I’ve lost count of how many times someone has said to me, “I wish I’d known that before I booked.” Travel is full of little secrets that only reveal themselves after a few trips, a few mistakes and, occasionally, a very questionable overnight bus.
So I’m saving you the pain.
These are the travel hacks I swear by and have discovered after 20 years of frequent travel. I also travel with other frequent travellers a lot of the time so I’m always picking up other people’s little hacks too!
These are the travel hacks I use, whether I’m planning a weekend city break or a long haul adventure. Think of this as advice from a very well travelled friend who wants you to spend less, stress less and enjoy more.
Let’s get into it.
1. Use a VPN
I started using a VPN so my kids could watch Netflix abroad but I’ve discovered it has many other uses!
Flight prices, hotel rates and even car hire costs can change depending on where you are browsing from. Airlines and booking sites use your IP address to work out your location and sometimes your browsing behaviour.
Using a VPN lets you change your virtual location, which can unlock cheaper prices. I always check flights from a few different countries before booking, especially when flying long haul. It can genuinely save you hundreds. I don’t find much of a difference on the cheaper short-haul flights.
A VPN is also brilliant for safety when using public WiFi in airports, hotels and cafes. Plus, it means you can still access your usual streaming services when you’re abroad. Once you start using one, you will never stop. You can find the best travel VPN here.
2. Set up alerts for flight prices
I say this all the time – there is no secret to booking cheap flights. The secret is knowing how much the flight normally costs so you know when you’ve actually found a bargain. And the easiest way to track this is by setting up flight alerts on either Google Flights or Skyscanner so you get regular updates on flights on particular dates and routes.
3. Fly with carry on only whenever possible
This one is a game changer and once you’ve got the hang of packing light you’ll wonder why you ever travelled with an enormous bag before.
Carry on only means no baggage fees, no waiting at baggage claim and no risk of lost luggage. There’s no stress at the airport and it’s so much easier to get around once you arrive. And let’s be honest, you don’t wear half the things you pack anyway!
The trick to packing light is choosing the right bag and packing smart. Roll your clothes, use compressible packing cubes, have a travel uniform and stick to a neutral colour palette so everything mixes and matches.
Once you get used to it, you’ll wonder why you ever checked a bag.
4. Use Google Flights like a pro
Google Flights is hands down one of the best tools for finding cheap flights.
Use the date grid to see which days are cheapest. Use the map view to explore destinations based on your budget. Set alerts so you know when prices change.
Even if you don’t book through Google Flights, it is the perfect place to research before committing.
5. Wake up early at least once
OK, not your traditional ‘travel hack’ but this one is a biggy for me. I’m not naturally a morning person, but early mornings while travelling are magic.
Cities are quieter, the light is better for photos and you get to see a different side to your destination. I usually only do this once on each trip but this is generally when I get all my best photos and have those really memorable experiences.
6. Book accommodation with free cancellation
Plans change. Sometimes you find a better deal at the last minute. And sometimes you just change your mind.
Always choose accommodation with free cancellation when you can. It gives you flexibility and peace of mind. I often book something decent early on, then keep checking closer to the trip in case a better deal pops up.
Worst case, you keep your original booking. Best case, you upgrade for less.
7. Stay as central as possible
This is one of those travel hacks that not everyone agrees on but after years of travel, I think it’s best to stay as central as possible.
I feel like I see more and do more when I can pop back to my accommodation when it’s convenient. If you get tired at 4pm you can pop back to your hotel for a rest before heading back out for the night, but this feels like so much more effort when you’re a train ride away.
8. Learn a few key phrases in the local language
You do not need to be fluent, but learning hello, please, thank you and excuse me goes a long way.
Locals really appreciate the effort, and it can make interactions warmer and easier.
9. Always pack a portable charger
Your phone is your map, boarding pass, camera and translator. Most of us simply cannot travel without our phones. There is nothing worse than a dead phone when you are trying to find your hotel after a long flight.
A portable charger is non-negotiable! Choose one that can charge your phone at least twice, and keep it in your day bag. I actually prefer a smaller, lighter charger that does a maximum of two charges. I used to travel with a big one that would power half a city, but it was heavy and unnecessary, so I just chose a little one.
10. Download offline maps
Before you leave, download offline maps on Google Maps.
This means you can navigate without using data, which is especially useful when you first arrive somewhere new. It also saves your battery and your sanity.
