08 Oct Four Travel Hacks You Never Knew You Needed
Travel hacking means different things to different people. To some, it’s maximizing frequent flyer programs. To others, it’s utilizing hotel loyalty program upgrades all over the world. To me, it’s anything that saves me time, money, or sanity. Oh, and it has to be really easy to implement. Here are four of my favorite travel hacks that make my travel better and cheaper. Give them a try on your next trip.
1. Mix and match
This one takes discipline, but it pays off on every trip. Make sure all the clothing you pack is interchangeable. For me, this means that my entire travel wardrobe is denim, black, white, or red. Do I feel sad when leaving my gorgeous teal cashmere scarf and brown boots at home when I travel to Europe in the winter? Yes, but I get over it. It gets easier with practice.
2. Take photos of maps and documents
Before you leave on your trip, take screen shots of any maps you’re likely to need (assuming you can’t bear to go old school and just use a paper map). Then, when you get lost in Barcelona, instead of firing up your phone — along with expensive data roaming charges — just pull up your camera roll instead.
This works for passports and credit cards too. Is there anything else you’re afraid of losing? Children? Luggage? Hotel rooms? Airport parking lot section where you left your car? Go ahead and photograph those as well.
3. Park for free-ish
One of the most irritating recurring travel expenses is airport transportation. Whether you park and schlep to the terminal or book a Town Car, you’re going to be out some serious cash. If you’ve got an early morning flight, why not look into hotel park/sleep/fly packages instead? You can often get a hotel with a free airport shuttle and a week of parking for about the cost of just a room. Websites such as ParkSleepFly.com are a good place to start researching rates.
4. Book an executive club room
If you’re a couple or a family looking for good value at a big hotel chain, definitely look into booking a room on the executive club floor. When I was in Hong Kong with my family last summer, we stayed at the SkyCity Marriott on our last night in town. We booked a room on the executive level for about $280 ($40 more than a comparable room without executive club privileges). For just $40, we got access to a comfortable lounge with couches, Wifi, beer, wine, sodas, and juices. There was also a light meal for dinner and a cooked breakfast included in the rate. We saved at least $200 and didn’t have to spend all night crammed into our tiny hotel room. Win-win.
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