- Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save space and reduce wrinkles.
- Use Packing Cubes: These can help organize your luggage and make it easier to find items.
- Scan Important Documents: Scan your passport, ID, and other important documents. Email them to yourself or save them in a cloud storage for easy access.
- Bring a Multi-USB Charger: This allows you to charge multiple devices at once, especially handy when there are limited outlets.
- Download Offline Maps: Apps like Google Maps allow you to download maps for offline use.
- Empty Water Bottle: Bring an empty bottle and fill it up after passing security to stay hydrated without buying expensive airport water.
- Use ATMs for Local Currency: They often offer better exchange rates than currency exchange counters.
- Pack a Scarf or Sarong: They’re versatile and can be used as a blanket, towel, or even a makeshift bag.
- Wear Compression Socks: These can help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long flights.
- Travel Insurance: Always a good idea to have, especially for international trips.
- Portable Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go.
- Use Incognito Mode: When searching for flights and hotels, this can sometimes yield lower prices.
- Night Flights for Kids: If traveling with children, night flights might help them sleep through most of the journey.
- Bring Snacks: Especially for long flights or train rides. It’s cheaper and often healthier than buying onboard.
- Shower Cap for Shoes: Use a shower cap to cover the soles of your shoes before packing them to keep your clothes clean.
- Use Google Translate: Download the language of your destination for offline use.
- Check Visa Requirements: Before traveling, ensure you have the necessary visas or know the on-arrival visa procedures.
- Travel Size Toiletries: Save space and weight in your luggage.
- Use a TV as a Charger: If you forget your plug adapter, most modern hotel TVs have a USB port that you can use to charge your devices.
- Bring a Pen: Especially useful for filling out immigration forms on the plane.
- Earplugs and Eye Mask: Essential for a good night’s sleep in noisy or bright environments.
- Local SIM Card: Often cheaper than roaming charges. Ensure your phone is unlocked before you travel.
- Check Local Deals: Websites like Groupon can offer deals in the local area you’re visiting.
- Free Walking Tours: Many cities offer free walking tours. It’s a great way to get to know the place and its history.
- Notify Your Bank: Before traveling, let your bank know so they don’t flag your foreign transactions as suspicious.