{"id":13349,"date":"2021-06-30T10:33:20","date_gmt":"2021-06-30T00:33:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=13349"},"modified":"2021-08-12T16:00:36","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T06:00:36","slug":"29-of-the-best-travel-hacks-ever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/best-travel-hacks\/","title":{"rendered":"29 of the best travel hacks EVER"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are some things I won\u2019t cut corners on, but when it comes to the business of travel when time, budget and enjoyment levels are on the line, I\u2019m more than happy to have a few short cuts up my sleeve to make the experience as awesome as possible. If you share a passion for helpful travel hints, dive into 29 of my favourites below.<\/p>\n

1. Take a white noise machine<\/h2>\n

Before the birth of my daughter, I knew nothing of the galaxy (or genius) of white noise machines. Now, I never stay anywhere new without one. Late night car horns? Nope, never heard \u2018em. Mid-nap door slamming of other guests? All expertly drowned out by this nifty little gadget \ud83d\ude34<\/p>\n

2. Pack your bags with a tumble dry sheet<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The thing about suitcases is that they hold smells as well as they hold all your goodies. (Don\u2019t even get me started on the stench of wet sneakers in a suitcase pocket). A couple of those scented, super lightweight fabric softener sheets you chuck into the drier will make everything smell as fresh as a daisy.<\/p>\n

3. Use \u2018timeline\u2019 function in Google Maps<\/h2>\n

Sometimes getting lost is part of the fun of discovering a new place. Sometimes, it\u2019s more of a nightmare. Did you know that Google Maps has a Timeline function that allows you to see an estimation of routes you\u2019ve taken or places you\u2019ve recently been, based on your location history? Retracing your steps is practically a thing of the past with this little hack!<\/p>\n

4. Use Google Maps Trip Planner<\/h2>\n

Did you know that Google Maps also has in-built trip planning capability? Everything from activities, restaurants and hotels can be mapped in a custom layer for you to see exactly where and in which order you\u2019re heading to different spots in your destination. It\u2019s also shareable with travel buddies so no one gets lost.<\/p>\n

5. Download maps before leaving<\/h2>\n

Nope, I\u2019m not done with secret Google Maps hacks. You never know when your connectivity will drop but there is a way you can always ensure you know where you\u2019re going. Why not download maps of new places for offline viewing before you start to explore them? And yes, this functionality already exists in Google Maps! \ud83d\udc4a<\/p>\n

6. Always pack a waterproof bag<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

You just never know what will happen in life and the same is true of holidays. A sturdy waterproof bag is a total lifesaver in so many situations – it could be a quick-fix sick bag for kids, a vessel to help you get impromptu washing done when there\u2019s no available sink, an easy way to protect your smartphone on beach trips or simply somewhere to stash wet beach clothes so your fresh stuff doesn\u2019t get soaked or smelly.<\/p>\n

7. Carry beeswax<\/h2>\n

Apart from being a great little go-to for cuts, sunburns and dry skin, beeswax is also an awesome tool for emergency waterproofing. No, really! Pure beeswax is nature\u2019s waterproofer and can work last-minute wonders on everything from leather to nylon backpacks.<\/p>\n

8. Take a bulldog clip<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This little guy more than pulls his weight for being the most versatile (and easily packable!) inclusion to your suitcase. I\u2019ve yet to find an end to the ways a bulldog clip can be useful – I\u2019ve used it to clip over open razors to stop nicks, to close pesky hotel room blinds that don\u2019t seem to make it all the way together, to temporarily fix broken zippers and also to keep unruly headphone cords organised. It\u2019s also a good one for keeping sneaky snack packets closed. Because what\u2019s a holiday without snacks?<\/p>\n

9. Use the art of distraction<\/h2>\n

This isn\u2019t something that\u2019s limited to holidays but it\u2019s a pretty great lifesaver for parents on any car journey, whether it\u2019s two minutes or two hours long. I\u2019ve rigged up a fabric book\/shoe holder that\u2019s become a makeshift activity centre behind the passenger car seat (facing my daughter’s car seat) and packed it with books and activities to keep her from requesting songs I don\u2019t want to hear 4000 times. Works a treat!<\/p>\n

