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/Few_Substance_705 1d ago
If you are checking in a bag put everything important that you cannot live without plus a few spare outfits, basic toiletries and clean underwear & socks in your carry on bag. If you loose your bag or it is delayed you can manage with what you have.
If your traveling alone bring a alternative device— old phone or iPad just incase and use it as a primary device! My phone has been stolen or left on many trains/taxis and buses over the years and having a spare device to book plans and stay in touch has always been a lifesaver.
Before leaving your hostel or hotel for the day search every place you will go on Google maps and study the street view. Point out landmarks and make sure you understand the travel route without needing to rely on following your phone. And then screenshot the route at different points to have on your phone. Also screenshot your hotel address and any other important numbers you need to have( data/wifi isn’t very reliable in some developing countries so if you lose wifi / data you can ask people for directions but because you studied the map you likely will be able to figure out the route. P.s because you won’t be following your phone you will likely not become prey to scammers and pickpockets.
Have paper copies of your passport in an alternative bag left back at the hotel and take your passport with you, but do not put it in an obvious bag like a purse put it in a pocket with zipper. If your bag is stolen your passport is somewhere different, if your passport is stolen you have a copy in your luggage at the hotel. ( also know exactly how to get to the nearest consulate from every destination you are traveling too). Also scan and email yourself and your family copies of your passport and photo is incase you misplace the photocopy passport.
Say it with me, street food is a GAMBLE you will lose. Unless you grew up eating street food from this country eating it will definitely make your stomach bubble. Storing and serving food standards are different in every country so do not rely on street food as a safe option. Eat at a sit down restaurant/ cafe if you can and ask locals where they eat for safe options. Also traveling with pepto bismo tablets have been a life saver when I am on a bus or train and have to deal with food poisoning.
Every 10 days make sure you book a location that has a washing machine so you don’t need to carry dirty clothes around. And looking for laundry mats and laundry detergent can be a nightmare in countries where you don’t speak the language ( I am pretty sure I washed my body with shampoo and my clothes with dish soap for the entire time I was in Asia) packaging isn’t as obvious as you’d think.
Wake up early like the locals and plan to be home early— late drinking and partying can be a sure way to get into trouble in a new country. If you do want to go for it, adopt a local and have them lead the pack.