Welcome to The Travel Hack
I’m Monica and I’m a travel writer and blogger based in Wales.
The Travel Hack began in 2009 while backpacking around Asia and Australia. I share travel hacks and inspiration to help you get out and see the world as well as tips and ideas for days out with kids!
Latest blog posts
Read all the latest posts from the blog here.
My recent trips have taken me to Krakow in Poland and Vilnius in Lithuania to prove you can have a short break for £200 or less!
Tote
The Travel Hack Tote is the latest bag in the range. This large shoulder bag is the perfect dimensions for the easyJet ‘free’ underseat cabin bag and it’s big enough for a weekend away!
With plenty of handy pockets and compartments, this tote will keep all of your documents, gadgets and clothes neatly organised. There’s a pocket for all of your bits and bobs so nothing gets lost!
Backpack
The Travel Hack Backpack can be used as the ‘free’ underseat bag on Ryanair flights and has plenty of clever compartments to keep your belongings organised for stress-free travels and days out.
This is a diverse backpack and is a popular choice not only for travelling but for work, hiking, a baby bag or a gym bag.
Suitcase
This is more than just a cabin case. This is a stylish way to breeze through the airport, knowing your suitcase is the perfect size to get onboard the plane! With easy access pockets and a top handbag compartment, The Travel Hack Cabin Case makes it easy to remove belongings for security and access everything you need during the flight.
The Top 10 Tours in Budapest, Hungary
Travelling to Hungary and want to know the best tours to take in Budapest? This list is for you! I don’t like to have favourites, but honestly, Budapest has to be one of my all-time top choices as a city break destination for any season. It offers everything I look for on a city break: …
UAE 2025 Car Rental Regulations: How New Policies Impact Rent a Car Dubai Monthly Services
Monthly car rentals remain a popular alternative to owning a vehicle in the United Arab Emirates because they offer flexibility without long-term liability. In 2025 this convenience comes with new rules. A landmark Federal Decree Law on Traffic Regulation, enacted in March 2025, lowers the minimum driving age to 17 and introduces stiff penalties for …
An Extreme Day Trip to Barcelona: A Birthday to Remember
When my son turned nine I expected the usual birthday requests; a football party, cake, lots of Lego and maybe a sleepover. But instead, he surprised me with something completely different. “Mum, can we go on an extreme day trip?” With a mum like me he knew I wasn’t going to say no! Within minutes, …
Ocean El Faro: Discover why Uvero Alto hotels define the best of Punta Cana
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to dreamy turquoise waters and palm-fringed beaches like something out of a travel brochure then Uvero Alto in Punta Cana might just be your paradise. Tucked away on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, this area has long been one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets! Among the …
Explora Journeys: A new level in cruise line luxury
Luxury travel has evolved beyond five-star hotels and private villas. Today, the most exclusive way to experience the world is by sea, where time slows, horizons stretch endlessly and every detail is designed perfectly to make this a holiday to remember. If this sounds like your kind of holiday then let me introduce you to …
Airport Parking at Manchester Airport: From Someone Who Is There Twice a Month!
I fly from Manchester Airport at least twice a month so today I want to chat about one of the less glamorous and often forgotten sides of travel – getting to the airport! Unlike some people, I never take a taxi to the airport because I find them to be expensive and unreliable. I once …
Ski Holidays in Tyrol: Your Guide to Austria’s Alpine Gem
If you’re considering a ski break this winter, Tyrol in Austria should be top of your list. Boasting dramatic mountain scenery, reliable snow, charming villages and excellent infrastructure, Tyrol is a great option! Tyrol is perfect for first-time skiers to seasoned powder hunters and it’s easy to get to for UK travellers too. Today I’ll …
Weekenders: Things to Do in Gdansk, Poland
I’ve just returned from a 2-night break to Gdansk and wow – what an unexpected gem! Gdansk quickly became one of my favourite cities for a weekend break and it has to be one of Europe’s most underrated city breaks. If you’re craving a weekend break with a mix of seaside charm, fascinating history and …
Vogtland, Germany: Best Areas to Stay, Outdoor Highlights and Relaxing Spa Towns
Tucked into the borderlands of Saxony, the Vogtland region offers rolling hills, soothing spa towns and some of Germany’s best-kept outdoor escapes. It’s the perfect destination for walking, cycling or simply unwinding and it’s an underrated gem for UK visitors! Here’s my guide to Vogtland in Germany, including the best places to stay and the …
An idyllic summer escape at Shropshire Shepherd’s Huts
Nestled in the heart of the rolling Shropshire Hills lies a little haven that feels plucked from a fairytale. Welcome to Shropshire Shepherd’s Huts, where cosy luxury tiptoes gently into nature. Surrounded by lush green hills and sunkissed golden meadows, it’s a place you go when you want to unplug, unwind and remember what the …
Learning Spanish in Valencia: A Cultural and Linguistic Adventure
Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city and it’s my absolute favourite! You’ve got the perfect mix of chilled beach life, a gorgeous historic centre, loads of trendy bars and cafes, beautiful outdoor areas thanks to the massive park, perfect weather and very cool locals! For students and professionals looking to improve their Spanish, Valencia is an …
How I’m being proactive with my money as a 37-year-old, self-employed, single mum (with a travel addiction!)
I know I’m a travel blogger but money and savings are such a huge part of travel. The biggest hurdle stopping people from travel is money. I’ve been on an eye-opening financial journey over the past few years. When I split up from my husband I was terrified about finances. I had no idea how …