After years of travel around the world, I’ve learnt a thing or two! These are my 10 lesser known travel hacks which I hope will help you travel smarter and avoid common hassles.
1. Always Carry a Pen
A simple yet essential thing to pack is a simple pen!
Whether it’s for filling out customs forms, jotting down addresses, or scribbling quick notes, a pen can save you time and hassle. Avoid the awkwardness of borrowing one mid-flight or waiting to fill out a form at the airport.
You don’t need anything fancy, just pack 2-3 ballpoint pens and tuck them into the outer mesh pocket of your backpack for easy access. Always put the lid back on to avoid any accidental ink stains during your trip!
2. Carry Photocopies of Copies Of Important Documents
Make color photocopies of crucial documents such as your passport, visa, driver’s license, flight bookings, and bank cards, and store them safely in your luggage.
These copies can be invaluable for getting replacements if the originals are lost or stolen. When possible, use these copies instead of handing over the originals, for example, some hotels may ask to hold your passport, but a copy will often suffice and helps reduce the risk of losing it.
It is a good idea to have a digital copy of these documents saved to your emails or cloud storage like Google Drive you can download in an emergency.
3. Carry Passport Photos
Always carry a dozen or so passport-sized photos with you of all shapes backgrounds and sizes.
They’re incredibly handy for visa applications, visa extensions, permits, or emergencies like replacing a lost or stolen passport. Having them ready saves time and stress trying to to work out where to get one when unexpected situations arise.
4. Store Your Passport In A Plastic Zip Lock Bag
Protect your passport from spills, rain, or other unexpected mishaps by keeping it in a plastic zip lock bag.
This simple step ensures it stays safe from water damage and keeps it looking presentable for border crossings and official checks. Plus, it adds an extra layer of protection against wear and tear during your travels.
Water damage can invalidate the passport making it impossible to return home or continue on your journey. Replacing a passport abroad can be a nightmare sometimes taking WEEKS and requiring jumping through hoops.
Another suggestion is having a small purse to put the ziplock bag containing the passport and my other important documents in, then put it straight in your bag. Do not put the passport in your pocket! In this purse I also have an Apple Airtag.
5. Take a Photo of Your Luggage
Before you set off, snap a photo of your luggage, including any identifying marks or tags.
This can be incredibly useful if your bag gets lost or misplaced, as it provides an easy reference for airport staff trying to find lost luggage or insurance repairing the bag. Trying to describe the bag as ‘black, handle on top, about 1m tall’ will only lead to the agent rolling their eyes and reduce the chances of it being found.
6. Download Offline Maps
Before your trip, download your destination’s map on Google Maps for offline use.
This is a lifesaver when you land in an area with poor reception or limited data coverage. Plus, it helps you avoid the high cost of roaming data, as map data can quickly use up your mobile plan if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi.
7. Keep Snacks Handy
Always pack non-perishable snacks like protein bars, or a packet of chips for your journey.
These come in handy during delays or when you want to avoid overpriced airport food. Just be sure to check the bio-security regulations of your destination, countries like Australia have strict rules, and you may need to declare your snacks to avoid fines or having them confiscated.
8. Bring a Power Bank & Universal Power Adapter
Bring a Power Bank & Universal Power Adapter
Traveling can drain your devices, especially with all the airport waiting, tours, and long transit times. A portable power bank ensures you’re always charged and connected, even when outlets are scarce.
A great battery bank for travel is the Charmast 10000mAh Power Bank which we reviewed due to its low cost, slim design and built in cables.
Additionally, a universal power adapter is a must if traveling overseas as not every place in the world uses the same power connector.
For the past couple of years I have been using Universal International Power Travel Plug (Link To Amazon) very similar to the plug below and use it everyday. Most handy is the built in USB outlets which gets used daily.
9. Pack a Change of Clothes in Your Carry-On
Always pack a fresh set of clothes in your carry-on bag!
If your checked luggage gets delayed, lost or god forbid someone throws up over you midflight, having a change of clothes can make a big difference in staying comfortable until your bag arrives at the other end.
10. Pack a Mini First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit is a very useful travel companion.
Include a strip of pain relievers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes and a pair of tweezers. This way, you’ll be prepared for minor injuries such as cuts, insect bites or blisters without having to search for a pharmacy in an unfamiliar place.
You don’t need much, I just have a 20 piece First Aid Kit (Amazon) the size of a bar of soap which only cost a few dollars but added a few extra’s into it like the tweezers and satchels of burn cream. Be sure to remove any pairs of scissors if planning to carry it onto a plane!
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What tip did you find most helpful? Do you have any wisdom to share? Let us know in the comments below