Travelling is the best! When it’s done with the right people at the right time, the experience of exploring a new place is unmatched. But it can also get uncomfortable at times. Simple things like forgetting to buy a charging adapter or lugging heavy bags can put a dampener on the fun. Don’t you worry, though. We have a few easy travel hacks up our sleeves to help with these problems and keep you comfortable on your travels. From the personal experience of a rather fussy person, these travel tips work.
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1. Use the TV USB port as a charging point
Sometimes, a country could have completely different electrical sockets than the ones we’re used to. Sometimes, we just forget to bring the damn plug. Adapters may or may not be easily available in your hotel or hostel, so here’s an easy hack. Use the TV. Most TVs these days have USB ports at the back. Put your charging cable in there and charge your phone or any other electronics.
2. Carry a pillowcase to make your own pillow
If you’re travelling on a budget, you may not splurge on your accommodation. It’s possible you went a little too low in your hostel budget, and now you don’t have a decent pillow to rest your head. Carry a pillowcase which you can stuff with your own clothes to make a pillow. You can use jackets, t-shirts, sweaters, shawls, anything at all for this hack. Since you have a pillowcase, rough material won’t matter. Even if you’re staying in a nice hotel, it’s best to carry a pillowcase. You never know when you might need it. This travel hack is also useful on long flights.
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3. Use a cross body bag instead of a backpack
Backpacks are great for when you’re travelling. But when you’re walking around in a new place, opt for a cross body bag. The zipper is always visible to you, unlike a backpack. No one will steal anything from it while it’s within your sight. Unlike a straight strapped bag, it’s difficult to grab a cross body bag and make a run for it. It’s also less of a strain on your back and shoulders. Since cross body bags are generally small, you can’t stuff it too much and risk straining your shoulders.
4. Reserve the window and aisle seat on a flight
If two people are travelling together, don’t book seats right next to each other! Pick the window and aisle seat instead. Leave the middle seat and wait till you board the flight. The middle seat is always the last choice for everyone and, if the flight isn’t full, you just got an extra seat between the two of you. Spread out, lay out your mini buffet of snacks there or just enjoy the extra armrest. It’s best to use web check-in for this advantage.
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5. Position your luggage trolleys sideways, next to the baggage belt
Hauling those heavy bags off the baggage belt is a royal pain. To keep all physical activity to a minimum, position your luggage trolley sideways next to the baggage belt. When your bag comes along, pull it off and slide it on to your trolley. You won’t have to pull up all its weight to put it on the ground and then lift it again to put it on the trolley. No lift, no muscle strain.
6. Plan your holiday outfits in advance
Make an itinerary, check the weather and plan your outfits for every single day. Make a list on your phone and, when it’s time to pack, stack entire outfits together, including underwear and socks. You won’t need to rummage through your suitcase every day. Just take out the neatly stacked pile of the day and put it on. This also reduces the risk of over-packing or forgetting essentials.
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7. Pack pajamas in your hand baggage
This is one of the easiest travel hacks and needs minimal planning. Pack comfortable pajamas, flight slippers, an extra t-shirt, extra underwear and a shawl or stole in your hand luggage. Change into the pajamas as soon as you board a long flight. You can change back into pants or jeans when you’re about to land. Flight slippers, or the kind you always steal from hotel rooms, are great for walking around during a flight. All the other extra stuff is a great backup if the airline loses your checked baggage.
8. Divide your essentials into two bags
If you’re travelling with another person, divide your stuff into each other’s bags. That way, if one bag gets lost, at least both of you can survive for a couple of days out of one bag. However, don’t pack all of your collective stuff into one bag. If that one bag is misplaced, you’ll both suffer.
9. Carry a couple of foldable bags in your main bag
You might have done everything right by packing light. But what if you go shopping and have no room in your one tiny bag? That can become quite a massive problem when you’re packing frantically only hours before your flight home. To avoid this, carry two collapsible bags in your main bag. They won’t take up too much room and can come in handy when you’re running out of space.
Be wise and use these travel hacks, people. You will have a lot more fun on your holiday.
Related: Travelling Solo? 5 Budget Destinations That You Need To Explore
