Travel can be stressful, but with the right travel hacks, it doesn’t have to be. Here are my top 10 tips to make every adventure easier. Travel is one of life’s greatest joys, but let’s be real: it can also be a logistical headache if you’re not prepared. Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two (often the hard way) about how to make trips smoother, more enjoyable, and far less stressful. These 10 travel hacks are my go-to tricks for ensuring every adventure starts and ends on a high note. Let’s dive in!
Nothing ruins post-flight excitement faster than scrambling to find a ride to your hotel. I learned this the hard way during a trip to Spain when I arrived in Granada, jet-lagged and barely able to communicate in Spanish. Without pre-arranged transportation, I found myself flustered and frustrated, trying to explain where I needed to go with my very limited language skills.
On the flip side, when I arrived in Quebec City, I had pre-booked my transportation, and it’s a good thing I did. The airport had no taxis waiting, and I was told Uber wasn’t a reliable option in the city. Another bonus of pre-booking? Many transportation companies track your flight in real time, so even if your flight is delayed, they’ll be ready and waiting when you land. Pre-booking transportation—whether it’s a taxi, shuttle, or private driver—saves time and eliminates stress, especially when arriving in an unfamiliar place.
Don’t want to book it yourself? No problem! Let me help!
I’ll admit it: I hoard snacks before flights. Whether it’s a granola bar, trail mix, or your favorite candy, having something to munch on can be a lifesaver during delays or long layovers. Snacks are especially helpful if your flight is delayed, leaving you no time between layovers to grab a bite to eat or something to drink. Pair that with a reusable water bottle you can fill up after security, and you’re set to stay hydrated and satisfied. Plus, airport food is ridiculously overpriced.
Traveling with just a carry-on is the easiest way to avoid the hassle of lost luggage, but if checking a bag is unavoidable, make sure to pack a one-day survival kit in your carry-on. Include essentials that will keep you comfortable and prepared for the first 24 hours, even if your checked bag doesn’t make it:
Traveling with just a carry-on is the easiest way to avoid the hassle of lost luggage, but if checking a bag is unavoidable, make sure to pack a one-day survival kit in your carry-on. Include essentials that will keep you comfortable and prepared for the first 24 hours, even if your checked bag doesn’t make it:
Wi-Fi isn’t guaranteed everywhere, so take screenshots of your boarding passes, hotel reservations, maps, and important addresses. You’ll thank yourself when you’re standing in a dead zone with no internet. On one trip, my hotel confirmation email refused to load, and to make matters worse, the hotel had my name spelled incorrectly in their system. Luckily, I had a screenshot handy to prove my reservation, avoiding what could have been a major hassle at check-in.
Screenshots aren’t just great for travel days—they’re lifesavers while you’re on the go. Too many times, I’ve lost service during a road trip or on my way to a specific destination. Having my directions saved as screenshots has saved me from being completely stranded more than once.
Most airlines won’t let you book a layover shorter than 45 minutes, but let’s be honest—45 minutes is rarely enough. Airlines typically begin boarding 45 minutes before departure, which means your actual time to navigate the airport is much shorter. On top of that, it can sometimes take up to 30 minutes just to get off the plane, depending on where your seat is located. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you make your trip stress-free. Let’s plan together.
For international travel, I recommend a minimum of a three-hour layover. It allows for most delays and gives you plenty of time to go through customs. You can never predict how long customs will take; I’ve waited three hours in one country and just five minutes in another.
For domestic travel, aim for a 1.5 to 2-hour layover. This gives you a chance to hit the restroom, grab a snack, and make your way to the next gate without breaking into a panic sprint. Plus, it gives your checked luggage plenty of time to make it onto the next flight. Trust me, a little buffer time can make all the difference in arriving stress-free.
I’m one of those people who loves to build as much as possible into an itinerary, but you don’t want to overdo it. A half-day or full day with nothing planned can be just as rewarding as a packed schedule. It gives you time to relax, explore spontaneously, or simply soak in your surroundings without the pressure of sticking to a schedule. Burnout isn’t a great souvenir, so give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the moment.
I typically don’t like to plan anything on an arrival or departure day if I can manage it, depending on how far I’m traveling. If I’m traveling internationally or across the country domestically, the first and last days often require a lot of planning with flights, transportation, and hotel check-in. Once you get through all that, it’s nice to turn your brain off and relax.
For flights with shorter airtimes, you might have a little more freedom to plan something light, like a dinner the day you arrive or a brunch before you leave. Keep it simple and don’t require too much of yourself. This balance makes the beginning and end of your trip far more enjoyable.
When it comes to travel days, comfort is key to me. You can still look good and be comfortable at the same time. Don’t try to wear anything that you wouldn’t be comfortable sitting in for hours. You never know if your flight will be delayed. I’ve been stuck on the tarmac for hours while my plane was being defrosted, and wearing comfortable clothes made that extra time a little less painful. Wear layers to adapt to changing temperatures, and don’t forget shoes that you can easily slip on and off at security checkpoints.
Traveling with multiple devices? A multi-port USB charger is your best friend. It’ll save you from fighting over outlets at the airport and ensure all your gadgets stay powered up. I don’t know what kind of luck other people have, but most of the time, the outlets at airport seating areas don’t work or charge really slowly. Sometimes you don’t even have enough time to stop and charge.
My phone, headphones, and iPad all require different charging ports, but I have one device that includes them all. It’s a game-changer for keeping everything powered and ready to go, no matter the situation.
I have a packable duffle bag and backpack that I like to bring with me on trips. I often use the backpack while I’m traveling, and I use the duffle as an extra bag to fill with souvenirs because, let’s be honest, I usually need an extra bag when I’m leaving a trip. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference, especially when you realize you’ve gone overboard at the local markets.
Travel doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation and these tried-and-true hacks, you can focus on what really matters: creating memories, enjoying new experiences, and navigating the unexpected with ease. From mastering the art of layovers to packing smarter, these tips are designed to make your adventures smoother and more enjoyable. What are your go-to travel hacks? Share your tips in the comments below!
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
This form is just the beginning! The details you provide here will help me get a better understanding of what you’re looking for. Once I receive your submission, I’ll be in touch to discuss your trip in more detail and finalize the perfect plan for you.
