

Of course, there are times when we don’t get to choose when we fly. It could be we can only get certain days off work, or we need to be somewhere for a few days with no wiggle room. If you have a little more flexibility, then you might want to think about flying midweek to save as much money as possible.

These flights are often cheaper as the most popular are on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This can also be applied to flying around the holidays. Opting for a flight on the day of a major holiday, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, can really cut costs over flying a few days before or after, as most people want to keep the days to themselves.

Avoid using your phone in public places if you’re traveling alone and could get distracted

Traveling on your own doesn’t have to be scary. However, there are certain things you can do to make sure you don’t accidentally make yourself a target. There’s a good chance most of us spend longer than we’d like to admit staring at our phones, even if we’re in public. Did you know this could make you a good target for thieves?

After all, if you’re on your phone, then there’s a good chance you’re not looking at everything around you. Instead, only look at your screen when you need to and preferably when you’re around trusted people, such as attendants, police officers, or workers. The same goes for wearing headphones, especially in crowded areas, as they can instantly cut you off from everyone else.

Place breakable items into socks to keep them safe and sound

Have you found yourself trying to find a way to get delicate items from one place to another? This could be anything, from holiday gifts to a souvenir from your journey and everything in between. Whatever the case, it can be stressful trying to learn how to get something through the airport and on a plane without it getting broken.

It turns out that all we might need to do is wrap those items in some socks. If you’re taking lots of socks, then wrap as many as you feel necessary around your items until they’re nicely padded. Hopefully, this should be all you need to keep your things safe, but if something goes wrong and they do get broken, it will be kept together.

Use an outlet splitter while away to save having to buy multiple outlet adapters

One of the many things to consider when jetting off on vacation is ensuring you have an outlet adapter so you can charge all of your electronics while you’re away. Unfortunately, it can get pretty expensive to buy enough for everything you need to charge, especially if you’re going with more than one person.

That’s where the ultimate travel hack could turn things around. Simply invest in one outlet adapter and an outlet splitter that can be plugged into the back. Now, you’ll have multiple outlets to charge several things at once while only investing in one adapter. It’s the kind of travel hack that makes us wonder what we’ve been doing all this time, something so simple yet so effective.

Check out travel credit cards to save money on everyday spends

One thing that many people want – and need – to do when they’re away is spend some money. This could be on food, travel, or sightseeing while we’re away, but that can all add up without us even realizing it. Not all of us want to change up enough physical money for the trip and would rather spend on a credit card instead.

That’s great until we realize that those hidden transaction fees are added to each purchase, and we end up spending a ton more than we anticipated. Rather than spend cash we don’t need to, it could be worth checking out travel credit cards. These often come with zero fees while spending when we’re away, so be sure to check out each card’s features.

Walk or use public transport where possible to avoid spending money on personal travel

If you’ve just spent hours on a plane, there’s a chance you just want to get to your hotel as quickly as possible and not worry about trying to navigate another country’s public transport system. While it can be tempting to get a taxi at the time, it could end up costing us a lot more in the long run.

Thankfully, most nations are filled with plenty of well-thought-out public transport systems that are designed to get us from A to B without costing too much money. Once you have dropped your bags off in your room and you’re traveling a little lighter than before, why not drop public transport altogether when you can and walk instead? That’s certainly the cheapest option.

Ask the locals about their favorite spots to avoid anywhere too touristy

One of the best reasons for traveling off-season is you get to enjoy all of the local sites and sounds without so many crowds. However, that doesn’t mean we’ll know all about the local places to enjoy the best food and drink without doing a little digging. This is where talking to some of the locals could be the best thing to turn your vacation around.

Simply ask where they like to dine, if there are any deals you should know about, and hidden spots we might not know about as a tourist. You could soon find yourself enjoying some of the best food and sights that you would have missed out on without talking to the locals and learning about the area.

Bring an empty water bottle through airport security to save paying for a drink

There is something about heading to the airport that sees everything go up in price, seemingly for no reason. Even something as simple as a bottle of water can soon cost several dollars more, and many feel there is no way to get around it due to airport security rules that mean we can’t take that much liquid into the airport.

