There might be only one thing I like better than travelling. Planning to travel! So with that in mind I bring you my list of 10 Simple Travel Hacks carefully chosen after years and years of indulging what can only be called a travel addiction.
1. Consider Booking One Way Tickets
It sounds strange but it’s true. Often booking two, one-way air-line tickets on two different airlines is cheaper than booking a one way fare.
2. Copy All The Things
Before you pack that carry on make copies of your passport, health insurance, ID and credit card. Leave a copy at home and e-mail a copy to yourself so you can access it anywhere.
3. When packing your suitcase include a Bounce Sheet
Keeps your clothes smelling laundry fresh, especially when heading to the Tropics!
4. Pack Like A Pro
Roll all the things. When packing that suitcase roll your sundresses, T-shirts, and even your pants. Roll everything, it really does take up a lot less space.
5. Order Foreign Currency Before You Leave
Take advantage of the fab service by CIBC that allows you to order your foreign currency online and have it delivered right to your door. No stress, no hassle.
6. Borrow Don’t Buy
Forgot that precious iPhone, Blackberry or Laptop charger? Before you have a complete meltdown or make a run to your closest electronics store, stop at your hotels front desk. They often have extra chargers you can borrow for the duration of your stay.
7. Don’t Fall Prey To The Mini-Bar
I love my snacks as much as the next girl but can’t swallow those mini bar prices. Be sure to bring along your own snacks, or venture off property, find a local grocery store, and stock up for your holiday.
8. Contain The Mess
When I travel I take all manner of hand lotions, face creams, sunscreens, liquid make-up and hair products. Even though I’ve been diligent enough to purchase or save those small or trial size bottles there’s always a chance of leakage and a ziplock bag is just not enough protection for me. I place all those little bottles in one small flat tupperware and throw it all in my suitcase. The tupperware adds a strength and security a simple ziploc will not. Bonus: When I come home from my trip it’s easily stashed in my bathroom cabinet until the next getaway. Always ready and waiting to go!
9. All Hail Dry Shampoo
Not only is dry shampoo the best way to freshen up that hair and extend a good blow-out but did you know if can fix your Hubby’s shoes? Yup, in a pinch give those stinky dress shoes or sneakers a quick spray of your dry shampoo and his feet will smell like a bed of roses!
10. Protect The Pretty!
**Keep your jewelry from getting tangled or lost. Put rings, earrings and even necklaces into a bead organizer. I picked mine up at the dollar store. They come in all shapes and sizes and helps to keep your precious things organized and safe.
**When packing your flat iron stash it in a pretty potholder from the dollar store. Not only will it keep it safer, but you can tuck it away when it’s still warm.
**Utilize an old sunglasses case (or one from the dollar store) to store and control chargers, earphones and small cables.
Do you have a favourite travel hack? A tried and true trick you would like to share, or maybe you just love one of mine! Tell me your favourite trick and you will be entered to win a $100 gift card courtesy of CIBC! Open to residents of Canada only and closes August 7, 2015.
Please comment below and enter using the Rafflecopter form provide. Happy travelling!
This post is brought to you by CIBC Foreign Cash OnlineTM. All opinions are those of the author.
I love the glasses case idea – that’s genius. I also scan and email my passport to myself.
Copy All The Things – So important when traveling if you lost your id or personal info right away it can cause a lot of problems and waste your vacation time , great tip!!
I like the glasses case one! It looks very useful 😀
My favorite tip of yours is about copying all your documents. I’ll admit I have never done this & from now on I will make it a #1 priority. Having a backup is vital.
my favourite is and is very important… Copy All The Things
I always roll my clothes rather than fold them!
I roll all my clothes when I travel
Wrap your liquids in press”n”seal. It really works.
I have to remember the glasses case one. That’s a good idea!
I like to always pack extra Ziploc bags – you never know when you’ll need them!
I love the glasses case one:)
Since my destination is usually Asia, booking via travel agent (after giving him my itinerary post comparison shopping online) is the cheapest, even after checking one-way flights. I can even get discounts that are not posted online and the flights or airlines that I want. It would mean having to get baggage and re-entering the same airport to get to the next flight on a different airline if I were to book them as two one-way tickets. This translates to longer times between flights as the bags are not tagged to your final destination. This is the hassle I avoid by booking with a travel expert vs winging it on my own as they can give advice on your itinerary.
I also check the airports online that I’ll be transiting in before travel to locate my terminals and departure gates. Airports are prime spots for unsuspecting tourists so, being savvy about your surroundings can avoid being a target.
I have copies of my travel documents at home and in my bags for identity in case they get lost and need to be opened.
I am sensitive to scents and chemicals so I don’t use a dryer sheet. I do pack in plastic bags, my laundry or dirty clothes for my return trip to avoid cross contamination.
I have more than one charger for my phone and always carry a battery charging pack, so I never have to worry about charging my phone on the go.
If staying in hotels, I avoid the bar like the plague as I don’t like to be charged exorbitantly. I go to the grocery and drugstore to buy what I need when I arrive.
I prefer to use durable zip bags for my bath and cosmetics as I can group like items together without the bulk. I’ve never had any leak issues with them. I also bring packaging tape, scissors and zipbags with me for packing upon my return. You never know if one of my souvenirs need to be packed securely like food items. I also weigh my bags the night before my departure and return flight. I don’t like surprise fees at the airport and this is one way to avoid it. As for cash, I convert them at the airport or at a money exchange when I arrive as I usually get a higher rate in my destination than in Toronto.
Thanks for the tip on dry shampoos! I gave away the extra cans I had as I seldom use it anyway. I use The Body Shop’s Peppermint Foot Spray as it is refreshing and can be used anywhere on the go. It can also double as a deodorant! Their bottles conform to the 100 ml rule so, buying their items in your destination for your carry-on is no issue.
I also check the baggage, travel requirements and tips of my airlines to speed up check-in. If they have online/app check-in, I use that as well.
Lastly, aside from advising someone at home and in my destination of my itineraries, I always check Passport Canada’s Country travel advice and advisories and register. In case an issue arises, like lost passport or political uprisings, I can contact the Canadian Embassy in my destination quickly. Storing these important information for quick access can be a life saver in a foreign country. I’ve never had to use them but, it’s a free service to Canadians.
the potholder idea is cool
I love this one: Utilize an old sunglasses case (or one from the dollar store) to store and control chargers, earphones and small cables. This is a great tip for me, thanks for sharing 🙂
3. When packing your suitcase include a Bounce Sheet and 4. Roll like a pro!!
what a great idea to keep a bounce sheet in your suitcase. I HATE the way your clothes smell when its confined in the case. and to roll everything up is such a great idea to make more room so you are able to fit as much as possible