23 Time-Saving Travel Hacks Every Person Needs to Know

1. Avoid Check-In & Baggage Claim

Ever been stuck at baggage claim, feeling antsy as bags crawl by, but yours is nowhere to be seen? Picking the right carry-on is your ticket to zipping past those time-gulping queues.

That way, you can breeze through boarding, wave at the check-in line, and be the first one out of the airport.

2. Use Packing Cubes for Organization

Packing cubes are a game-changer for keeping your suitcase neat. They’re like drawers for your bag, allowing you to find what you need without rummaging. Group items by category—shirts in one cube, pants in another—and they’ll be quick to grab.

These lightweight containers make unpacking at hotels a breeze. Pop the cubes out of your suitcase and into drawers. Less time unpacking means more time enjoying your trip.

3. Opt for Digital Boarding Passes

Tired of snaking queues at the airport? Check in from the comfort of your home and grab your mobile boarding pass with just a few taps. Just flash your phone and you’re on your way! Plus, it’s eco-friendly—no more paper slips to lose.

4. Pre-Book Airport Parking or Transfers

Have you ever felt the clock ticking louder as you scramble to find a parking spot at the airport? Take the stress off your shoulders and pre-book your airport parking to slash that panic.

Booking your airport transportation ahead means you’re out of the airport as swiftly and smoothly as possible. Opting for a private car is one plush option, and it’s not as pricey as you might think.

For a more budget-friendly choice, consider a shared shuttle. It’s cozy, cost-effective, and you can book it before your bags are packed. Public transport, on the other hand, is your wallet’s best friend. It might take a bit longer, but it gives you a chance to feel the local pulse.

5. Speed Up Security & Customs Screenings

Tired of the long lines at airport security? Zip through with TSA PreCheck. Those shoes stay on, your laptop packed away, and you’re through security in a flash—it’s that simple.

For you globetrotters, Global Entry offers the same breezy experience but with a cherry on top—speedy customs processing when you return to the US. An application fee and a quick interview is all that stands between you and flying through the airport like a travel pro.

6. Download Offline Maps or Itineraries

Caught without internet and need to find your way? Your smartphone is your travel safety net. Before you head out, grab a digital map to go. With offline maps, you’re in control, even when data is a no-show.

Make sure you refresh your maps before they expire in 15 days or sooner. Keep your travel smooth and your adventures uninterrupted, all without depending on spotty internet.

7. Fly During Off-Peak Hours

Ever feel squished like a sardine at the airport? That’s peak time for you! Here’s a hack: fly when others don’t.

The best flights are those when everyone else is busy elsewhere. Late evenings are gold. By flying at around 9:30 pm or later, you can find yourself breezing through check-ins and lounges.

Not a fan of late-night travels? How about a mid-week flight during off-work hours? You’ll be thanking yourself while zipping through a near-empty terminal.

8. Wear Slip-On Shoes for Quick Removal

Ever felt the pressure as the airport security line snakes behind you? There’s an easy way to glide through the checks: slip-on shoes. No fumbling with laces or buckles as the queue taps their feet impatiently.

Your feet can breeze out and back into these shoes like they’re nothing but socks on a carpet.

9. Use a Checklist

Ever felt the panic of forgetting something crucial for your trip as you’re heading out the door? It’s a common nightmare! But, there’s a simple cure: a thorough packing checklist.

Start your list well before travel day, and tick items off as they go into your bag. You’ll feel confident, knowing nothing’s left behind.

10. Choose Direct Flights Over Connections

Long layovers and tight connections can sour any trip. Who wants to sprint through terminals or feel stuck in an airport lounge? Choosing direct flights is your shortcut to skipping those travel blues.

Direct routes not only cut hours off your travel day but also reduce the chance of luggage mishaps. Plus, the less you fly, the less you worry about the ripple effect of delays from earlier flights.

11. Roll Clothes Instead of Folding

Tired of lugging around multiple bags on your travels? Rolling your clothes rather than folding them is a smart move. Here’s why: clothes rolled up tightly form neat bundles that fit snugly into your suitcase corners, leaving no wasted space.

It’s not just about space, though. Rolled clothes also have a nifty advantage of coming out with fewer wrinkles compared to folded clothes.

12. Have a Digital Copy of Important Documents

Ever faced the panic of misplacing your passport right before a boarding call? Keep calm with digital copies of your vital travel docs. If your passport or ID takes a detour, having them stored safely online means you can breeze through verifications and replacements.