Amazingly, there is nothing in the rules about taking an empty water bottle through security. This could soon be one of the best traveling hacks, as you simply take your empty bottle through security before finding a free fountain to fill it up once you’re through. It might be a few dollars, but they all add up in the end.

Keep scented soap next to dirty laundry while traveling to avoid any bad smells

If you’ve ever stayed at a hotel, there’s a chance you might have noticed all the free things they leave around the room for us to use throughout our stay. One of those on the list is usually the toiletries, such as the scented soap in the bathroom. Many of us might make use of them while we’re there and forget all about them once we’re home.

It might be time for that to change. That’s because soap could be all we need to avoid unwanted smells. If you’re taking our dirty laundry home to wash once you’re back, then add one of these scented soaps to the bag to keep things smelling clean. This should help to keep your other clothes fresh whenever you travel home.

Use a dryer sheet in your suitcase to help keep all of your clothes smelling fresh

Maybe you’re one of those who likes to have everything covered before you head off on vacation? If so, then you might want to think about avoiding any unwanted smells on your clothes before you even leave your house. It turns out there is an easy way to keep things smelling fresh without any effort: a dryer sheet.

Many of us have them around our homes to use every time we do the laundry and know they can smell pretty great. Simply add one or two into your suitcase once you’re packed, and the smell should rub off on your clothes to ensure they smell sweet by the time you unpack. This is especially great if your suitcase has been stored in the attic and needs a freshen up.

Rent a vehicle that’s not from the airport to save paying extra

There are plenty of ways to get around while on vacation. Some of us want to rely on public transport to save a few pennies. Others prefer to use private transportation, such as a taxi, so we have some room to ourselves. What if you want to have the freedom to drive when and as you please, or you’re staying somewhere remote and need your own vehicle?

Whatever the case, renting a car from the airport is almost always sure to be the most expensive option. Thankfully, we don’t have to settle for these options during every vacation. Airports are often surrounded by plenty of amenities, including car rental places that are usually a lot cheaper than those at the airport.

Avoid restaurants too close to tourist attractions as they’re often more expensive

Heading on vacation means that we likely want to see everything there is to offer. That includes all those tourist attractions that probably drew us to the location in the first place. Eating next to one to soak it in can seem like a good idea, but it could cost us a fortune in the long run.

That’s because restaurants usually cost a lot more when they’re in the middle of tourist hot spots. Instead, it’s best to look for somewhere a little further away as they will cost less and probably be quieter than places in the middle of it all. If you want to eat next to the attraction but don’t want to spend a fortune, why not take food with you instead?

A spare glasses case can be used to store cables in your travel bag to avoid tangles

Traveling means we often need to take a few items to ensure we have everything we need. Our charging cables are one on the list. So how are we supposed to stop them from getting tangled in our suitcases, so we don’t have to spend the first half of our vacation getting them free just to charge our phone or laptop?

That could be simple: use a spare glasses case. That’s right; simply wind your cables into a small loop and place them inside the case before adding this into your bag. Now, they will be kept in one place and won’t get jostled around as we travel, meaning we can pull out our chargers and start using them as soon as they’re needed.

Binder clips can help to keep cables together and prevent them from getting caught up

What if you don’t have spare glasses cases and still want to keep your cables in one place without spending any money? If you have some extra binder clips, then you could already have everything you need. Simply start by winding your cables into a loop. Now, secure them with a binder clip to keep them in place.

If you have a spare makeup bag or something similar, add them to this to keep them even safer from everything else in your bag. If not, then add them in as you usually would, and rest easy that your cables won’t get tangled around everything else in your suitcase while you’re busy jetting off on your next vacation. It really can be that easy.

Use a potholder to pack your flat irons or curling wand to stop any burns

If you’re someone who likes to use heated tools on your hair, then there’s a good chance you will need them before you jet off on your travels, or you need to use them before you check out of the hotel. However, they can often take a long time to cool down, and this can make us late when we’re trying to get to the airport.

