TRAVEL HACKS
11. Use a pacifier to help sore ears during flights
One of the reasons that babies often cry on flights is because the change in cabin pressure can hurt their delicate ears. Children are far more susceptible to this than adults, and they also don’t understand what’s happening or how to relieve the pain. If you have a young baby, consider using a pacifier during take-off and landing to help relieve the pressure on their ears. This hack might not work for every baby, but it’s definitely worth a try. For older kids, you can give them a sweet to suck on, or encourage them to yawn or stretch their jaw when they start to feel pressure.
Stress-free Travel Hacks
12. Keep a copy of essential documents with you
This is a good travel hack for any situation, but it’s especially important if you’re traveling to multiple destinations or going on a long trip. Keep a copy of your passport, travel insurance, tickets, vaccine information, and any other essential documents in your carry-on bag so that you always have them with you. Sure, most of this information can be stored on your phone, but it’s always good to have a physical backup in case your phone battery dies or you lose your mobile device.
13. Book everything well in advance
Your flight is sorted, but what about the transport from the airport to your accommodation? Yes, you might be able to sort this out when you arrive, but if you’re traveling during peak season or to a popular destination, it’s best to book your transportation in advance. This will save you the stress of trying to figure out logistics when you’re tired and jet lagged. It will also ensure you get a seat on the train, bus, or whatever mode of transport you’re using.
14. Download an offline version of Google maps for your destination
15. Bring a universal adapter
This is one of the most essential travel hacks, yet so many people forget about it. If you’re traveling to a different country, chances are you’ll need a different adapter. To avoid any drama, pack a universal adapter so you can charge your phone, laptop, or camera no matter where you are in the world. Buying one of these in the airport can be pretty extortionate, so save yourself some money and buy one before you travel.
Travel Hacks for Groups
16. Choose your travel partners carefully
Not everyone is cut out for group travel, and that’s perfectly okay. If you’re the type of person who likes to do your own thing and explore at your own pace, you might want to consider traveling solo or with just one other person.
Traveling with a group can be fun, but it’s not for everyone. If you do want to travel with a group, make sure you choose your travel companions carefully. You should all have similar interests and travel styles, and it’s also important to ensure you get along well. There’s nothing worse than being stuck on a long trip with a person or people you can’t stand.
17. Join a tour group
Arranging travel and accommodation for a group can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to please everyone. A great way to take the stress out of group travel is to join a tour group. This way, you don’t have to worry about the logistics of planning everything yourself — you can just sit back and enjoy the excursion. Tour groups are also a great way to meet new people and make friends, so it can be a great way to enjoy group travel if you’re actually traveling solo.
18. Nominate a group leader
While it wouldn’t be fair to dump all the responsibility for planning on to one person, it’s helpful to nominate a group leader. With one designated organizer ticking off all the items on the group’s to-do list, it can make group travel a lot less stressful for everyone involved.
This doesn’t mean the group leader has to do everything — everyone should pitch in and help out where they can. But it’s definitely beneficial to have one person in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly.
Travel Hacks from TikTok
19. Use a pillow as an extra carry-on bag
Tiktoker @cheaptravelexpert, also known as Chelsea Dickinson, shared how she uses a cheap travel pillow as a way to bring on additional clothing. By simply unzipping the pillow cover and removing the pillow, she can roll up and stuff a variety of t-shirts and underwear inside. With many airlines forcing passengers to pay for any carry-on bag that doesn’t fit underneath the seat, this can be a cheap way to bring an extra bag without having to pay the fee.
20. Use compression bags to fit more in your luggage
TikToker @mylifesatravelmovie offers one of the best packing hacks for those looking to save space in their luggage. She uses compression bags as a way to reduce the volume of air within her luggage, freeing up space for more items. This is a great way to save space if you’re trying to pack light or if you just want to fit more into your suitcase.
