35 Travel Hacks to Save Money, Pack Smarter, and Simplify Every Trip
35 Best Travel Hacks You May Not Think Of
Whether you're heading out on a family vacation, planning a business trip, or just escaping for a weekend getaway, travel can get expensive and chaotic fast. Packing smarter and prepping ahead can save money, reduce stress, and make your trip go a whole lot smoother. Below are 35 proven travel hacks to help you do just that.
1. Use Incognito Mode When Searching Flights
Many airlines and travel sites raise prices based on browsing history. Using incognito mode keeps your searches private and avoids price spikes.
2. Bring a Power Strip or Outlet Splitter
Hotels and rentals rarely have enough outlets. A compact splitter lets you charge all your devices without hunting around.
3. Roll Your Clothes Instead of Folding
Rolling saves space and reduces wrinkles. You’ll fit more into your luggage and keep your outfits in better shape.
4. Use Packing Cubes to Stay Organized
Packing cubes divide your clothes by category, making it easier to unpack, repack, and find exactly what you need without emptying your entire bag.
5. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Airport drinks are expensive. An empty reusable bottle can go through TSA and be filled once you’re past security.
6. Save a Photo of Your ID and Travel Documents
Take photos of your passport, license, and tickets in case they get lost or damaged. Store them in a secure app or email them to yourself.
7. Freeze Your Own Ice with Ice Balloons™
Skip overpriced convenience store ice and make your own at home. Ice Balloons™ are flat and lightweight before use, so you can pack them easily. Once you're at your Airbnb or VRBO, just fill and freeze. They break into long-lasting ice chunks that outperform bagged ice—and they save you money every day of your trip.
8. Use Google Maps Offline
Download your route or area map ahead of time. If you lose signal, you’ll still be able to navigate without panic.
9. Make a “Last-Minute” Checklist
Write down the items you can’t pack until the day you leave—chargers, toothbrush, medication—and tape the list to your suitcase.
10. Pack a Small Laundry Kit
A travel-size detergent and a sink stopper let you wash clothes anywhere. Great for long trips or kid-related spills.
11. Bring a Dry Bag for Wet or Dirty Items
A compact dry bag keeps swimsuits, sweaty clothes, or muddy shoes from getting everything else gross.
12. Use an Old Glasses Case to Store Cords
Wrap charging cables and earbuds inside an old hard glasses case to keep them from tangling.
13. Use Dryer Sheets in Your Luggage
Tuck a dryer sheet between your clothes to keep them smelling fresh during long trips or humid conditions.
14. Keep Snacks in a Shower Cap
Wrap the bottom of open chip bags or snack containers with a shower cap to keep them sealed in a pinch.
15. Set Up a Travel-Only Email Account
Use a separate email for booking flights, lodging, and confirmations. It keeps everything in one place and reduces inbox clutter.
16. Always Carry a Ziplock Bag
Ziplocks work for snacks, toiletries, wet clothes, or keeping electronics dry during unexpected rain.
17. Carry a Mini First-Aid Kit
You won’t regret packing adhesive bandages, ibuprofen, allergy pills, and blister protection for emergencies.
18. Use a Pill Organizer for Jewelry
Keep rings, earrings, and chains safe and separate with a daily pill organizer.
19. Bring a Lightweight Foldable Tote
Great for souvenirs, groceries, or beach gear. It takes up almost no space in your luggage but adds carrying capacity when needed.
20. Use a Binder Clip to Protect Razor Blades
Snap one over the end of your razor to keep blades covered and fingers safe during unpacking.
21. Pack Travel-Sized Laundry Sheets
These sheets dissolve in water and take up less space than liquid or pods. They’re perfect for washing on the go.
22. Keep a Portable Charger with You
Don’t rely on airport outlets or public ports. A charged backup power bank is a lifesaver for phones and tablets.
23. Store Chargers in Sunglasses Cases
Prevent cords from bending or tangling by storing them in a sturdy case designed for sunglasses or glasses.
24. Bring an Emergency Cash Stash
Tuck a small amount of cash into a hidden compartment in your bag, just in case cards fail or you’re off-grid.
25. Use Compression Bags for Bulky Items
These are perfect for jackets or towels. Squeeze out the air and make room for more essentials.
26. Pack a Pen in an Easy-to-Reach Pocket
You’ll need it for customs forms, notes, or directions. It’s one of the most forgotten items that you’ll always need.
27. Save Digital Versions of Event Tickets
Download event passes, museum entries, and confirmation emails so you’re not relying on spotty Wi-Fi to pull them up.
28. Use a Scarf as a Blanket or Pillow
A large scarf works as a wrap, headrest, or impromptu pillow on long flights or car rides.
29. Carry an Empty Grocery Bag
Perfect for dirty clothes, sandy shoes, or organizing your suitcase on the way home.
30. Bring a Travel-Friendly Refillable Spray Bottle
Use it for hand sanitizer, water mist, wrinkle release spray, or cleaning solution during long trips.
31. Preload Playlists, Podcasts, and Movies
Entertainment apps often don’t stream well in transit. Download your favorites ahead of time.
32. Take a Screenshot of Important Directions
If maps or mobile data fail, a simple screenshot can help you find your hotel, rental, or parking location.
33. Use a Coin to Mark Suitcases
Toss a foreign coin or bright sticker inside your suitcase lining. If lost or stolen, it helps identify yours quickly.
34. Use a Rubber Band to Child-Lock Hotel Doors
Wrap it around both knobs to prevent the door from accidentally locking or slamming while unpacking.
35. Pack a Small Flashlight
From finding things in a dark car to checking under the bed for a lost phone, a flashlight always comes in handy.
Take the Guesswork Out of Ice Prep
You already know how frustrating it is to run out of ice or waste money on bags that melt before you even get moving. Ice Balloons™ make it easy to plan ahead and pack cold that actually lasts. Fill a few today, freeze them solid, and be ready for whatever’s next.