10. Check the back of your in-room TV<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve fallen victim to the world\u2019s most annoying packing oversight and left your charging plug at home, you mightn\u2019t even need to leave your room to solve the issue. Have a look at the cable ports on any TVs in your room – many have USB charging ports at the back.<\/p>\n

11. If that doesn\u2019t work, ask reception for one<\/h2>\n

As you\u2019ve probably guessed (especially since you\u2019re the one that left it at home), phone chargers are among the most commonly left-behind items at hotels, so they might just have a whole bunch running spare. Hey, all you can do is ask!<\/p>\n

12. Mark your bag as \u2018fragile\u2019<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Often bags that are marked as fragile are packed into a plane\u2019s hold last to help avoid them finding their way to the bottom of a very heavy pile. That\u2019s also the reason why they\u2019re often the bags to come out first, or in a separate section entirely, sometimes bypassing a significant wait for you \ud83d\udc4a<\/p>\n

13. Pack some mint tins<\/h2>\n

They\u2019re hardy, almost unbreakable and perfect for little bits and pieces that you don\u2019t want to get lost in your suitcase. I\u2019ve packed them with everything from bobby pins and jewellery as well as salt, pepper and spices for self-catering trips where I\u2019m not sure how close I\u2019ll be to a supermarket. I\u2019ve also been known to pop spare house keys in there so they don\u2019t get bundled up and lost somewhere in transit.<\/p>\n

14. Squeeze in a little luxury<\/h2>\n

You won\u2019t catch me decanting my everyday shampoo into a tiny bottle pre-trip. I save fancy travel sets (think Aesop or Grown Alchemist) for, well, travel and boy does it make my trip feel that little bit more luxe every time I\u2019m getting clean \ud83d\udec0<\/p>\n

15. Keep a running packing checklist<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever worn everything<\/em> in my suitcase, which gives away my packing prowess (or lack thereof). Keeping a running packing list (one for winter, one for summer) that you can always reference to help you pack better and smarter next time – and for infinity. There are heaps of apps that can help, too – Packr<\/a> suggests packing options based on the weather forecast at your destination and PackPoint<\/a> does the same but generates a list based on your chosen holiday activities, too!<\/p>\n

16. Always take a pic of where you left your car<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t be like Kramer. Take a pic of where you parked your car before a flight or extended stopover so that you remember where you left it \ud83d\ude43<\/p>\n

17. Order a meal delivery service<\/h2>\n

Nothing ruins the fresh feeling of a good break than getting back to the reality of the day-to-day\u2026 and coming home to an empty fridge. Order a few pre-prepped meals to be delivered to your door on the day you get home (or before you leave to chuck in the fridge or freezer) so that holiday feeling doesn\u2019t wear off while you\u2019re waiting to buy milk at the supermarket.<\/p>\n

18. Bring baby powder<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Again, you don\u2019t need a kid to find multiple uses for this little wonder. Not only does it work as well as dry shampoo (but isn\u2019t an aerosol so it\u2019s able to be taken on a plane), it can also deodorise stinky shoes and performs utter magic on sandy feet. No, really!<\/p>\n

19. Pack the heaviest things at the bottom of your suitcase<\/h2>\n

Crushed clothes have a way of deflating that holiday spring in your step, don\u2019t they? Always pack the heaviest items at the bottom of your suitcase (that is, when your bag is being held by the handle or wheeled along, what part of the suitcase is closest to the ground?) to help avoid squishing the rest of your stuff.<\/p>\n

20. Behold: the genius of a pool noodle<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It\u2019s more than a sub-standard pool toy, believe me. If you\u2019ve got little ones sleeping in unfamiliar beds, chuck a pool noodle (or part of one if you\u2019re short on packing space) in the fitted sheet of a single bed to create a lightweight, makeshift bed rail.<\/p>\n