11. Travel with a reusable water bottle
This is good for your wallet and the planet. Choose a collapsible bottle so you can fold it away once you’ve drunk your water and you’re not stuck with a bulky bottle.
Many airports now have water refill stations and in lots of destinations tap water is safe to drink. If you’re not sure, a bottle with a built in filter is a great option.
You will save money and avoid buying endless plastic bottles.
12. Take photos of important documents
Always take photos of your passport, visa, insurance, and bookings.
Email them to yourself or store them securely in the cloud. If anything gets lost or stolen, this can make sorting it out so much easier.
It is one of those hacks you hope you never need, but you will be very glad you did it.
13. Use local transport apps
Most cities have fantastic transport apps that make getting around simple.
Download them before you arrive. They often include real time updates, route planning, and ticket options. They can also be cheaper than taxis and more reliable during busy times.
If you aren’t sure what the local app is, just Google it to find out.
14. Eat where locals eat
If a restaurant has a long menu in six languages and someone outside trying to get you in, it is probably not the best option.
Look for places that are busy with locals, especially at normal meal times. Ask your accommodation for recommendations or check reviews written in the local language.
Some of my best meals have come from following this rule.
15. Bring a scarf or light layer everywhere
A scarf is one of the most versatile travel items you can pack.
It works as a blanket on planes, a cover up for religious sites, a pillow, or an extra layer when it gets chilly. It takes up almost no space and earns its place every time.
16. Avoid currency exchange at airports
Airport exchange rates are almost always terrible.
Use a travel friendly debit card such as Monzo. You often don’t need cash when you travel anymore but, if you do, you can use Monzo to withdraw cash from ATMs at your destination. If you do need cash on arrival (again – unlikely as there’s always Uber, Bold and public transport normally takes cards), only take out a small amount to get you through.
Read more: Using Monzo for travel: My review after using it for 5 years!
17. Set a daily budget, but be flexible
Having a rough daily budget helps you keep spending in check without sucking the fun out of your trip. Again, I like Monzo to keep track of my spending while I’m travelling.
Some days will be cheaper, others more expensive. That is normal. The key is knowing where your money is going so you can splurge when it really matters to you.
18. Travel insurance is not optional
I know it is boring. I know you hope you will never need it.
But travel insurance can save you from massive expenses if something goes wrong. Medical emergencies, cancelled flights, lost luggage, it all adds up quickly.
Get good coverage and travel with peace of mind.
19. Take advantage of free walking tours
Free walking tours are one of my favourite ways to explore a new city.
They are led by locals, packed with history and tips, and perfect for your first day. You tip what you can at the end, which usually still works out as great value.
20. Fly into one city and out of another
Open jaw flights can save you time and money and they’re a great way to see more with a short amount of time. Even on a weekend break I’ll fly into one city (like Budapest) and fly out of another (like Vienna!)
Instead of backtracking, fly into one city and out of another. This works especially well in Europe and Asia, where transport between cities is easy.
It also means you get to see more without rushing.
21. Pack snacks for travel days
Travel days can be long, unpredictable, and hungry.
Packing a few snacks means you are not stuck paying airport prices or settling for something you do not really want. It is a small thing that makes a big difference.
22. Use tour companies for inspiration
I love booking tours through Get Your Guide because they make those quick trips so easy. But even if I don’t actually book the tour, I look on the site to see what’s possible. It gives me ideas and inspiration for activities I can do myself without a guide.
23. Keep a flexible itinerary
Overplanning can turn travel into a checklist.
Have a rough plan, but leave space for spontaneity. Some of the best moments happen when you say yes to something unexpected or spend longer somewhere you love.
24. Always check visa requirements early
Visa rules can be confusing and time consuming.
Check requirements as soon as you start planning your trip. Some visas take weeks to process, and you do not want any last minute surprises.
It is one of those boring admin tasks that is absolutely worth doing early.
25. Trust your instincts
This might be the most important hack of all.
If something feels off, listen to that feeling. If a place feels amazing, stay longer. Travel is not just about ticking boxes, it is about how it makes you feel.
You know yourself better than any guidebook ever will.
Travel does not have to be complicated or expensive to be incredible. A few smart hacks, a bit of flexibility, and the right mindset can completely change the way you experience the world.
And honestly, once you start travelling like this, there is no going back.