How are we supposed to keep everything safe in our bag without waiting for hours for our flat iron or curling wand to cool down? That’s simple; grab a potholder. Merely wrap the potholder around the hot part of your heated tool, and it should keep all of the heat in without wasting precious time.

Notify your bank that you’re leaving the country so your cards don’t get canceled

There is usually a long list of things to do before we head off on vacation, meaning it can be easy to forget certain things. Our banks are generally pretty great at spotting when something seems off with our account and making sure no one has access to our bank accounts when they shouldn’t.

Of course, this also means they might think that someone has stolen or cloned our bank card if it’s suddenly being used across the world without being told it’s actually us. To save being cut off while you’re away, all you need to do is contact your bank and tell them when and where you’re traveling so they can make a note on your account that any spending isn’t a cause for concern.

Leave room to be spontaneous and push yourself to try new things while traveling

Why do you want to head on vacation? We all have our own reasons for wanting to get away. Some of us merely need a break from our everyday lives and want to see what else lies out there in the world. Others want to experience what different cultures and nations are like as we experience it all for ourselves.

Whatever the case, it can be tempting to get somewhere and slip back into our everyday routines that see us stick to the safe options. Sound familiar? You’re not alone, but remembering that we might not have this chance again could be all we need to push ourselves and leave time to be spontaneous during our next vacation somewhere new.

Keep shoes at the bottom of your suitcase, so they don’t crush everything

Packing our suitcase can often feel like quite an art form. Perhaps you have your own way of doing things that you think you’ve perfected throughout the years? You’re not alone, but it turns out that we could have been doing it wrong all these years. That’s because our shoes are better off being put at the bottom of our suitcases.

That doesn’t mean adding them all along the bottom of the bag when it’s lying down and then standing it up to roll it along; it means what will be the bottom of the bag when it’s standing up to move. This could mean adding all your shoes to the end of the wheels to stop things from getting crushed.

Paint your nails with a light color before leaving to avoid noticeable chips and cracks

Many of us like to ensure we look our best when we head away on vacation. This could mean adding a fresh coat of paint to our nails if we’re used to having a manicure or giving ourselves one as a treat before we get on the plane. However, there’s a chance that most of us don’t want to spend our vacations reapplying nail polish or worrying about chips.

It turns out there’s a simple way to make our manicure appear as though it’s lasted longer without changing anything but the color. That’s right; using a lighter color nail polish won’t stop us from getting chips, but it will make them less noticeable if we accidentally damage our hard work.

Wear easily removable accessories, so you don’t get stuck at airport security

If you find yourself getting bored with waiting at airport security, then you’re not alone. Of course, it’s something we all need to do to ensure that everyone is safe and sound throughout their journeys. Thankfully, there are some ways to make it through security a little faster once we finally get to the front of the line.

Start by taking your electronics, such as laptops, out of their case as asked. Then, be sure to plan a travel outfit that’s complete with easy-to-remove accessories – if any at all – and slip-on shoes to make sure you can slide everything off and on again without too much effort. It might not beat the line, but it’s one way to make your turn a little faster.

Plan your outfits before you travel to avoid taking unnecessary clothes

How are we supposed to know what outfits we need when we’re on vacation when we’re so used to having access to all of our wardrobe at once? It can often be tempting to pack everything just in case we might want to wear it while we’re away from home. This can be made even worse when we’re packing and see clothes in our closet we forgot until now.

This is where a little pre-planning could be all we need. Try to plan your outfits before you head away to make sure you only take things that you need rather than paying for extra baggage allowance for clothes that you won’t end up wearing while you’re on vacation. You might thank yourself later.

Download your airline’s app so that everything is kept in one place

Not everyone wants to fill their cell phones up with hundreds of apps. It’s understandable, but it might be time to download your airline’s app – even if just for when you’re traveling – to save time and make things easier. One benefit is that you’ll have your ticket on your phone and won’t have to worry about losing a physical copy.

Another advantage is how some airlines now have their in-flight entertainment on the apps or at least tell you the schedule of things playing throughout the flight. To top it off, most will have prompts about which gate you need to be at without having to look for a departures board at the airport, especially helpful if you’re running late.

