Traveling is one of the greatest things you can do for yourself, but planning for and funding your wanderlust can take a lot out of you in the months leading up to your trip. Expert travelers know how to beat the system and rely on a handful of tried and true hacks to make traveling an even more pleasurable experience. Check off the things on this list that you've done and we'll rate your vacation preparedness!
It saves room and keeps your clothes wrinkle-free!
By going incognito, you prevent airlines from tagging you as a returning user and jacking the prices up on tickets you keep looking at.
Those who have been around the block (and the world) know that different countries use different plugs. That won't be an issue if you remember your plug adapter, though.
If you're traveling out of the country, you don't want to have to pay astronomical roaming fees on your phone. Thankfully, if you know where to get free wifi in the country you're visiting, that won't be an issue.
If you're adamant about leaving on a Friday and returning on a Monday, be ready to spend a bit extra on your tickets. If you're willing to be flexible by a day or two, you could end up saving hundreds.
Whether it's a travel day or a sightseeing day, remember to keep some nonperishable snacks on hand. It'll keep your energy levels up during long days, and it'll save you from spending exorbitant amounts on mediocre food at the airport or at tourist spots.
Just because you're flying in and out of one city's airport, doesn't mean you can't take a day or two to explore another city. This is especially true if you're traveling somewhere in Europe, where flights and trains in between countries are often quite affordable.
There's often a sharp contrast between what tour guides tell you to see and what locals recommend checking out. Ask a local waitress, store owner or just some people you meet at a bar for sightseeing suggestions.
If you're bringing hiking boots and some sandals on a trip, it could be tempting to wear the sandals to the airport since they're easy to take off. But if you wear your bulky shoes instead, it'll save you some serious room in your luggage.
This means downloading Netflix shows before boarding the plane (while you still have wifi) and packing a lightweight paperback if your phone dies (or if you just tire of Netflix). This will make travel days *ahem* fly by.
It can be tempting to rely on technology when traveling in this day and age, but sometimes, nothing beats a good old fashioned pocket translator. This will help you communicate with anyone, regardless of wifi or service issues.
Hey, if you're already traveling a lot, you might as well make the most of it! Frequent flier programs reward your brand loyalty to specific airlines with miles that can eventually be cashed in for flights. A.K.A. free travel!
I've said it before and I'll say it again: you never know when you'll have wifi, so be extra prepared with screenshots of things like your boarding pass and hotel reservations on your phone.
Pickpocketing is a very real threat in a lot of places, and that threat increases tenfold when you're in a touristy location. Make sure your phone, wallet and passport are somewhere safe at all times!
It can be easy to hunker down for the long haul on an international flight, but that's really not good for you. Get your blood flowing while traveling at high altitudes and your body will thank you later.