Are you a busy professional who is always on the go? Do you constantly run out of time when planning your trips and packing for them?
If so, then this blog post is for you! Here, we will discuss 15 time-saving travel hacks to help make your life easier.
From packing smarter to choosing affordable accommodations, these hacks will help save you time and stress when it comes to traveling.
1. Create More Space By Rolling Clothes
If you’re a frequent traveler, you may understand the pain of packing. Finding the right balance between taking enough clothes without overpacking is hard, especially when you have limited luggage space.
But there’s one surefire way to create more space in your suitcase: roll your clothes. It’s a simple trick, but it works wonders! All you need to do is fold the clothing item in half and then roll it up tightly into a cylinder shape. Then place them all inside your luggage in this fashion.
This helps create more room in your bag and prevents wrinkles from forming on your clothing. Plus, the added benefit of rolled-up clothes is that they stay organized and easily accessible.
2. Pack Half Your Toiletries
Whether you’re a busy pro or a travel enthusiast, everyone has a set of toiletries they can’t go without. But the problem with packing too many toiletries is that it takes up space in your luggage—and we all know how precious luggage space is.
So considering the importance of your shaving kit, that precious fine fiber towel, and those special anti-aging creams, try to pack half the amount you think you need.
It’s best to leave behind items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion that can easily be purchased at your destination. Doing this will free up valuable space in your suitcase and save you from having to lug around heavy bottles of liquids during your travels.
Of course, if there’s anything prescription based or medical, you should always bring it along with you.
3. Avoid Packing Bulky Clothes
How many times have you seen those people who pack a suitcase so full of clothes and shoes that they have to drag it behind them to the airport? It looks like an absolute nightmare, and it’s the worst way to pack a suitcase.
When packing for a trip, it’s important to avoid bringing bulky clothing such as sweaters or jackets that take up too much space in your suitcase.
Instead, opt for lightweight items such as t-shirts or tank tops that can easily be layered together. You should also consider layering your clothes rather than wearing bulky sweatshirts and jackets (unless it’s freezing outside).
This will help minimize the amount of space in your bag while keeping you warm during colder temperatures.
4. Pack A Small Bottle Of Hand Sanitizer
If there’s one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic taught us, it’s that germs are everywhere. You can’t escape them, but you can at least protect yourself by packing a small bottle of hand sanitizer before your trip.
This will help clean your hands after using the restroom or touching dirty surfaces, which helps prevent the spread of germs.
To save time while packing, just throw a small hand sanitizer bottle in your traveling bag and forget about it. You’ll be surprised by the ways it’ll come in handy during your trip!
5. Book Charter Flights
All the busy professionals out there, we know that you’re always in a hurry to get from one place to another. In fact, you have so many things to do that it’s almost impossible for you to find time to book your flights, especially when it comes to business trips.
But what if you could save time by booking charter flights? Well, you can! Charter flights are available for both business and leisure travelers. If you’re looking for a super-convenient and hassle-free trip, this is the way to go.
However, flying private isn’t cheap. So for those of you who want to save money while enjoying the added benefits of flying private, empty leg flights are your best bet.
6. Book In The Afternoon
When booking flights online, it’s essential to remember that prices fluctuate throughout the day depending on demand levels at certain times.
To get the best deals possible, try booking flights in the afternoon, as this is typically when prices are lowest due to fewer people searching for tickets at this time.
As a rule of thumb, the later you book, the more expensive your flight will be.
7. Check Prices On The Less Popular Booking Sites
Ever heard the saying ”shop around”? Well, it applies perfectly to the world of travel.
While most people tend to book their flights through popular sites such as Expedia or Orbitz, there are other lesser-known sites out there that often offer better deals than what can be found elsewhere.
It pays off to do some research before booking any flight, as checking multiple sites could potentially save hundreds of dollars off the cost of a ticket!
8. Set Up Flight Alerts
If you know where and when you want to travel but aren’t sure which airline offers the best deal, setting up flight alerts can be incredibly helpful!
Simply enter all relevant information, such as departure date/time and destination, into an app like Hopper or Skyscanner. They will send notifications whenever prices drop below a certain threshold, so you never miss out on a good deal again.
It takes a few mins, but the savings can be huge!
9. Choose Affordable Accommodation
Accommodation costs can quickly add up when traveling. It’s always a good idea to research beforehand to find affordable options near where you plan on staying during a trip.
Websites like Airbnb offer great deals on private rooms or entire homes. While hostels provide budget-friendly dormitory-style rooms, perfect for those looking for an inexpensive place to stay during their travels.
10. Skip Security Lines With TSA Precheck or Global Entry
It’s frustrating when you have to stand in line for security at the airport. We all know it’s a necessary evil, but there are ways to make this part of your travel experience more enjoyable.
Enter TSA Precheck and Global Entry – programs that allow travelers to go through airport security faster.
These programs allow you to skip the regular security line at some airports by going through a separate one instead, where you don’t have to remove your shoes or jacket, keep liquids in bags, etc. What a time saver!
11. Download Offline Maps Before Leaving Home
Getting lost while traveling abroad can quickly ruin any trip. We recommend downloading offline maps onto your phones before leaving home, so you always know exactly where you’re going, no matter the country!
Apps like Google Maps allow users access to detailed maps without internet access, making them invaluable tools for anyone planning to explore during their travels.
12. Stay Charged With a Portable Charger
Traveling can be stressful and exhausting, leaving you without the energy to make it through your trip.
To avoid running out of battery power and spending your valuable time searching for an outlet, we recommend investing in a portable charger!
These nifty little devices come in many shapes and sizes and can recharge cell phones, laptops, cameras, or other electronics that need charging.
13. Ditch The Suitcase And Take A Backpack Instead
If your trip is short and you don’t plan on bringing much stuff, we recommend ditching the suitcase and opting for a backpack instead.
Backpacks offer just the right amount of convenience and mobility for short trips. They’re easy to carry around, so you can quickly go from place to place without feeling burdened by your luggage.
14. Organise Your Itinerary
There’s one rule that applies to every trip —always, always, always organize your itinerary. No matter the duration of your trip, make sure you have a plan for each day.
You don’t want to be caught off guard by unexpected events and miss out on the fun. Organizing your itinerary ahead of time will help avoid any mishaps or setbacks during your trip.
You can use a travel app to keep track of your itinerary and plan your next destination.
15. Hire a Local
If you’re not familiar with the culture and norms in your destination or there’s a language barrier, consider hiring a local guide.
Doing so will not only help you save a lot of time and frustration but also provide you with an insider’s view of the destination. You can find a guide on your own or through a travel agency.
Conclusion
Balancing work and travel can be quite a stressful task, but it doesn’t have to be! With our helpful tips on the best ways of dealing with planning trips and packing bags efficiently, you’ll make traveling much easier. Not only will this reduce your stress levels while trip-planning – but you’ll also get more out of each journey even when travelling solo!