21. Forgot the aloe vera?<\/h2>\n

Sunburn is a ghastly business but we\u2019re only human (and our kids aren\u2019t always compliant enough for thorough sunscreen top-ups). If you\u2019ve got a burnt back on your hands and you\u2019re without a soothing balm of sorts, soak a tea towel, washcloth or face washer in milk and use that as a kind of ice pack. Not only does the coolness of the milk help to soothe the burn, the antioxidants within it can help to reduce inflammation.<\/p>\n

22. Mine Insta hashtags<\/h2>\n

Who doesn\u2019t love a been-there-done-that tip? Instagram can be that travel resource for you if you use it right. Have a look at some destination-specific hashtags and bookmark any spots you think you\u2019d want to try out to help your research.<\/p>\n

23. Always. Bring. A. Corkscrew.<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Sure, most wines these days are screwtops but it only takes one unexpected cork-stopped bottle and lack of corkscrew for you to learn this lesson the hard way.<\/p>\n

24. Make your own packing cubes<\/h2>\n

Some people swear by the magic of packing cubes but don\u2019t feel the need to pop out and buy some. What about those cotton drawstring bags they give you when you\u2019ve bought a new bag or any fancy toiletries? That\u2019ll do the trick.<\/p>\n

25. Protect your powder makeup<\/h2>\n

Pressed powder makeup is a great travel resource for how compact (get it?!) and easily transportable it is. Once it\u2019s been cracked, though? It\u2019s a nightmare of a thing to lug around and use. Pop a cotton pad between the powder and the lid to reduce cracking (and the possibility of an adult tantrum!) \ud83d\ude43<\/p>\n

26. Send yourself a postcard<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re doing holidays right, you should be having too much of a good time to write it all down in a travel diary. While holiday photos are awesome, sometimes it takes a couple of sentences to keep a specific holiday memory alive. Why not write yourself a postcard and send it home for every spot you visit so you can remember those special holiday times? Plus, you\u2019ll have something fun to arrive home to \ud83e\udd17<\/p>\n

27. Use disposable shower caps to cover shoe soles<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t pack your dirty shoes with your clean clothes – it\u2019s pretty much a surefire way to soil your stuff before you\u2019ve even begun your trip. If you\u2019ve given up the shower cap game long ago (who hasn\u2019t?!) put them to good use by covering your shoe soles with them. If you treat them right, they\u2019ll be more than just single use, too.<\/p>\n

28. Get a great travel playlist in your ears<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Great moments in life need epic playlists to match – especially when travelling. Whether you\u2019re packing a suitcase or driving around a new town, tunes really can make a trip. Wotif has great travel playlists<\/a> to get you started (and one specifically for families<\/a>, too) and, if you\u2019re a premium Spotify member, you can even download them before you leave and play them in offline mode. Genius!<\/p>\n

29. Download the Wotif app to start saving<\/h2>\n

It wouldn\u2019t be a travel hacks list without this one, would it? The Wotif app (available on iPhone<\/a> and Android<\/a>) gives Aussie travellers access to thousands of mobile-exclusive deals which is pretty ideal when you\u2019re booking a holiday. It also gives you an easy way to manage your booking, which is even better for when you\u2019re on your holiday! If you have a pal that\u2019s also heading off on holiday, the savings don\u2019t have to stop with you. Refer them to create a new account through the app and they\u2019ll get a 12% discount on their stay<\/a>. That\u2019s what we call \u2018the best of both worlds\u2019 \ud83d\ude04<\/p>\n

Just try and tell me you\u2019re not taking the bulldog clip on your next trip \ud83d\ude09 Now that you\u2019ve got a few new hacks under your belt, it\u2019s time to get planning!<\/p>\n<\/i> PLAN A GETAWAY <\/a>\n

Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.<\/em><\/p>\n

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There are some things I won\u2019t cut corners on, but when it comes to the business of travel when time, budget and enjoyment levels are on the line, I\u2019m more than happy to have a few short cuts up my sleeve to make the experience as awesome as possible. If you share a passion for …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":13374,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[400],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13349"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13349"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13349\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13469,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13349\/revisions\/13469"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13374"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}