what are the best travel hacks for international flights

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The 14 best international travel hacks for Americans

These are the best international travel short-cuts that will help you prepare for your next overseas trip

Whether traveling abroad to hit up a stunning beach , dine at one of the world's best restaurants or check off your European bucket list , the voyage itself is always an adventure. A trip overseas also requires extra forethought and preparation: gathering the correct document, getting familiar with your destination and finding ways to make the travel time a little more enjoyable.

If done right, however, an international trip doesn't have to be stressful—especially if you follow these best international travel hacks. From scoring wallet-friendly flights to taking advantage of credit card perks (lounge life is calling), these tried-and-true strategies will make you a savvy international traveler. 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

International travel hacks for Americans

1.  get global entry and tsa pre-check.

If you've ever gone through customs, you know how brutally long that wait can be. One of the most effective ways to make international travel smoother is to get Global Entry status. This program, run through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, will get you expedited customs processing at U.S. airports. You'll have to attend an in-person interview after passing a background check, but it's worth it. Once you gain Global Entry, you automatically receive TSA PreCheck to bypass lines and get quicker security checks. Global Entry saves time and hassle for frequent travelers domestically as well. 

2.  Travel-friendly debit card

There’s no need to pay for expensive international transaction fees, obscure market rates, and astronomical ATM cash withdrawal fees when broad. Traveler-friendly cards include Revolut, Wise and Chime. Features of these cards typically include no foreign transaction fees and fee-free or low-fee ATM withdrawals. Make sure to check the card you sign up for covers unauthorized activity so you don’t have to worry if your debit card is stolen while you're overseas.

3.  Get a local SIM card

If your mobile phone plan charges for international roaming, get your phone unlocked to purchase a local SIM card. Buying local data is usually more affordable. Often, the best price for the sim card and the data package isn’t at the airport. However, the airport is the most convenient place to get a local SIM card, so you can activate the service and use it to find your way to your accommodation. About a week's worth of data with an AT&T sim card in Mexico costs $10, including free social media and WhatsApp. 

4.  Mobile Passport Control

Download this free app before going through U.S. customs and fill it out on the plane before you enter the border patrol area as cellphone usage is prohibited. Many airports in the U.S. have a separate line for Mobile Passport Control —that’s right, you can skip lengthy wait times at customs without buying Global Entry. Lately, in my experience transiting through the U.S. and going through customs, I’ve noticed that some airports no longer offer separate lines for Mobile Passport Control, such as Newark Liberty International Airport.

5.  Tax rebates for foreigners

Many countries offer foreigners a rebate on value-added taxes, known as IVA when a foreign credit card is used for in-country purchases. For instance, in Uruguay, foreign credit cards used at a restaurant or a bar are rebated automatically when the card is charged or later on your credit card statement. Foreigners also don’t pay taxes on hotels. If you shop for clothing and crafts and spend over 500 Uruguayan Pesos, ask for a Global Blue tax refund. File the receipt at the Global Blue kiosk at the airport to receive the VAT back on your credit card.

6.  Download an offline version of Google maps for your destination

Landing in a foreign country often means you don't have cell service, which means no or wonky service. To ensure you know where you're going when you arrive, download a map of your destination and route to your lodging for offline use. You'll be thankful you did.

7.  Get more airline mileage rewards

Sync different apps that partner with airlines to reap more rewards. For instance, Delta SkyMiles has a partnership program with Airbnb so you can earn Delta SkyMiles for every dollar spent on Airbnb reservations. You can also earn Delta SkyMiles on Lyft rides in the U.S. If there’s an inconvenience on your flight, such as a power charger not working or the requested meal not being available, file a customer service complaint and the airline may compensate you for your troubles with reward miles.

8.  Get better prices on flights

If you’re planning an international trip with no direct flights from your home base to your destination overseas, buy only the longest leg of the journey with a major international airline. Then, book your connecting flight to your final destination with a local airline from within the region or country. You’ll likely shave a couple hundred dollars off the flight's cost. This works best when flying carry-on only, as you may have to exit the airport and go back through security at the airport during your layover.

9.  Stay loyal to an airline alliance

Rack up miles and points with one airline alliance to gain status. Some airlines within the same alliance share benefits for frequent flyers. For instance, with the lowest Delta SkyMiles status, Silver Medallion, you also have access to upgrades on partner airlines in the SkyTeam alliance such as AeroMexico and KLM and can enjoy lounge access when available. Loyalty to one airline alliance pays off when it comes to extra fees—United’s lowest MileagePlus status level, Premier Silver, includes a complimentary checked suitcase of 70lbs.

10.  Use credit card perks

In addition to taking advantage of airline loyalty programs, consider getting a credit card with perks that make international travel cheaper and more convenient. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum and Capital One Venture will not only get you points to spend on travel faster, but come with perks like lounge access, early and late check-out at hotels and upgrades. 

11.  Google Translate’s camera feature

If you're traveling to a destination with a foreign language, it's wise to download Google Translate. The tool helps generate sentences in that country's language so you can interact with locals. The camera feature can be even more handy, allowing you to hold up your camera to a sign, menu, or any other text and have it immediately translate the words into English. 

12.  Free stopovers and layover tours

If your travel dates are flexible, take advantage of the airline’s free stopovers to maximize your holiday and see another destination en route to your vacation spot. The stopovers offered are at least 24 hours for international destinations. You’ll have plenty of time to quickly check out the destination. Some airports also offer free layover tours, including Singapore Changi Airport, Seoul Incheon Airport , Taipei Taoyuan Airport, and Istanbul International Airport . Some airports, like Abu Dhabi International Airport and Doha’s Hamad International Airport, offer free tours.

13.  Book a reliable airport transfer

Uber and other ride-sharing apps are often not allowed to do airport pickups or have hefty surge prices worldwide. If you don’t have an international mobile plan or already possess a local sim card with data, you may not be able to find your ride-share driver once you exit the airport Wi-Fi. Instead, save yourself the hassle and book a reliable ride at a locked-in all-inclusive fee with the global chauffeur service Blacklane . The prices are reasonable and all of Blacklane’s rides are offset and some utilize electric vehicles.

14.  Go plastic free

Save space in your suitcase by traveling plastic-free. Packing shampoo and conditioner bars take up less space in your suitcase and can be taken in carry-on luggage as the bars don’t count as a liquid.  Vaycay Beauty  makes bars that cater to different hair types. Get a water bottle with a filter, such as the  Hydros 20 oz  water bottle with a reusable coconut filtration system so you can refill your water bottle anywhere, even if you don’t have access to potable water. You’ll save money as buying several single-use plastic water bottles daily is expensive.

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46 Amazing Airplane Hacks To Boost Your Flight & Travel Experience

Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

378 Published Articles 62 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 28 U.S. States Visited: 29

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

47 Published Articles 3397 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

Flight booking hacks, packing hacks, pre-flight hacks, flying with kids hacks, pre-flight airport hacks, airplane hacks, post-flight airport hacks, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Key Takeaways

• Flight booking hacks include being flexible, using Google Flights, signing up for flight deal alerts, and booking flights with points.
• Packing hacks include tips like packing essentials in your carry-on, traveling with a versatile large scarf, and using packing cubes.
• Airport tips include using TSA PreCheck to save time and getting a Priority Pass membership to access lounges worldwide.

Love it or hate it, flying on an airplane is a common part of travel. So, if you have to fly, you might as well make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

We’ve compiled this list of 46 of our best airplane and travel hacks to elevate your flight experience, including everything from flight booking hacks and packing hacks to airport hacks and inflight hacks.

We hope you’ll be able to use some of these flight tricks to make your next travel experience as awesome as possible.

A great flight starts with a great booking experience. Try these tricks the next time you have to book a flight.

1. Be Flexible To Save Money

If you want to find cheap flights , it’s best to be flexible. When your dates aren’t set in stone, you can use the flexible date search option in Google Flights to see what dates offer the cheapest tickets. Just visit Google Flights , enter your origin and destination cities, then click on the travel dates.

You’ll see the prices for your flight every day on the calendar. Use the trip duration settings at the bottom to choose your desired trip length or play around to see if the trip length affects the ticket price. The lowest-priced tickets will be shown in green.

2. Stay Alert

Another way to keep an eye out for the lowest price tickets is by signing up for flight deal alerts . Websites like Google Flights, Kayak , and Skyscanner allow you to sign up for fare alerts on your chosen route so you know if and when the price drops.

3. Use Points To Book Your Flight

We couldn’t write a flight hack post without mentioning points and miles, could we? Of course not, since that’s our specialty! Using points to book your flight is an easy way to save on the out-of-pocket expense of travel. Plus, using points to book business and first class flights is a great way to make your entire flight experience so much more comfortable than flying in the back of the plane.

Hot Tip: If you’re brand new to the points and miles game, start with our beginner’s guide to bring you up to speed.

4. Get Help Finding Award Availability

Using miles to book a flight is a great way to fly, but finding award availability can sometimes prove to be difficult. If you need help, look at a tool like ExpertFlyer , Award Nexus , or Seat Spy . These websites can help you find award seat availability without spending all day searching.

5. Don’t Leave Miles on the Table

Whether or not this is your first trip on a specific airline or your fiftieth, sign up for the airline’s frequent flyer program and make sure your frequent flyer number is attached to your reservation. If you never plan on flying the airline again, you can credit the miles you’ll earn to a partner airline.

6. Choose Your Seat Wisely

No one wants to get stuck in a middle seat in the back of the plane next to the bathroom, right? That one is obvious, but there are pros and cons to other seats as well.

• If you get motion sickness, choose a seat over the wing so you’ll feel less turbulence .
• Choose a seat in front of the plane if you’ve got a short connecting time.
• If you’re traveling with another person, choose a window and aisle seat toward the back of the plane. Unless the flight is sold out, you’ll have a decent chance that no one will choose the middle seat between you.
• If you want to sleep during your flight, go with a window seat.
• If you’re more comfortable having easy access to the bathroom, an aisle seat toward the back of the plane will be your best bet.
• If you definitely need a small bag with you during the flight, don’t choose a bulkhead seat because they don’t have anywhere to store a carry-on other than the overhead bins.

Use a tool like SeatGuru to find seat maps for your flight, along with notes about the pros and cons of every seat. This website is a must if you want to find the perfect seat on your next flight.

7. Book a Flexible Ticket

Thankfully, many airlines are offering flexible cancellation and change policies these days, but be sure to read the fine print. These policies often don’t apply to the cheapest basic economy fares. If you want flexibility, you might need to pay a little more upfront.

Packing a suitcase is an art, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. These easy packing hacks will help you save space and ensure that you’re prepared for anything.

8. Keep Your Suitcase Organized

A packing tip that many can agree on is that packing cubes are a must. These zippered bags come in lots of different sizes and colors to keep your clothes organized. When you arrive at your destination, just move the packing cubes to the drawers, unzip, and you’ve unpacked in an instant.

If you’re packing for multiple people in 1 bag, assign everyone a different color packing cube to keep everything organized.

9. Bring the Ultimate Travel Accessory

A large scarf is a versatile item that is the perfect travel accessory. When you pack one in your carry-on bag, you can use it as a blanket to stay warm or for lumbar support to stay comfortable on the plane. Then use it as a scarf in cold weather destinations or as a beach cover-up for tropical vacations.

10. Pack Vacation Essentials in Your Carry-on

Picture this: your flight arrives at your vacation destination and you’re so excited to hit the pool at your resort — but your luggage didn’t make it yet! What could be a wasted vacation day for others is no big deal for you because you’re prepared. You packed an extra set of clothes in your carry-on , including important vacation items like a bathing suit, sunscreen, and flip-flops, so you can wait for your delayed luggage while sipping a tropical cocktail by the pool instead of being grumpy in your hotel room in the jeans and sneakers you wore on the plane.

11. Don’t Dry Out

Dry airplane air can easily dehydrate your body. In addition to drinking plenty of water on your flight, don’t forget to pack lip balm and hand lotion in your carry-on bag to combat uncomfortable dry skin. If you typically wear contact lenses, opt for glasses on your flight since the plane’s dry air can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.

12. Pay Attention to Your Toiletries

Make sure your toiletries are in travel-sized containers if you’re planning on using carry-on luggage only. You can invest in a good travel toiletry bag to keep everything organized, or opt for the budget route and put travel-sized containers in a Ziploc bag to keep them from leaking on your clothes.

These tricks of the trade are things to think about before you get on your flight.

13. Know Where You’re Going

If you’ll be traveling somewhere where Wi-Fi might be spotty or unavailable, it’s a good idea to download offline maps of the areas you’ll be visiting so you can access them even when you can’t access the internet.

To download a Google Map for use offline, just type in your destination. Then click on the destination name at the bottom of your screen.

Then click on the 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner and select Download offline map .

14. Stay Entertained

While many airlines offer inflight entertainment, there’s nothing better than knowing you’ve got plenty of your favorites ready to go. Download podcasts, music, audiobooks, or Netflix shows before you take off to ensure you have plenty to keep you occupied during your flight.

If you’re planning on watching movies or shows on your phone, bring a small stand or mount to set up on your tray table so you don’t have to hold your phone for the whole flight.

15. Charge Up

Be prepared. Charge all of your electronic devices the day before you leave so they are ready to go for your flight. Keep all of your charging cords handy in your carry-on bag in case you need to charge up at the airport, or bring a portable charger if you think you’ll need more battery power during your flight.

16. Be Ready To Write

If you’ll be traveling internationally, bring a pen . This will save you from having to rely on your fellow passengers to borrow a pen on the flight to fill out customs forms.

17. Think About Meals Ahead of Time

If you’re on a long-haul flight that will be serving a meal and you’ve got dietary restrictions, be sure to order a special meal before your flight. If you wait until you’re on the plane, you’ll be stuck with the standard options.

Flying with kids can be an adventure, but with these pro tips, it will be as stress-free as possible.

18. Book a Bassinet Seat

Did you know that many airplanes (especially on long-haul international flights) have a few seats that can accommodate a bassinet on board (usually the bulkhead seats)? If you’re flying with a baby , book early and call the airline to reserve one of these seats.

19. Pack Snacks

If you’re a parent, you know that snacks are the answer to about 85% of your kids’ problems. This is no different on a flight. Pack snacks and everything will be okay.

20. Bring Lollipops To Help Pop Ears

Air pressure changes can affect kids’ ears more than adults’ ears. To help your little one pop their ears, give them a lollipop.

21. Keep Them Entertained

We aren’t saying you should always bribe your kids with new toys, but a long flight is a great time to go ahead and bribe your kids with a new toy ! Having something new will help keep them happy and entertained for longer.

If your child is sitting in the window seat, give them a package of gel window clings to play with, or try an airplane toy for a child’s first flight. The toy itself doesn’t matter as much as the novelty of having a new toy.

If all else fails, or even if you just want to keep things simple, bring a tablet with plenty of shows or games downloaded, along with child-friendly headphones . Most adults use screens for the whole flight, so why not let your kids do the same?

22. Use up Energy Before the Flight

Kids have a ton of energy, and it’s a great idea to get rid of as much of it as possible before you board the plane. Many airports these days have specially designed kids’ play areas for this exact purpose.

If your airport doesn’t have a play area, take kids on a walk and let them ride the people movers (making sure they don’t get in the way of others trying to quickly make it to their gate, of course). When all else fails, try to find an empty area (the far end of the terminal is probably your best bet) and let them run wild.

You can make the time you spend in the airport before your flight as comfortable and stress-free as possible with these airport hacks.

23. Remember Where You Park

While you think you’ll remember where you parked, it’s not quite so easy to remember after a week-long vacation. To help your memory out, take a picture of your parking space with any recognizable features and the parking row number so you can find your car easily when you return.

24. Skip the Long TSA Security Line

How would you like to breeze through the TSA security line — without taking your shoes off ? That can all be achieved when you have  TSA PreCheck . This program essentially gives you access to shorter security lines and the ability to pass through without taking your shoes and jacket off and without having to remove your laptop and toiletries from your bag. It’ll save time and hassle each time you fly.

According to the TSA , the majority of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 5 minutes in security lines.

Hot Tip: While TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a 5-year membership (and many would argue it’s absolutely worth that price), you can get it for free with many credit cards .

25. A “Touchless” and Even Faster Way To Skip Long Security Lines

Breeze through the security lines without having to even take your ID out of your wallet. CLEAR is a program that allows you to do just that because it uses biometrics to verify your identity. After your identity is successfully confirmed (through an eye scan), you’ll be escorted to the front of the security line.

CLEAR costs $199 annually and is available in select airports across the country. Several credit cards include a discounted or complimentary CLEAR membership as part of their benefits.

26. Go Left

If you have a choice, choose the security lines to the left — people tend to naturally go right more often than not, so the left lines may be shorter.

27. Be Ready for the Security Line

Regardless of whether or not you have TSA PreCheck, be ready to get through the security line quickly . Have your ID and boarding pass ready to go — do not wait until you’re at the front of the line to get these things out. If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, make sure you have your liquids and laptop easily accessible so you can remove them quickly without holding up the line.

Hot Tip: Be prepared before your flight. Know what you can and can’t bring through TSA security and check these TSA security FAQs for the answers to some common questions.

28. Don’t Pay for Checked Luggage

Checking your luggage can be expensive these days. While it might be easy to just bring a carry-on bag for some trips, many of us will still need to check a bag from time to time. You can avoid paying crazy baggage fees by choosing an airline that doesn’t charge for bags, like Southwest, by having airline elite status, or by having an airline credit card. Many airline credit cards come with free checked baggage , which can save you lots of money, even if you only fly a couple of times a year.

29. Don’t Buy Water

Buying water in an airport gift shop is expensive and isn’t great for the environment. Instead, bring an empty water bottle through security and then fill it at the filling station or drinking fountain after security. You’ll save money and reduce your plastic usage at the same time.

30. Stay Active

With many of us using fitness trackers and smartwatches these days, getting a recommended number of daily steps or movement time has become commonplace. To balance out sitting on an airplane for hours at a time, take the time before your flight to walk. Getting a few laps in around the terminal before you board your flight is a great way to stay active, even on travel days, and it provides great people-watching, too.

31. Get the Right Size Carry-on Bag

Before you attempt to pack for a week-long trip in 1 carry-on bag, make sure it’s the right size for a carry-on , and make sure you can lift it up to get it in the overhead bin. While other passengers will often offer to help lift heavy bags into the overhead bins, savvy travelers can manage their bags on their own.

Hot Tip: Need a new bag? Check out some of our favorite carry-on luggage bags for any traveler.

32. Know How To Access a Lounge

Airports are places we all spend a lot of time just waiting. So, next time you fly, plan to wait in style in an airport lounge . Lounges offer quieter places to get work done or to grab a snack and drink before your flight. Some even offer luxury amenities like showers and massages.

Having a Priority Pass membership allows you to access over 1,400 airport lounge locations in over 600 cities across the world. The best part is that there are many credit cards with Priority Pass access.

33. Know Your Luggage

While it’s not inevitable, sometimes your luggage doesn’t make it onto the same flight as you. When this happens, you’ll most likely need to fill out lost/delayed luggage paperwork that will include an area for you to describe your luggage. A description of “black suitcase” isn’t going to cut it, so make sure you know exactly what your luggage looks like. When in doubt, take a photo of it before you fly, for reference.

We love traveling here at Upgraded Points and have picked up lots of tricks along the way. These airplane hacks will help make your flight as comfortable and as fun as possible.

34. Put Your Bag in the Right Spot

When choosing a spot for your carry-on bag in the overhead bin, go for the space on the opposite side of your seat, directly across from or slightly in front of your seat (never put your bag behind you). That way you can see your bag from your seat and you’ll easily be able to grab it after the flight without having to wait for the people behind you to deplane before you can grab your bag.

35. Block Everything Out

One of the keys to really relaxing and enjoying a flight is the ability to block out airplane noise to enjoy your podcast, music, or movie. Because of that, having noise-canceling headphones is a great way to make your flight more enjoyable.

36. Brush Your Teeth

No, we aren’t suggesting you need to brush your teeth on that quick flight from Chicago to New York City, but brushing your teeth on long-haul flights or flights where you’ll be sleeping can really make a difference in how refreshed you feel. Be sure to pack your toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste (or even a disposable product like Colgate Wisp ), and don’t forget to use bottled water.

37. Be Nice

While this should come easily to many people, it bears repeating. Be polite and respectful to the flight attendants. They are there to ensure your safety and to help you have a comfortable flight and they deserve your respect. If you’re having a bad flight or don’t like a policy, don’t take it out on them.

If you think you’ll need extra attention from the flight attendants during your trip, consider bringing a small, edible gift like a piece of chocolate or a cookie (prepackaged, store-bought) as a gesture of thanks.

38. Clean Your Tray Table

While airplane cleaning standards have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began, things like tray tables are not necessarily cleaned between each flight. According to Forbes , airplane seatback tray tables are the dirtiest part of the airplane , so be sure to pack some disinfecting wipes and clean your tray table before using it.

39. Choose Your Drink Wisely

Be sure to drink plenty of water during your flight to stay hydrated. While you might not like it, it’s best to avoid alcohol on planes, since it can speed up dehydration and could lead to a fuzzy start to your vacation. It’s also best to avoid carbonated drinks as the bubbles combined with changes in air pressure can cause discomfort for some people.

40. Sleep Like a Pro

There’s a definite art to sleeping on a plane, and unless you’re one of those lucky people that can fall asleep anywhere, you’ll need all the help you can get. Use a  sleeping mask and earplugs to block out light and sound, and bring along a comfortable travel pillow to give your head and neck some support. Choosing a window seat can also make sleeping easier since you can lean up against the side of the plane.

Another trick to help you sleep on airplanes is to wear a jacket or sweatshirt with a hood . Putting up the hood will help keep you warm but will also cover your ears and part of your face, giving you more of a sense of comfort and privacy. Some hoods are big enough to pull down to cover your eyes, too.

41. Dress in Layers

Airplanes can often be freezing… unless they are way too hot. The problem is, you never know which temperature extreme your plane might suffer from until you are on it, so it’s best to dress in layers so that you’re prepared for anything. Always bring a jacket in the summer and wear a t-shirt under your sweater in the winter.

Hot Tip: If you bring a jacket but don’t need it on the plane, you can roll it up and use it as extra lumbar support.

42. Bring Socks

If you’re wearing sandals on your travel day, bring a pair of socks to wear on the plane. Your feet will stay warm and your seatmate will appreciate not being up close and personal with your bare feet.

If your feet and legs have a tendency to swell, consider bringing compression socks onboard to wear during your flight. They will help reduce fluid retention and swelling, and may even reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The travel hacks don’t stop when your flight lands. Use these tips to travel like a pro.

43. Find Your Luggage Quickly

Many bags can look the same, so it’s smart to use a unique luggage tag or tie a brightly colored ribbon around your checked bags to make them easily identifiable in the baggage carousel. Alternatively, you can buy luggage in a variety of colors and patterns that are easy to pick out of a crowd.

44. Late Bags? Earn Points!

Did you know that some airlines offer bonus points if your bags are late ?

Delta Air Lines offers the “Bags On Time” guarantee. If your bags take more than 20 minutes to reach the baggage carousel after any domestic flight, you’re eligible for 2,500 bonus miles by completing this form .

Alaska Airlines offers a $25 discount code for future travel or 2,500 bonus miles when your bags take more than 20 minutes to reach the baggage carousel. To make a claim , you need to visit the Alaska Airlines baggage desk at the airport within 2 hours of your flight’s arrival.

45. Speed Through Customs

If you travel internationally even just once or twice a year, Global Entry can save you tons of time. This program allows members to speed through customs upon re-entry back into the U.S. Instead of waiting in the long customs lines, Global Entry members scan their passports and enter customs information at a kiosk before heading to baggage claim.

Bottom Line: Global Entry is a great program that will help you speed through the airport after international flights. It costs $100 to apply and the membership lasts 5 years. The great news is that many travel rewards credit cards come with a credit for the Global Entry application fee .

46. Save Money on Transportation

If you’ll be taking a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from the airport, make sure you download the app before you need to use it. It will be easier and quicker to get a ride if your account is already set up, and you’ll have time to see if any of your credit cards offer discounts or bonus points . Be sure to add your credit card to your account and activate any bonus offers, if needed.

We think flying is fun and we hope that by using some of these amazing plane and flight hacks, you will, too! Also, be sure to check out our best hotel hacks to get the most out of your next hotel stay. If you’ve got additional travel hacks ideas, share them in the comments below.

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70 Travel Hacks That Will Change Your Travel Game Forever

With 57 countries under my belt and more than a decade of traveling regularly, I think it’s safe to say that I’m an expert in the field. I’ve made every mistake you could imagine—missed flights, lost baggage, exploding hair irons—but with each disastrous experience, I’ve grown a little bit wiser, and a LOT savvier when it comes to traveling like a seasoned pro.

These travel hacks for flying, packing, saving money, getting hotel upgrades and more are the secrets I swear by. I hope they’ll help make your next trip pleasurable, memorable, and stress-free.

70 Travel Hacks That Will Blow Your Mind

1. use my “contact lens case” hack for makeup and skincare products ..

This is one of my best space saving packing hacks. People tend to take up unnecessary room in their toiletry bags by bringing full-sized products.

Here’s the trick: put your foundation, moisturizer, eye cream , and any other liquid products into contact lens cases. Every inch counts!

2. Be strategic in your seat selection when booking a flight.  

There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in a seat that doesn’t recline, or ending up in a row next to the lavatory with people hovering over you for the entire flight. I avoid these kind of mishaps by checking SeatGuru before I choose my seat on flights.

Occasionally, I’ll even choose a flight based on the type of plane that SeatGuru tells me I’ll be flying on. The website and app shows you photos of the plane’s interior so you’ll know in advance whether you’re booking an outdated 747, or a brand spanking new plane.

Plus, it gives you warnings about seats that have potential issues, like limited recline or a misaligned window.

3. Pack your own DIY amenity kit for long-haul flights.

I loooove the amenity kits that you get when you fly First or Business, but since I don’t always have that luxury, I decided to start making my own. My “DIY kit” stays in my carry-on bag at all times, and includes a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, sheet masks, moisturizer, hand cream, eye masks , lip balm, and socks.

4. Avoid cankles by wearing compression socks.

They’re basically Spanx for your calves and feet, because feeling swollen after a long-haul flight is the WORST.

5. Consider choosing an “alternate destination” when you search.

If the city you’re flying in or out of isn’t a main hub, consider flying into a bigger city and connecting or finding a flight (or other mode of transportation) out of that city.

Not only will you save money, but you have the potential to earn more mileage points.

6. Download the Google Translate app to help with language barriers.

You can use it to take photos of text in another language, and it will translate the words in real time. (I have a separate blog post featuring the best travel apps for savvy jetsetters , which you should check out as well!)

7. Use packing cubes.

Another space saving packing hack that I swear by? Packing cubes! I truthfully thought these were a scam until I tried them out for myself.

They not only compress your items to give you additional space, but they also help keep you organized—I use a small one for socks and underwear, a medium-sized one for tops, another medium-sized one for comfortable walking shoes and sneakers , and a large one for jeans , pants, and dresses.

