✈️ Ultimate Travel Hacks: Before, During & After Your Trip
✈️ Ultimate Travel Hacks: Before, During & After Your Trip
Travelling is one of life’s greatest joys—but it can also come with a fair share of stress, surprises, and hidden expenses. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or heading out on your first big adventure, having a few travel hacks up your sleeve can make your journey smoother, cheaper, and more enjoyable.
Here’s your ultimate guide to travel hacks—before, during, and after your trip.
🧳 Before You Travel: Prep Like a Pro
1. Book with a Travel Advisor (TA)
TAs may have access to exclusive deals and perks
TAs have expert knowledge
TAs provide ongoing support
TAs provide personalized, stress-free itineraries
2. Pack Smart, Not Heavy
Use packing cubes to organize and compress your items
Consider rolling your clothes and fill up those shoes with socks and other small items
Don’t forget a scarf or sarong—it works as a blanket, towel, curtain, or cover-up
Put necklaces in straws to eliminate tangling
3. Digitize Everything
Scan or take photos of your passport, ID, insurance, reservations, and important documents. (Save them in a password protected note or document)
Download offline maps and language translation apps like Google Maps and Google Translate. (Or try the new translation feature on the Airpods4)
4. Tech Savvy
Download app for airline and/or resort prior to travel
Download ebooks, audiobooks, movies and songs so they can be used offline
Research if a local SIM or eSIM is cheaper than international roaming
5. Final Tips
Take a photo of where your car is parked at the airport
Bring an empty water bottle and refill after security
Put on your compression socks before boarding a long flight
✈️ During Travel: Travel Like a Local
1. Avoid Jet Lag and start enjoying your trip
Adjust your sleep schedule 2–3 days before you fly
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine on the flight
Try to stay awake until local bedtime once you arrive
Consider using an app to minimize the impact of jetlag (like Timeshifter)
Leave luggage with hotel concierge if arriving before check-in
2. Save on Food Without Skimping on Flavour
Eat where the locals eat: Avoid restaurants near major tourist attractions
Visit local markets—fresh food, cheap eats, and a cultural experience in one
3. Keep Your Belongings Safe
Use anti-theft backpacks or money belts.
Avoid keeping all your cash/cards in one place—split them between your bag, wallet, and a hidden pouch.
Use RFID blocking material
Be aware
4. Money tips
Use currency exchange feature on iphone calculator
Use no F/X fee credit/debit cards like WISE or Eq Bank
🏡 After You Travel: Wrap It Up Right
1. Clean & Store Gear Immediately
Empty your bags, clean your shoes, and recharge your electronics
Store seasonal travel gear in labelled bins—your future self will thank you
2. Backup Your Memories
Organize your photos while the memories are fresh
Use cloud storage and consider printing a few favourites in a travel photo book
3. Review & Reflect
Write a travel summary in your journal or notes app: favorite moments, what you'd do differently, must-visit spots.
Leave helpful reviews on various platforms about your hotel, restaurants, tours, etc
Consider leaving your travel advisor a 5-star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4. Start Planning the Next One 😉
Reflect on what worked and what didn’t to make your next trip even better
Keep a “travel wishlist” in your notes or a Pinterest board for future inspiration
Reach out to your Travel Advisor when you’re ready to book your next getaway
✨ Bonus Hack: Always Carry a Pen
Customs forms, addresses, recommendations, impromptu journalling, etc —having your own pen can save time and frustration more often than you'd think!
Final Thoughts
Travel doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive if you know how to plan and adapt. With these travel hacks in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to take on any trip with confidence and ease. So prep smart, stay present, and keep that wanderlust alive—even after you’ve come home.
As a local, female-run small business, I truly appreciate your support.
Trust me to book your next dream vacation!
Teresa Ezquerra; Independent Travel Advisor-Modern Travel ❤️
For all life’s journey’s *near & far