25 OF THE BEST TRAVEL HACKS

I've always enjoyed traveling and having experience with different cultures and different people. But it's also a wonderful thing to be able to benefit and enable research, not only in our country but around the world. – Laurel Clark

Friday, April 14, 2017 (DAY 1,866)
First I will note that I will be going back in time to write detailed blogs about my travels through Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and a bit of the Middle East in the future, but for now I wanted to focus on my own list of what I consider to the 25 of the best travel hacks, whether that be for saving money, traveling more safely, convenience, or a combination. I hope that this information is found to be helpful to others. Many of the items from this list have been heard before, but hopefully there will be a few new ones that people can use for their travels.

---

#1 HOW AND WHEN TO PURCHASE FLIGHT TICKETS AT THEIR CHEAPEST

Trick the point-of-sale–meaning the location of your transaction–use everything from going incognito (Mac ⌘ + Shift + n) and (PC Ctrl+ Shift + N), to using various VPNs, and I've even noticed using different devices and/or web browsers from smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, Macs to PCs. Also booking 56 days in advance, flying on a Tuesday, and booking an evening flight from 6pm to midnight can also offer you the best fares. 

#2. ROLLING YOUR CLOTHES TO CONSERVE SPACE

Most people have heard this concept by now, and as airlines become more strict either by re-accommodating your face into an arm rest (hmm #United) or in order to bring more items or lighten your load, this is a MUST travel hack to use for both short and long-term trips. 

#3. USE SUNGLASS OR GLASSES CASE TO ORGANIZE CABLES & CHARGERS

Hate tangled up cables as much as I do? Organize your cables with either a sunglasses or glasses case and keep this mess more manageable.

#4. BINDER CLIPS

Strong and durable, there are many multi-uses for binder clips and here are just a few (from top left to lower right:headphones holder or makeshift hook, whether staying in hostels with kitchens or AirBnB properties you can keep food fresh while saving money on meals at the same time, squeeze every bit of your toothpaste while also making it more compact for storage and travel, hang drying clothing binder clips are much stronger than traditional clothes pins, and finally a razor cover). Here is another link for creative uses for binder clips

#5. PACK SOCKS, UNDERWEAR, ETC IN YOUR SHOES TO SAVE SPACE

Seems simple, and as a global traveler that enjoys a minimalist lifestyle of material possessions we all know that every ounce begins to weigh on your backpack

#6. TRAVEL PILLOW FOR EXTRA STORAGE

I know I've mentioned this before, but a neck pillow that uses cotton and has a zipper is a great way to carry extra items, for myself, my preference is an extra full size roll of toilet paper as you never know when you may find yourself in a bathroom without any. 

#7. CARRY A DUMMY WALLET WITH A FAKE CREDIT CARD

Once checking in and securing my valuables, I find it helpful to carry a dummy-wallet including a fake looking credit card. My choice is a gift card that has both a VISA logo, 16-digit number, and magnetic strip. This comes in handy in case you are pick-pocketed, robbed, or when paying for items instead of pulling out a wad of random bills that makes you both a target and can disrupt your ability to bargain. 

#8. USE A RAIN JACKET AS A RAIN COVER AND USE THE POCKETS

Using items for multiple purposes has been something I've learned through years of travel, especially in terms of utilizing the space outside your bag. 

#9. HANDERKCHIEF FOR MULTIPLE USES

So many uses for a handkerchief, especially in terms that it's washable!

#10. USE SCENTED SOAP IN LAUNDRY SACK

Nice trick is sticking to bars of scented soap in a container that has holes to drain out excess water, but when storing this in your bag you can put it in with your dirty laundry and keep your items smelling a bit more so fresh and so clean! 

#11. KEEP EMERGENCY INFO IN YOUR WALLET

Even with all of today's options for modern technology keep a simple handwritten card with your emergency contact info, allergies, blood type, etc can potentially be a life-saving item. 

#12. USE BEES WAX TO WATERPROOF YOUR SHOES

Whether you have waterproof shoes or not, over time this will deteriorate and using bees wax to waterproof shoes or other clothing items, this is a great and simple way to preserve your travel gear. 