8. Look out for price errors.

Often times, there will be glitches on airline or third party sites that offer a ridiculous low fare. Sign up to these sites to keep an eye on them. But know that you will have to act quick, as these companies will typically fix the fare as soon as they catch it. Here are some great resources to keep an eye on for low fare deals.

• Scott’s Cheap Flights (or Jack’s Flight Club for UK-based people)
• The Flight Deal
• Secret Flying (if you’re based out of Europe)
• Holiday Pirates
• Airfarewatchdog.com 
• FlyerTalk Mileage Run (discussion board)

* Bonus Tip: Fill your social media with these sleuths by following them on Instagram and Twitter!

9. Take advantage of generous credit card offers.

The greatest travel hack of all time? Credit cards and points. Open up a credit card that has a sign-up bonus (assuming you can be responsible enough to pay your bills!), and transfer the points to an airline for a pricey international flight.

Check out my full step-by-step guide to using points and miles for free travel if you haven’t already!

10. Be strategic with flight cancellations.

If you book a nonrefundable ticket and your plans change or you know you won’t be traveling on that flight—do not cancel the ticket until the last possible moment.

Or…just don’t show up. Here’s why: in the rare case that there’s a flight cancellation or schedule change, your nonrefundable ticket could entitle you to a credit or refund. Had you cancelled the ticket, you wouldn’t be entitled to anything.

11. Learn how to avoid long airport security lines.

TSA-precheck, Global Traveler, and Clear have been an absolute gamechanger for me, and if you travel more than a few times a year, they are absolutely something worth investing in. If you’re not familiar:

• TSA Precheck enables you to use a separate line for domestic (US) flights, and you won’t be required to take off your shoes or take out your laptop.
• Global Traveler is for international flights and (as far as I know) is for the US only. When you’re returning to the US, you use a machine that scans your passport rather than having to wait in line at customs.
• Clear lets you scan your fingertips at security and then get escorted to the front of line at airports where it is offered.

12. Take a hydration multiplier for long flights.

While everyone will tell you to “drink as much water as possible” and “try to stay hydrated” on a long-haul flights, the reality is that if you’re drinking a liter of water on a plane, you’re going to find yourself getting up to go to the bathroom repeatedly.

My hack for this is to use Liquid IV. It’s a “hydration multiplier” that hydrates you 2-3 times faster than water alone. You pour the little packet of powder into your water bottle, shake it up, and then drink.

It tastes pretty similar to Gatorade (the lemon/lime is my preferred flavor) and will keep you hydrated without sending you to use the restroom every 30 seconds.

13. Keep track of itinerary ideas in Google Docs.

I use Google Docs for all of my itineraries—especially when I’m planning a girls trip and there are multiple people involved. I’ll share the link with everyone I’m traveling with to make it more collaborative. It’s also where I keep a running list of recommendations from people for the destination that I’m visiting.

14. Challenge yourself not to check a bag.

Avoid lost baggage nightmares by packing carry-on only for trips under a week. In need of luggage that actually fits a lot of stuff? Here’s a list of the best carry-on bags that help save space with packing.

15. Order a “special meal” in advance of a long-haul flight.

Most major airlines will offer the option to order a special meal when you book your flight—these include vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, vegan, low fat, and sometimes even low sodium options.

People who place orders for “special meals” will always get served first, so if you’re hoping to catch some z’s on the flight, you’ll have more time to sleep while everyone else is waiting for their food to arrive.

16. Save local currency from the country you’re visiting as a souvenir.

My husband and I started doing this many years ago, and now we have what we jokingly call a “world bank” at home. It’s a cool alternative to buying a dumb keychain or t-shirt you’ll never wear.

17. Create a framed collage of foreign currency from your trips after you get home.

I often find foreign currency to be incredibly beautiful. We’ve taken some of the best-looking bills from various places we’ve visited, and framed them.

18. Do the same with hotel room keys, airline tickets, and baggage tags.

You can use a place like Framebridge to arrange and frame them for you—they’ll even send you a pre-paid envelope to mail in your items.

19. Talk to taxi drivers.

Often, a simple taxi ride from the airport to your hotel will turn into an impromptu city tour if you ask the right questions.

20. Build your itinerary using Go ogle Maps Trip Planner.

This might be the greatest travel hack of all time. Did you know that there’s a FREE tool within Google Maps that you can use to create an entire itinerary for your next trip? It’s called Google Maps Trip Planner and it’s incredible.  

21. Don’t exchange money at the airport.

Wait and go to an ATM near your hotel for better exchange rates.

22. Take advantage of layovers as often as possible.

Sometimes, I’ll even choose flights with 12+ hour layovers as a way to see another city for a day.

23. Never miss another photo opp.

Take photos in “burst” mode so you don’t need to worry about missing the shot.

24. Carry a photocopy of your passport in your wallet.

Just in case.

25. Speaking of wallets… invest in a good travel wallet.

Trying to keep track of boarding passes, passport photocopies, foreign currency, and receipts can get a bit messy if you’re trying to stuff everything into your regular, everyday wallet.

The best way to stay organized while you’re heading out of town is to use an inexpensive but chic travel wallet that has additional compartments for travel-related items. 

26. Use a travel agent or tour operator for special trips or multi-city itineraries.

They can often get you better rates and preferential treatment at hotels.

27. Become a points and miles pro.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—I’ve learned everything I know about points, miles, and travel hacks from my friend Brian Kelly, aka The Points Guy . Browse through his site for all the secrets.

28. Easily share photos with friends/family.

Start a shared album with your the people you’re traveling with at the beginning of a trip, so you’re able to easily exchange photos.

29. Get the experience of a luxury hotel without staying at one.

Dying to stay at a fancy hotel but can’t afford the nightly rate? Pop in to the lobby bar for drinks instead.

30. Plan your trip during “shoulder season” to take advantage of better hotel rates and less crowds.

Shoulder season = the period between high and low season, when the weather is still great but the destination is less busy. In places like Positano , Santorini , and Mykonos for example, shoulder season is generally April through the middle of June, and September through October.

31. Avoid jetlag by getting onto the local time zone as soon as you board the plane.

If it’s technically morning in the destination you’re going to when you board the plane, do NOT go to sleep—even if it’s midnight where you’re leaving from. If you work on adjusting to the time zone while on the flight, you’ll have a better chance of battling jet lag when you arrive.

32. Hire a local guide during the first day of your trip in a foreign city.

It’ll help you get the lay of the land. Then ask your guide for non-touristy recommendations to hit up during the rest of your trip. Also: if you’re traveling with a big group, DEFINITELY hire a guide. It takes the pressure off of one person being put in charge of the itinerary.

One of the best things I’ve ever done was hire a guide for my five-day trip to Tokyo since I wanted to see as many things as I could in a short period of time.

33. Use a sheet mask on long flights to replenish the moisture back into your skin.

I love using these sheet masks on the plane. Instead of looking haggard when you land, your skin looks super glowy and fresh.

34. Hire a passport/visa expediting service if you’re in a pinch.

I used a company called “It’s Easy” to renew my passport when I was super tight on time, and they were able to get it to me within a few days.

35. Keep a “packing checklist” in your phone.

You can refer back to it every time you’re heading out of town. I have an example of my travel packing checklist here .

36. Always keep your boarding pass.

I usually keep mine until I see that my miles have posted on my frequent flyer account—if you end up having to claim missing miles from your airline, you’ll need to have your ticket number and confirmation number as a reference. Which leads me to my next point…

37. Create a frequent flyer account on every airline you travel with.

There’s no reason not to. If you don’t you’ll be missing out on valuable miles that could potentially be put toward your next trip. I personally have FF account with: American, Delta, JetBlue, United, Cathay Pacific/Asia Miles, British Airways/Avios.

38. Keep your iPhone photos organized.

Save all of your favorite trip photos into an album in iPhoto so that you can find them quickly.

39. Turn your travel photos into cool animations using free apps.

One of my favorite ways to jazz up my photos following a trip is by using apps like KiraKira and Enlight Pixeloop. (For example, I have a little tutorial that shows you how to add falling snow to your photos in 30 seconds.)

40. Use a pants hanger to ensure blinds stay closed over night.

There’s nothing worse than waking up at the crack of dawn on vacation because of a small gap in the hotel drapes. I avoid this by using a hanger with trouser clips to secure the two window shades together.

41. To find cheap flights, consider looking beyond the obvious sites like Kayak and Expedia.

If you set the tab or filter to “everywhere” or “anywhere” and are flexible with your dates and travel time, you can find really inexpensive flights and even earn extra miles if you fly an extra leg.

A few of the best “deals” sites are:

• Sky Scanner

42. Always ask for an upgrade.

Unless you’re on an unlimited budget or celebrating a special occasion, never book the best room at a hotel—but always ask for an upgrade. I did this on a recent trip to Maui , as well as in the Maldives and St Barths , and totally lucked out!

Make sure to join the hotel’s loyalty program before arriving (they’re free), since they usually honor those requests for members as long as a higher room category is available.

43. Sometimes, the budget airlines have even cheaper flights on their sites.

Also, if you sign up for their newsletter and loyalty clubs, you get added perks and insider info. A few that comes to mind are Norwegian, Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit.

44. Be a “country counter.”

Download the “Been” app to keep track of the countries and states you’ve visited.

45. Get a more authentic “local” experience with your accommodation.

Using sites like Air BnB, VRBO, Booking and others gives you the opportunity to live more locally and at a significantly discounted rate. In fact, sometimes the house share experience is more personalized and luxurious.

46. Book a private room at a hostel to save money.

If hostels are an option (check HostelWorld.com), you can book private rooms for a really cheap rate. This is a great way to 1) save money 2) meet new people (perhaps people you could room with in another country on future trips.)

47. Always have a back-up power source.

Charge an external battery before you travel, and have it with you on the plane in case the seats don’t have outlets.

48. Compare flight prices using Airfare Matrix.

AirFare Matrix is something travel agents use. It is a Google tool and allows you to do some great price comparison without the third party interjection (that can sometimes cause you to pay more if you’re not searching in an incognito browser).

You can’t book directly from the site, but can use the codes as a source to get the cheapest price when you call an agent, or even the airline.

49. Try toggling to a different “home” country when searching for flights to get cheaper rates.

If you’re looking to fly a specific airline, set your country (usually in the top right hand corner or in the website’s footer) to one that has a good FX rate (of the countries available, of course).

This will allow you to view and purchase the flights in another currency, and potentially save big! It will take some time and some trial and error, but if you have the time, it’s worth it!

50. Mark your bag fragile.

It’ll be handled properly and make it to the top of the pile, ensuring your luggage comes out in the first batch!

51. Before you pay for an upgraded cabin, see if the flight is full.

If not, put yourself on the upgrade list as soon as you can. Also, offering to get bumped from a flight and wait for the next flight could give you leverage to negotiate a better seat (and maybe even money or points).

52. Use FourSquare for Wifi.

You can find wifi passwords on FourSquare for restaurants, cafes and other places (just be careful, obviously, as not all of these are secure.)

53. Turn on “Private Browser” when searching for flights. 

Prices do, in fact, fluctuate based on the cookies in your web browser and how many searches you’ve performed for a specific destination. Which is why searching for flights in a private browser (also known as “incognito mode”) is an absolute must.

If you’re using Google Chrome, you can enable Incognito mode by hitting Command + SHIFT + N.

If you’re using Firefox or IE, you can enable a private browser by hitting COMMAND + SHIFT + P.

54. Bring an oversize scarf on the plane that doubles as a blanket.

Then wear it as a chic cape during your trip.

55. Save on parking by pairing up with a local.

Garage Pointer is a website that connects you with people who own parking spaces and are willing to rent them (temporarily) to visitors. As of now Garage Pointer is only available in the U.S.

56. Rent a car…from a local.

Ready for the best car travel hack? Look into whether or not Turo is available in your destination. The app and website connects you with people who own cars and are willing to rent them out for a fee that is (usually) much less than traditional car rental.

57. Overwhelmed with what to pack? There’s an app for that.

PackPoint helps you determine what to pack based on where you are going and the length of your trip. It checks the weather in your upcoming destination and then provides a detailed packing list for you. (I would also recommend using my “what to wear” guide if you’re packing for trip to Europe in the winter .)

58. Use a service to ship your clothes ahead of your trip.

Sure, this might not be for everyone, but did you know there was a service that stores, packs, ships and cleans your clothes prior to trips? It’s a company called DUFL . While it’s definitely targeted to a very specific market, DUFL is an incredible concept.

You send them a capsule wardrobe (consisting of clothes you need for every trip, like business travel), and they’ll store the clothes in a “virtual closet,” which you can access through the app prior to your departure. They then send the clothes to your hotel ahead of your arrival, and collect them to dry clean and store when you leave.

59. Use FlightAware to track your flights.

The website and app allows you to track your flight (or the flights of loved ones) in real time. It’ll also keep you up to date on important info, like whether the incoming flight is delayed, or if the flight had to be rerouted for any reason.

60. Invest in a good adapter/plug converter.

I like this one because it works in all countries, and also has USB ports.

61. Book tours and experiences through AirBnB.

Did you know that Airbnb can be a great resource for things other than accommodations? Over the past few years, the company has expanded to include incredible local experiences and tours.

62. Wear a travel outfit that looks super chic—but it secretly comfortable.

I have an entire blog post dedicated to this (linked above!) but in a nutshell, I’m a big fan of looking put together when I travel. However, I also wouldn’t be caught dead wearing jeans on a long flight.

There are a few little tricks I use to turn otherwise sloppy outfits into something that you’d be confident walking into a luxury hotel wearing.

The most important thing? A lightweight fringed scarf (which doubles as a blanket mid-flight) and a leather or denim jacket. 

63. Invest in a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

We’ve all been stuck next to a screaming child or chronic sniffler on long flights, and the experience can truly get your trip started off on the wrong foot.

I truly can not tell you how much of a game-changer noise-cancelling headphones are. While everyone else around you is having a meltdown over not being able to sleep or concentrate, you’ll be in your own little zen world.

Pro tip : if you don’t want to spring for the fanciest new technology, buy older or discontinued models of Bose headphones on Amazon for a fraction of the price for latest models.

64. Leverage special occasions for perks.

Celebrating a big anniversary or planning a trip for your honeymoon ? Be sure to let the hotel know in advance. When my husband and I went to Thailand and the Maldives for our honeymoon, we mentioned it to each property that we booked, and ended up with upgrades, bottles of champagne sent to the room, and other extra special perks from hotel staff.

65. Use your h otel’s shower cap to protect your toiletries from exploding.

Nervous about your liquids exploding in your toiletry bag on the flight home? Wrap them in the shower cap provided to you in the room. And if you don’t have a shower cap: use the plastic liner that comes with your ice bucket. 

66. Download the Revolut app.

The popular European banking app recently launched in the U.S., and it allows users to exchange currencies from 55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. 

67. Seek itinerary inspiration through social media.

Use Instagram to inspire your itinerary. Browse through hashtags and geotags to see where people took gorgeous photos—and then go to those places! Alternatively, you can google things like “ The Best Instagram Spots in NYC ” or “ The Most Instagrammable Places in London ” for fun ideas.

68. Use AirHelp to get compensated for flight delays or cancelled flights.

We’ve all been there: you miss a connection because of a delayed flight, or your flight get inexplicably cancelled, and you know that the airline has to owe you some kind of compensation.

The problem is that actually getting what you’re owed can be a logistical nightmare that involves long wait times, endless phone calls, and unanswered emails. AirHelp essentially plays the middleman by acting on your behalf.

They do charge a fee (which is a percentage of what you’re ultimately compensated) but as someone who has used the service successfully, I can say that it is VERY much worth saving you the headache.

Plus, Airhelp knows exactly what you’re entitled to based on their expertise, so you’ll often end up getting more than you would have received on your own.

69. Do your souvenir research ahead of a trip.

One thing I always do before I travel is a bit of research about the most unique gifts and souvenirs to buy in the destination I’m heading to. Looking this up ahead of time might top you off to some really cool new boutiques, and it will also guarantee that you don’t end up at an airport gift shop wasting your money on a meaningless memento.

For example, this list of the best things to buy in Paris contains a ton of “hidden gems” within the city you might never have known about otherwise. There’s also something extremely satisfying about going on the hunt for a specific unique item—and then finding it! 

70. Keep a note in your phone filled with travel quotes .

For those times that you desperately want to post an Instagram photo, but you’re at a loss for a caption.

Did you find this list helpful? Are there any travel hacks you love that I didn’t include? Drop them in the comments below!

Thank you to nicole cueto aka @thecubancarrie for her contributions to this piece.

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If you’re traveling with an infant/toddler; bookmark, screenshot AND print the rules for taking things like breastmilk/formula/snacks through security as well as the policy about early boarding for families. It helps to be prepared for any hiccups. And even if you just fly once or twice a year with a child, get TSA Precheck. Your child under 12 can go through the line with you, which makes things SO much faster.

Lindsay Silberman

this is SUCH a good tip (and one i would never have thought of!) thanks for sharing!

I always get a seat on the plane forward of the wings. Any turbulence the plane encounters dieting the flight is less bumpy in the front half.

Charles Loes

these hacks help me a lot thanks for such guidance.

I always get a seat on the plane forward of the wings. Any turbulence the plane encounters during the flight is less bumpy in the front half.

Helen Gaskin

Really a complete guide has never seen such stuff there. I am all the way from Pinterest and your pin is best to attract anyone. And guide too.

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The Perfect Skincare Routine for Beginners

60 quotes about travel that will inspire your wanderlust.

19 Hacks for Finding the Best Flight Deals Right Now

Affordable flights still exist (we promise). air industry pros and insiders fill us in on how to nab a good airfare deal in a high-demand, high-price environment..

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Hot tip: TAP Air Portugal often has great offers on flights to Europe.

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If last year was the year of travel contrasts—the highs of the end of COVID-era border closures combined with the lows of air travel chaos —this year could be seen as the year of the harsh travel reality check. As demand has come roaring back in the aftermath of the pandemic, airfares have skyrocketed , giving travelers extreme sticker shock.

The prices for flights to Europe and Asia this summer are higher than they have been in more than five years, travel booking site Hopper reports . Round-trip flights to Europe are averaging more that $1,100 per ticket and flights to Asia are more than $1,800 on average this summer, with both having increased more than $300 per ticket on average when compared to last summer.

Airfares have been climbing due to a perfect storm of strong demand, inflation, the high price of oil, and capacity shortfalls—and they don’t appear to be coming down anytime soon. For many travelers, the price of flights can influence not just their travel budget and trip calculus for any particular getaway, but ultimately how many trips they can take in a given year.

But what if there was a way to book smarter? Perhaps it’s time to think more strategically about how and when we book our flights. Gone are the days when we can blasé about securing flights. Last-minute deals? You can (mostly) forget about those. If you want to score a good deal, these expert tips and tricks are the path forward. It’s time to get creative, crafty—heck, maybe even a bit sneaky.

These days, “it can sometimes feel like finding good deals is akin to finding a four-leaf clover or spotting a shooting star,” says Katy Nastro, travel expert at flight deal tracking site Going.com (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). But, Nastro adds, airfare deals are definitely still out there, it just “may take a bit more of a keen eye to find them.”

Here are tips on how you can still unearth more affordable airline tickets in a sea of sky-high airfares.

Know when to book for the best flight price

One of the great agonies of booking air travel is knowing when to actually click that book button to ensure you’re getting the best possible airfare (is Tuesday still the best day of the week to book travel? ). It’s such a dramatic moment, not least because of all the over-analyzing and budgeting acrobatics that go into it. If the airfare feels high, is it worth waiting a bit to see if it will still drop, or will it just get higher?

“Airfare is volatile and can change on a dime but tends to go in the upwards direction the closer you get to the date you are looking to fly,” says Nastro. “To give yourself the best odds at finding the best price for a flight, look within the Goldilocks window—the time period that’s not too early but not too late when the opportunity for a cheap flight to pop up is at its greatest.”

For domestic flights, book between 1 and 3 months before departure , or 3 to 7 months out for a peak summer travel season, advises Nastro. For international flights, book 2 to 8 months out for off-peak travel, and 4 to 10 months out for a peak season travel when heading abroad.

For U.S. domestic flights, “prices have usually been their lowest 21-60 days out, with average prices bottoming out 44 days before departure,” wrote James Byers, group product manager for Google Flights, in a recent blog post . The travel search behemoth notes that the best time to book a flight from the U.S. to Europe is 129 days before departure with prices tending to be lower anywhere between 50 and 179 days out. And the best time to book flights from the U.S. to Mexico or the Caribbean based is 59 days out, with airfares typically being lowest between 37 and 87 days before departure.

“But keep in mind that these patterns may not hold true for your specific route, so planning and booking early is usually a good idea,” writes Byers.

The cheapest days of the week to fly

Avoiding the weekends, and one or two days around them, can pretty consistently result in savings. Flight booking site Hopper estimates that travelers can save an average of 17 percent, or $56 per ticket on domestic airfare, by flying smack-dab in the middle of the week, on Tuesday or Wednesday. Flying on a Saturday can also lead to some potential savings since most travelers are keen to maximize their weekends.

Try a (new) low-cost carrier

Several low-cost carriers have launched, relaunched, or expanded service in recent months, offering some welcome relief to travelers experiencing sticker shock when booking domestic or international airfares. Not only do they offer low-cost flights, but they often have fare sales that bring the price down even further. Of course, you often get what you pay for, so you can expect more basic, no-frills service. But they can be worth trying out, and we’ve covered many of them recently:

• Breeze Airways: The domestic low-cost startup from JetBlue founder David Neeleman, which offers one-way domestic fares as low as $39, has a three-tiered fare model: Nice (its no-frills class), Nicer (includes things like a free checked bag), and Nicest (the airline’s version of first class). Breeze Airways currently flies to 37 destinations throughout the U.S. We recently reviewed the experience .
• Condor: German low-cost carrier Condor has been around for decades, but the airline just introduced new Airbus A330neo aircraft for its long-haul flights across the pond with beautiful new business, premium and economy seating—for less.
• French Bee: The Paris-based low-cost carrier French Bee reintroduced transatlantic and transpacific service from the U.S. to Paris and Tahiti in 2021. This is our review of flying with French Bee .
• JetBlue: U.S.-based JetBlue isn’t new, of course, but its expanding transatlantic service is. JetBlue now flies to London, Paris , and Amsterdam with fares as low as $479 roundtrip.
• Norse Atlantic Airways: A reboot of former transatlantic low-cost carrier Norwegian Air, Norse Atlantic has been expanding its U.S. service . It now flies from New York’s JFK airport to Berlin, London, Paris, and Oslo; from Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale to London and Oslo; and from Boston, Orlando, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., to London. Flights from JFK to Rome kick off on June 30.
• Play: Budget Icelandic airline Play offers one-way flights to Europe as low as $110. We tested Play out to see what flights that cheap actually feel like.
• Zipair: This low-cost carrier from Japan Airlines (JAL Group) quietly launched in 2020 during the height of the pandemic and has recently been growing its international flight network as Japan’s borders opened back up. Zipair’s latest addition is a newly announced flight between San Francisco and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, with one-way fares as low as $325. The San Francisco route joins Zipair’s existing flights from Los Angeles, San Jose (in Northern California), and Honolulu.

Excited about traveling to a recently reopened Japan? Try Zipair for more affordable flights to Tokyo.

Clay Banks/Unsplash

Use a 24-hour price freeze

U.S. airlines are required by the Department of Transportation to fully refund your airfare if you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking. While it’s not a ton of time, it does allow travelers to book and re-book a few different options safe in the knowledge that as long as the flight is canceled within 24 hours they will get their money back. This can be really handy during the research phase of making flight reservations and when trying to weigh a few different options such as whether to book a round-trip with a single airline versus two one-ways (see below), a nonstop versus a connecting flight, or even just playing around with different flight times and dates.

Compare with foreign carriers—and use regional airlines

While a lot of travelers stateside are accustomed to starting or ending their flight search with the major U.S. airlines, if you’re flying abroad, make sure to also search for flights on the sites of international airlines that serve the destination ( TAP Air Portugal often has great prices for Europe flights, as does Turkish Airlines on numerous international routes).

Also consider that there are regional airlines (such as Ryanair , Wizz Air , and Norwegian in Europe) that can help make a connecting flight more affordable—just be sure to build in plenty of buffer if you booked a separate connecting flight because if you lose the connection due to an inadequate layover that you scheduled yourself, that’s completely on you. Also, if you are going to switch from a legacy carrier to a low-cost regional carrier, beware the baggage limitations. Most (if not all) low-cost carriers have much lower bag limits than their legacy counterparts and will often charge quite a hefty fee for overage (potentially nullifying any savings).

Look into two one-way flights (with different airlines) versus one round-trip

Nastro notes that one way to get creative with how to look for affordable airfares is to compare one-way flights with competing carriers. “Sometimes you can actually save by booking your trip separately on different airlines to find the cheapest overall price, because of our trusty friend competition,” says Nastro. For example, why not fly to New York from Chicago on Delta and return on American?—“almost building your own itinerary,” she says.

Let destination deals dictate your flight booking choices

If you are truly airfare deal focused (obsessed?), Nastro advises letting the deals themselves dictate the destinations you choose, versus fixating on a destination and hoping a deal “falls in your lap.”

Signing up for an airfare deal tracking service or newsletter like Going or Dollar Flight Club is one great way to do this. When unbeatable flight deals get delivered to your inbox, let that inspire your next getaway—it’s impulsive travel at its best, and most affordable. (Consumer travel media also cover and spotlight standout fare sales so it’s smart to sign up for those newsletters as well.)

Another way to do this is through a tool such as United Airlines’ recently unveiled “shop by map” feature that allows travelers to enter where they are flying from, possible travel dates (you can either select within the next 30 days or set a specific time frame), and the maximum you want to pay. You can even refine the search based on specific travel interests such as national parks, beaches, culture, food and drink, skiing, and snorkeling. United then provides pricing for flights worlwide in a map view, highlighting some of the lower fares across the, well, map.

Fly during shoulder season

Since summer 2023 is turning out to be one of the most expensive air travel seasons in recent memory, may we take this opportunity to spotlight one of our favorite times of the year to travel? Shoulder season —those quieter moments in spring, fall, and winter that exist between the busy school and holiday breaks. With fewer travelers on the road, and lower demand for travel, this is a time when airlines often roll out attractive fares and sales to motivate bookings. Hopper estimates that you can save as much as 30 percent off peak summer flights in July and August just by traveling in September.

Opt for a red-eye or a layover

We know—it’s not for everyone. But for those who can sleep decently on a plane (perhaps armed with an amazing travel pillow ) or are willing to be a bit groggy upon arrival, red-eye flights (flights that travel through the night) are typically less expensive, advises Muriel Assouline, managing director for French low-cost airline French Bee. They also maximize your time on the ground.

As for adding a connection to your flight, according to Google, a “willingness to take a layover is one of your best bets to save money when you fly. On average, nonstop fares have been 20 percent higher than a flight with stops,” the company writes in its recent blog post on how to save when you fly.

Fly out of alternative and nearby airports

Assouline notes that you’ll often find deals, or flights offered by low-cost carriers, when you expand your search to “the next largest airport after the obvious choice”—like Paris Orly in addition to Paris Charles de Gaulle. Alternatively, “Sometimes hitting the road to another, larger airport might be worth the savings of flying out of a smaller, closer airport,” says Nastro. She gave the example of someone who lives outside of Philadelphia and is thinking of flying to Paris this October. “The tickets from Philly are currently $946 roundtrip, but if you drove just an hour and a half away to Newark, your ticket cost for the same trip would only be $506, saving you $440,” notes Nastro.

