Everyone loves a good travel hack – something that will help you save time, money or space on your journey. But it turns out not all travel tips are helpful. Some offer one benefit while creating multiple new problems – leaving you tired, stressed, or making you spend more money than planned. Knowing which tips to avoid helps to make your journey go more smoothly and enjoyable. That’s why we’ve put together these 12 travel hacks that may sound smart but will actually make your journey worse.
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Rolling Clothes to Save Space
Many people tend to pack clothes by rolling them to save space, but it typically makes clothes more wrinkled, especially dress clothes. And it doesn’t actually save as much space as it seems. Folded clothes or cubes can take up the same amount of space.
Using Plastic Bags for Liquids
Those little plastic bags filled with liquids might strike you as a fine idea, but once they rip and start leaking all over your things, it isn’t going to be so great after all. Rather than squirrelling your shampoo and deodorant into a disposable plastic bag, why not invest in a set of reusable travel-sized containers, and chuck them into a toiletry bag? It’s better for the environment, and a little more sensible, too.
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Sleeping at the Airport to Save on a Hotel
Sleeping at the airport might appear to be a money-saving measure, but it is almost never a good way to catch some shuteye. It can make you exhausted and sore. Even a cheap hotel near the airport will let you sleep better and get you off to a good start on your journey.
Booking the Cheapest Flight Possible
Cheap flights are cool, but a lot of the really inexpensive ones turn out to be with budget airlines with extra fees, ridiculous layovers, or uncomfortable seating. Spending more money on a slightly more comfortable flight can save you a lot of stress and backache on the other end.
Using Free Wi-Fi Without a VPN
Free Wi-Fi offered by airports or cafes is enticing, but first and foremost, it’s dangerous since hacking is easy on unsecured networks. If you decide to use free Wi-Fi, use a VPN to protect yourself or avoid using sensitive websites.
Keeping Your Passport in a Safe at the Hotel
Sure, it’s meant to keep your passport protected. But if you leave it in the hotel safe, and forget to take it out before you go home, there’s a good chance you will forget it there. In fact, leaving your passport at your hotel is one of the most common mistakes that travelers make. The result can be some serious panic and delays. It’s often better just to keep it in a good travel wallet so it stays with you.
Bringing Extra Shoes “Just in Case”
It’s a good idea to pack an extra pair of shoes, just in case. But shoes take up a lot of space in your suitcase. Normally, one sturdy pair and perhaps one dressier pair will be enough. Anything more than that is just extra weight and space.
Skipping Travel Insurance to Save Money
As tempting as it can be to think that you don’t need travel insurance in order to save money, it is false economy. If you experience a cancellation of the flight, if your luggage gets lost or if you suffer a health problem, you could end up paying a fortune — while the cost of travel insurance would have been minimal.
Using Packing Cubes to Fit More
Now there’s nothing wrong with packing cubes – being organized is a fine thing at the best of times, let alone when you’re travelling. But they don’t give you any extra space. If you fill them too full, they’ll start to swell and make your cases hard to close. Pack them neatly but don’t think you’re cheating your suitcase.
Booking Separate Flights Instead of Connections
While some travelers prefer to book separate flights to save money, if one flight is late and you miss the next flight, you risk being stranded for a very long time. If you book a full trip with one airline, they will usually try to help when there is a delay, but if you book separate flights, you are on your own.
Only Relying on Cards, Not Carrying Cash
Although credit or debit cards are very useful, you might find it is useful to carry some cash in local currency. Debit or credit cards are not accepted everywhere, especially in rural areas or in some countries. You will not want to get stuck somewhere without cash.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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