With 3.50 billion people already vaccinated against COVID-19, the global recovery against the pandemic is dawning. With almost half of humanity already vaccinated, the world is starting to open for tourism once again. For those who missed the adventure of going overseas, booking flights as soon they’re available is a must. And for people who barely traveled pre-pandemic, the time spent on lockdown could be seen as a wake-up call.
But traveling is not a breeze. Whether it’s something as simple as making a wrong turn or something much more problematic like losing your luggage, traveling has hassles that you’d be better off avoiding. And to help you with that, here are 12 travel hacks about packing, food, and security that can help first-timers enjoy a more hassle-free vacation.
PACKING
Use packing cubes.
An ingenious invention for space optimization. Packing cubes help with segregating and compressing your items. These are structured mini boxes also give your clothes better chances of being wrinkle-free throughout the trip. Additionally, they can also serve as makeshift pillows during layovers and delayed flights.
Pack extra paper bags and eco-bags.
You will inevitably buy souvenirs to bring home. You will have dirty clothes. And if you’re going to the beach or a place with a pool, you will have clothes soaked in chlorine or saltwater. Unless you’re planning to do laundry on your vacation, separating these things from your unused clothes is important. Since eco-bags and paper bags are foldable and thin, it would be easy to carry several without compromising luggage space.
Buy local.
Most of the mundane things you’re thinking of packing can also be found where you’re going. Instead of bringing toiletries and a month’s supply of clothing, it would be wiser to buy locally once you get there. You will not only have a lighter bag, but you also help the local economy of your destination.
Mark your luggage as fragile.
Truly a travel hack, marking your luggage as fragile ensures two crucial things. One, your luggage will be handled with care. And two, it will come out faster than the rest. You can ask for a “fragile” sticker at the counter without having to spend a dime.
FOOD
Capitalize on Happy Hours.
Bars and clubs usually have happy hours as a marketing strategy for day drinking. But keep in mind that drinks aren’t the only thing on sale during this time. Appetizers can become a full-blown late lunch or early dinner, depending on how much you can eat.
Pack water bottles.
Drinking water in local shops and restaurants might be risky for untrained stomachs. Hiking and touring can be quite draining. Water will always be essential in your daily life, but its necessity goes even higher when traveling. Whether you’re on a budget or just itching to beat the system, bringing water bottles can be of great help. The snacks and drinks in hotel room minibars can be quite pricey. But the mineral water will always be free. Maximize the complimentary things by storing them.
Dine local.
You don’t go to another country to eat fast food you can get at home. The authentic gastronomic experience comes from eating authentic food. Local eateries can offer cheap and authentic meals that can complete your whole travel experience. If you’re planning to have a DIY itinerary, booking cheap hostels where you can befriend more locals, eating at places where they eat, and doing the things they do for fun can give you a more immersive experience than any tour agency can offer.
Don’t shy out of leftovers.
There’s nothing wrong with getting the uneaten food you’ve paid for wrapped and taken home. There’s usually a microwave in every lodging. Your leftovers for dinner can be a midnight snack or early breakfast. Your leftover lunch can be a quick snack on the road.
SECURITY
Bank on Powerbanks.
You never know when you’ll need it but having it when that time comes is crucial to your safety and security. Always turning on your GPS is also important.
Download Google Translate App.
Communication barriers can be detrimental to your safety. Whether you’re bargaining for a cheaper souvenir or asking for directions, having the ability to communicate your thoughts is important. Plus, you can secretly turn the app on and translate what the locals are saying about you to avoid getting scammed.
Use a faux wallet.
Pickpockets usually know who the tourists are. The chances of you being targeted are lowered if you don’t wear anything flashy. Traveling with locals can also help. However, to make sure your money is safe, use a faux wallet to confuse the pickpockets.
Keep a digital copy of your passport.
Physical photocopies of your passport are essential as well. But digital copies are perfect in case of emergencies. And they are the safest and most secure way of proving your identity to avoid immigration troubles.
ALL IN ALL
Taking extra precautionary steps to ensure a safe vacation is important. But keep in mind that the trip will not be as worth it if you don’t do your best to enjoy it.