Get flash sales delivered to your inbox—via airline loyalty programs

They may be called “loyalty” programs but don’t feel you need to be loyal to just one. Sign up for all the airline loyalty programs, not just so that you make sure you are clocking those points and miles whenever you fly, but also to ensure that that you’re on all the airlines’ mailing lists and will be the first to hear about flash sales. You can do this online or through their apps—and seriously, they often send those deals out to customers at the same time that they alert the media about them (we would know).

Set a price alert

Setting up a price alert through a booking site like Google , Kayak , or Hopper is a no-brainer during the research phase of shopping for airfares. What better service than an automatic price tracker that will ping you when the particular flights you are interested in go up or down? It’s like having your own personal flight tracking assistant. For those who have some flexibility on when they travel, Google’s price alert feature allows users to turn on tracking for “any dates,” which will notify them if the price drops for their flights for departures anytime in the next three to six months.

Use a fare comparison calendar

Honestly, how did we even shop for airfares prior to fare comparison calendars on airline websites and travel booking sites like Google? These have become so common and convenient that using them has become an essential part of the flight booking process. Fare comparison calendars remain one of the most valuable tools in the airfare shopping tool kit. Look at the full spread of airfares throughout the month or even the year during which you are hoping to travel so that you can get a very clear picture of how much airfares go up and down and when’s the best time to book.

Book a vacation package that includes air and hotel

As reported by AFAR’s special correspondent for air travel Barbara Peterson , “airlines will often offer a lower airfare for those choosing a bundled option (for instance, via JetBlue Vacations or British Airways’ air and hotel package deals—the British Airways deals in particular are pretty enticing ).” Seriously, the deals are darn good.

Rebook your flight if the airfare drops

During the pandemic, all the major U.S. airlines—Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Hawaiian, and United—ditched their long-standing change fee policies for all but basic economy fares. (Southwest hadn’t charged a change fee even prior to the pandemic.) That means flight changes are now much easier and won’t cost you. Previously, it often wasn’t worth it even if the fare had come down, because a change fee of $200 meant that you wouldn’t actually pay any less and could even pay quite a bit more to change a flight. But now, if the price drops, you can cancel the flight, get the travel credits, and rebook at the lower cost without incurring any fees —as long as you hadn’t booked a basic economy fare. You’ll get your money back in flight credits rather than cash, but it’s still worth a shot if you think you’ll use the credits within the time frame that they will be valid for (some airline credits don’t expire).

Don’t stop searching

In partnership with the above item, just because you’ve booked your flight doesn’t mean you should stop searching for good prices. Keep clicking around via the airlines or booking sites and leave those price alerts in place. Because you’ll want to know if the airfare does come down so that you can respond accordingly (and by respond accordingly, we mean cancel and rebook the lower fare, of course).

An AFAR insider says that British Airways’ Avios program offers “phenomenal value” on mileage redemption.

Nick Fewings/Unsplash

Use a travel credit card to stock up on miles

Airline miles are essentially travel currency—travelers can use miles to pay for flights, greatly reduce the price of a flight, or to upgrade their class of service. And when great travel credit cards offer attractive mileage bonuses, travelers can put their everyday spending to use by having it earn them some miles. When done right, this is a way to get mileage “for free” if you are earning the miles based on spending that you were doing anyway.

Book well in advance for the best redemption value on airline miles

Once you’ve banked those miles using a travel credit card, you’ll need to book as early as possible when the mileage charges are lowest. The closer you get to the travel date, the fewer and the more expensive the options for redeeming miles. For instance, you might be able to book a one-way international economy flight for as little as 15,000 or 20,000 miles if you book early (we’re talking several months out). But that can quickly jump to 70,000 miles or more if you wait.

How to maximize your miles

Paul Rubio , AFAR’s special correspondent for points and miles gave us this insider tip on how to get the most bang out of your mileage buck: “While most frequent flyer programs have now adapted models of dynamic pricing (pegged to a weak dollar rate), British Airways’ Avios program still presents phenomenal value on flights, thanks to a distance-based award chart that’s not pegged to a dollar amount,” explains Rubio.

He notes that British Airways is part of the Oneworld alliance network, “so flights on Oneworld partners American Airlines and Alaska Airlines can be booked with Avios.” Added bonus: All major credit card loyalty programs through American Express, Chase, Capital One, and Citi transfer to Avios at a 1:1 ratio.

“To clarify with a quick example,” he adds, “this August the lowest priced one-way flight in business from Miami, Florida to Providenciales, Turks & Caicos using miles on American Airlines is 25,000 AAdvantage points. Yet when booking the same one-way using Avios, it costs only 15,000 miles and the same amount of taxes of $92.55. That’s 40 percent less miles!”

20 Expert Cheap Flight Hacks You Need To Steal To Uncover the Best Fares

Last updated on March 16th, 2023 at 03:46 pm

Flights are one of, if not the largest, travel expenses you’ll run into when planning your trip. They can also be one of the most difficult areas to save money in – or maybe you just need a few tricks up your sleeve. Tickets may not go on clearance, but there are still ways to save on getting to your destination. Save these cheap flight hacks for a rainy day to get the best fares possible when you’re ready to hit book.

Luckily for budget travelers, there are tons of services and resources available to ensure you’re booking a flight at the right price. I’m bringing you a mix of good common practices when hunting for flights, but also unique tips and resources you probably didn’t know about – now that’s exciting stuff!

And if you’re a budget traveler looking for more tips, I have a whole category of posts dedicated to budget travel for you to check out. Why not maximize your savings and combine them all?

Some of these links are affiliate links meaning if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

Best Flight Search Practices For Finding The Cheapest Fares

When it comes to booking tickets, there are both theoretical and practical hacks to finding cheap flights.

By that I mean some of these tips are going to be covering more general knowledge to have about the flight-booking process and others are tangible sales, websites, or actionable ways to find a lower flight price.

When it comes to cheap flight hacks – the more, the merrier! Utilize every resource you can. Finding cheap flights will likely mean you have to put in a lot of research. But the big savings are worth it!

1. Know the Travel Season & Be Flexible

Everyone knows that if you can have a flexible schedule, you can use that to your advantage and travel on the days the cheapest flights are available.

However, most people don’t have the luxury of vacationing whenever they want. Summer breaks and holidays are when people have time off, so that’s when prices will rise – the industry knows they can make tons of money during these periods.

So, if you can be flexible with your travel dates, then great! Most flight search engines allow you to check a tiny box that says “my dates are flexible” and give you a calendar with the prices associated with each day.

However, there’s another way to be flexible to find the best deals – and that’s to be flexible with your destination . While it’s the busy tourist seasons in one area, it’s the off-season in another. So, if you can’t be flexible with your dates, research destinations that are in the off-season for peak tourist times .

Another way to figure this out is to plug your dates into Skyscanner and use the “Search anywhere” tool to have a better understanding of what destinations can be in your budget.

2. Go Incognito

While you’re searching for flights, your browser is collecting cookies of data. These search engines and airline companies can use these cookies to see if you come back to search for the same flight. In many cases when you return to book, you’ll see the fare has gone up in price!

They know what you’re searching for, so they’re going to try to make some extra money off of you. This is why you should always search for flights in an incognito window . For Chrome on Mac, it’s as easy as right clicking the Chrome icon and selecting Open Incognito Window.

When surfing the Internet in private browsing mode, cookies aren’t storing your data to be used in following sessions – only in the session you’re currently searching on. Now, you won’t run the risk of a price increase if you return to book a flight.

3. Search for Flights in the Departing Airport Currency

If you’re abroad, let’s say in Japan, but you’re American, your browser may default to show prices in US Dollars and set your location to the United States.

It doesn’t always hold true, but if you change your currency and location on the flight search engine to the departing flight’s country, you could see a price decrease!

Just be sure your card doesn’t hit you with high foreign transaction fees – otherwise you may not save much compared to the ticket offered in your currency!

4. Use a VPN

If simply changing the currency and location within the search engine does not offer up a better price, you can consider using a VPN.

What used to be a secret tip has now become quite common knowledge. Flight search engines factor in the location you’re searching from, which can affect the fares showed to you.

A VPN allows you to essentially “fake” your location while on the Internet. So, if flights to Jamaica are more cheaply priced from other Caribbean countries than in the US, your VPN will allow you to book the price offered in Jamaica.

5. Use Price Predictors to Understand Price Fluctuations & Set Fare Alerts

Lucky for budget travelers, there are lots of new resources that have been created to predict price fluctuations in airfare. Some of these include:

• Kayak Price Forecast
• Fare Detective

They basically all do the same thing, using historical data to let you know when’s the best time to buy.

Hopper is one of my favorite flight apps to use in my research. While I rarely book a flight through the app, I use it as a resource to understand price fluctuations over time of the exact flights I’m looking for.

I love that you can set notifications to watch certain trips. The app then notifies you if prices are going up or down for your exact trip and when’s the best time to buy!

They also have a new feature called Carrot Cash, which is basically a credit of a certain amount of money you can put towards flight or hotel bookings! They can surprise you with credits as a new or loyal customer.

You can also Price Freeze through the app. This freezes the fare price where it is currently for 14 days – if it increases in that time period, you’ll pay your frozen price and if it decreases, you’ll pay the lower fare!

6. Find The Cheapest Departure Date

One of the best places to start in your cheap flight search is identifying the cheapest day to fly.

This can be done with several flight search engines, but my favorite to use is Skyscanner .

Enter your departing airport and your destination and then in the dates box click to open the popup. Instead of entering a specific date, select “Whole Month.”

You can search by the “Cheapest Month” if you are really flexible or you can select the month you’re traveling.

Then you can click calendar view or chart view and see what day has the lowest price to fly out.

You can then take this information and continue to search on Skyscanner or input it in another flight search engine of your preference or even on the airline’s direct website.

Harness the Power of Flight Search Engines

Nowadays, there are so many budget flight search engines providing tools that make awesome cheap flight hacks.

Like I said, I always use Skyscanner , so I’ll dive in more deeply about its features, but many of these search engines have similar ones.

Other cheap flight search engines to make use of are:

• Has a deals feature where you can input where you want to travel from and it will show you the cheapest destinations!
• Airfare Watchdog (US only)
• Holiday Pirates

Some of my best tips for harnessing the power of budget flight search engines are these:

• Always check “Add Nearby Airports.”
• Search the whole month first to see how much you can save depending on the day you fly out. Sometimes just a one day difference can save you tons!
• Use “search anywhere” features to pick your getaway based on the cheapest fare from your departing airport.
• Use these search engines as reference points . I actually almost always book directly through the airline for a seamless experience and to earn frequent flyer points. I use these budget search engines to help me identify which airline is offering the best fares and almost always find the same fare when booking directly through their site.

7. Take Advantage of Long Layovers

Flights that have long layovers tend to be the cheapest price. While long layovers don’t sound appealing from a traditional mindset, they’re actually an amazing opportunity not only to save money on airfare, but discover a new place!

Airwander is a site that specializes in finding flights with worthy stopover lengths at the cheapest prices. If you don’t mind extending your vacay or adding a mini trip to another destination before your final one, then this is a great option to save money on flights!

8. Use Secret Flying to Book Cheap Error Fares

One of my newest favorite websites for finding cheap flights is Secret Flying .

This site is a search engine, but its specialty is in identifying error fares! This is when fares for flights are accidentally priced super cheap by the airline. They’re usually fixed quickly, but Secret Flying identifies them and shares them on their site!

I love that the website is not just in search engine, but also blog format. They post unbelievable deals everyday that aren’t just from low cost airlines, popular in Europe, but also transcontinental flights!

9. Use Hacker Fares on Kayak.com

When you are searching for a roundtrip flight, search engines by default show you return options from the same airline, even though a cheaper flight may be offered by a different airline.

Kayak created “hacker fares” which allow you combine the cheapest one-way flight tickets from different airlines for an overall cheaper roundtrip fare!

Pro Tip: Momondo has a similar feature they call Mix & Match. When you search for a flight, it will automatically notify you if an option to Mix & Match airlines is available!

10. Use StudentUniverse for Discounted Flights If You’re Under 26

StudentUniverse has been one of my favorite resources since I was a student traveler ! Don’t let the name deceive you – this site is designed to offer discounts and deals to anyone under 26!

Something unique about this platform is that they offer promo codes on flights! That’s pretty much unheard of in the world of flight shopping.

You can also save on hotels, rentals cars, and other aspects of your trip as a young traveler.

11. Join Cheap Flight Membership Programs

If you’re flying from the US, I highly suggest you check out Scott’s Cheap Flights . You can join as a member for free or purchase a membership to have access to tons of cheap flight deals that the service finds for you.

Implementing all these cheap flight hacks can be a long and tedious process, so services like this make finding cheap flights easy with little effort on your part.

12. Consider Booking Open-Jaw Flights To Save Money Visiting Multiple Destinations

If you are planning a trip with multiple destinations, consider researching if an open-jaw flight saves you money on travel.

Open-jaw flights arrive and depart from different airports. For example, if you were traveling to Italy arriving in Milan but ending your trip in Rome, it could cost you more to get back to Milan for your outbound flight. It’s also just inconvenient!

Open-jaw flights may save you money by flying into one airport and out of another. Fly4free is a site where you can sign up for open-jaw alerts and find these types of flights easily.

13. Hidden City Ticketing with Skiplagged

Ever heard of hidden city ticketing? It’s the riskiest of the cheap flight hacks and I’ve never done it myself, but it can be a way to save big if you’re willing to take the risk.

Sometimes it’s cheaper to book a flight where your final destination is a stopover on the way to the final destination of the flight’s itinerary.

Skiplagged is a search engine that specializes in finding these hidden city ticket fares.

This loophole can be risky – you have to keep in mind not to check bags, as they will often go to the final destination. Plus, if the plane you’re on is the same one continuing to the final destination, you may not be let off the plane on the stopover, the place that you actually want to get to.

Travel at your own risk with this one!

14. Follow Search Engines on Social Media

A lot of deals like error fares are first published through search engine’s social medias and these opportunities are jumped on quickly! It can be annoying to sign up for email alerts and follow tons of accounts, but if you’re really on the hunt for deals, you’ll want to be the first to know about them.

Some good Twitter and Instagram accounts to follow for cheap flights are Secret Flying , Fare Compare , and The Flight Deal.

How to Save Booking Directly Through the Airline

Of all the cheap flight hacks, this might seem like the strangest one. Won’t flights be the most expensive directly through airlines?

Well, that’s not always the case. There’s a few reasons why I prefer to book directly through airlines:

• Third party booking often means you don’t get points towards your frequent flyer programs (more on that in the next section.)
• More seamless experience when booking direct. If something changes with your flight or you need assistance, the airlines may not be able to help you as much if you booked third-party as they can a customer who booked direct.
• All the information is transparently presented to you regarding your fare, while third party booking sites may come with fine print and restrictions that you didn’t know when purchasing the ticket.

This is why I use budget flight search engines most often as a reference point for cheap flight tickets. I see which carrier is coming up the cheapest in my search and go directly to the airline’s website and often ended up finding the same exact fare.

15. Sign Up for Frequent Flyer Programs

Every airline nowadays has their elevator pitch when you get on board to sign up for a credit card and earn miles. That kind of commitment is not what I’m talking about here!

When I first started traveling, I didn’t understand the difference between airline credit cards and airline rewards programs. I’m not an expert in the former, so I don’t want to share with you what I don’t know firsthand.

But I am a sucker for signing up to airline frequent flyer programs! Nearly every airline offers you the chance to create an account and earn miles every time you take a flight with them. These miles can eventually translate into money towards fares or perks like free checked baggage or upgrade.

It does no harm or serious commitment to sign up for these – in fact it only benefits you as a loyal customer! I have a Frequent Flyer account with any of the airlines I’ve flown with, so you don’t even have to be committed to just one. This allows you to still earn towards an airline while finding the cheapest fares.

16. Weigh the Costs of Basic Economy vs. Economy

In most cases, budget flight search engines will automatically (and annoyingly) show the basic economy fare. This ticket is the cheapest, but it also includes basically nothing but a seat.

So, what looks like a great deal is actually disguising many hidden fees you’ll likely have to pay to travel comfortably.

For example, if you know you are traveling with bags, it’s likely that buying the higher fare is a better deal for you than paying extra for your checked luggage.

Other examples of fees with the cheapest fares are seat selection or non-online check-in.

17. Utilize the 24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy

Most airlines, especially in the US, are required to offer a 24-hour cancellation policy after booking a flight. If you see a fare you want to book, you can buy your tickets and still be free to cancel within 24 hours with no penalties.

If the fare changes within those 24 hours, use the free cancellation policy to get out of the old fare and purchase the new.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Budget Airlines

Low-cost airlines are awesome for flying for cheap. However, there are some disadvantages to flying low-cost that you have to weigh before hitting book.

18. Watch Out for Extra & Hidden Fees

Low cost airlines like RyanAir, EasyJet, or Wizz Air, to name a few, have extremely attractive flight fares.

However, those $10 flights are just for your seat on the plane.

Sometimes, it’s totally worth it to buy the basic fare and pay extra for a bag.

But most of the super cheap fares don’t even include a carry-on. If you can squeeze your life into a backpack for vacation, then go for it!

But bags cost a hefty amount extra on these airlines. In fact, all the extras – the ability to change flights, choice of seat, boarding priority – is where the airline makes their money.

Some will even hit you with hidden fees if you don’t check in online! Be careful with the fine print.

The fares may be appealing, but research beyond the surface. If you have to spend money on all the extras, identify if its worth it in comparison to a normal airline’s fare.

19. Check Which Airport the Low-Cost Airline Flies Into

Another factor to determine if low-cost airlines are a budget-friendly decision for your destination is what airport they fly into.

Many will fly into the smaller, less-frequented, and usually further airports from your destination. For example, RyanAir flies into Paris Beauvais. The catch is, this airport is nearly an hour outside of Paris!

So once you factor in how you’re going to get transportation to the city center, you may be spending more than if you had booked with an airline with a higher fare, but flying into a central airport.

20. Take Advantage of Low Cost Flight Sales

All that being said about being weary of low-cost flights – they do have some incredible deals! They make travel a possibility for a huge amount of people. One thing you should take advantage of are fare sales!

Large airlines like United, Delta, or Lufthansa will never have a true “sale” on their fares. But low cost airlines do!

For example, RyanAir has sales like 5 euro seats or fly for 10 euros if you book in the month of July!

The last of these cheap flight hacks is to sign up for a budget airline’s email list to be notified of sales. I typically hate a full inbox, but the deals are actually so good that it’s worth the extra emails!

Bonus Hack!

I have recently discovered a new hack that has been allowing me to jet-set around Europe every free weekend I get without breaking the bank! This hack works best for Europe since the continent is more compact.

Start on Skyscanner and by searching “Everywhere” for your travel dates. Now, don’t get discouraged when you see all the major cities have skyrocketing prices. Instead, open up Google Maps and start researching those unknown cities you’ve never heard of and couldn’t imagine even have an airport. The idea is to find one that is within driving/public transportation distance to a desired destination!

I’ll explain with a concrete example: my boyfriend found a super cheap flight form Bergamo to Baden-Baden, Germany. Sorry to Baden-Baden, but I didn’t even know it existed! Turns out it is only 1 hour away from Strasbourg, France and the entire Alsace region. So, we booked the cheapest flight to Baden-Baden on a weekend (the return trip was only €14) and used trains and busses to get around Alsace.

We are going to be doing the same to visit Amsterdam by flying into Düsseldorf instead!

Other Ways to Save While Flying

All of the previous cheap flight hacks have everything to do with finding cheap flights, but how about saving money while we are actually flying?

Here are a few final tips & resources to really stretch your hard-earned dollar.

• Avoid airline baggage fees with these tips .
• Bring your own snacks – see TSA Approved food items .
• Travel carry-on only. Make this easier by knowing how to pack your suitcase to maximize space and the differences between carry-on vs. checked luggage.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll be able to put these budget-friendly tips to use and find amazing deals.

When it comes to finding cheap flights, it’s going to take a lot of research. But if you employ these tips and use all of your resources, you’ll eventually find what works for you to get the best deal!

Fully prepare for your upcoming trip with my favorite flying tips !

Which one of these cheap flight hacks are you trying first? Any that surprised you? Let me know in a comment!

Save these cheap flight hacks & tips on Pinterest!

Travel should be a possibility for everyone – I hope these cheap flight hacks help you plan your next adventure!

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and memorable itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

Find me on: Web | Facebook

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103 Travel Hacks to Make Jet-Setting a Little Easier

We’ve put together 103 of these hacks to help upgrade your next trip. From packing pointers to tech tools, these hacks cover all aspects of travel from start to finish.

Leah Jones • Oct 27, 2023

Updated Jan 22, 2024

Hitting the road can be exhilarating, but traveling also comes with its fair share of hassles. Between crowded airports, cramped flights, and language barriers in foreign destinations, getting from point A to point B can involve plenty of headaches. Luckily, there are all sorts of ingenious tips and tricks that can make travel less stressful and more enjoyable. Whether it’s your first time backpacking abroad or you’re a seasoned jet-setter, a few simple travel hacks can go a long way in making your trips simpler and smoother.

We’ve put together 103 of these hacks to help upgrade your next trip. From packing pointers to tech tools, these hacks cover all aspects of travel from start to finish. With these tips at your disposal, you can breeze through annoying logistics and focus on creating memorable experiences. 

Travel Hacks To Help With Packing

• Roll your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.
• Use packing cubes to keep your items organized.
• Cover shoe soles with shower caps to prevent dirtying your clothes.
• Bring a lightweight laundry bag for separating dirty clothes.
• Pack a reusable tote for extra items or souvenirs.
• Make a checklist to ensure you don’t forget important items.
• Weigh your luggage to avoid overage fees.
• Pack essentials in your carry-on, including important documents, medication, and a change of clothes.
• Choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched.
• Use travel-sized containers for toiletries or buy them upon arrival.
• Consider using rechargeable batteries to avoid disposable ones.
• Carry a mini sewing kit for on-the-go repairs.
• Prevent collar wrinkles by threading a belt through them.
• Use straws to string necklaces and prevent tangling.
• Carry a compact power strip for hotels with limited outlets.
• Protect breakable items by wrapping them in soft clothing like socks.
• Pack a versatile scarf that can be used as a face mask, fashion accessory, or makeshift bag.
• Bring extra Ziploc bags for storing snacks and protecting electronics.
• Place your contact information inside your luggage in case the external tag gets lost.

Travel Hacks To Help With Booking and Planning

• Compare prices on multiple travel websites in incognito mode to find the best deals.
• Clear your cookies and browser history before resuming searches for better deals.
• Use a travel rewards credit card to collect points or miles, and put recurring charges on the card for year-round points.
• Book flights midweek, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for potential cost savings.
• Sign up for fare alerts to be notified when prices drop.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind.
• Pay in the local currency to avoid unfavorable exchange rates.
• Download maps for your destination on Google Maps or other apps for offline use.
• Familiarize yourself with common phrases in the local language.
• Use City Passes for discounts and fast-track entry to attractions.
• Make sure you have the correct visas for your destination.
• Keep photocopies of your passport, ID, and travel documents in a separate, locked location.
• Book early morning flights to reduce the likelihood of delays.
• Avoid peak travel seasons to save money and reduce crowds.
• Download your travel insurance provider’s app for easy access to policy details.
• Use a travel wallet to keep documents organized and secure.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your online privacy while using public Wi-Fi networks.
• Consider booking hotels directly for potential better deals.
• Avoid jet lag by gradually adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before traveling to a different time zone.

Travel Hacks for Airport and Security 

• Check-in online to save time at the airport.
• Expedite security and immigration processes with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
• Use a mobile boarding pass to avoid printing.
• Carry a reusable water bottle to refill after security to save money and reduce waste.
• Keep your devices charged during long layovers with a travel-sized power bank.
• Access flight info and entertainment through airline apps.
• Keep your ID, boarding pass, and wallet in an easily accessible pocket.
• Wear comfortable clothing and slip-on shoes for convenience at security.
• Use priority pass lounges if you have a credit card that allows you access.
• Check your gate number as soon as you arrive at the airport to plan your time efficiently.

Travel Hacks for In-Flight Comfort

• Get restful sleep on long flights with a neck pillow and eye mask.
• Block out cabin noise for a peaceful journey with noise-canceling headphones.
• Airlines can get chilly, so pack a lightweight blanket and cozy socks.
• Download movies, books, or podcasts for in-flight entertainment.
• Choose your seat in advance for more legroom or a better view.
• Drink plenty of water during the flight to stay hydrated.
• Avoid carbonated drinks as they can cause bloating at high altitudes.
• Prevent swelling and discomfort with compression socks on long flights.
• Stand up and stretch when possible to prevent stiffness.
• Familiarize yourself with your travel insurance policy’s coverage for unexpected flight delays.

Travel Hacks for Hotel Accommodation 

• Inspect your hotel room for signs of bedbugs upon arrival.
• Store important documents and valuables in the hotel safe.
• Choose hotels that offer complimentary breakfast to save on dining expenses.
• Bring universal plug adapters for international travel.
• Join hotel loyalty programs to earn rewards and enjoy special perks.
• Silence noisy neighbors or street sounds with earplugs.
• Take advantage of hotel amenities like the gym, pool, or spa for relaxation.
• Request a late check-out if you have a late flight to maximize your time at the hotel.
• Consult the hotel staff for insider tips on dining and activities.
• Add an extra layer of security to your hotel room with a portable door lock.
• Use free Wi-Fi in cafes and public areas rather than paying for in-room Wi-Fi.
• Arrange airport transfers in advance to avoid scams and overcharging.
• Communicate with non-English speaking staff using translation apps.
• Take photos of your hotel room before and after your stay for documentation.
• Research hotels on platforms like TripAdvisor or Yelp to make informed decisions.
• Consider using Airbnb or similar services for more space and local experiences.
• Have a list of emergency contacts, including the local embassy or consulate.

Travel Hacks for Health and Wellness 

• Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit for minor health issues.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat the effects of jet lag.
• Sample local cuisine but be mindful of portion sizes to avoid getting sick.
• Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands to prevent illness.
• Bring motion sickness bands or medication for turbulent flights or boat rides.
• Ensure your travel insurance covers unexpected medical expenses.
• Walk or exercise to keep your energy levels up.
• Enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation to avoid dehydration and jet lag.
• Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Communicate your food allergies to the restaurant staff.
• Pack essential medications like pain relievers, allergy medication, and antacids.