#13. USE EMPTY TOILET PAPER ROLL AS A SPEAKER

Looking to add a bit more entertainment to your social time with new friends, use an empty roll of toilet paper into a makeshift acoustic device. 

#14. SLEEP HEADBAND

I've found this to be one of the greatest things for getting a better night's sleep, whether that's due to snoring dorm monster, street noise, etc. A sleep headband with built-in speakers and can even double as a sleep mask has been a lifesaver! Find it here, or search on your own online for a better deal. 

#15. USE EMPTY PLAIN CASES TO PROTECT ITEMS

Heading to the beach I normally have various ways to protect my belongings, everything from a hotel/hostel key, money, your smartphone, etc and I've found hiding things in containers that don't seem to appear what they truly are can be great, HOWEVER, the moment you open it up and prying eyes may notice what is actually in that so-called empty container of sunscreen opens up the door to dishonest people. Therefore, another option I use is taking a small crumple sack and bring a cable lock and finding a high tree and locking these items up there. This way if I'm in the water with friends I can keep a relative eye on the tree and if I notice anyone climbing up towards my bag I can normally get back in time to stop them, especially since the bag is locked around a thick tree branch. 

#16. FIRST AID TIP FREEZE A SPONGE IN A BAG SO NOT TO LEAK

In need of some first-aid uses. Wetting a sponge and placing it in a plastic bag and freezing it will allow you to ice those sore body parts without waking up appearing as though you wet your bed! 

#17. FIXING PESKY ZIPPERS

I know we've all been there with zippers that get stuck, so using a graphite pencil helps reduce this problem for various items.

#18. CREATIVE WAYS TO HIDE MONEY

Once again hiding money in a variety of creative methods can be very helpful, especially in some of the more dangerous countries I've been. 

#19. ENCRYPTED FOLDERS via LAPTOP OR EMAIL

While nothing is absolutely secure, the more you try and protect your sensitive data by creating encrypted folders, especially if you email them to yourself this allows you to retrieve things in case your devices get stolen or become incapacitated. 

#20. RETRACTABLE CABLE LOCK

Many valuable uses for a cable lock, whether for your laptop, backpack (when no lockers may be available or appear less secure) this is one of my top items for travel for security, but thank you again #EgyptAir for stealing my travel lock in front of me because your employee had no idea what this item was! 

#21. WATER PURIFICATION BOTTLES

While these may not fall under the full category of travel hacks, I feel that these have saved me thousands of dollars over the past 5-years of global travel. I just recently wanted to compare the difference between the LifeStrawⓇ and the BerkeyⓇ Sport Bottle. My breakdown thus far:

1) The BerkeyⓇ allows you to squeeze purified water into another container, which is helpful for long bus rides, hikes, etc. However, the downside is this is my second bottle and BOTH have leaked poorly! 
2) The LifeStrawⓇ so far doesn't leak and has a stronger plastic casing, however, you cannot transfer purified water likfe you can with the BerkeyⓇ

#22. DENTAL FLOSS

Using dental floss to in place of traditional thread provides MUCH stronger capabilities! Plus there are again NUMEROUS uses for dental floss that can be read HERE. 

#23. TENNIS BALL

With all the walking I do traveling I've found that rolling a tennis ball on the balls of my feet and other areas of your body is an excellent way to relieve pain and tightness as well as by cutting a small slice in it you can also double it as a way to carry unwanted coins, money, a lighter, so many things! 

#24. YOGA MAT

Lightweight, easy to roll-up for packing and the ability to serve multi-purposes, especially sleeping in airports or even just adding that extra bit of padding to an uncomfortable dorm bed.

#25. TRAVEL SIZE PLASTIC BOTTLES

I understand people want to be more environmentally friendly and therefore I always find used travel size plastic bottles that I refill everything from liquid hand soap (both for washing your hands at bathrooms where none is to be found to hand washing clothes) I've also refilled these with everything from sunscreen, toothpaste, eye-drop solution, and if the opening is large enough they work great for storing non-liquid items such as medication to coins.