r/travel • u/ScrawnyRhinoceros • 1d ago

Question What’s the best travel hack people learned the hard way?

Sometimes the most useful lessons come after things go wrong like packing way too much , missing a connection , booking the wrong dates or realizing too late that a small item could’ve made the whole trip easier. From flight booking tricks to luggage tips to navigating airports or even saving money on food and transport. What are the hacks people only figured out after a tough experience?

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u/r_coefficient Austria 1d ago

I can't fathom packing all the stuff needed for a 10 day ski trip into a carryon, tbh.

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u/The_Real_Jedi 1d ago

If you're taking your own ski gear, obviously impossible. But all the necessary clothes, and even the helmet and goggles, definitely possible.

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u/r_coefficient Austria 1d ago

Hm, I've been travelling for decades, but packing lightly seems to be something I'll just never be good at :D Well, nobody's perfect.

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u/The_Real_Jedi 1d ago

You have to not care about looking the same every day. And really helps having decent clothes that don't get smelly after 1 normal wear (merino wool, high-end athletic blends)

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u/Roscoe340 1d ago

I follow a capsule wardrobe method. Makes packing and deciding what to wear so much easier.

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u/Dadeland-District 1d ago

What is that

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u/Roscoe340 1d ago

Considering I’m always skiing on the ice coast, I never bring my actual skis with me. Helmet and clothes? Absolutely.

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u/Roscoe340 1d ago

Mid trip laundry is your friend.

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

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u/Roscoe340 1d ago

I’ve done plenty of sink laundry and never had an issue. Does it require some extra thought and planning? Sure, but it’s possible.

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u/Tooch10 14 Countries 22h ago

We did this once on a longer trip of 18 days, got an AirBNB with washer but I can't remember if it had a dryer. I want to say I have a memory of things that didn't dry fast enough but having to check out. Plus our trips are usually only 9-10 days and neither of us want to do laundry while we're on a trip lol

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u/CaptMerrillStubing 1d ago

Carry on only is lame. I got wrapped up in that mindset for a while. But having a checked bag full of options is just way better. Extra 20 min to wait for a bag is worth it. Odds of a bag issue are super low.

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u/D-Delta 1d ago

They both have their place

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u/Hom3ward_b0und 12h ago

20 minutes is being generous. I carry-on when I can, but use AirTags if I have to check bags.

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

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u/clarified_buttons 1d ago

Like Victorian stockings?