Miscellaneous Travel Hacks

• Scan or take photos of important documents and save them in the cloud in case you lose something.
• Download language learning apps to pick up some basic phrases.
• Set up notifications for credit card transactions to detect unauthorized charges.
• Pay with contactless methods to avoid handling cash.
• Pack your favorite snacks for a quick energy boost.
• Pack wrinkle-release spray to refresh clothing on the go.
• Carry a small amount of emergency cash in a hidden pocket.
• Ensure your travel insurance covers activities like hiking, scuba diving, or extreme sports.
• Reduce plastic waste by carrying reusable cutlery.
• Research and respect local customs and etiquette.
• Embrace the unexpected and be open to new experiences.
• Buy tickets to popular attractions online to skip long lines.
• Get a local SIM card to avoid expensive international roaming charges.
• Stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol before and during your flight.
• Protect your home while traveling by having someone collect mail and keep an eye on your property.
• Familiarize yourself with the local emergency number and nearest embassy or consulate.
• Practice good manners and be courteous to locals.

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30 Best Travel Hacks From An Expert Globetrotter

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Written by Amanda Finn

Frequent travelers know that adventuring the world comes with its fair share of planning or shortcuts. Travel hacks are trendy to talk about on social media; however, it can take some time and experience to learn which ones are worth using on your next trip.

A few of these tips may seem obvious to seasoned travelers. It may be a no-brainer to download Google Maps to some, though others may not know how intuitive the app is–even from abroad.

So, even if you think you’ve heard it all, I implore you to read on. I’ve been to 18 countries and visited 27 states – and I’m still learning new things! You may learn a trick you’ve never heard of before.

These hacks can come in handy when you want to save money or space. You could score some free food, learn to kick jet lag in the butt, or save a few extra bucks along the way. In any case, here are my favorite travel hacks for your consideration!

The Best Travel Hacks I’ve Found

1. always protect your trip (and yourself).

What every traveler needs, especially if you’re planning a complicated itinerary with international flights, is travel insurance . These trip-protecting and asset-protecting plans ensure that you don’t lose out on any money if things go awry, you get hurt, or you lose something valuable.

Keep in mind that travel insurance is not an all-size-fits-all solution. There are a few things to consider for your next trip, from destination to how many people you’re bringing along .

For health coverage , you’ll want to look into our favorite digital nomad-friendly insurance option: SafetyWing . Not only can you get travel health insurance with SafetyWing, but you can also use it if you are a remote worker living abroad.

VisitorsCoverage is another one of our favorites, and you can find many more trusted firms on insurance comparison sites like TravelInsurance.com .

But if you want to save yourself some trouble, here are some of our top travel insurance resources:

• AIG Travel Guard
• AXA Travel Insurance
• Insured Nomads Travel Health Insurance
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• World Nomads
• World Trips – Atlas Travel Insurance

See Related: Important Pros and Cons of Travel Insurance

2. Let cheap flight alerts come to you!

Scoring flight deals isn’t always about being savvy with internet searching . Sometimes, these magical flight prices can come right to you. With sites like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) , you can set your email notifications to ping you whenever a surprise flight deal is found. I even scored a $250 roundtrip flight with American Airlines to Japan once–though lockdowns got in the way.

Flight cancellations and flight delays are possible with some of these incredible deals. Saving money sometimes comes at a cost. Even so, long-haul flight options are frequently hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars cheaper, thanks to sites like Going or Skyscanner .

See Related: Best Skyscanner Alternatives to Book Travel

3. Pack your own amenity kit for long-haul flights

This is one of my most indispensable travel hacks for a long flight. I pride myself in packing light, but bringing my amenity kit saves my sanity onboard. Although I love a freebie like inflight comfort kits, nothing beats having your own set of travel-related items to keep you cozy in the air for hours on end.

Here is what I always bring with me for long-haul flights:

• Separate zip pouch for seat back pocket for easy access to my essentials
• External battery pack for my electronic devices (and charging cables)
• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
• Moldable travel pillow for ultimate comfort
• Compression socks to fight swelling
• Light blanket scarf
• Pack of jet lag prevention pills
• Headphones or earbuds
• Hand sanitizer
• Silk eye mask

See Related: Ways to Book the Cheapest First-Class Flights

4. Use packing cubes

I’ll sound like a broken record here, but packing cubes was an absolute game-changer to save space in luggage. It took me a year of using packing cubes to learn that the best packing hack with these bad boys is to roll your clothes in them rather than laying them flat inside the cubes and then pack any remaining things around them in the suitcase.

Using these cubes may make your carry-on luggage a bit heavier and sometimes lopsided, though they’re well worth it. For an added bonus, you can add fabric softener sheets or reusable cotton pads dabbed with essential oil into your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh. Then, as you wear clothes, pack the dirty clothes into the packing cubes to keep them separate in your luggage.

We know a thing or two about packing cubes. See for yourself:

• Best Packing Cubes for Travel
• Best Packing Cubes on Amazon Right Now!
• Sea to Summit Packing Cubes Review: Are They Worth It?

5. Bring hand soap

This is one of those travel hacks I needed for one particular trip that has stuck with me a lot ever since. Hand soap, particularly easy-to-pack soap sheets , is a terrific addition to your carry-on bag no matter where you go.

Particularly when visiting a foreign country or a foreign city, you’ll be glad you brought soap along. Not every bathroom you encounter will have soap, for example, even in very touristy places .

Heck, being a very touristy place might be the reason there isn’t any soap if it all got used up. Just a word of advice: make sure your hands are dry when you grab a sheet, or you’ll accidentally use the whole pack at once.

Another favorite way to carry soap around is the Matador Flatpak Bar Soap Case , pictured above with handmade soap from the Farson Merc in Wyoming. The Matador case is about a thousand times less messy than a plastic bag and it helps dry your bar soap and keep it slime-free.

See Related: Ways to Luggage-Free Travel

6. Take advantage of credit card offers

A travel hack used by frequent flyer folks everywhere is taking advantage of the perks of a travel credit card. Mainly if you are loyal to one specific airline, a sound companion credit card could save you so much money when planning your trips. Every card will have its own set of advantages, whether that’s earning cashback in restaurants or booking travel, and some even have other perks like access to an airport lounge.

Do be careful when dealing with credit cards , though, since the perks aren’t worth it if you can’t pay them off monthly. Credit card companies make their money back in spades when folks overspend to try and access those great perks. So use these strategically.

See Related: Best Credit Cards for Rewards Points

7. Learn to avoid long airport security lines

Although this hack won’t help you save money, it will save you a lot of time at the airport. I cannot emphasize enough how game-changing TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry are in my travel game. Not having to take my shoes off or unpack my stuff at security and breezing through customs when I get back into the country is well worth the small fee associated with signing up with these programs.

As a matter of fact, some credit cards even include reimbursement for the signup fee for Pre-Check and Global Entry as part of their perks package. In which case, you’d ultimately be paying nothing to join these programs that will make airports a lot less stressful.

See Related: Essential Packing Tips for Travel

8. Use a pillow as an extra carry-on bag

This tip is a little bit on the controversial side if you ask social media. Anytime I see this brought up on TikTok, the comments are filled with people arguing about the morality of doing this. I will admit that I haven’t packed my travel pillow completely full of extra stuff, though I do tuck a few things in the case here and there if I need the space in my personal bag or carry-on.

In this case, you are using the case around your pillow (or instead of a pillow in the case of the Tube Travel Pillow ) to lug anything that didn’t fit into your bag to avoid paying extra baggage fees. Since pillows aren’t considered carry-on items, using all the space you have makes sense.

If you’re not sure where you stand on the morality of gaming the luggage allowance rules, pick up the Rumpl Stuffable Pillowcase . It’s meant to be stuffed with clothing to create the pillow itself, and it’s the perfect size for travel. Do note that you’ll need the window seat for this type of pillow.

See Related: Best Gadgets for Long Flights

9. Join a group tour

One of the best travel hacks for scoring free meals and free wifi with activities you wanted to do anyway is by booking a group tour. These tours can be for a few hours, a day, or for the duration of your trip.

Regardless of the tour length, you’ll be paired with like-minded group members and a guide who will give you more insight than you’d get venturing alone. That in itself makes the experience worth it.

A group tour also tends to give you more bang for your buck. Not only will it often include the cost of your activities, but it also includes amenities like travel to different places, food, accommodations, and additional perks. You might also make a few friends along the way, and you can’t put a price on that.

Some of our favorite tour and ticket resources include:

• GetYourGuide
• TripAdvisor

See Related: Thrifty Traveler Review: Is Premium Worth It?

10. Create your own airline TV

Okay, so a lot of planes have built-in televisions. But, let’s be honest, most of them are frustrating to use.

Not only that, but you can’t watch all that you have thanks to downloadable content from streaming services. That said, there are a few ways to turn your handheld device into a seatback mini television.

The easiest way to make this happen is to get a phone holder that attaches to the seat tray when it’s closed. I have one of these, and, for the most part, it’s an excellent travel accessory .

Or, if you’d rather not spend money on this, you can also take the paper barf bag to make a quick and easy phone holder. Place the bag between your phone and the phone case, and then use the tray lock to hold the bag and phone contraption in place.

See Related: The Best Travel Movies to Inspire You To Explore

11. Save money on your accommodations

There’s no doubt that accommodations will easily eat a lot of your travel budget. Even so, you can save a lot of money by utilizing deals, particularly through online travel agencies (or OTAs as they’re starting to be called) or third-party booking sites. These websites will organize the best deals for you, saving you so much time from searching the web to save some money.

Sometimes these OTAs will have incredible last-minute deals , which is also perfect for all those procrastinators out there. You could end up at a much nicer hotel than you otherwise would have, so it’s always worth a look.

Our favorite sites that will save you the most money on accommodations include:

• HotelTonight
• EcoHotels.com

See Related: Best Tools & Travel Resources

12. Utilize Google Translate

Translation apps have gone a long way in just the last few years. If you aren’t making high marks with Duolingo or aren’t fluent in the language of your destination, I highly recommend using the Google Translate app. Granted, you’ll need an internet connection to use it, but so long as you aren’t blowing your whole budget on data use, this app will make your trip so much better.

Should you plan on using this app extensively, be sure it’s up to date on all of your electronic devices and that you have a portable charger along. You don’t want your translator to die while you’re in the middle of a conversation.

If you know you’ll be spending some time abroad, it’s a good idea to learn a little of the language. Babbel is easy to use and offers live online classes, podcasts, and plenty of other resources.

See Related: Best Travel Apps for Europe

13. Earn free hotel stays

There’s no such thing as a free lunch… said no travel hacker ever. It may seem silly, but I highly recommend signing up for a loyalty program anytime you stay with a hotel. This is not only the easiest way to earn free nights, but it’s also an excellent way to get free upgrades or other bonuses like free beverages or snacks when you stay.

Staying at the hotel isn’t the only way to earn points either. A lot of hotels have partner programs. If you could earn points for every time you used DoorDash or Grubhub , wouldn’t you?

ViaTravelers writer Woodrow Matthews is an expert at what he calls “upgrade engineering” – that is, maneuvering his way from basic rooms to luxury stays. Take a peek at some of his best travel tips and soon you’ll be working from a private pool, too.

See Related: Cheap Places to Travel

14. Download an offline version of local Google Maps

Anytime you travel, particularly internationally, being aware of the need for an internet connection to use apps is crucial. Luckily you can avoid that by downloading the offline version of Google Maps for wherever you’re going. That way, internet access or not, you won’t get lost.

Not only can you use Google Maps all over the world (for the most part), but it also updates public transit information so you can utilize trains, buses, and even ferries. Keep in mind that some countries block Google Maps, so you’ll need a local equivalent or an app like OkMap instead.

Countries that have banned Google Maps include:

• North Korea

See Related: Best Hiking Apps

15. Save a bundle on local transportation

Once you get to your destination, you’re still going to need to get around. Even in the most walking-friendly city, you’ll want ways to save money on transportation.

If you’re game to drive around yourself, sometimes renting a car is the easiest way to save money on cab rides. However, that isn’t always the cheapest way to do things.

In Europe, sometimes a Eurail Pass can save you tons of money on trains. The passes are valid in dozens of countries and are the perfect way to hop around the Continent.

Booking things like ferries ahead of time can save you money too, so consider how your day-to-day itinerary might look before heading to the airport and choose the best mode of transport for your wallet.

Some of our favorite transportation partners include:

• Thrifty And, of course,
• FerryHopper

See Related: Cheapest Way to Travel Around the U.S.

16. Bring an extension cable or power strip

Even the best hotels can suffer from a lack of outlets. A travel hack I wish I had known sooner is to bring a portable power strip along, so your whole travel party can charge up every day without having to leave their electronics in the bathroom or a closet. Just be sure you have an outlet converter if you need one to avoid picking one up from the hotel or airport gift shop at double the price.

Hostels to five-star hotels can lack useable outlets. So it doesn’t really matter how much you spend on your accommodations, you could end up with just one well-placed outlet. Thank us later for not having to groggily run to the bathroom to turn off an alarm clock.

See Related: How to Pack for a Month-Long Trip

17. For solo travelers – dress like a local

When it comes to traveling solo , how you dress almost becomes more important. A lot of folks are afraid to travel by themselves because they don’t want to be a target for salespeople or thieves, which is a reasonable concern. One way to waylay this is by dressing as If you live there.

Let’s be honest; a lot of tourists look like tourists . If you show up in Barcelona wearing an I Love NYC shirt; people are going to know you aren’t from there.

We aren’t suggesting that you wear another culture’s attire like a costume; what we’re saying is to recognize the cultural differences ahead of time and try to reflect that into your clothing. Or, keep it simple and don’t wear logo shirts, shorts, and baseball caps.

See Related: Solo Travel Luggage and Accessories

18. If you’re backpacking, ditch the liquids and single-use items

Folks who have backpacked around countries know that even one extra item makes that pack a little more difficult to carry. I learned firsthand on my six-week European backpacking trip that one of the easiest ways to lessen your load is by swapping out your liquid toiletries for solid ones and reusable items.

Not only will this change make your backpack less heavy, but it’s also a more sustainable swap. Plus, it’s so much nicer to have just a few bars of soap or a reusable ear swab to bring into the bathroom.

Items I loved for my backpacking journey:

• Toothpaste tabs
• Shampoo bars
• Perfume bar (my personal favorite from TonyMoly)
• Reusable not-cotton swab
• Handkerchief instead of kleenex

If there’s one liquid to NEVER ditch while backpacking, it’s water. So get yourself a decent water bottle or a gravity water filter and stay hydrated!

See Related: How to Pack For a Camping Trip

19. Keep the kids entertained

Listen up, parents of little kids, this travel hack is for you! If you’re dreading bringing your little ones on the plane or a road trip for fear of their boredom getting the better of them, I recommend bringing a busy bag or five along to keep them occupied. These kid-friendly kits can be made easily by you or purchased in the form of busy books often attached to the Montessori teaching method.

We recommend creating a few busy bags for different legs of the journey. These activity kits can be tailored to kid’s interests, or even the trip itself.

Maybe include a set of airplane stickers with a sticker book to stick and unstick to their hearts’ content, or perhaps even themed coloring pages . Here are some other ideas for how to fill a busy bag:

• Travel-friendly felt board
• A quiet activities book
• Sensory squares for quiet enrichment
• Silent fidget toys
• Mini Voyager Travel Activity Kit

You might also want to pack some games for things to do at your destination. And for parents of little kids and babies, don’t forget the diaper bag !

See Related: Best Family Travel Hacks

20. Plan your trip during shoulder season

One of the most underrated travel hacks is doing your traveling during the shoulder season. Also known as the off-season, traveling to certain places when other tourists are not is a terrific way to save money on airfare, hotel accommodations, and even tours. While the weather might not be as ideal during this period, it can still be perfect for your adventure.

Take for example the first time I went to Ireland and the UK – it was at the beginning of December. Although the Christmas markets were magnificent and busy, the cities were generally far less crowded. Not to mention the weather was so dreamy, the perfect sweater weather… and who doesn’t love an Irish holiday in a good sweater?

This goes for National Parks, too – take a look at how empty the Old Faithful boardwalk is above, just because it’s the “wrong” time of year to visit. Avoid summertime at major landmarks and you’ll save time and money.

See Related: Best Travel Tips And Hacks From Our Readers

21. For campers or hikers, waterproof those shoes!

I won’t lie; one of my least favorite parts of camping or hiking is the notion that my shoes will get wet. “Wet” + “socks” is a texture combination I can’t stand. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune on waterproof shoes to enjoy the outdoors.

You can waterproof, or at least water repel, your shoes at home. Rubbing beeswax, Dubbin, or clear candle wax against the fabric of your shoes will help keep your feet nice and dry. Or you could buy some spray-on waterproofer for your shoes instead, though the beeswax/Dubbin method is more fun and more environmentally friendly.

Don’t forget to waterproof your winter shoes, too. Nothing is worse than snow soaking through your boots.

See Related: Tripped Travel Gear Review: Accessories for Your Next Trip

22. Mark your bag as fragile

If you are a frequent bag checker, this is one of the travel hacks that can be exploited in the industry. Though we don’t recommend doing this every time you check a bag, it’s worth reminding travelers that you can mark your bag(s) as fragile if it makes sense.

On your own or with the check-in desk folks, labeling your bags with a fragile sticker or bag tag can help keep your belongings safe in storage. This can’t guarantee that your bags will be handled more safely, though it might make all the difference to the baggage handler having a bad day.

The few times I have done this to get something flown safely to its destination, my belongings have arrived entirely unscathed. Either way, remember to pack carefully, even if you label the bags, to give yourself some cushion for mishandling.

See Related: Ways to Make Travel Easier for Your Next Trip

23. Use AirHelp to get compensated for delayed or canceled flights

When we got stuck on the runway in an airplane for over three hours for a 45-minute flight from Germany to Czechia , AirHelp was a huge help. Not only did they fight for us to receive the monetary compensation we were entitled to because of the European flight delay/cancellation compensation system, but they even took it a step further and took the airline to court for us when they refused to pay.

AirHelp isn’t free; they take a portion of your compensation as a fee. Although we got about half of what we should have received if we had fought the airline ourselves, AirHelp saved us a lot of time from fighting alone. To us, that was worth the fee.

24. For road trippers, use seat organizers to maximize space

Road trips are an excellent way to see the world without having to negotiate rest stops or deal with airplane delays. But keeping everyone happy and comfy on the road trip is a whole other story. One way to deal with this and maximize space at the same time is to utilize a seatback organizer.

These organizers can keep snacks within arm’s reach for passengers, hold onto beloved stuffies so the littles aren’t wriggling out of their seats, and even serve as a way to motivate passengers through the trip. Each section could even be designated for a certain leg of the trip to give them something to look forward to.

See Related: Road Trip Games For Couples

25. Use a pants hanger to keep blinds closed

This is a niche hack specifically for hotels that have pants hangers in the closet. Not all hotels will have this , but for the ones that do, the clips on clothes hangers will keep your blinds or curtains fully closed.

With how difficult it is to keep these window covers closed without intervention, this trick always makes me feel better, especially when I am traveling solo. No more worrying the AC blowing your blinds open while you sleep.

If you want to come prepared and not take up too much luggage space, you could always bring a chip clip or two along. A sturdy clip will keep the shades closed regardless of whether the hotel room has pants hangers or not for you to use.

See Related: Best Travel Safety Tips

26. Keep track of itinerary ideas in Google Docs

Planning group travel is the bane of my existence. Why? Because no matter how hard you try, it can be a pain to keep everyone on the same page at all times. So the next time you get a group travel itinerary inspiration (or a very organized small trip), I highly recommend using Google Docs to keep track of everything.

With a program like Google Docs, you have the ability to share up-to-the-minute itinerary changes. Anyone can make changes to the documents (unless you restrict editing access), and no one has to worry about being left in the dark about changes in plans.

Editor’s Note: Yes, that’s a real screenshot from my Google Drive folder, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg Any time I see a good flight deal come in from Going.com or Thrifty Traveler , I put together a quick spreadsheet to see if the trip is plausible at that time. If it’s not, I save everything anyway and wait for the right time to go.

See Related: Best Vacation Planners

27. Use your hotel’s shower cap to protect your stuff

The complimentary shower cap in your hotel bathroom is useful even if you don’t use it for your hair. I use the cap to pack my shoes in my luggage if they’ve gotten dirty or to keep my toiletries from leaking everywhere. Honestly, these are the most versatile hotel freebies.

One smart way to use these is to pack all of your liquid toiletries in one before placing them in your toiletry bag . That way, if your bottles leak, the mess is mainly contained with the other liquid bottles in the shower cap. Another way to keep your toiletries from leaking is to invest in some quality refillable bottles that are leakproof or resistant.

See Related: Hotel vs. Motel vs. Inn: What’s the Difference?

28. Create a frequent flyer account on every airline you travel with

Regardless of how often you fly, creating a loyalty account whenever you fly with an airline is a good idea. Not all airlines keep your miles in perpetuity, though a few domestic airlines like Delta , Southwest , and United do. Even if you don’t plan on collecting miles or points for free travel with each individual airline, sometimes these loyalty programs have perks.

For instance, some programs allow members early boarding, free bags, changes on an otherwise nonrefundable ticket, and ways to earn miles outside of air travel . Plus, there are ways to exchange points across different programs, like with hotels, so you could potentially rack up a ton of miles if you have applicable partner programs.

See Related: Proven Ways to Save Money for Travel

29. Invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones

As much as I love to fly, I have never become accustomed to the constant humming in the cabin. Honestly, it bothers me.

For other travelers, it’s the constant din of other passengers constantly chatting, coughing, chewing, etc. No matter what kind of traveler you are, noise-canceling headphones will improve your air travel.

Comfortable headphones won’t interfere with your nap, and they won’t irritate your ears the way that earbuds can. Plus, when you aren’t wearing them, they can rest around your neck, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping an earbud or fiddling around trying to get the earbud case out of your bag.

See Related: Best Travel Gifts for Him

30. Beat conversion fees by paying by card in local currency

While it’s always a good idea to exchange money in a foreign country so you have a little cash on hand, generally, I wouldn’t say I like paying with cash anywhere unless I have to. One way to avoid pesky conversion fees when paying by card is always to have the card charged in the local currency.

That means when the screen pops up asking if you want to charge in USD or the local equivalent, you always want to choose the local option. This won’t protect you from foreign transaction fees, though.

Your best bet to avoid those is to bring a credit card that offers no foreign transaction fees anytime you travel abroad. There aren’t a ton of those credit cards on the market, though quite a few cards do offer that perk .

See Related: German Currency

How can I make travel fun?

Stress can kill even the most exciting vacation. Travel can be so much fun, though, especially if you have an organized planning system to keep track of your plans without adding stress to the experience. Starting your planning well ahead of time will leave room for more fun during the actual travel, and you’ll save money by booking things well in advance.

How can I improve my flight?

I recommend making your amenity kit for air travel . Especially if you’re planning on a long-haul flight, bringing some comforts tailored to yourself will make the experience more enjoyable. A few things I usually include are jet lag prevention pills, my moldable travel pillow, a silk eye mask, and compression socks.

How can I make travel more efficient?

A few ways I have streamlined my travel are included in this travel hacks list. These steps include having a digital boarding pass, enrolling in TSA-Precheck, using Google Translate, and organizing plans with Google Docs across the travel party.

Related Resources

• Must-Know Pieces of Advice for Booking Flights Online
• How to Find Cheap Business Class Flights [Step-by-Step]
• How To Book Flights With Longer Layovers

International travel hacks: When to book flights and hotels, how to deal with COVID-19 rules

Thinking of taking an international trip? You're such a contrarian. Only about a third of Americans are comfortable with traveling internationally now, according to the latest figures from Morning Consult . 

Why the hesitation? It could be all the required paperwork: passports, coronavirus tests and vaccination documentation. But mostly, people are afraid of crossing the border because of changing health and safety requirements, says Greg Pearson, CEO of FocusPoint International , a global assistance company.

"They don't want to get stuck," he says. 

But if you can overcome your worries about international travel, there's a reward: lower prices, no crowds and a better overall experience. Question is, how do you get that? It boils down to a few essential tips that will help you survive your next trip abroad. They include acting soon to secure the lowest prices, minding the paperwork requirements, and getting enough protection.

"International travel has always required more planning than domestic in most cases," says Lindsey Roeschke , Morning Consult's travel and hospitality analyst. "That being said, it can still be done."

Enjoy your worry-free vacation: Best travel insurance policies

TRY OUR TRAVEL NEWSLETTER :  Get the latest headlines in your inbox daily

If you're thinking of taking an international trip, do it now, experts say. "For the next few months, destinations will remain far less crowded than they were before the pandemic," says Justin Smith , president of The Evolved Traveler , a member of Ensemble Travel Group. "Travelers can have a far richer experience." 

How rich? Well, imagine being at the Pyramids with 200 other people instead of 2,000. It'll feel like you have the place to yourself. You may not have that opportunity again for years, if ever.

Just a few extra steps

If you're afraid of the extra paperwork, relax. "Essentially, you can do all of the same things you could before the pandemic, just with a few added steps of paperwork and vaccination proof," says Henley Vazquez, co-founder of the travel advisory site Fora . 

For example, the French have required health or vaccine passes for entry to cultural or leisure establishments since last summer (starting Monday, they will no longer be necessary). Getting one was actually easy: you'd just take your U.S. vaccination card into any pharmacy to get the health pass, which you'll then flash for entry to restaurants, museums and hotels. Vazquez says if people understood how little extra effort it took, they might book an international trip.

TRAVELING ABROAD?  You need a Plan B in case you get COVID

Get protection

Step one to overcoming your fears: Get protection. Lots of protection. Chris Hutchins, creator of All the Hacks , a podcast that features travel advice, says COVID-19-related travel insurance is a must. 

"If you test positive abroad, you won't be able to return to the U.S., which means you could be stuck with expenses to change flights and extend your accommodations," he says. He uses Trawick International's Safe Travels Voyager policy and also recommends looking at protection from Covac Global , which will cover the cost to transport you home if you test positive.

There are other ways of making sure you're covered. A membership in Medjet Assist for medical evacuations or FocusPoint's Care & Assistance Plus , which handles security and medical evacuations, can make your international trip as close to a sure thing as it gets.

Book your hotel at the last minute

Hotels are still hurting for guests in many international destinations. That won't last forever. On a recent trip to Costa Rica, Janice Lintz decided to take advantage of the buyer's market. "I booked most of my hotels only a few days in advance, and some as late as the night before arrival," says Lintz, a disability consultant from New York. 

She says she saved more than 60% by booking directly with the hotel and about 50% through online travel agencies. 

"There was plenty of availability," she says. 

Note: If you try this, make sure you're extra flexible, and research the hotels at your destination before you arrive. If they fill up fast, you could end up sleeping on a park bench.

DON'T TOSS YOUR MASK YET:   TSA extends federal mask mandate for planes, travel through April 18

But book your airline ticket now

You'll need to buy your airline ticket three to four months in advance of your travel date if you're interested in getting the lowest airfare. That's according to Expedia's 2022 Travel Hacks Report .

"Timing is key," says Christie Hudson, an Expedia spokeswoman. "August is the cheapest month to fly internationally. Travelers can save almost 20%, and because this is a less busy time to travel, they’ll likely save a bit on lodging as well."

According to Expedia, Sunday is the ideal day to book an international flight, providing additional savings of nearly 10%.

Make an appointment for your COVID test 

Chances are, many countries will still have coronavirus testing requirements in place this spring and summer, says Christine Petersen, CEO of smarTours . "Book a COVID test ahead of time to save time," she recommends. "You could spend hours waiting in line, taking precious time away from your trip." Tour operators like hers make arrangements ahead of time for the whole group so they have more time for a vacation.