Cover makeup with a little cotton to stop it shattering while traveling

If there is one thing that’s surely enough to make most of us angry, it’s opening our makeup bag to find that the pressed powder we spent so much money on has shattered along the way, and we’re left with nothing but clumps and dust. After all, makeup can be pretty costly, and it’s often heartbreaking to see it damaged without anything we can do.

Thankfully, traveling doesn’t mean that we have to worry about things getting broken if we have some spare cotton to hand. Simply place a piece of cotton into your pressed powder, and it should absorb any knocks and jolts that could occur while traveling, leaving your makeup in one piece without any further damage from the cotton.

Use contact cases to carry creams and lotions to save on space

Plenty of us have a skincare routine or makeup that we like to use every day. What are we meant to do when we want to take it on vacation but don’t want to use our entire bag’s weight limit on all those lotions and potions? The answer could be simple: take a little with you. So how are we supposed to do that?

Contact lens cases can be the perfect size for carrying just the right amount of each lotion. Merely unscrew the lid, pour in as much as you need, and recrew it in place. The best bit? These contact cases are already designed to be leakproof, meaning your things should be safely secured inside as you travel the world.

Keep an online version and printed version of your travel documents in case one gets lost

Let’s face it; most of us probably trust ourselves enough not to lose things that we need. After all, document holders, plastic wallets, and a little preparation can be all we need to store our items all in one place. So what if we forget them on the nightstand? Have no fear; we can use our cell phones instead to keep digital versions of everything we need.

So what if it runs out of charge? This is where having a digital and physical version of our documents can be the best option. Simply save your tickets, insurance information, and any other booking details you need in an online folder you can access from your phone while keeping your physical versions in your bag just to be safe.

Use Ziploc bags to plan and group together clothes for little ones

Traveling with little ones can be enough to add a new layer of stress to many vacations. After all, we suddenly have to have everything we need to keep them clothed, fed, and happy while also thinking about everything we need, too. However, there could be a way to ensure we have all the clothes they need – and some to spare just in case they have an accident.

It takes a little pre-planning, but try laying out all the clothes they need for each outfit before sliding them into a Ziploc bag and labeling each one with the date and activity they’re for. Add in a few extra outfits and label what each pack contains so you can grab it in an emergency if needed.

Create a sleeping kit before your flight so you can snooze with ease

There’s a chance that most of us have our own ways of getting through a flight. Some like to catch up on their reading, while others prefer to watch movies and TV shows. There are also the people who want to sleep on a flight, especially if it’s an overnight trip. However, it can be easier said than done to drift off when we’re sitting on a plane.

Thankfully, we can make things a little more comfortable by preparing a sleeping kit before we head off. Pack everything you could need to be comfortable, such as a neck pillow, earplugs, sleep mask, and blanket if you prefer. Now, you should feel a little more relaxed before the plane even leaves the runway.

Put essential items in your carry-on luggage just in case your suitcase is lost

Most people probably don’t want to think about their suitcase getting lost when heading on vacation. However, it’s something that’s sensible to take into account just in case we find ourselves getting off the plane only to find that our bags are nowhere to be seen. Thankfully, there can be some things we can do to ensure we always have the basics.

Packing an outfit in our carry-on bag, taking any essential items such as medicine, and keeping important documents are all things to make sure we don’t get left high and dry as we wait for the airline to track down our missing bag. Hopefully, we won’t be left waiting too long until we’re reunited with our missing suitcase.

Pack a smaller suitcase inside a larger one if you plan on buying a lot while you’re away

Are you one of those people who enjoys buying plenty of souvenirs when you go on vacation? Perhaps you’re going to one of the fashion capitals of the world and want to splurge when you’re away? There are plenty of times we might need some extra space for things we buy when we’re on vacation.

If you want to purchase items while you’re gone but don’t want to sacrifice taking clothes or other things you might need on vacation, then simply pack a smaller suitcase inside a larger one. You can place everything you want to take in the smaller case before using a combination of the two to bring your original things and new purchases back on the way home. It’s win-win.