Make copies and upload them to a secure cloud service. It’s a quick step that can save you a heap of time and heartache.

13. Reduce Commuting Time

Choosing a hotel or rental that’s a short distance from all the must-see spots is a game-changer. You’ll cut down on travel time, keeping stress at bay and giving you more minutes to explore or relax.

14. Learn Basic Phrases in the Local Language

Ever found yourself gesturing wildly to ask for the restroom? Knowing key phrases in the local language clears up confusion fast, and locals love it when you try! Start with “hello,” “please,” “thank you,” and “goodbye.” These are powerful words that show respect.

Lost? Ask “Where is…?” in the local tongue. It’s a game-changer and beats pointing at a map. At cafes, ordering with a local twist gets you that coffee exactly how you like it, quick and warm. Learning phrases like “How much?” can also steer you clear of tourist traps!

15. Keep Snacks & Water Handy

Ever been stuck in a long line with a grumbling stomach? Keep that hunger at bay with a stash of snacks and water. No more waiting or detours to satisfy those hunger pangs.

Get ahead of the game: pack easy-to-carry and non-perishable treats like nuts and energy bars. And hydration? A no-brainer! Tuck a water bottle in your bag to stay refreshed and alert.

16. Familiarize Yourself with Airport Layouts

Before you dash off to the airport for your next adventure, take a moment to check out the terminal map. Knowing the ins and outs of the airport can squash those big airport butterflies flapping in your stomach.

Study the airport’s layout before you fly, and pinpoint key spots like security lines and coffee shops. Your smooth moves will save you time, stress, and even get you that pre-flight latte a whole lot quicker.

17. Sign Up for Flight Alerts

Ever been at the airport only to realize your gate changed and you’re at the wrong end of the terminal? That sinking feeling as you hustle with your luggage across the crowds is no joke. Avoid the rush and stay one step ahead with flight notifications.

Embrace technology and let flight alerts sweep away the hassle of traveling. Don’t let these momentary hiccups throw off your trip!

18. Easy Access to Frequently Used Items

No more rummaging through bags at checkpoints; a well-organized wallet or travel pouch saves you time and stress. Your ID and boarding passes are like gold when traveling, so keep them in a front pocket.

Choose a wallet with an RFID-blocking feature to protect your personal info. Got a travel pouch? Make sure it has dedicated slots for your travel documents. Like a neat closet, everything has its place, allowing you to breeze through lines with confidence.

19. Pre-Select Your Seats on Flights

Who loves standing in long lines at the airport, watching the minutes tick away? Pre-selecting your seats on flights is like a fast pass to avoid those pesky check-in counters.

By reserving your spot in the sky, you can stroll through the airport with ease, dodge the dreaded queue, and savor a coffee instead. Choosing seats in advance means you can pick the best spot for you—whether that’s gazing out the window or stretching your legs in the aisle.

20. Check-In Online as Soon as It’s Available

We’ve all been there—stuck in winding queues at the airport, watching the clock tick away. Checking in online is like a magic key to skipping the long lines.

As soon as your airline offers it, usually 24 hours before takeoff, you can check-in and grab your seat from the comfort of home. It saves precious time, and with your boarding pass handy, you can head straight to the gate.

21. Use a Travel App to Manage Itineraries

With a smart travel planner app, you can kiss those paper itineraries goodbye. Imagine your entire trip, from flight times to restaurant reservations, neatly organized in one place.

Save time and stress by using a route planner that considers all your stops and finds the most efficient way to hit them all. With real-time updates, you can steer clear of traffic jams and sail smoothly to your next destination.

Love to keep your budget in check? An app like GasBuddy helps you find the cheapest fuel along your route.

22. Pack a Multi-Charge Power Bank

Have you ever found yourself pacing through a busy airport, desperately seeking an outlet to charge your phone? There’s an easy fix: a multi-charge power bank.

These compact chargers fit right in your carry-on, making sure you’re always powered up. And you aren’t tied to a wall socket – you can recharge while exploring the terminal shops, savoring a pre-flight snack, or waiting at your gate.

Remember, your travel time is precious. Don’t waste it on an outlet scavenger hunt. A power bank is your passport to peace of mind.

23. Book Airport Lounges Ahead of Time

Busy airports can frazzle your nerves; book an airport lounge in advance for a stress-free sanctuary. Need to send emails or charge your phone? No problem. Lounges have comfy chairs and all the plugs you’ll need.

Feel like a snack or a refreshing drink? They’ve got you covered, with complimentary goodies to keep you fueled.