Prepare for quarantine

It may seem unlikely you'll find yourself in quarantine, given all the loosening of restrictions and mask requirements. But it's not out of the question. Remember, no one expected the omicron variant. “Have access to funds to pay for unexpected quarantine expenses," advises Dan Stretch, operations manager for Global Rescue . "Pack things to keep you occupied if you’re unfortunate and get quarantined. Ask hotel booking agents what their policy is if you need to cancel or delay due to COVID."

Take a deep breath – if you can

The pandemic has turned international travel upside- down. There are restrictions and vaccination requirements. And one of the worst parts is air travel, says Warren Jaferian , dean of international education at Endicott College .  

"Being on an airplane can feel like you're a lab animal," he says. "Just breathe through your mask and try to relax. That's the best medicine."

Actually, that may be the best medicine for any upcoming trip: Just breathe.

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8 Airplane Tips That Make Air Travel Suck a Lot Less

Let’s be honest, modern air travel sucks, especially long-haul flights . Even before COVID-19, it was tedious, inconvenient, and, frankly, just not healthy. Now, amid the pandemic, it’s all of those things and worse. So, we’re fond of any tip, no matter how small, that makes flying easier. Here are our favorite airplane hacks you’ve (probably) never heard of before.

How to Score an Airplane Row All to Yourself

Get a better meal (faster), embrace the rear, near-bathroom seat, win the armrest battle for good, armrest tip to get the aisle seat room you deserve, pack a party in your carry-on, hang your headphones, invest in noise-canceling headphones.

Scoring an entire airplane row to yourself is like a blessing from heaven, particularly on a long-haul flight. But, it’s always a game of chance even on half-empty flights. Your best bet is to start by flying off-season and off-peak routes. If you’re working with a travel agent, they can direct you toward less-crowded alternative flights.

Beyond that, veteran travelers  know that it’s all about last-minute timing. Download ExpertFlyer — the free version of the travel app provides near-real-time updates on your flight’s seating chart. If you notice a row isn’t filled just before boarding is set to begin, swap your seat using your airline’s dedicated app or talk to the gate agent to secure the change. As a last resort, once every passenger is on board, you can move to any open seat within your same class of travel. If you can hold out till the very end, you might also be able to score a dirt-cheap upgrade to Business or First Class.

• The Most Versatile Pocket Knives and Multitools for Air Travel

Airline food has slightly — we stress slightly — improved since the military-grade, Dharma Initiative  slop of the last century. But, unless you’re flying first class, it still leaves something to be desired. In order of your best alternatives, the first is to splurge on a proper meal just before your flight. This is, of course, the most expensive option, but the food will certainly be better than anything served mid-flight. Plus, you’ll be able to skip the meal service and start catching some zzz’s  as soon as the boarding door closes.

The next best option is to upgrade your meal on the plane. Some airlines, especially international carriers like Air France, allow even Economy passengers to upgrade their meal for a fee. We’ve found that these meals can be even better than, for example, standard Business Class eats.

If you’re cheap and flexible, however, opting for a vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-friendly meal means you’ll often be served first ahead of all other passengers. This also means you’re guaranteed to get the meal you want before they run out. Just remember you often need to request these at least 24 hours in advance.

Conventional wisdom leads many folks to angle for a seat closer to the front of the plane. These seats disembark first, and they’re the first to see the drink cart. Plus, sitting here also means you’re more likely to score your first choice of meal. But, flight attendants we’ve spoken with confirm they’re less likely to treat passengers in these seats with comps on the sly. The reason being: They don’t want other passengers seeing such preferential treatment and demanding the same. Passengers seated in the rear are more likely to score little freebies like an extra bottle of wine or a few free bourbon nips. Just remember to thank the flight crew and not to make a show of it.

Our unofficial, made-up research has shown that a full 87% of air rage incidents start with an armrest battle. Things only escalate from there. Armrests aren’t getting any wider, and the airlines seem content to do zero to remedy the problem. Enter Soarigami . This paper-airplane-inspired widget is made of leatherette and recycled cardboard and is as functional as it is silly-looking. It folds flat when not in use. But, once deployed, it “converts” one armrest into two. Rubberized wings secure to either side of any standard airplane armrest (up to 2.75 inches wide) to keep it firmly in place. For less than $20 , you can save hours of in-flight discomfort, and maybe even make a new friend (or at least “ not an enemy”) in the process. Ridiculous? Absolutely. But, what’s more ridiculous is getting into a fistfight over a quarter-inch of armrest space at 30,000 feet.

If it seems airplane seats are getting smaller and smaller … and smaller , it’s not your imagination . Particularly for taller or ( ahem ) portly gentlemen, seats can be downright impossible to get comfortable in. Thankfully, air travelers with an aisle seat can find a bit of reprieve via a “secret” button. To find it, place your hand on the underside of the outermost armrest and run your fingers to the backside near the hinge. There, you’ll find an obvious button that you probably never knew was there. Push it, and you’re free to position the armrest vertically, flush with your seatback. Voilà! Much to the consternation of your fellow passengers, the entire aisle is now your own personal leg space. Positioning the armrest vertically also makes it easier to get in and out of your seat during bathroom breaks and upon touchdown.

Are you a nervous flier? You’ll be happy to know that the TSA surprisingly allows air passengers to pack alcohol in their carry-on bags. There are two caveats, however. Since they are liquids, the bottles must follow the 3-3-1 rule. Trust us, though, you can pack quite a few 3-ounce booze bottles in a quart-sized bag. The other, more troubling catch is that you’re not technically allowed to consume any alcohol that isn’t served by a flight attendant. However, you’re also not “allowed” to cut the tags off your mattresses, but some people choose to live on the edge.

We’ll assume you’re not the sort of hotshot that travels with $300 noise-canceling headphones (although you should), and that wired earbuds suit you just fine. If the tray table latch connected to the seat has the common J-shaped hook, fold your earbud cable in half and loop the entire bundle into the hook. It isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but it could save you from an impossibly tangled mess of headphone wires. The standard iPhone buds fit quite nicely, and it’s an easy way to keep them knot-free without stuffing them in the seat pocket in front of you.

If you’re a frequent flyer you’ll benefit from noise-canceling headphones. There are many quality headphones out there and we’ve rounded up the best travel headphones but we recommend the Bose QuieComfort 35 II because of its features, style, and price point. While its $299 price point is steep these headphones Whether your waiting for your flight to embark and want to wirelessly connect to your laptop or you plan to snooze through your flight without listening to any babies cry in the plane, the QuietComfort 35 II are the best wireless headphones to take on any trip.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Make the most of your vacation budget: This is the best time to book a flight

In July, the National Park Service (NPS) at Olympic National Park prohibited all campfires, including charcoal, due to the hot and dry conditions of the summer. Wildfires were a major concern, but now the NPS has deemed it safe to lift their temporary fire bans due to improved weather. But don't bring out the fireworks, those will always be off-limits at national parks. Here's what the repealed rules will now mean for your upcoming trips to the area. Campfires are once again allowed at Olympic National Park

I have an embarrassing admission -- I didn't know it was even possible to drive to Alaska until about a year ago. With all of the water and ice surrounding the famous inner passage, it didn't seem feasible. Well, I was wrong, and at that moment, I decided that rather than taking a cheap cruise or flying into the Alaskan wilderness, I would make my way to the 49th state in my Jeep Grand Cherokee. Now that I've completed my epic multi-week journey, was it worth it? 100% yes. Would I do it again? Well, only if I knew what I know now. So, if you're considering the 100+ hour round trip drive to and from Alaska, take note of these insider tips before hitting the road.

Why an Alaska road trip beats a cruise

It's no surprise that autumn is one of the most popular times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. However, visitors looking to experience the fall foliage this year should be aware of several temporary road closures and maintenance projects announced by the National Park Service (NPS). From September 23 to 27, these projects could affect your travel plans. Everything you need to know about the Smoky Mountain road closures

From September 23 through September 26, park maintenance crews will implement temporary single-lane closures along the north and southbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Crews will be conducting several maintenance activities, including mowing, cleaning ditches, removing fallen trees and branches, picking up litter, and repairing guardrails — all in preparation for the prettiest time of year.

Flight hacks: When to book your 2025 flights for the best prices

Recently updated on August 29th, 2024 at 11:24 am

One of the biggest expenses when planning a big trip is often the flights, but there are a handful of flight hacks you can use to save hundreds off the price of a ticket. Naturally, shopping around is one of the top ways to find cheap flights, but there are other tips and tricks to help you find the best rates.

If you’re planning to travel by plane in 2025 then read on to discover how to score the cheapest flight prices. With the below knowledge you’ll save both time and money, which you can then spend on food or souvenirs once in your dream destination. Ideal! 

Here’s how to be a flight booking pro and discover the optimal moments to snap up those coveted low fares. These flight hacks will make travel in 2025 more affordable. And once you’re done with flights, you can seize the moment and grab a deal on a 2025 Trafalgar tour with our sale .

Best of Greece

First, understand the flight booking cycle.

Finding cheap flights is a matter of you against the system. Naturally, every airline wants to earn more money from every customer, but they also don’t want to fly half-empty planes. Airlines use dynamic pricing, meaning the seat price fluctuates due to supply and demand.

Many airlines know they can charge more during travel high seasons, school holidays, and special events. Often traveling outside these times will show you cheaper fares. Some airlines also release seats at tiered rates, with prices increasing as the departure date nears and the seats fill up. 

Consider when to avoid booking flights

Peak travel periods, such as school holidays and major holidays like Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving, will likely attract those sky-high prices that you’re hoping to avoid. Miracles do happen, but it’s more likely that you’ll be paying a premium to travel during this time. While there are some optimal times to score cheap flights, it’s equally worth knowing when to avoid flying.

Best times to book long-haul flights in 2025

Timing is everything when it comes to booking long-haul flights. While you can expect prices to be higher than your last trip, due to inflation and jet fuel costs, there are still bargains to be found.

For domestic trips within the US, booking just one or two months ahead is often the best time for the cheapest flights. Most airlines will start managing their prices around four months before the date, increasing or decreasing the prices depending on demand. You can monitor your dates and book when the price drop

Highlights of Spain and Portugal

For longer journeys from the United States to Europe or beyond you want to start planning much further in advance. Long-haul flights are still best booked six to eight months in advance. As for flight hacks, seasonality matters along with the ability to be flexible with dates. Travel during shoulder seasons will offer up significantly better fares.

If you are planning to travel to popular destinations at the peak time, like Greece for a summer vacation or Italy in July, then you’ll want to book even earlier. Some airlines release tickets around 11 months in advance. 

READ NEXT: 8 useful life hacks you’ll learn on a Trafalgar trip

Top flight hacks for 2025:

Flexibility is key: keep your travel dates and destinations open.

If you can be flexible, then you can find good deals. This often means traveling off-peak and off-season. So it might mean looking for flights on weekdays instead of weekends, and being open to the destinations you land in. If you loosen your requirements and dates, you can open yourself up to some amazing flight deals.

Consider the day of the week you book on

While the day you fly is important, the day of the week that you book those flights can make a big difference too. Some people say Tuesday is the cheapest day to book and fly, since it’s far from the weekend, and it’s often true. Flight comparison site Skyscanner says sales are usually dropped on Monday nights or Tuesday morning, which skews this data, but it’s all about the route and destination.

More recent data actually suggest that Sunday might be the best day to book cheaper flights, but it’s not a hard rule as there are a lot of factors at play.

Look at airline loyalty programs and benefits

Airline loyalty programs can seem like a cult for those on the outside, but don’t underestimate the power they hold when it comes to free flights. Of course, the challenge is accumulating enough points with the same airline so you can redeem them for the route you want!

If you travel a lot for work, then you may accrue loads of points with a certain airline. Of course, it’s a false economy if you’re always paying more to fly with the points-earning airline over the cheaper competitors. With some credit cards, just buying your groceries will gain points but each shop barely scratches the surface for a free flight. To really earn points you need to shop around for sign-on deals, or point transfer bonuses and flight hacks like that.

If you do have enough points with a domestic airline, chances are they have connections and code shares with long-haul carriers that may even get you to Europe for free! Now that’s the best price.

Use flight comparison tools effectively

While we used to rely heavily on travel agents, now we can just sit on the couch and browse for the best deals across multiple airlines and travel agencies using flight comparison tools. These sites scour the depths of the web for the best deals, and offers loads of cool features.

To find the best fare deals you can’t just hit search and cross your fingers. You need to use the filters and features, which differ from platform to platform. Experiment with different search parameters, such as flexible dates, alternative airports, and different airlines. This may toss up a great deal, just don’t forget to factor in sneaky extras like baggage fees, seat selection costs, and other charges.

Rome and Tuscan Highlights

For example, with Google flights you can add multiple departure and arrival airports so you can quickly see which airlines have direct routes to which destinations. The calendar view lets you see the whole month, so you can quickly spot any super cheap deals. And if you see a flight you like, you can set an alert so it emails you when the price falls.

Last-minute deals and fare sales

If or once you know which airlines fly the routes you hope to one day fly, you should sign up for their newsletter so you’re the first to hear about any special sales or deals. Maybe next year you’re tossing up between Japan or China , so if an unforgettable deal pops up for Tokyo you’ll have your answer!

Of course, finding great deals isn’t exclusive to airlines. You can also save money on the your Trafalgar tour if you jump on our seasonal sales. Right now we have huge savings on 2025 trips . If you seize the moment you can save hundreds on your next tour. If you’re not ready to book now, subscribe to our newsletter so you get updates about deals.

Do you have any flight hacks you’d like to add? Will you jump on our 2025 sale ? Leave us a comment….

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The Best Flight Booking Hacks For Savvy Travellers

April 14, 2021

Vera Andrews

Let our inside expert walk you through the best flight booking hacks to find a great airline deal. No sleeping on the floor required, I promise. These flight hacks are for savvy travellers who know when to spend and when to save – and they’re not just for budget airlines.

Let’s go.

If you book or buy through some of the links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Best Flight Hacks to Find a Great Deal

Let’s get right to it.

1. Search in Incognito or Private Browsing Mode

The first and simplest of the tricks to get cheap flights is to search for flights using incognito or private browsing mode. 

Whether you are searching directly with airlines or on a search engine like Kayak, your searches are tracked using persistent cookies. These cookies are planted in your web browser and allow the airlines or search websites to identify you when you return to finish your booking. Their pricing algorithms will detect the cookies and adjust up the prices to create a sense of urgency, forcing you to buy before they raise prices further.

Browsing incognito or using private browsing will protect you from such price manipulation.

How to Enable Incognito/Private Browsing Mode and Cheat Air Fare Rises:

• For Google Chrome, click the 3 dots at the top right corner -> New incognito window or use the shortcut: ctrl + shift + N (or cmd + shift + N for Macs).
• For Firefox, click on the 3 bars at the top right corner -> New private window or use the shortcut: ctrl + shift + P (or cmd + shift + P for Macs).
• For Safari, go to File -> New private window or hit the shortcut: cmd + shift + N.

Alternatively, you can install add-ons to your browser to do this automatically for you:

• Self-destructing cookies ( Firefox , Chrome ) is a browser extension that automatically deletes cookies for you to prevent tracking.

2. Compare Airfares: Shop Around

You’ll find many different flight search engines on the web, employing different search and pricing algorithms, with no one holding a monopoly over cheap flights. What this means is that there’s almost always another site selling it for less.

Simply searching for the same flight on a different website often results in a lower price. But there’s a trick to doing it the right way: search on a website owned by a different conglomerate.

Many of the most popular flight search websites are owned by large conglomerates and utilize the same algorithms. For example, Kayak and Momondo are both owned by Booking Holdings, so searching for the same flight on these two sites is pointless – you’ll simply get the exact same results.

To help you get started, these are my recommendations for websites to search flights on, grouped by their parent company:

• Kayak and Momondo (owned by Booking Holdings.)
• Skyscanner and Trip.com (owned by Trip.com Group.)
• Google Flights
• Tripli.com (new player on the block)

Searching across these websites will find you very different results, giving you the best chance of finding a lower price on the same flight.

This can get tedious, though. In which case, try an automatic flight price shopping browser extension such as BuyLo . The browser extension pops up at checkout automatically and will run a search for a lower price flight on the exact same route for you. It’s effortless and just takes around a minute, so it’s one of the best cheap flight hacks around.

3. Error Fares

One of the best airline ticket hacks involves error fares. We’ve talked about how the algorithms on flight booking sites can work against you, but they can sometimes work for you.

Sometimes airlines make pricing errors such as:

• Calculation errors made in converting one currency to another
• Dropping the last zero by mistake (e.g, pricing a flight at $100 instead of $1,000)
• Technical glitches in the systems of online travel agencies, which omit surcharges from the fare total
• Clumsy interns manually entering prices

How to Find Flight Errors:

How do you go about finding such errors? Firstly, they will sometimes show up in flight search engines. When doing broad, whole month searches, it would be glaringly easy to see such fares. They will be orders of magnitude lower than prices on any other day of the month.

However, these error fares get snapped up quite rapidly so it’s highly unlikely that you would just come across them by chance. The surest way to get notified about them is to sign up for notifications from a flight deal website such as Scott’s Cheap Flights , Dollar Flight Club , Secret Flying  or  Airfare Watchdog . You can sign up for email alerts or subscribe to their social media feeds to hack flight prices automatically.

However, note the following when taking advantage of error fares:

• There is a risk that the airline will not honour the fare. However, cancellations are quite rare, especially for reputable airlines. The airline will ultimately have to weigh the cost of selling underpriced tickets against the damage to its reputation, loss of customer faith and potential legal ramifications if they decide to cancel the tickets.
• Error fares often only apply to a very specific flight and the dates and times for the flight might not work for you. Obviously, cheap flight tricks are only worth anything if you end up with the flight you want!

4. Price Alerts Airfare Hacks

It’s usually the case that last minute flight bookings are the most expensive.

But when is the best time to book?

There is no one rule as it entirely depends on the origin, destination, dates and times. 

But there is a work around. For example, when you are using a flight booking site like Kayak or Google Flights, you can subscribe to price alerts.

For example, on Kayak, their price advice box pops up at the top left of the search results page. Clicking on track prices will allow you to subscribe to price changes on a specific route. 

However, note that this will only tell you when it’s a good time to book a specific route. The price on the ticket will still vary based on the selected time, airlines and booking gates. To guarantee finding the lowest prices, I would recommend price shopping the selected flight or using an automated tool like BuyLo .

5. Disguising Your Device

When it comes to using tricks to find cheap flights, if you want to cover all bases then this one of the least well known plane ticket hacks.

Another way that flight booking sites’ algorithms try to outsmart you is through price discrimination based on device. In a nutshell, the device you are using tells a lot about you and how much you can afford. For example, Apple users tend to be more wealthy, so they are shown higher prices.

This form of price discrimination is harder for the end user to detect. After all, who’s price shopping flights on the exact same site across devices? But don’t worry, we did our research and it is a thing.

So our advice is simple:

• If you are booking on your phone, don’t. 
• If you are booking on a Mac, use a User Agent Switching Browser extension ( Firefox , Chrome ). Browser extensions such as these allow you to fake the device you are using, tricking the algorithms into showing you a lower price.

6. The Layover Flight Hack

Hack airline tickets even more with this top tip.

Don’t tick the “direct flights only” box while booking tickets. Most flights that have a transfer or layover tend to be cheaper than direct flights. It would take longer to get to your destination but the savings could more than make up for it!

Consider this: Suppose a flight with a layover takes 3 hours longer to get to your destination but would save you $600. You should take the flight with the layover unless your time is valued at > $200/hr.

Also, consider super long layover flights, even multi-day layovers. Why would anyone do that? Because you could leave the airport during the layover, making your vacation a two destination vacation instead of one!

Some airlines even provide FREE hotel accommodation for long layovers! For example, EgyptAir’s layover service will provide a free hotel, meals and transportation. It’s entirely possible to visit the pyramids during your layover !

There are plenty of useful resources with more information on airline stopover programs (e.g., here and here ). However, note that many of the programs are suspended during the pandemic but they are expected to come back as lockdown restrictions get lifted globally.

The flight layover hack can often really surprise you.

7. Use a Flight Deal Finding Browser Extension Like Buylo

If these flight booking hacks are too much of a hassle to apply yourself, you could outsource it to a browser extension like BuyLo . In a nutshell, it’s like Honey but specific to flights. Here’s how it works:

• Simply search for flights at on a supported airline/booking site (see list here ) 
• Go to the checkout and BuyLo will automatically pop up to run a search for a lower price.

Here’s an example of BuyLo finding £2,791 in savings on a £6,700 business class flight from London to Boston:

It only took about a minute to run. Pretty neat!

So how does it work? Basically, BuyLo automates price comparison, incognito search and device spoofing – three of the airline hacks we’ve mentioned in this flight hacks guide. It works for Economy and Business class flights and supports every currency. It’s your best chance of finding the cheapest flight.

However, it’s important to note that none of these flight booking hacks can guarantee that you will save money. But if there are savings to be found, these flight hacks will find them.

Booking a Flight Tips

• Booking using a credit card can earn you loyalty points or cashback. Look into deals before making a big purchase. Watch out for foreign transaction fees when spending abroad, though. It may be better to choose a different method of paying while actually at your final destination.
• It’s not only the budget airlines that charge for luggage these days. Check the baggage policy when comparing prices.
• Most airlines allow children to travel free of charge when they are under two years old. They also usually allow for extra luggage like pushchairs and car seats. However, these are not guaranteed so double check the fine print before booking .
• Being flexible with your departure date can open up cheaper air fares. Enter in a range when searching for flight deals.
• It’s usually better to book return tickets with the same airline but don’t rule out booking  one way tickets with separate airlines. Depending on a variety of factors, this may be the best way to hack airline tickets.
• Make a note of when check-in opens and when you can reserve your seat. Some airlines charge extra for this, now, so if it’s important for you to sit with someone or near the toilet, for example, then make sure you don’t miss the booking deadline.

More Flying Hacks

OK, so you’ve mastered the airfare hacks. What about the flight itself?

Check out our ultimate guides to flying more comfortably here:

• 21 Long Haul Flight Essentials   – fall in love with flying again
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99 Travel Hacks To Make Your Next Trip A Little Easier

I’ve never cared about brand-name purses or clothing, much less cars or makeup. Instead, I spend whatever leftover money I can on travel. Traveling has exceptional “memory dividends” long after the money’s gone and is the best way to experience all the world has to offer (at least, in my humble opinion).

I’ve now been to 30+ countries and hundreds of cities—from rural northern Thailand to Moorea in French Polynesia to most of the United States—so I’ve picked up quite a few hacks here and there to make traveling the best experience it can be. Below, I’m sharing 99 of my best tips so you can spend less time planning and questioning and more time experiencing and enjoying. Got more? Share them in the comments; we don’t gate-keep here!

Wherever you’re heading—whether by plane, train, or bus—safe travels and happy exploring! 🌍

1. To save time, only pack a carry-on ; no more waiting at baggage claim! 

2. If you decide to check a bag in, throw an Airtag into your suitcase, so you can always track where it is and ensure it’s reached your destination.

3. For the best possible travel deals, be flexible on your destination and dates. I’ve scored deals to multiple European cities for under $200 by leveraging that flexibility.

4. Perhaps the most important tip of all: Always buy travel insurance . Always.

5. Allocate all your spending on a credit card that racks up points which can later be redeemed for travel—my preferred option is Chase Sapphire Reserve or the AmEx Gold.

6. Sign up for credit card bonuses that offer up to 150,000 points once you hit a minimum spending bonus—I like to check Nerdwallet’s top credit card offers (updated monthly) to see the best bonuses.

7. Search for flights leaving at off-peak times (for example, mid-week, red eyes, or with a layover) if you’re trying to save money.

Prioritize early morning flights; they’re the least likely to be delayed or canceled.

8. If convenience is more important than money, prioritize early morning flights; they’re the least likely to be delayed or canceled.

9. Use Google Incognito or a VPN to search for flights. Searching on the same browser and internet connection tells the airline that you’re looking to book and allows them to hike the price up. 

10. Once you find a flight you like—if you’re not ready to book—set up an alert to be notified if the price changes. If it drops, great! If not, you’ll know to book soon or keep an eye on it in case it comes back down.

11. Not sure when to go? Check out apps like Skyscanner or Hopper to find the best prices and times of year to head to your destination.

12. Sign up for loyalty programs with every airline you can; you never know when you’ll need to use them, and you can rack up miles for later use.

13. If you’re used to one specific airline, see if they have an airline-specific credit card for additional bonuses and perks. For example, United Airlines has major hubs in both our hometowns and our current cities so we have the United MileagePlus cards, which offer early boarding, free baggage, and 60,000 points each.

14. Keep an eye out for points sales , like Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals, 30% off transfer premiums, and more. (This is always a good option to keep in mind if you just need a few more points for a mostly-free flight!)

15. Look into mistake fares (deeply discounted fares mistakenly shared by an airline). They can sometimes be canceled or refunded, but many times, airlines will honor them anyway. One time, I was able to travel to Milan, Prague, and Amsterdam for $197 one-way from New York.

16. Subscribe to real-time alerts from The Points Guy , The Flight Deal on Twitter, and more.

17. If you have a few bucks to spare, sign up for flight deals from Going (previously known as Scott’s Cheap Flights). You’ll share your departure airports of choice, and you’ll receive deals right in your inbox.

18. Sign up for TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry to expedite the security process.

19. Once you’re past security but before you get to the gate, check out the Priority Pass, which will give you access to hundreds of lounges around the world. Both Chase and AmEx offer cards with Priority Pass access, and once you get to a lounge, you can stock up on free food, drinks, WiFi, and more.

20. Heading abroad? Use a third-party encrypted program like WhatsApp, Viber, or Signal for international texts and calls—you can avoid extra data and call charges!

Alert your credit and debit card companies about your travel so you don’t get flagged for fraud.

21. If you need access to international calls, buy a SIM card locally—you can usually find kiosks in the airport after arrival, or sometimes your carrier will offer a global SIM card for temporary use.

22. Alert your credit and debit card companies about your travel so you don’t get flagged for fraud.

23. Get a no-fee ATM for international destinations; my favorite is the Charles Schwab.

24. Only ask for ATM withdrawals in the local currency, not your native one.

25. Same for credit card charges; if you’re in Italy, pay with your card in Euros, not USD (for example). Then you’ll avoid fees and often score better conversation rates.

26. Download the airline app before you fly for easy access to your boarding pass, checking in, and seat or meal selection.

27. While you’re at it, you can check out the seat map on most flights to see what’s open and change seats accordingly.

28. You may even find an open seat in First or Business Class—consider politely asking for an upgrade. You never know if they’ll say yes!

29. If your travel plans are flexible, volunteer for a later flight when they’re offering compensation to offset the cost of the airfare.

30. If you decide to volunteer, try and wait to see if they’ll increase the compensation before you agree. Sometimes, you can get thousands of dollars in flight vouchers if you hold out long enough.

31. Buffer in extra time for delays—always.

32. Have a connecting flight? Aim for at least a 90-minute layover in between to avoid missing your flight in case of delays, security issues, etc.

