“Travel hacks you wish you knew sooner”

Post By Manisha

Oh, this is a fun one! Here’s a list of travel hacks I (and many seasoned travelers) wish we knew sooner—these can seriously save time, money, and stress:

✈️ Before You Go

1. Use “Incognito Mode” for Flight Searches
   Websites often track your visits and raise prices. Go incognito or use a different device to check for price consistency.
2. Download Offline Maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)
   This saves you when Wi-Fi or data is sketchy. You can even star places ahead of time!
3. Use a VPN to Book Cheaper Flights & Hotels
   Prices can vary depending on your location. Try setting your VPN to a lower-income country or the country of the airline.
4. Check the Airport Layout Before You Fly
   Some airports are huge and confusing—knowing the layout can save you from missed connections.
5. Roll Your Clothes, Don’t Fold Them
   You’ll save space and avoid wrinkles. Bonus points for using packing cubes.

🧳 Packing Hacks

6. Pack a Scarf or Sarong
   It’s a blanket, beach towel, privacy curtain, headwrap, and emergency pillow all in one.
7. Bring a Power Strip or Multi-USB Charger
   Outlets are gold, especially in hostels and airports. One adapter + multiple charging options = win.
8. Use Dryer Sheets in Your Bag
   Keeps clothes smelling fresh and doubles as static control.
9. Use a Pill Organizer for Jewelry or Small Items
   Keeps everything tidy and tangle-free.
10. Put a “Fragile” Sticker on Your Bag
    Often leads to gentler handling and your bag being one of the first out on the carousel.

🛫 While Traveling

11. Bring an Empty Water Bottle
    Get through security, then fill it up. Save $$ and the planet.
12. Use Google Translate’s Camera Feature
    Point your camera at a sign or menu and it’ll translate it in real time. Lifesaver in restaurants!
13. Take a Photo of Your Passport, Tickets, and Itinerary
    Store them in the cloud and on your phone. Bonus: email them to yourself too.
14. Carry a Pen
    For customs forms. You’ll feel like a pro when everyone else is begging to borrow one.
15. Check for Free Walking Tours
    Available in most major cities. Great way to learn the layout and culture from a local.

💡 Bonus Tips

• Mark Your Bag as “Fragile” or Use a Unique Tag — Easier to spot, less chance of damage.
• Email Yourself a Copy of Important Docs — Just in case you lose your stuff.
• Learn 5 Basic Phrases in the Local Language — Locals will appreciate the effort.
• Always Carry Some Cash in Small Bills — Useful in emergencies or rural areas.