If you’re a frequent traveler, you may know that there are easy tricks (or ‘hacks’, as the kids like to call it) to simplify your trip and avoid any potential headaches. These are tips and tricks aggregated by seasoned travelers to make sure your time spent at your destination is as stress-free as possible.
1. Download offline maps (such as Google Maps)
The invention of the GPS may be one of the greatest-ever things for travelers. It allows us to navigate to our destination (either by walking, driving, or public transit) without having to awkwardly flag down a local to ask for directions. However, getting service (especially if you are abroad) can be tricky. You can circumvent this by downloading offline maps for your destination. That way, you can use GPS to get to your destination without having to worry if you have service or not. Be wary that if you are planning to use public transportation, routes guiding you make lack updates if there are any changes or delays.
2. Pack a small first-aid kit
You never know when you may need this! And its better safe than sorry, as they say. Here you should carry some very simplistic medication — painkillers, stomach-ache medicine, band-aids, and other miscellaneous items. In this case, it’s even better if you can fit these in a small bag that you can bring around with you during your sightseeing. If packing this will help prevent you from seeing a doctor or visiting a pharmacy, then it is well worth it.
3. Pack with precision (and pack lightly!)
Packing as much as possible into your bag to help prevent you from bringing multiple bags if possible is extremely worth it. Who wants to pay extra for bags on a plane? One way to utilize a better packing method is to use packing cubes. These keep your luggage organized and helps you pack more effectively, being able to fit even more clothes in. For clothes that you can’t pack into a cube, it’s often suggested to roll them up and pack as flat as possible. It’s just a big game of Tetris, except if you lose you might end up paying more for a checked bag at the airport (and the added headache of keeping track of another piece of luggage).
4. Learn basic phrases
It can be a challenge to communicate at a destination that uses another language different from your own. If you don’t speak the language, then it should be bare minimum to at least learn basic phrases. If you’re traveling to say, France, learning to say “bonjour” or “merci” will take you much further than not knowing anything at all. A little goes a long way in terms of respect from the locals.
5. Bring a fresh change of clothes and basic hygiene products in your carry-on
You never know when the worst may happen and the airline (or someone) loses your checked luggage which contains all your clothes and toiletries. To combat this, an easy solution is to stock a very small bag of a small toothbrush, toothpaste, and a change of clothes in your carry-on. Even if you can’t fit an entire change of clothes, at least a fresh pair of underwear! That way, you won’t be completely left high-and-dry if you were to lose your luggage.