33. Travel during shoulder season (i.e., not quite peak time yet). For example, if June-August is the best time of year to visit Greece, consider going in May or September for lower prices but still preferable conditions.

34. Don’t cut costs over convenience either, though—if you know you suffer from insomnia and back pain, taking a red eye in economy to save $100 may not be worthwhile. Similarly, don’t go for the cheapest hotel without thorough vetting; you don’t want to be stuck three miles from the beach without a bike because you didn’t know how far it was!

35. Check out alternative modes of transport besides the typical plane or car: Trains, bikes, public transportation, buses…the list goes on. These are often cheaper, better for the environment, and more accessible.

Create a default packing list for yourself that you can copy and tailor for each trip.

36. Create a default packing list for yourself that you can copy and tailor for each trip. This way, you’ll know you’ve included all the necessities most important to you, like specific medications, chargers, and toiletries.

37. Wear layers while in transit—it’s easier to pack your luggage, and you can stay warm (or cool) as needed.

38. If you suffer from swollen ankles or potential blood clots when sitting in one place for hours, get a pair of compression socks. There’s a reason many travel pros swear by them!

39. Another must? A reusable water bottle. Perfect for refilling inside the airport after security, carrying with you on tours, and having in case of emergency.

40. Heading to a place without clean, potable water? Don’t forget to bring a water filter or purifier for when you’re on the go.

41. Easily organize your suitcase (and save space!) with packing cubes .

42. If you’re really in need of space, consider vacuum bags to compress all your clothes.

43. If you know you’ll want to shop or bring back many souvenirs, get a secondhand suitcase at your local thrift store for cheap and fill ‘er up.

44. Don’t bring too many valuables. Many women travel pros will wear fake wedding rings to avoid burglaries or attacks.

45. Always tell someone at home what your itinerary is and where you’ll be. Even better if you can tell someone you trust locally in case of an emergency. #safety

46. Turn on location services and sharing, too, for good measure.

Print out extra copies of your passports and travel docs; keep digital copies in your email as well.

47. Print out extra copies of your passports and travel docs; keep digital copies in your email as well. Losing your passport is all too easy! 48. Need to drive worldwide? Don’t forget to pick up an International Driver’s Permit , which are readily available at most AAA locations.

49. Want to save money or avoid excess noise? Stay slightly away from downtown city centers and tourist spots—usually going even two or three blocks away can make all the difference.

50. Another way to cut costs is to consider house-sitting or couch surfing, depending on your level of comfort. 

51. Hostels are another great budget-friendly accommodation option; it’s also a wonderful place to meet like-minded people and organize local tours.

52. Weigh the cost of laundry versus the cost of a checked bag. Sometimes packing light and doing laundry will be far cheaper than paying for an extra suitcase.

53. Pack a capsule wardrobe for easy mix ‘n matching for your daily #lewks.

54. Think about items you may need at a destination that you’ll end up paying a premium for later and see if you can get them beforehand. For example, sunblock at a tropical destination will be far more expensive than getting it in the off-season in the Midwest.

55. Pack an essentials kit in case you need certain toiletries or accessories while in transit—for example, a small bag with spare underwear, ear plugs, eye mask, tampons, and charging wires.

56. Carry a purse or travel bag that you can keep close on your body, closed with zippers rather than buttons or flaps. This will help stop pickpockets!

57. Pack extra snacks. Just trust me on this one! You never know when you may need sustenance and can’t find anything worthwhile.

If you can, take the day off after you get home so you can ease back into everyday life.

58. If you can, take the day off after you get home so you can ease back into everyday life. Then you can finish up any chores or errands like laundry, grocery shopping, and more without worrying about rushing back into the office.

59. In your carry-on backpack or purse, keep an extra set of clothes, a toothbrush, and undies in case your luggage gets lost. (Which is another reason why you always want travel insurance!)

60. If you’re not using data and/or are heading to a remote area, download offline versions of Google Maps and take screenshots of any information you need.

61. If you’re heading to a foreign country and the local language isn’t one you speak, download the Google Translate app. You can then converse with locals, take photos of written text to translate, and more. (This was an invaluable tool when I was stranded in northern Thailand during a downpour once!)

62. Download media a day or two before you leave, so you can access it while traveling—think audiobooks, ebooks, Netflix, etc.

63. Get the best portable charger you can afford if you know you’ll be relying on your phone throughout the trip. You’ll never regret it.

64. Pack a universal adapter so you can use your electronic devices around the globe.

Pack a universal adapter so you can use your electronic devices around the globe.

65. Don’t forget a converter too, if your electronics’ voltage doesn’t match up to the outlets abroad.

66. Getting a rental? Book the reservation on a credit card like Chase or AmEx, which offers auto insurance and collision insurance for rentals.

67. If that’s not an option, it’s well worth getting auto insurance from the rental company. 

68. Take photos of everything important: The condition of your rental when you pick it up/drop it off, receipts if you’re going to be reimbursed or splitting costs, WiFi passwords, and so on.

69. Make sure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations and shots , which vary by country. (And don’t wait until the last minute to book your appointment!)

70. Read. The. Reviews. Make sure you look for any bots or planted reviews, and keep an eye out for any red flags, whether you’re searching for accommodations, a tour, or restaurants.

71. Similarly, seek out vetted tour groups if you’re traveling alone. A few of my favorites for women include El Camino Travel , Stellavision Travel , and G Adventures .

72. Sometimes DIYing a trip can be helpful, but other times, a good travel agent is the most valuable. They’ll get access to exclusive discounts, tours, or accommodations that you couldn’t leverage otherwise.

73. If you’re considering traveling with a friend or partner, ensure your travel priorities are aligned before leaving. Nothing will be more frustrating than having a companion sleep in when you’re a morning person or dealing with a racket first thing in the morning if you’re a night owl.

74. In the same vein, learn many of your destinations’ cultural nuances and customs—it’s important to be considerate and mindful of the communities you’re visiting.

75. Heading to a faraway destination? Try pairing nearby cities together on this trip so you knock out two at once.

76. Stay hydrated, especially when traveling. We’re already adjusting to new environments, time zones, etc., and hydration is key for our bodies to adapt.

Get sunlight as early as possible when you’re in a new time zone to help reset your circadian rhythm. 

77. Get sunlight as early as possible when you’re in a new time zone to help reset your circadian rhythm. 

78. Napping to adjust a timezone is okay, but try staying awake the whole day and sleeping at night to beat jet lag once and for all.

79. Chew gum while taking off or landing if your ears pop while in flight.

80. Invest in a quality skin mask or moisturizer, lip balm, and lotion during and post-flight when our skin is driest.

81. Luggage scales can be clutch—if your baggage is overweight and you can’t rid yourself of any items, you’ll be on the hook for hefty excess fees.

82. Traveling with kiddos? Bring a “busy bag” to keep them entertained throughout the day, stocked with coloring books, toys, a tablet, snacks, and whatever else your little one prefers.

83. If you’re dealing with long-haul travel, you’ll want a quality neck pillow—this is mine and I’m obsessed.

84. If you can , opt for a backpack over a suitcase or duffel. There’s a good chance transportation carriers won’t bother to weigh your backpack!

Whatever you’re budgeting for your trip, add another 10-20% in case of emergency.

85. Whenever you get samples like shampoo, moisturizers, or sunscreen, throw them in your travel toiletry bag. That way, you don’t need to bring the bulk items or worry about the liquid limit.

86. Throw a lavender satchel or a dryer sheet in your bag to keep things smelling…fresh. 🙂

87. Pack at least two extra large plastic or ziplock bags for shoes, dirty clothes, etc.

88. Opt for a bright-colored suitcase so it’s easy to spot at baggage claim or while in transit.

89. If you’re flying with another person and can book your seats in advance, one of you can take the window and the other can take the aisle. That way, the middle seat will likely be left open for you both to enjoy.

90. Always keep a spare pen on you, especially if you know you’ll have to fill out customs forms or write down directions.

91. Take a picture of your car or write down where it is in your notes app so you don’t forget where you’ve parked, whether at an airport parking lot or a new hotel.

92. Bring extra wipes or a sanitizer spray for when there’s no washroom or when things need some tidying…like your tray table.

93. Whatever you’re budgeting for your trip, add another 10-20% in case of emergency.

94. Check out local walking tours in big cities; they’re often free or pay-what-you-can and are a great way to see the most important sights and get acquainted.

95. Some businesses offer deals if you book with a partner company—for example, United MileagePlus members earn savings if you book a car rental through Avis or Budget.

Travel is one of the most valuable experiences there is in life. Enjoy every moment, be mindful and respectful, and explore as much as you can.

96. Don’t forget to check if you’ll need a visa for specific countries! Or, prioritize countries where you won’t need one for ease of access and to save money.

97. Eat street food (as long as it’s cooked in front of you and looks safe!). It’s often one of the best ways to enjoy a local culture.

98. Make lunch your biggest meal—it’s usually cheaper than dinner while being just as filling.

99. Most importantly, remember: Travel is one of the most valuable experiences there is in life. Enjoy every moment, be mindful and respectful, and explore as much as you can.

Henah Velez (she/her) is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade as well as the Executive Producer and Operations Lead of  Money with Katie  at Morning Brew, a personal finance brand for women. She’s also the co-founder of  Departure , a quiet travel newsletter for women. Say hi on  Instagram !

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Travel hacking 101: A beginner’s guide to travel hacking like a pro

When I started travel hacking 11 years ago, it was an obscure “hobby” that few had heard about and most dismissed as a scam . Nowadays, seemingly everyone is doing it to some degree. Whether getting in on the latest credit card promotion or snagging a first-class seat for the price of coach, travel hacking has become more popular than ever.

It’s the easiest way to save on travel and improve your experience. Utilizing travel hacking methods, you can fast-track your way to top-tier elite status and earn frequent flyer miles without ever stepping on a plane.

There is endless information about maximizing every dollar (and mile) spent. But if you’re new to this “game” and just want a simple explanation of how it works, you’ve come to the right place.

Here is everything you need to know about getting started with travel hacking.

What is travel hacking?

Travel hacking involves earning frequent flyer miles or points through non-traditional methods and redeeming them for nearly-free travel.

The most common travel hacks include leveraging credit card welcome bonuses for premium cabin flights and taking advantage of sweet spots and generous routing rules to get the best deal on award flights.

How much are points and miles worth?

Points are worth 1-2 cents each, depending on the loyalty program and how you use them. You’ll generally get the highest value by redeeming points for premium cabin flights and luxury hotel stays. Some programs impose a fixed value on points, depending on the fare cost. For example, Southwest Rapid Rewards points are worth 1.3 cents towards Wanna Get Away fares.

The same goes for transferrable rewards. Most of them are worth at least one cent each towards direct travel bookings. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards® are worth 1.25 cents each towards direct travel bookings for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card  cardholders and 1.5 cents for those with a Chase Sapphire Reserve®  through Chase Travel℠.

The difference between points, miles, and rewards

Points, miles, and rewards are different types of loyalty currencies. There are exceptions, but airlines usually issue miles, while points come from hotel loyalty programs or bank rewards.

A good travel hacking strategy involves having a mix of all three currencies.

Transferable rewards

Thanks to their flexibility, transferable bank rewards are the gold standard of loyalty currency. You can transfer them to airline miles or hotel points, usually at a 1:1 ratio or better.

Examples of transferrable rewards include Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Venture Rewards miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards®, and Citi ThankYou® points.

Airline miles

You might be wondering if it’s worth earning airline miles when you can just transfer your bank rewards points instead.

Well, you should earn airline miles from a co-branded airline credit card for several reasons. For starters, you can supplement welcome bonuses from airline cards with a bonus from a transferrable rewards card to reach your travel goals faster.

In addition, some airlines incentivize you to earn miles (through a co-branded credit card or otherwise). For example, American Airlines counts all co-branded credit card spending towards elite status. Meanwhile, Southwest Rapid Rewards issues the Companion Pass after you earn 125,000 points in a calendar year (which increases to 135,000 next year). Earning airline miles can pay off.

Hotel points

Hotel points can go a long way in reducing out-of-pocket travel expenses. You can earn hotel points from co-branded hotel credit cards, by shopping online, and even by participating in surveys. Hotel credit cards offer generous welcome bonuses, with perks like elite status and annual free nights.

Examples of hotel points you should consider earning include World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards.

How to start travel hacking

Travel hacking is fun and rewarding but can also be a lot of work. There is a wealth of information about ways to earn and burn points for maximum value. But if you’re just learning and want to know the basics, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started.

Step 1: Set a goal

Before you embark on your travel hacking journey, you’ll want to set a goal. Are you hoping to redeem miles for international travel ? Or perhaps you’re saving up for a family trip to Disneyland. Regardless of your goals, it’s important to identify them early on to determine which credit cards and loyalty programs will help you get there.

Step 2: Choose your rewards program(s)

Once you’ve determined your travel goals, it’s time to pick your loyalty programs. Start with your home airport; if you live in an airline hub city, that airline can be a good starting point. There’s no sense in earning Southwest points if you live in Alaska. You might be better off with the Alaska Mileage Plan program since the airline serves the region and offers domestic and international partners. You’ll have more opportunities to redeem miles, and if you fly the airline often enough, you’ll even earn elite status.

When choosing a loyalty program, keep partner airlines in mind. For example, if you’re saving up for a Hawaiian vacation and want to fly United, you should consider collecting Turkish Miles&Smiles instead. Turkish Airlines is a Star Alliance member, like United, and offers domestic United flights for just 15,000 miles round-trip in economy. Exploring partner programs can help you save on award travel, stretching your miles further.

Choosing a hotel loyalty program might be easier. Think about which hotels you like when traveling and which elite benefits you care about. Most hotel loyalty programs let you earn top-tier status from credit cards alone, so think about which programs offer the best perks and properties in the destinations you like to travel to.

Here’s a look at every major hotel program’s global footprint to help you choose:

• Marriott Bonvoy: Over 8,000 properties in 139 countries
• Hilton Honors: Over 7,000 hotels in 122 countries
• Choice Privileges: Over 7,000 hotels in 40 countries
• IHG One Rewards: Over 6,000 properties worldwide
• Radisson Rewards: Over 1,700 hotels worldwide
• World of Hyatt: Over 1,150 hotels in 70 countries

While it’s good to identify at least one airline and hotel program, you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket. Try to collect at least one transferable rewards currency, so you’re not limited to only a few programs.

Transferrable rewards can also protect you against program devaluations — if one airline or hotel increases its redemption requirements, you can transfer your points to another.

Here are some of the most popular transferrable rewards programs:

• American Express Membership Rewards®
• Bilt Rewards
• Capital One Miles
• Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• Citi ThankYou® Rewards

Step 3: Choose a credit card

Once you’ve identified the loyalty program you want to earn points with (and incorporated at least one transferrable currency), it’s time to find a credit card.

When choosing a credit card, you should consider the following features:

Welcome bonus

A high welcome bonus will help you achieve your travel goals much faster. Some credit card bonuses are high enough to cover a round-trip international business class ticket. You’ll incur a 2-5 point credit score hit from every inquiry, so make it count. You should aim for a welcome bonus of at least 50,000 points, and plenty of cards meet that criteria.

Credit card application rules

Remember that some banks have strict application rules when applying for credit cards. For example, American Express limits welcome bonuses to one per lifetime. Meanwhile, Chase’s infamous 5/24 rule prevents you from being approved for a new card if you’ve had five or more in the last 24 months.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with these rules before applying for a card to avoid unnecessary rejection.

Travel perks

Many travel rewards cards come with valuable perks like elite status, airport lounge access, airline fee credits, and annual free nights. Think about which of these perks you’re likely to maximize every year. Doing so can help you choose the best credit card and figure out if the card is worth renewing every year.

Annual fees

Travel hacking can get expensive if you’re not careful about annual fees. Rewards credit card annual fees range from $89-$695. It’s easy to get tempted by a high welcome bonus, but annual fees can dent your travel budget if you’re not careful.

Before settling on a credit card, explore the lower or no-annual-fee version to see if it’s a better fit.

For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card may seem appealing with its welcome bonus, but you’ll pay a lower annual fee with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

Step 4: Other ways to earn points

Credit card welcome bonuses are the fastest way to earn points, but they’re not the only way. You can earn points from shopping portals, dining rewards programs, completing surveys, and more.

Shopping portals:

• American AAdvantage eShopping
• Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping
• Delta SkyMiles Shopping
• Free Spirit Online Mall
• Hilton Honors Shopping Mall
• JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping
• United MileagePlus Shopping

Dining rewards programs:

• American AAdvantage Dining
• Alaska Mileage Plan Dining
• Delta SkyMiles Dining
• Free Spirit Dining
• Hilton Honors Dining
• IHG Rewards Club Dining
• JetBlue TrueBlue Dining
• Marriott Eat Around Town
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining
• United MileagePlus Dining

Airline companion passes

Airline companion passes are one of the best travel hacking tools to stretch your points further. Some passes are issued annually as a credit card benefit, while others have to be earned. In most cases, you can save 50% or more on airfare with a companion pass.

Here’s a look at companion passes you should consider adding to your travel hacking arsenal:

Alaska Airlines Famous Companion Fare

The Alaska Airlines Famous Companion Fare is a great travel hacking tool for west coast flyers. The pass is issued as part of the welcome bonus on the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card and reissued annually. Considering the Alaska card has a reasonable annual fee, this is a terrific benefit.

Simply book a companion on the same flight and pay just $99 (plus taxes and fees).

American AAdvantage

You can get an American Airlines Companion Certificate from one of four co-branded credit cards. The spending requirement ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Once you’ve secured the certificate, you can use it to cover a companion’s airfare for just $99 plus taxes and fees.

• Barclays Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard: Spend $20,000 in a year
• AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard: Spend $20,000 in a year
• AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard: Spend $30,000 in a year
• CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Spend $30,000 in a year

The American Airlines Companion Certificate is only valid on round-trip economy class tickets within the contiguous U.S. For Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Island residents, the pass is good for round-trip flights originating in those destinations.

British Airways Travel Together Ticket

The British Airways Travel Together Ticket is issued to British Airways Visa Signature® cardholders who spend $30,000 in a calendar year . This perk can take the sting out of high fuel surcharges imposed on British Airways award tickets transiting through London.

The Travel Together Ticket is valid in all cabins, including first class and international fares .

Delta Companion Passes

Delta has two companion passes: one is valid on economy class tickets only, while the one issued through the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card can be applied to first-class travel. You’ll pay just $80 for your companion’s ticket, which is a bargain — especially when using it for first-class flights.

Note that the Delta companion tickets are not valid on award flights or basic economy tickets.

Here’s a list of cards you can earn the companion pass with:

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Iberia airfare discount

Iberia offers a $1,000 airfare discount on two tickets booked on the same flight. You can earn it by spending $30,000 on the Iberia Visa Signature® Card per calendar year. It’s valid in all cabins, providing ultimate flexibility.

Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most popular travel hacking tools out there. You can get one after completing 100 segments or earning 125,000 Southwest points in a calendar year, though the requirement is increased to 135,000 points in 2023. However, points earned from the Southwest credit card welcome bonuses count towards the pass.

It only takes one business or one personal card welcome bonus to earn the Southwest Companion Pass:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card : Earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 within the first three months of account opening
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening

Redeeming points

You’ve accrued thousands of points and are ready to start booking your dream vacation. Now what? Redeeming points isn’t exactly easy, and that’s by design. Loyalty programs count on members not doing their due diligence to get as much out of their points and miles as possible.

While booking the first award that pops up in the search result is easy, that’s not the best way to stretch your points. Here are a few concepts you should familiarize yourself with to get the most out of your points:

Stopovers and open jaws

While a simple round-trip flight is great, you can stretch your points further by incorporating stopovers and open jaws into your flights.

A stopover is when you visit an additional destination on your way to your final destination or home. Several airline loyalty programs allow you to add a free stopover to award flights:

• Alaska Mileage Plan (free stopover on one-way awards)
• ANA Mileage Club ( one free stopover and one open-jaw on round-trip awards)
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles ( up to four destinations per itinerary)
• Emirates Skywards (one free stopover per round-trip)
• Japan Airlines Mileage Bank ( three stopovers or two stopovers and one open-jaw )
• Singapore Krisflyer ( one stopover and one open-jaw per roundtrip flight )
• United MileagePlus (one free stopover within the same region per round-trip flight)

Open jaws are another great way to add a destination to your itinerary. An open jaw is when you return from a different destination than you flew into.

One example of an open-jaw ticket is if you fly from New York to London and then return home from Paris. Many people book this route with Avios because British Airways imposes hefty fuel surcharges on flights departing from London. Savvy travelers will take a train to Paris and fly back from Charles de Gaulle to save money.

But booking an open-jaw doesn’t have to be about saving money. It’s a great way to see multiple destinations on the same trip, especially in Europe, where connecting flights are relatively cheap. Here’s a list of loyalty programs that allow open jaws on round-trip award tickets:

Fourth and fifth night free

Some hotel programs offer free nights when you redeem points for consecutive nights at one property. These deals can help you save as much as 25% on an award stay. The most generous is IHG One, which offers a fourth night free to IHG Rewards Traveler, IHG Rewards Premier, and IHG Rewards Premier Business card members. Meanwhile, Marriott members and Hilton elites get the fifth night free on award stays.

These discounted award rates can help you save thousands of points and book extra free nights at no cost. Factor this into your award-booking strategy, and you’ll stretch your points further.

Take advantage of sweet spots

Sweet spots are awards that are significantly discounted compared to other loyalty programs. Both hotels and airlines have sweet spot awards that can help up your travel hacking game.

For example, Turkish Airlines offers round-trip economy class tickets between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii for just 15,000 miles. That’s what some loyalty programs charge for a one-way ticket, making this an excellent sweet spot award.

Travel hacking is all about finding ways to stretch your points further. You can do this with tactics like searching for generous credit card welcome bonuses, booking flights with stopovers and open jaws, taking advantage of hotel programs that offer free nights, and looking for airline sweet spots.

With a little bit of effort, you can travel hack your way to (nearly) free travel.

Happy travels!

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80 Packing Tips For International Travel

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Packing for an international trip can be overwhelming. You want to prepare for every possible situation but at the same time, you have to make sure that you don’t overpack. No one wants to pay for those fees! Let’s take a look at the best tips and tricks to make sure that you’re sufficiently packed and prepared to enjoy your trip.

Rather watch a video? I shared the 10 most essential packing tips below for those who don’t want to read the full article.

International Travel Documents

1. Before packing your passport , make sure that the expiry date is longer than six months. Some countries won’t let you in if the expiry date is too short. For your specific destination, read their laws for traveler’s passport requirements.

2. Be sure to pack a traveling visa if needed. Some countries require a traveling visa before entry and usually have a deadline for how long you can stay. If you’re a European Union citizen, things are easier for you if you’re traveling to Europe.

3. If traveling with children, get a child travel consent. If a child under 18 is traveling with only one parent, written permission from the other parent will be needed.

Read Next: What to Put in Carry-on and What in Checked Luggage (Guide)

4. Print a copy of your travel insurance. If you don’t have one, I highly recommend that you get one, as it’s usually really cheap and protects against medical costs, theft, flight delays, and more.

5. Pack all of your travel documents in a separate bag or a folder and always carry them with you. Never put your documents in your checked bag and always keep an eye on them. Also, it’s better to take pictures of them and email a copy to yourself in case they get lost.

6. Print out a copy of your boarding pass. It will work as a backup if your phone battery dies.

7. Don’t forget other documents: Train, bus, ferry, or plane tickets, hotel reservations, tickets for attractions and museums, a piece of paper with emergency contacts, guides and maps, and local tourist cards.

Read Next: You Bought Airline Tickets Online. Now What? (Guide)

Electronics

8. Don’t forget to bring your camera, smartphone, laptop , e-reader , headphones, and a tablet (if you plan on using them.) I usually leave the camera and tablet, as my smartphone and laptop can easily substitute both.

9. Bring dual-voltage chargers for all of your devices.  If you’re located in America and traveling to Europe, make sure that all of your chargers are dual-voltage. That’s because the USA uses 110v electricity, but Europe uses 220v. If you don’t have an adequate charger, you will ruin your device. Something like this will be written on your charger: “100v-240v.”

10. Never pack electronics in your checked luggage. Use your hand luggage or carry-on instead. Otherwise, they might get stolen or damaged, and airlines usually don’t reimburse for valuables, such as electronics.

11. Always charge your electronics before boarding. Sometimes the airline security will require you to turn on your devices. Some airlines don’t allow carrying devices that you aren’t able to turn on. If you’ve forgotten your chargers, this could potentially turn into a bad situation. Also, make sure to turn Airplane mode on before setting off.

12. Get a power adapter. In Europe alone, there are three different kinds of power adapters. You should research what kind of plugs that your destination country has and purchase accordingly. There are some universal ones as well which would be a good investment to make if you plan on traveling internationally often.

13. Pack your power bank. A power bank is a must-have, especially for international flights . Most of your gadgets won’t last twelve or more hours while you’re watching movies and tv-series, so make sure to charge them fully before boarding.

Toiletries and Medication

14. Pack liquids over 3.4 oz in your checked suitcase. In your carry-on, you can pack liquids that are in 3.4 oz bottles , and all of the bottles combined have to fit in a TSA-approved transparent bag (usually around ten small bottles.) If you plan on packing something larger, you will have to check it in.

15. If you’re staying at a hotel, leave your shampoo and shower gel at home. Most hotels have these included in your bathroom, free of charge.

16. You’re safe to pack your medication. TSA states that all medicine is allowed both in hand luggage and checked bags. I’d pack it in my hand luggage though, in case I might urgently need some of it. Also, if the medication is in liquid form and over 3.4 ounces, but in reasonable quantities, it’s allowed on the flight. Note that the medicine needs to be in its original packaging.

17. Some medication that you might forget: Something for allergies, motion sickness tablets, asthma medicine, painkillers, cream for sunburns, bandages, digital thermometer, diarrhea medicine, cough drops, insect repellant, antacids, sleep aids, and eye drops.

18. Some toiletries that you might forget: Toothbrush, mouthwash, dental floss, toothpaste , deodorant, shampoo, and shower gel (if traveling to a hotel, leave them home), sunscreen, face wash, q-tips, make-up, contacts, make-up remover wipes, shaving cream, shavers , hair-gel or hairspray, perfume , and dry shampoo.

Read Next: Will Shaving Cream & Other Aerosols Explode on a Plane?

19. If you need prescription medicine, don’t forget to bring the prescription with you. Some countries accept prescriptions from other countries, So bring it along just in case you run out.

20. Pack your medicine in a separate, ready-to-go pouch. You never know when you’re going to need it, so it’s better to be able to find anything quickly, rather than re-sorting your entire suitcase.

21. Between two similar options, always choose the lightest. For instance, I never take my big, comfy, black hoodie. Instead, I take a thinner one, which is just as warm but takes up less space. The same goes for boots vs shoes.

22. For longer trips, bring less and wash everything mid-way. Usually, larger hotels have the option to do the laundry for you, which is perfect for two to four-week trips. Even if they don’t, ask around, and they’ll usually tell you where is the nearest place to do laundry. Alternatively, underwear and socks can be easily washed in the sink with regular soap. Just make sure to do this with enough time to hang them to dry!

23. Dress in layers. If you’re traveling to colder climates, an excellent way to save space is to dress in layers. Rather than taking large jackets and hoodies, take several thin shirts.

24. Wear the bulkiest clothes and shoes on your flight. By doing this, you will save some space in your suitcase. You can take something off once you board the flight. (I like to take my shoes off when I fly. (Sorry, if you ever sit next to me!)

25. Choose a color scheme. Basically, you should be able to combine any two pieces of clothing to make an outfit. Avoid packing outfits for every day that don’t go together separately. This way, you can wear your jeans for several days while changing your t-shirts and underwear every day.

26. For your flight days, you can pack a single outfit. For instance, if you’ve gone for seven days, pack for six days, because you’ll be wearing the same thing on your first and last day. Do you care that much how you’re looking on the plane? I always go with comfort over fashion.

27. Research the fashion culture in your destination. For instance, if you’re a woman, you don’t want to wear something that reveals lots of skin in Arabic countries. In Europe, people tend to dress a bit more formally than in America. So, pack accordingly.

28. Underwear and socks. I recommend packing a pair for every day. For longer trips, bring only half and wash everything mid-way through your trip.

29. Jeans, pants, and shorts. Personally, for a two-week trip, I would bring a pair of jeans and two pairs of shorts. I pick one that’s more casual and another that’s for outdoor activities like hiking, horseback writing, etc.

30. T-shirts. If you roll them, they don’t take up that much space, so I take one for every day. (Although, you could take one for every two days.)

31. Hoodies, shirts, jackets. If I’m traveling to warmer climates, I usually skip the bulkier jackets. A single hoodie and a thin shirt are enough. For colder places, I’d pack one for every three days. Don’t bring more than one jacket, as they take up a lot of space.

32. Dresses. I feel that dresses are perfect for traveling, as they take up so little space. Just don’t go overboard and remember to pack a pair of jeans as well for activities and hikes.

33. Suits and formal clothing. If traveling for business, suits and formal clothing are a must. Don’t forget to bring a pair of high heels or formal shoes, ties, a suit or a dress, and other accessories.

34. Sporting gear. I like to continue my exercise routines while traveling so I bring a pair of running sneakers, shorts, and a t-shirt. If you’re active, don’t forget to pack your sports gear if you want to go to the gym or go for a run.

35. Shoes and boots. I usually bring no more than three pairs of shoes : A pair of running sneakers, casual shoes, and flip-flops or boots (depending on the weather.) Shoes take a lot of space, so think twice about bringing extra pairs.

36. Accessories that you could forget packing: Hats, scarves, swimsuits, towels, gloves, belts, pajamas, and jewelry. All are totally dependant on where you go, so it’s up to you to decide if you need them.

Additional tip #1: Ever had bed bugs in your luggage while staying in a cheap hotel? Check out our guide on getting bed bugs out of luggage , and how to prevent them in the future.

Miscellaneous Items That You Could Forget to Pack

37. Take food and snacks. If you’re flying a short flight with no lunches, you should get some snacks to save some money. You’re allowed to pack almost any food, as long as you follow the 3.4 oz rule. The rule states that you cannot pack liquids in bottles larger than 3.4 oz in your hand luggage. This includes sauces, creams, and other liquids. However, checked luggage is totally fine. Also, you should be careful with packing organic food and dairies, as some countries won’t allow you to enter with specific foods.

Read Next: Can You Bring Chef’s Gas Torches on a Plane?

38. Always take an empty bag for your dirty clothes. If you start mixing your dirty clothes with your clean ones, pretty soon your clean clothes will start smelling. I’d recommend packing a special laundry bag or a plastic bag. Tote bags aren’t that good because they let air through the fabric because plastic doesn’t.

39. Pack a few zip-locks, plastics bags, and a tote bag. They don’t take up much space, and you never know when you are going to need them. I usually take a piece of bubble wrap as well if I’ll be bringing home some bottles of wine.

40. If you have a luggage scale, take it. If you don’t,  get one . It’s handy for your return flights, especially if you’re visiting several countries. With it, you will be easily able to weigh your suitcase and tell if you can buy any more snacks and souvenirs for your return flight. It costs just a few dollars and takes up very little space.

41. Other items that you could forget: umbrella , sunglasses, regular glasses and a case, tweezers or a pocket knife, hand sanitizer, paper/pen, a fork, and a spoon, a cup, and a plate, cash, keys.

Preparing for a Long International Flight

42. Download e-books, movies, and tv series before your trip. The flight will be long, usually twelve hours or more. To keep yourself entertained, make sure to download everything in advance. Time will go by faster! (I tend to write/sleep the entire flight.)

43. Pack everything for a comfortable trip. Do you think that sitting in a seat for ten hours will be comfortable? Well, think again, because you’re likely to feel stiff and exhausted after your flight. If you have the room, pack a pair of trainers, a hoodie, soft socks, a sleeping pillow, and a face mask for comfortable sleeping.

44. Pack things that will help you with having more privacy on your flight. You never know who you will be sitting next to. You could be sitting next to someone who wants to talk throughout the flight or is watching movies on a bright screen. Prepare in advance by packing noise-canceling headphones or earplugs and a face mask.

45. To freshen up, pack some wet wipes and hand cream in your carry-on. Although this is optional, cleaning your hands and face with wet wipes will make you feel much fresher. The dry air and pressure changes can make you feel like you haven’t showered for several days.

46. Wear glasses instead of contacts. I’m not sure why, but flying with contacts for longer than one or two hours is nearly impossible. It probably has something to do with the pressure changes and dryness. So pack your contacts in your baggage and wear your glasses instead.

Before You Start Packing Your Suitcase

47. Before you start packing, make a list of all your items. This will help you to avoid forgetting something. Some apps help you with creating a packing list. Check out this handy printout PDF!

48. Lay all of your items on the floor or the bed. Reading a list can be one thing, but looking at all of your items in front of you will help you to see how tightly you should be packing. Re-check if you have everything that’s on the list.

49. Determine the weight and size restrictions for your flight. For international flights, you will usually find that the carry-on limits are tighter, so be sure to read up on the airlines’ website and measure your luggage . Here are the most common airline restrictions .

50. Choose the appropriate luggage . If I fly with a checked suitcase, I usually take a backpack and a large suitcase. Make sure that everything is within the size limits. Also, I would recommend taking luggage with spinner wheels if you have to walk long distances.

Editor’s tip : If you’re looking for a new carry-on, we’ve found that the Travelpro Maxlite 5 is the best choice. We’ve compared the most popular luggage brands , and we’re most impressed by Travelpro. It got 90 out of 100 points on our rating scale.

51. If you have an old suitcase, give it a good clean. I recently tried restoring my old suitcase and was pretty successful with it. With proper techniques, you can make your old bag look brand new .

Tips on Packing Your Suitcase

52. Pack these items in your carry-on: Documents, electronics, clothes for one or two days (in case your checked luggage gets lost), chargers, toiletries, and medicine.

53. Pack these items in your checked suitcase: Extra pairs of shoes, all of your other clothing, liquids over 3.4 oz, knives, and other things that are not allowed on the flight.

54. Start by packing your documents. Put all of your documents and printouts in a folder and stash them in an easily accessible place. A good choice would be your carry-on, backpack, or duffel bag, depending on your choice of hand luggage.

55. Utilize packing cubes. They’re a great way to organize your items and save a little bit of space. I usually divide the cubes by their contents. For instance, one is for electronics, another is for chargers and smaller items, and one is for bulkier clothing, etc.

56. Before you start packing, roll, and fold your clothes. For easier packing, I always roll my t-shirts, pants, jeans, shorts, and underwear. This saves a lot of space and usually, the items don’t get that wrinkled (if you do it correctly.) Other than rolling, I fold my shirts and other things that need to be wrinkle-free. If you’re using packing cubes, fold them in the exact size of the largest cube, which will help when you’re packing it.

57. Fill your shoes with socks and underwear. Not only does this save space, but your shoes won’t get squashed after unpacking.

58. If you’re using packing cubes, pack them full. This results in fewer wrinkles on your clothes. Also, pack in a way that your items are easy to pull out. (Rolled pieces help a lot!)

59. If packing without cubes, start packing with shoes and larger items. Ideally, you want to place your shoes and heavier items down at the bottom of the case, because this will result in a better-balanced suitcase. (It’s less likely to tip over!)

60. Fill the gaps with smaller items. When you’ve finished with the larger things like shoes, jackets, jeans, hoodies, and the toiletry bag, fill the gaps with socks, underwear, and t-shirts.

61. If using a carry-on and suitcase, never pack valuables in your checked suitcase. Items packed in your checked luggage could get lost or stolen, and most of the time, airlines don’t cover electronics, valuables, fragile items, and jewelry. If you have no other choice, purchase separate travel insurance for the contents of your checked bag.

62. Pack fragile items and liquids carefully. Here’s a full guide on packing fragile items in luggage .

63. If you’re bringing a knife, follow the TSA rules. You can’t put knives in your carry-on . Instead, you should pack it in your suitcase.

64. Leave some room for the return items. Are your friends, colleagues, and family are already wondering what snacks or souvenirs they will be getting from you when you get back from your trip? Make sure that you leave some space for your return items and souvenirs. I’d say that an extra two to five pounds is enough.

65. Make sure to use the straps in your suitcase to tighten your contents. I’m amazed at how many people aren’t doing this, especially if they’re not using packing cubes. If you tighten them, your clothes won’t be all over the suitcase, and you will have fewer wrinkles because there will be less movement.

66. Weigh your bag and make sure that it’s close to the weight limit. Most of the time, the airline staff will let you pass with a few extra pounds. However, sometimes they will not, so to be safe, you should always follow the weight limit.

After You’ve Packed Your Suitcase

67. Make your suitcase easily visible. Adding some stickers, luggage straps, or other colorful elements will do two things to help you while traveling. First, your suitcase will be easily identifiable on the conveyor belt. Second, if your luggage gets lost , you can better describe your suitcase to the airline staff, which will increase the chances of them finding it. If you bring two or more suitcases, it’s also a good idea to hook them together .

68. Re-check if your documents and valuables are packed in your carry-on. Checked suitcases can easily be stolen or lost. You don’t want to lose your documents while abroad.

69. Consider purchasing insurance for your checked suitcase. Airlines reimburse only small amounts for lost suitcases, as they value everything as used. (Even if it’s brand new.)

70. If you’re above the weight limit, start by removing clothes. 80% of your suitcase is easily taken up by clothes. Most of the time, you’re taking too much. Consider packing for a week and washing your clothes after seven days. Do you really need to bring those boots to Finland in the summer? Do you need that extra jacket just in case it gets cold in Italy? No, you don’t.

71. Add luggage tags to your suitcase. Using luggage tags dramatically increases the chances of your suitcase being found in case it gets lost. Write your e-mail address, the initial of your first name, and last name. (You don’t want everyone to see all of your information.)

72. When locking anything, use only TSA-approved locks . Some beginners might not know this, but everything that you lock in your luggage has to be locked with TSA-approved locks. Whether you’re locking the suitcase itself or a box of valuables inside, the TSA locks will allow the TSA agents easy access inside. Otherwise, they’re authorized to break the lock, and you could end up with a broken suitcase.

73. If you’re worried about your checked suitcase being damaged, use a luggage cover . This protective cover helps with keeping your suitcase look brand-new. In some third-world countries, luggage handlers can be really tough on your suitcase, so protecting it could be a smart move. A cheaper DIY temporary solution would be to cover it with a plastic film.

Money and credit cards

74. Don’t exchange money in money exchanges. You’ll probably need to pack some cash with you. Most of the time, the rate is the best when withdrawing through a well-known ATM at your destination. Airports and money exchanges will always have slightly worse rates. When you arrive, look for a well-known ATM (private ATMs often have higher fees) and withdraw from your ATM card.

75. Use your credit cards wisely to avoid extra fees. It’s not a packing tip, but I’ll include it anyway, as it’s essential. For withdrawing money, don’t use your credit card. Instead, you should use an ATM card. Only use your credit card for paying in another currency with your card, as the exchange rate fee is always smaller for credit cards. Also, when paying with your credit card, you will often be asked if you want to be charged in the local currency or US dollars. Always choose the local currency, as the rate will be better. So to sum up: Pay with your credit card in the local currency, and withdraw with your ATM card from well-known ATMs.

76. Notify your bank and credit cards that you will be traveling.  Your bank or credit cards can freeze your accounts if they notice strange transactions and that’s the last thing you need while you’re on a trip. Notifying them ahead of time will help you to avoid this issue because they will add a record to your account for the fraud detection system.

77. Educate yourself on local currency.  It can be incredibly difficult to tell the difference between different coins and bills if you’re not from that country. Learning about the currency where you’re headed can save you a lot of headaches and from possibly being swindled, too!

78. Consider getting a wallet or purse that you use specifically for travel. There are a lot of options out there for the safer storage of your personal items. You might want an RFID wallet  like this one on Amazon that insulates you from electronic pickpocketing. You can also invest in a waterproof, crossbody bag that will keep your items safe from the elements as well as make it harder for thieves to try to grab from you.

79. Consider using prepaid travel cards.  If you don’t want to bring along your debit or credit cards, consider using a prepaid travel card instead. You can load a specific amount of money onto the card before your trip, allowing you to lock in your exchange rate.

80. Hide your money.  Hide your money on your body by using a scarf with a hidden compartment, a leg money belt, a security belt with a hidden wallet, etc. If you’re planning on leaving money in your hotel room, you can easily hide your cash if you make a plan. You can tape it underneath drawers, stash it in food packets inside of your mini-fridge, or even inside of the couch cushions.

Final Words

Packing for your trip will be easier and less stressful if you prepare in advance. Using tips like those listed above will ensure that you’re ready. The most important thing to take away from reading this is how crucial it is to make sure your travel documents are safe. Keeping them in a folder in a place that you will remember and is easily accessible is of the utmost importance.

Something else that’s important to remember is that you need to pack only as many clothes as you will realistically need. Going over the weight limits will end in hefty fines. You might also want some space for souvenirs! Wearing layers onto your flight can also give you more space in your suitcase but make sure you will be comfortable as international flights are long and exhausting.

The best thing you can do is use an app or create an itinerary to keep track of your items. You don’t want to forget items like chargers, power blocks, medications, or other items necessary for your trip. Keep yourself organized and you will have a worry-free experience!

Read Next: 30 Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad

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One response to “80 Packing Tips For International Travel”

Oscar, your reflections on inner growth resonated with me. I too find solace in nature, especially during morning walks when the dew is still fresh. How do you cope when you can’t connect with nature? Isn’t it interesting how our surroundings influence us, and often mirror our internal state? I find urban environments, with their chaotic beauty, offer a completely different yet enriching perspective on personal development. Perhaps, we could explore this in a future discussion. My own experience in New York City was a turning point for me, the hustle and bustle pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a space of self-discovery. Keep the discussion flowing, Oscar, your insights are a breath of fresh air. 🌿🌆

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35 Ways To Make Long Flights Less Agonizing

It's time to book an overseas vacation. You got this.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. Wear a pair of  compression socks  to help improve blood circulation and prevent swelling while trapped in a tight seat. Pins and needles is truly the last thing you need when you're halfway through an 11-hour flight! Reviewers love how these socks gently squeeze their legs and say it makes them feel lighter on their feet.  

This particular pair has a staggering number of 5-star reviews — over 59,000! They offer 20–30 mmHg of pressure, come in a variety of fun-yet-subtle designs, and help travelers stay comfortable. Read more about compression socks and long flights at  Cleveland Clinic .

Promising review: "My ankles got really swollen after a 14-hour plane ride last year so I thought I would give these a try. I recently completed another 14-hour plane ride and these socks really did their job! I had them on for a good 24 hours straight and they remained comfortable the whole time. My ankles were not swollen after the long plane ride. My legs and feet felt really good after the plane ride and the day after . The sock can be stretched over the knee but I did not stretch it that much and left the socks right below the knee. The socks stayed in place the whole time." — MYamo

Get them from Amazon for   $9.59+  (available in unisex sizes S–2XL and 18 colors). 

2. If you have wireless headphones but still want to enjoy the in-flight entertainment, use an  AirFly Pro wireless transmitter  to connect via Bluetooth. Now you can enjoy all your favorite 3-star movies on the small screen without having to settle for using the airline's crappy complimentary headphones. 

It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual. Traveling with a family member or friend? They can also sync their earbuds to this gadget!

See one TikTok user using it with their AirPod Pros  here . 

Promising review: "Ever since I purchased my wireless Bose earbuds, I always hated having to use another set when I was on an airplane with the seat-back entertainment system. I tried many different models to connect the system to my Bluetooth headsets until I came across this one, and it is amazing! It seamlessly connects to my headset, very clear and reliable audio, and it takes the stress away from having to carry more than one headset! Thank you!!!" — Ryan Malloy

Get it from Amazon for $44.99+  (available in four editions and two colors).

3. Or install a  hands-free rotating phone mount  to your tray table or chair arm so you can watch your own entertainment — because sometimes the in-flight options are reminiscent of a DVD bargain barrel. This can mount onto almost any surface, so it'll also come in handy during pre-boarding when they delay your flight yet again. 

Promising review : "I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago for a multileg, ultra-long-haul trip, and it more than held up the entire duration . I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes, and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table . It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers. However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel too! Work-wise, I've clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer . At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards, and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I've been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed. It's extremely well built, and I find myself fidgeting with it all the time. Thus far it still feels solid, and I don't anticipate breaking it any time soon. Even if it does break, I'll be happy to buy another one or two of it!" — Earendil

Get it from Amazon for $12.57+  (available in seven colors and multi-packs). 

4. Keep your body active and get the blood flowing with these seven exercises you can do from your seat.

View this video on YouTube

Staying active can help with stiff joints, sore muscles, and poor circulation. Read more about the benefits of in-flight exercise from Aircraft Interiors International . 

5. And take a long walk through the airport during your layovers. You'll be happy you stretched your legs while you had the chance!

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes for your walk! Personally, I'd recommend scoring a pair from Kizik . Their collapsible heels make it easy to slip them on and off so you can breeze right through security. 

6. While taking your airport stroll, stick a  drink caddy  on top of your wheeled luggage so your Starbies can come along for the ride. It even has two pockets for your phone, gloves — and the must-have Egg Bites, of course.  

Reviewers say it's ideal for a suitcase that can roll on four wheels so you don't tip over your drink. It'll still work for a suitcase that has to tilt while it rolls; just be careful if the drinks are open at the top.

Promising review : "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, I dropped and spilled my drink everywhere when it was my turn to check my passport and ticket. It was a nightmare! This time, I bought this cup holder to do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." — Philip

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+  (available in 25 colors and patterns). 

7. Ensure you get enough sleep on your flight with the help of Olly's Restful Sleep gummies , which are formulated with melatonin, l-theanine, lemon balm, and chamomile. The light-touch supplement has only 3 mg of melatonin so you can have restful sleep without feeling groggy. And reviewers say these taste like blackberry candy, so it doubles as a nice in-flight snack!

For more info on melatonin, visit  The Mayo Clinic .

BuzzFeed editor Maitland Quitmeyer has this to say about these gummies: 

"After taking a higher dose of melatonin a few times in college and having some fun and INTENSELY VIVID NIGHTMARES, I recently tried these instead. The lower dose of melatonin and the other ingredients have definitely help me get drowsy faster.

A few Amazon reviewers mention their gummies melted in shipment, so if you're experiencing hot weather, you can stock up on them IRL at a local store."

Promising review:  "I've tried other sleep products like the sleep drinks and other gummies but I keep coming back for these! They've worked the best out of any of the others I've tried! I fall asleep fast and stay asleep for the whole night. I also wake up feeling great! No hangover feeling at all!" — Jaime Arnold

Get them from Amazon for $13.59  (available in five sizes).

8. Invest in some serious neck support that goes beyond the airport store doughnut — like the legendary  infinity pillow . It's designed with 360-degree support, so it doesn't matter which way your head rolls when you conk out. 

This thing is basically a plush infinity scarf made with breathable, soft bamboo fabric. Wrap it around your neck as you would a scarf and snuggle in. It's machine-washable so you can keep it fresh between trips. 

Promising review: " We got a few different types of travel pillows for a red-eye to Europe and this was overall our favorite due to its versatility. The loop actually allows you to have various self supporting positions, and this will contort all sorts of ways to be a pillow, neck rest, arm rest… anything. It’s actually just good for any type of travel in general and got a lot of use on the whole trip. The material is soft and comfortable." — Tom Shaw

Get it from Amazon for $54.50  (available in 10 colors). 

9. Or try this  inflatable wedge pillow  if you find neck rests simply don't offer the support you crave. You can face plant on its padded top and loop your arms around the bottom. Now you can catch some ZZZs and send a strong "do not disturb" message to your chatty seat neighbor. 

This item also doubles up as a back rest *and* seat cushion for optimal comfort.

Promising reviews:  "Just received this and so far so good! Inflates within mere seconds and the same to deflate. Seems really supportive and comfortable. I was influenced by a TikTok review so I’m assuming it’ll be a gem on flights! " — Katelyn

"Used this on four international flights last month, and it made all the difference in the world. It's compact, quick and easy to inflate/deflate, very versatile in how you can position it, and it doesn't rely on the tray table. I can very comfortably lean forward in my seat and sleep almost like I can in a bed. " — Still Chilly in Colorado

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 .

10. Wear a cooling, memory foam contoured sleep mask  to shroud your face in darkness when it's nap time but your neighbor's reading light or open window is getting in the way. It surrounds your eyes without putting pressure on them — that means it can completely block out light while still allowing you to freely blink. 

Promising reviews : " The BEST BEST BEST and most comfortable sleep mask I’ve found.  Night shifter for years, and have tried everything. Many other sleep masks have some qualities but not all. This one is AMAZINGLY SOFT, VERY THICK, plush, high quality material, quality stitching that won’t come apart like so many others that are cheaply made, and it’s EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE even though it’s a good price. Very impressed and pleasantly surprised." — Amazon Customer

"Got this for an overseas flight. With this and headphones, I slept 90% of the way . I was afraid it would feel heavy, but it felt light and fantastic, while not putting any pressure on my eyes or smudging makeup. I just got back online to order one for home use. Thanks for a great product!" — Maryland Girl

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+  (available in six colors).

11. Lower your chances of motion sickness by wearing a  pair of Sea Bands . They apply pressure to a specific acupoint on your wrist, which many reviewers say is the key to not puking after a rough bout of turbulence. 

Reviewers swear by these nonmedicated bands for nausea relief; they've used them while traveling on airplanes, boats, and cars and for morning sickness during pregnancies. Read more about acupressure and nausea at  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center .

Promising review:  "I flew on a four hour plane ride using Dramamine and then a 30+ minute car ride to my hotel. I was so nauseous and wiped out, I spent the next day feeling like I had a hangover. Yesterday I took the same car ride and flight home (but using the Sea Bands), and I was unaffected by any of it! Any time in the stop-and-go traffic that I thought I was feeling motion sick, I rubbed the button against my wrist and immediately felt better . These bands are going with me anytime I travel from now on!" — Kindle Customer

Get a two-pack from Amazon for  $8.42+  (available in six colors and packs of two).

12. Make use of your abundance of time and start practicing the native language of your destination country. This infographic can help you lay the groundwork so you're not starting from zero when you get on the plane.

Check out popular language learning programs like  Babbel , Rosetta Stone , or Busuu .

Learn more from UpgradedPoints.com . 

13. If you're going to a country with a language you already speak, there are plenty of other productive activities to work on. Delete unwanted photos off your phone, practice sketching your fellow passengers, or write the next great American novel. If you need some inspiration, check out Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way . The book is filled with affirmations, fill-in lists and tasks, and prompts to help you connect with your creative side.

The book has hundreds of exercises, activities, and prompts to help you get over writer's block, re-ignite your artistic passion, or help you connect with your creative side for the first time.

Promising review: "Are you feeling stuck — creatively? Then this is the book for you. I had heard so many recommendations about this book. At one point, it seemed like every podcast, speaker or article I read seemed to somehow refer back to this resource. So of course, I had to try it. There's a reason this book is in its 30th Anniversary edition — it works and inspires. Whether you're any type of artist or just someone trying to re-ignite your creative thinking, I highly recommend you get this book. It helps you approach and overcome any creative block you may have (be that writer's block or otherwise). The book takes you through a variety of writing and reflection activities that get you thinking in different ways and are inspiring." — SCA

Get it from Amazon for $11.69 .

14. Find a time-intensive video game to make the hours fly by. According to the Cleveland Clinic , video games can positively impact brain plasticity and provide a stimulating activity that's a little more engaging than rewatching Anchorman for the millionth time.

Personally, I recommend getting a Switch Lite because it's lightweight and a great beginner console. It has online and wireless multiplayer options, so you can even play with other passengers on the plane.

Promising review for the Nintendo Switch Lite: "This was the best purchase for someone who travels a lot. I can keep myself entertained on a plane and at the airport. Aside from that, it's a great portable console and you can download lots of great Nintendo games on it.

I had N64 and GameCube, and this is my first new Nintendo Console since those good old times. I am happy and satisfied with my purchase." — Mike

Get it from Amazon for $178.99 (available in three colors).

Nintendo has a ton of great games to kill time with. I've logged an embarrassing amount of hours on games like Stardew Valley , Breath of the Wild , and Dragon Quest Builders 2 .

Check out more cozy games you can download to your Switch.

15. Hang a  foot hammock  on your tray table so you can kick your feet up and pretend you have the ability to stretch out. Many reviewers (especially the vertically challenged) say it helps with soreness and swelling on long flights.

Promising review: " I will never fly again without this. I've recommended it to everyone. East coast USA to South East Asia, 24 hours in long haul flights each way with serious low back pain condition to start. But being able to hang my legs, even in a sideways position, saved me from hours of pain that I have endured previously flying with economy leg room. So easy to loop over tray table brackets in both the stowed and open position. This is a must have for any flight." — DL Flin

Get it from Amazon for $15.99  (also available in multi-packs). 

16. Or try an  inflatable footrest  you can adjust to three different heights to create a more comfortable seating arrangement. It can be compressed and fits into a drawstring bag so you don't have to worry about it taking up all the space in your backpack. Speaking on things you don't have room for, reviewers say it's easy to blow up and deflate without a pump!

Promising review: "I didn't buy this for the longest time thinking inflation would be annoying or it'd be too bulky —  I finally ordered it and love it. It's very easy to inflate since it has the two inflation methods. Folds up smaller than our travel pillows. It's great for travel in car and planes, and our kid likes sitting on it at home too. Recommended." — D

Get it from Amazon for $24.99  (available in four colors and multi-packs).

17. Leave physical books at the store, and pack an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite , which gives you access to over two millions titles, plus thousands of audiobooks. Clocking in at 205 grams (the weight of two large lemons), it's a heck of a lot lighter than two million books.

This device lasts up to 10 weeks on a single charge, so you can count on it to last your whole vacation. The special glare-free, black-and-white display is adjustable and looks like paper even in harsh sunlight so you can take this from plane to poolside (yep, it's waterproof!). 

You can opt for Kindle Unlimited or Audible for books and audiobooks *or* download the Libby app and get free titles from your local library. 

Promising review: "I couldn't be happier with my Kindle Paperwhite. And love the color in agave green! It's become my trusty sidekick for all my literary adventures, especially when diving into my favorite rom-com books. The 6.8-inch display is easy to read on, and the adjustable warm light is very gentle on the eyes. I love slipping it into my purse; it's like having a library in my bag . It's an eco-friendly option for readers like me who can't resist a good story. The battery life is IMPRESSIVE too; I've taken it on road trips, flights, and lazy Sundays in bed, and it never lets me down. If you're a book lover, this Kindle is a game changer. It's not just a device; it's a passport to countless worlds, all in the palm of your hand. Happy reading, fellow book enthusiasts!" — Chloe

Get it from Amazon for $149.99+  (available with a 3-month Kindle Unlimited trial and an ad-supported lock-screen option). 

18. Try to angle your way into a free upgrade. First and business class seats usually offer more leg room *and* the alluring exclusivity of The Curtain. Believe it or not, there are some ways to get an upgraded seat without paying an arm and a leg.

Learn more about how to upgrade your seat from Travel + Leisure . 

19. Pack your snacks strategically! While it's tempting to just grab a bag of jerky at the grab-and-go store (or maybe the BuzzFeed store in LaGuardia airport?) you'll definitely want something more nourishing when you're in the air.

When packing snacks, Food52 suggests some things to keep in mind, including: 

-You're going to want things that can be kept at room temperature, both for safety and general enjoyment

-Separate servings into mini meals instead of feasts so you can snack (mostly out of boredom) the whole trip 

-Avoid things that need utensils because it won't be worth the hassle 

-Store your food in reusable sandwich bags instead of clunky plastic containers

See the rest of their tips, plus some meal ideas here . To make the banana muffins pictured above, check out the recipe on A Couple Cooks . 

20. And pack your child's Goldfish or baby carrots in spill-proof Munchkin snack catchers  so your fellow passengers don't become unwitting participants in a mile-high food fight. The BPA-free, dishwasher-safe cups have handles and soft flaps that allow for easy grabbing.

Promising review: "The perfect companion for traveling with a toddler who loves to snack and prefers being independent. I can fit about 12 average-size grapes in it, about 5–6 regular sized cookies, about 8–10 mini cookies, a big handful or small cereal such as Cheerios, and about 10–12 standard Ritz crackers. These estimations are all things that I regularly place in there for him to snack on. Nothing spills out and whatever does come out is whatever he grabs with his hands to get which is amazing. The only thing I would suggest is placing foil or plastic wrap around the mouth of the cup to prevent any of the snack from getting stale from it being exposed. The lid doesn’t fully cover the snack from air exposure. It simply protects the snack from spilling over and promotes child independence." — Antoinette

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $5.95 (available in two color combos).

21. Throw on some noise-canceling headphones, like this popular  Bose option  beloved by audiophiles thanks to its totally immersive, crystal-clear sound. The 24-hour battery life and soft ear cushions make it easy to wear these high-end headphones for hours on end without problem.

These connect to devices via Bluetooth up to 30 feet away. A 15-minute charge offers 2.5 hours of play time. There are touch controls on the earcups that let you answer calls and change the music. 

Promising review: " These headphones are a game-changer. As an avid music enthusiast, frequent traveler, and love of movies in a loud and busy household, these headphones have improved my audio experiences in ways I never knew were possible.  First and foremost, the noise cancellation is unparalleled. The moment you put these on, the outside world fades away. However, it still offers the ability to be aware of your surroundings when needed without stoping your audio.  If you are traveling you don't need to worry about the headphones going out on you, because the battery life is incredible. As with all Bose products the craftmanship and quality is top-notch. I have been hesitant to purchase Bose headphones in the past because I just didn't think that I would be able to tell enough of a difference. I was wrong. I am beyond excited to have these headphones, and it has added so much to my entertainment enjoyment. " — P.O.

Get them from Amazon for $429  (available in four colors).

If these are too expensive for you, this ultra-popular pair for Anker costs less than $45! 

22. If you're more interested in total silence, stuff some comfortable  wax earplugs  in your ears to help block out unwanted noises, from crying babies to arguing couples. They comfortably mold to the shape of your inner ear, ensuring a perfect, personalized fit. That means more time to nap and less time playing mediator to a lover's quarrel. 

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Emma Lord swears by these: "The moldable silicone of  Mack's Earplugs  contours easily to the shape of your ear to block out noise much more effectively than other foam or plastic varieties, and the noise reduction is so good that if I pair them with a  white noise machine  (or just like a white noise loop on Spotify) I genuinely don't hear noises from outside my room. Not only that, but once they're in place, they stay locked there until you decide to pull them out.

Granted, I can still hear my alarm, and like, if the fire alarm went off or something, I'd definitely wake right up. But noises that are distant and loud are pretty easily canceled out by these.

I've also *loved* these for traveling — if you put these babies in on a plane not only does it help reduce some of the YIKES factor when the plane takes off (it's loud!!), but it cancels out the murmuring noises of passengers on the flight and makes it easier to get some shuteye. " 

Get 12 pairs from Amazon for $10.92 .

23. Check out SeatGuru 's seat maps for detailed information on your plane by carrier, date, and flight number so you find you can pick the absolute perfect seat for maximum comfort.

Tip: Sit by the wing for less turbulence. 

24. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing, because there's nothing worse than buttons or zippers digging into your skin. These  high-waisted leggings  are breathable and great for all climates — fleece-lined and warm enough for fall, but moisturize-wicking and cool enough for warmer destinations. They also have a hidden waistband pocket to keep essentials handy on your way to the terminal.

Promising reviews: "I bought this pair of leggings initially so I could have something warm and comfortable to wear while working at home that wasn't just a pair of sweatpants —  they ended up becoming a staple of my workout wardrobe too! I ended up getting two more pairs in the no-pocket style so I can cycle through them during the week for my outdoor walks/runs. Fit-wise, if you're not looking for something super-snug, I'd suggest going a size up. The legs are a little long on me, but I'm short (5'1") and I'm used to things being a little long on me. My only gripe about these is that the side pocket isn't anywhere near big enough to hold my phone, but I've got a huge phone, so I'm used to it not fitting in pockets easily. Long story short: I love these, and if you're looking for warm leggings, either for working out or for lounging around the house, you should get a pair of these ." — Beth Lynn

"Love the pockets: two deep ones on each side, with another credit card sized pocket inside the deep one. Very comfortable and slightly loose, but still very fitted. I wear these more than my other leggings because the pockets are so useful . They are now my choice for traveling and long flights." — Hillshores

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL, in 25 colors, and in three different pocket options).

25. Stay hydrated! According to the Center for Family Medicine , airplane air is usually kept at around 10–20% humidity (normal everyday environments are usually 35–65%). Long flights are sure to dry you out so keep a water bottle handy. This particular  water bottle  is collapsible, refillable, *and* leakproof, making it ideal for long trips when you don't want to pay for a zillion water bottles. 

BuzzFeed Editor  Elizabeth Lilly  loves this bottle and has this to say: 

"I bought this water bottle before a 2.5-week trip to Vietnam (where you don't drink tap water) and Malaysia (where you do). I didn't want to bring one of my ride-or-die S'well bottles because it would take up extra room in my bag when I wouldn't be able to use it during the majority of the trip. This handy silicone bottle did just the trick! It's very easy to roll up and *stays* rolled up thanks to the just-stretchy-enough loop. Said loop was also very handy while walking through airports and just around sightseeing. The bottle is easy to clean and doesn't make my water taste weird. I'm now using it as my daily water bottle and feel confident it'll serve me well for a long time. Plus! With a collapsible water bottle it's easier to remember if you left water in it before you go through security."

Promising review: "Overall, I really like this bottle! The color is nice and you can see through it. The lid is secure, no leaking. I like the compact size that it folds up into. The material seems durable and thick. This is perfect to camping or hiking. It's annoying to take a big stainless steel cup when being active. The clip seems to work great." — Andrea

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.98+  (available in 10 colors and two styles).

26. Increase the amount of storage your seat offers with a  tray table cover  so all your snacks, books, devices, and other essentials are within easy reach. You and your seat neighbors will appreciate that you're not bending into a pretzel and flinging your blankets and pillows around every time you need a sip of water. 

Promising review: "I love this thing! I always hated putting things in the seat pocket on planes. It was easy for things to get lost in there or sometimes the pockets were pretty tight. This thing was amazing. I was able to get everything out of my bag that I might need during the flight and had easy access to it all . It was so much better than having to pull my bag out constantly to get stuff I needed. It also folds up nicely so it doesn’t take up much space in your bag." — Corey

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 .

27. Pack all your clothing in your carry-on or checked back and leave your personal item free for everything you'll need during the flight. Packing efficiently at home will save you a lot of stress later when you need to find your book, water bottle, bag of gummy bears, etc.

BuzzFeed contributor Evie Carrick recommends this trick because it'll save you time at the security line:

"If your carry-on suitcase is just full of clothes, you can throw it on the security belt while you focus on your personal item, which will have all the 'questionable' items like  liquids, large electronics, and food. 

Packing this way also ensures everything you'll need in-flight will be in your personal item (which should be stowed under the seat in front of you). That way, you won't need to get up and open the overhead bin to rummage through your suitcase mid-flight."

Read more tips from Carrick , who has traveled over 100 flights in five years. 

28. And make sure your carry-on bag actually fits within the dimensions allowed by your airline. They're all a little different, meaning there's a risk of you getting to the gate and having to surrender your bag. Avoid getting stuck at baggage claim with Amazon's handy guide .

Navigate by the airline(s) you regularly fly, and Amazon will weed out the options that won't fit into the overhead bins. Now you can really maximize your size based on the airlines you fly most often.

29. Aaand if you need help packing, try following this blogger's 5-4-3-2-1 packing guide , which helps you travel light with a pared-down capsule wardrobe. You start with five versatile tops and work your way down. Just remember the destination's climate itinerary when picking basics.

Check out blogger Geneva's full breakdown over at Collective Gen . 

30. Clearly label your containers so you aren't wondering whether or not that's a container of mouthwash or toothpaste tablets . It'll also make it easier to refill everything on your next trip.

BuzzFeed Editor Elizabeth Lilly stands by this tip after accidentally using a mouthwash tablet as toothpaste. "As you can see, I use toothpaste tablets  and mouthwash bits on my travels. They seriously lighten my 'wet' toiletries load, and I keep these containers in my personal-item backpack when I'm not traveling so I know *exactly* where they are when I start packing."

31. Endear yourself to the flight crew. Be courteous and friendly — ask about their day! Thank them for their service! Flight attendants work hard and have to deal with a lot disgruntled passengers. They'll be thankful for a change of pace — and might repay the act of kindness by making your flight more comfortable. (This usually means an extra bottle of airplane booze.)

Seriously: Step away from the call button! 

32. Reward your face with a refreshing spritz of your favorite facial spray every few hours. For example, Tower 28's  daily facial spray  is designed to balance skin pH and help minimize irritation, redness, and flare-ups. It's perfect for giving your skin a reset after many hours locked into a stale-aired metal box with 300 or so people. 

This renewing toner is alcohol-, oil-, and fragrance -ree, making it ideal for all skin types. The hypochlorous acid helps reduce redness and irritation.

Tower 28 is an LA-based, Asian woman-owned small business that creates nontoxic, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products for all skin types. 

Promising reviews: "I’ve struggled with adult cystic acne for a while now! I decided to stop using all my actives and just use the SOS spray and the barrier recovery cream to just see what would happen. I cannot believe what this has done for my skin. I highly recommend! It’s truly been life-changing! " — Julie

"This product is magic in a bottle, I’m obsessed . I travel a lot, and this is truly amazing at saving my skin from the recycled air and new climates that I’m constantly adjusting to. For reference, I have extremely sensitive, blackhead- and acne-prone skin." — Ellie

Get it from Sephora ,  Tower 28 , or  Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes).

33. Let your little one stretch out or even take a nap with a plane seat extender . The hammock-like device unfolds from a travel bag and buckles onto the chair and tray table arms. Oh, to be tiny enough to lay down in a single airplane seat. 

Promising review: "This product was lightweight, super soft, easy to use, and made my flight so much easier! My toddler was comfortable and loved being able to stretch out his little legs and lie down. He even napped on the flight! The install was quick and easy — very user friendly. It fit the space in the airplane seat perfectly. The side pocket was useful to store extra toys and a pacifier. I would definitely recommend this product to families traveling with small children." — Bruna

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in three sizes). 

34. Alcohol is generally not recommended for long flights because it can dehydrate you and give you a gnarly headache, but if you really need to take the edge off, do it in style. Grab a cocktail mixer packet that'll turn airplane bottles into a tropical drink. Vacation starts...*mix mix mix* ...now!

Craftmix is a small business that specializes in instant drink mixers. 

These vegan and gluten-free mixers can also be consumed without alcohol as a fun mocktail. 

Promising reviews: "These margarita mixes are absolutely perfect for hanging out with your girlfriends. They are so refreshing when mixed with tequila and sparkling soda. There were enough drink mixes for 12 margaritas. I also dipped the glasses in rock salt. Great value for your money. I'm going to purchase more for our taco night." — Suze  

"I was first introduced to this mix from an airline who served this mix on our flight. It was so easy to fix and the flavor was amazing." — MEME

Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $14.99  (available in nine different flavors and a variety pack). 

35. And finally, install an  airplane window tray  to hold your drinks and phone when you want to keep your tray table up or free to hold your laptop. Time to play  Baldur's Gate 3 for 13 hours! :) 

Note: This only works if you have full access to the window (rather than those seats where you get the weird halves of two windows between the rows in front and behind you).  

Promising review: "A friend recommended this to me as a vital travel companion, now that I've returned to frequent flying. I initially thought of it as a novelty, but now that I've used it, it's a necessity. It keeps the workspace clear for my laptop, but it also organizes all the little pieces that can become so annoying to keep up with — glasses, earphones, etc. It got my seatmate's immediate attention, as well as a few other folks nearby. I suspect they'll have one soon. Watch for one soon in a window near you!" — Timothy G. Wolfe

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 .

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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• Travel Products

The Best Travel Watches for Men, Tested and Reviewed

My favorite tried-and-true travel watches come from Garmin, Shinola, and more.

Best Smartwatches

Best casual watches, best dressy watches.

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Matthew Medendorp

Watches are a travel must-have. From hopping time zones to navigating international cell phone plans, it pays to know the time (and look put together). And the ultimate watch travel hack can be bringing more than one.

I always travel with multiple watches for a few reasons. First, I’m a huge fan of Strava, who believes the best way to explore a new city is by going for a run and getting lost, necessitating a good GPS to track miles and return home. Second, I wouldn’t wear a smartwatch of any variety to a nice dinner (though it can depend on the case or band of the watch). Even for packing minimalists, a second watch takes up little space and can breathe new life into the inevitable outfit repeating.

As a watch hobbyist and professional product tester with a penchant for travel, I’ve created a personal collection that is ready to hop on a flight at a moment’s notice. All ten picks here are travel-tested and real-world-approved by myself personally.

Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar Watch

Jam-packed with travel-ready features like jet lag monitoring, it boasts an 18-day battery life augmented by solar power.

The stock rubber straps can break after a few months of heavy use and may need to be replaced.

The Garmin Fenix 7 Solar Pro is hands-down the best GPS smartwatch I’ve used. With its phone connectivity, programmable maps, step counter, customizable face, and stellar battery life (18 days on one charge) — it’s also the best travel smartwatch on the market. On a recent trip to Southern China, I alternated between the Garmin and Tornek Rayville’s dive-capable field watch for experience and more formal- dinners. The Garmin shined, mostly due to its extensive library of travel-ready features.

The Fenix has a jet lag calculator, which helps set your expectations on when to visit the cafe for an afternoon espresso and other recommendations for combating jet lag. I switched the standard rubber strap for the brand's canvas version, which gives it a more casual and less sporty feel. The canvas strap is also more durable, I’ve found those rubber straps easy to break and expensive to replace. The surprise hero of this watch is the integrated flashlight, which I’ve used for everything from navigating back to my seat on a red-eye and pacifier retrieval for sleeping babies. 

The Details: 47 millimeters | Fiber-reinforced polymer case, titanium rear cover, and silicone straps | Power Sapphire lens | 10 ATM

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure/Matthew Medendorp

G-Shock GBM-2100 Watch

It pulls double duty, camouflaging smartwatch tech in a classic silhouette.

It has fewer features than a traditional smartwatch like the Garmin above.

The G-Shock may have fewer bells and whistles than other smartwatches, but that’s a benefit, not a flaw. Too much screen time can distract in a new city in my opinion. What you need is a watch like the GBM-2100, which provides the essentials without the distraction. It’s a charming combination of analog and smart tech with Bluetooth compatibility and an accompanying phone app.

Despite its Terminator-esque name and full metal construction, it's a remarkably user-friendly watch. Setting a new time upon landing is as easy as syncing up with your phone. No connectivity? No problem. You can adjust on the fly without service or Wi-Fi. It has a full calendar programmed through 2099, access to 50 world time zones, can set up to five alarms simultaneously, and has six language options. While sporty leaning, it can easily pass at the dinner table with its steel case and minimal digital features. This model does lean lower feature-wise, so if you prefer heart rate and step-counting abilities, G-Shock has a range of watches with those capabilities.

The Details: 44 millimeters | Bio-based resin and stainless steel case, bio-based resin band | G-Shock tough solar | 200-meter water resistance

Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition Auto Watch

The watch is incredibly durable, waterproof, and boasts an 80-hour power reserve.

There’s no date window.

Field watches are the original wristwatch and Hamilton was one of the first American watchmakers to build them, outfitting soldiers in WWI for battle. I used this watch in its new NATO canvas strap configuration in Arizona’s Sonoran desert this summer, using it on ATV rides, swims in the Salt River, and pre-dawn hot air balloon rides. The Expedition was a perfect companion for all environments. And at the hotel in Scottsdale , it also cleaned up nicely for dinner and drinks. 

How many watches can go from trail to tasting menu in one day? The Expedition can. The working compass bezel is a fun party trick and, theoretically, could be useful in a survival situation (I’m always theorizing on potential desert island strategies, which the Expedition would be perfect for). The only downside is the lack of a date window, though this makes it easier to set the time via the screw-down crown. And, perhaps most importantly, it’s designed to be ultradurable while looking great on the wrist. In addition to the NATO strap, I also have the leather strap version, which plays a little dressier.

The Details: 37 millimeter | Stainless steel case with multiple strap options | Sapphire crystal | Automatic | 10 bar (100 meters) or 145 PSI (328 feet)

Shinola Lake Michigan Monster Automatic Watch

It’s attractive, waterproof, and American-made.

I found the bracelet clasp scratches easily.

If you’re going to buy an American-made dive watch (and you should), why not get it from a state surrounded by water? Shinola’s Detroit-made Lake Michigan Monster is more than just pretty to look at, it’s a ruggedly capable watch tailor-made for water adventures. The 30 ATM water rating makes it seriously waterproof and the blue dial with the subtle lightning bolt signature is a slick variation on the standard dive watches from other brands.

Normally sand and steel don’t mix well, but I’ve worn this dive watch for dune climbing, freshwater surfing, and piloting a wooden speedboat on the Great Lakes. Dive watches are considered casual from the origins of their sport, but wearing the Lake Michigan Monster out to dinner and drinks while rocking double denim made me feel (slightly) like Robert Redford in his 80s Sundance Film Festival heyday. Whenever I’m planning to be out on the water, I’m packing the Monster.

The Details: 43 millimeters | Stainless steel | Single dome with anti-reflective coating | SW200-1 automatic | 30 ATM

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT Automatic Stainless Steel Watch

The fourth travel hand combined with a dual-tone GMT bezel to track two time zones simultaneously makes this a versatile automatic option.

Due to the slight stretch, the strap can be tricky to size and may require multiple adjustments.

A GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) watch is perhaps the most classic travel style due to its ability to show two or more different time zones at once thanks to a fourth hand and a 24-hour bezel. I’m terrible with the mental math of timezones, so when I‘m traveling, a GMT helps me stay in the normal rhythm of home, making sure I don’t miss a bedtime goodnight call with my kids. Wearing the watch every day helps me navigate calls in time zone differences that, despite Google Calendar’s helpful settings, I can never seem to remember.

I’ve tried a few GMTs before settling on Zodiac’s newest model. The butterfly clasp is intuitive and the steel bracelet has just a hint of stretch, which is helpful on long fights where joint swelling inevitably occurs. The date window is easily adjusted — yet another crucial feature for a travel watch if you’re crossing international date lines. The bracelet can take a trip or two to figure out sizing, but it’s not a deal breaker.

The Details: 40 millimeters | Stainless steel | Sapphire | STP 7-20 automatic | 20 ATM

Casio LA670WGA-1 Vintage Watch

I found it to be durable and practical all for a more-than-fair price.

Because it’s digital, it is less repairable than analog watches, and the bracelet can be tricky to adjust.

Sometimes, you just can’t beat a solid digital watch. This one from Casio hits all the travel-ready features I look for in a digital watch, like alarms, timers, and an easy time adjustment. It’s slim enough to look like a bracelet, which helps dress it up or down depending on context and gives it extra versatility when packing. Its affordable price lets you play in colorways or spaces you might usually avoid, too. For example, I’m normally strictly in the silver or steel world, but I gambled on a little gold with this watch to switch things up. The bracelet can be tricky to adjust when you first pick it up, but a little YouTube detective work and a flathead screwdriver solve the problem.

The Details: Resin, gold-tone with stainless steel band | Digital | Water resistant

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph Watch

The full titanium construction makes it a great lightweight option.

It doesn’t offer micro-adjustments on the bracelet, which can make sizing difficult, and on the high price range for a solar movement.

Solar-powered watches use sun-powered quartz by allowing light through the face to the solar cell, which is then transferred to the solar battery to power the watch, meaning you’ll never have to worry about batteries dying. Tag Heuer's Aquaracer Solargraph elevates that movement to an art form. I like the titanium version for traveling, which is lightweight and sporty. The titanium’s gunmetal tone is a darker shade than a traditional steel watch, which is helpful when you want to wear a nice watch but not bring too much attention to it. Ideal for being on the go, the solar-powered quartz battery only needs 20 hours of charging to power the watch for a whopping six months. Unique details like a dual-color lume treatment that shows up both green and arctic blue in the dark help shake this up from a traditional Aquaracer and place it in its own category.

If the titanium here is polarizing, also check out the brand’s solargraph offering in steel . If you’re ready to try a watch with a green face, the pistachio dial number is especially fresh. 

The Details: 40 millimeters | Titanium | Solar quartz | 200 meter water resistance

Hamilton Khaki Field Murph 38mm Watch

It has versatile, casual-to-dressy styling capabilities.

Hamilton’s Khaki Field Murph watch may not be a traditional dress watch pick, but I’ll make a case for it from a travel perspective. The 38-millimeter plays as a dress watch, though the 42-millimeter version I have is still workable. It’s slim enough to peek out from a shirt sleeve or suit, but not be distracting. The hardy black leather strap carries a patina akin to selvage denim, which is a travel log in its own right, telling where I’ve taken the watch, what wine I’ve spilled on it, and other tales from the road. The stainless steel case and 80-hour power reserve make it less demanding and fragile than a traditional dress watch. 

I like that the Murph can pull double duty without feeling showy, making it ideal for a date night at a new restaurant with weeks-long reservations and for taking my kids to the local library storytime. This versatile use yet polished look makes it easy to reach for when traveling.

The Details: 38 or 42 millimeters | Stainless steel case with leather strap | Sapphire | Automatic | 10 bar (100 meters)/145 PSI (328 feet)

Timex x Todd Snyder MK-1 Amalfi Dress Watch

It’s an affordable style that punches above its weight class.

It requires a daily wind.

Todd Snyder made a name reinventing American classics in a way that retains the essence of the reference style while adapting to modern standards. The designer’s collaboration with Timex is a signature example of that. The MK-1 Amalfi combines a clever combo of gold and silver details that punches far above its weight on appearance compared to the reasonable price. I’ve found it perfect for trips where I don’t want to risk bringing a more expensive watch, but still want the airport staff to consider me for a trip upgrade . It has a mechanical wind, which requires you to wind by hand, usually at the same time each day to avoid any inaccuracies. I’ve found this to be a helpful ritual, grounding me in a new city and a new routine. Also, this MK-1 is water resistant, which is a rare feature in a dressier watch.

The Details: Stainless steel case, tan leather strap | Domed acrylic | Crown mechanical hand-wound | 50-meter water resistance

Breda Virgil Watch

It has a slim, trendy silhouette perfect for elevating a travel outfit.

The watch doesn’t boast any additional features other than time-telling, so it’s more of a showpiece.

Sure, the Cartier tank watch is having a zeitgeisty moment. However, Breda’s slim Virgil watch hits many of the same style notes at a tenth of the price of the designer option, which is helpful when you’d rather save your travel insurance for possible flight delays and not for what’s on your wrist. I have it in the leather strap version, but the brand also sells one on a steel bracelet if that’s your preferred look. Mine boasts a green dial from a collaboration the brand did with GQ, but there’s a wide range of color options in the style range. It’s excellent for travel and a good entry point to square or rectangular watches for the undecided.

The Details: 26 millimeters | 18 karat gold-plated case, leather band | Japanese-made Miyota quartz

Tips for Buying Men’s Watches

Look for travel-ready features.

Versatility with travel products is key, so you should demand more of your watch: water resistance, versatile styling, and maybe even step-tracking if you’re exploring a new city on foot. Think about the features that might be most useful for you. GMT watches allow you to track multiple time zones and know when to call home. Digital watches have alarms that don’t depend on having the right outlet adapter for your phone. A smartwatch will also have a GPS feature to guide you through your new neighborhood. 

Choose the right watch for your activity

Think about the trip ahead of you and choose a watch that matches the activities you have planned. Snorkeling in the Bahamas ? That’s going to require a dive watch or one with good waterproofness. Are you on a quest for the best negroni in Italy ? Opt for a dressier watch for fine-dining excursions. Of course, many of the watches on the list here can work in various situations, which is why I chose them. But tailor your wrist to your itinerary and you’ll be in the clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

In short: a long time. Good watches (not necessarily expensive, but well-made watches) are a lifetime investment. Watches with automatic movements are perpetually repairable, making them a generational gift. Quartz-powered watches feature easy battery-powered swaps at a shop and are impressive in their own right. The exception to this rule is the digital and smartwatches, which have the lifecycle of other consumer electronic goods — especially smartwatches, where OS updates and hard use may limit lifespan to a few years at best.

A watch roll or case is the safest way to travel with multiple watches. In my experience, one on your wrist and a second in a case will do. I’ve also used multiple bandanas and an inside zipper of my weekender bag when in a pinch, though a recent upgrade to the Shinola Travel Watch Case has been a game changer. I don’t mind scratches on my watches, but I prefer them to happen on my wrist, not in my bag.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

As a professional product tester with a background in the outdoor adventure space, Matthew Medendorp takes product journalism quite seriously. He has tried and tested all of the travel watches on this list over a series of trips from international flights and hot air balloon rides to 12-hour time changes, long runs, and seven-course dinners alike. Not every watch he tried ended up on this list, and the final picks have been vetted and rigorously tested to provide the most helpful information for your next getaway.

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