12 Smart Travel Tricks You’ll Want to Use on Every Trip

Travel can be fun, but it can also bring small challenges that affect comfort and convenience. With a few simple tricks, you can make your trip feel smoother. From unexpected accessories like hats and pillowcases to tips on choosing your seat or packing efficiently, these travel hacks can help you save time, avoid minor hassles, and enjoy your journey with more ease and comfort.

1. Take a hat it will be an essential companion on the road

A hat can be a surprisingly useful travel companion. It makes you easy to recognize at the airport — just tell your greeter to look for the person in the blue hat. It also keeps your small essentials safe during security checks, freeing your hands and pockets.

Once you arrive, the hat proves handy in other ways too. You can drop your jewelry or watch in it at the hotel, or leave it on a café chair to show the seat’s taken. Simple, practical, and stylish all at once.

2. Bring a pillowcase for easy travel comfort

If you don’t like fiddling with a travel pillow — first inflating it and then carrying it around your neck — take an ordinary pillowcase from home. If necessary, it can be stuffed with soft clothes and placed under your head on the plane or in the waiting room.

3. Duct tape on devices can deter thieves

If you are traveling with expensive photo equipment or electronics, try making a false patch with duct tape. There is a high probability that unscrupulous people will not be interested in “broken” items and will not try to embezzle them.

4. Pick your seat wisely and stay safe on the ride

If the bus or train isn’t crowded and you can choose your seat, do it carefully. Sitting near the driver and by the aisle is usually safer, as it makes it easier to leave if needed.

5. Pack your things in a special way

When packing your suitcase, it is advisable to place heavier items at the bottom of the suitcase. This puts them near the wheels and creates a center of gravity that will help the suitcase to maneuver better at the airport or when walking in the street.

6. Choose suitable footwear before traveling

How to do it? Before buying shoes, do a little test: turn it over and place your bare foot on the sole of the shoe. If your foot doesn’t extend beyond its edges, everything is fine. It’s those sandals, flip-flops or sneakers that may be perfect for a long journey.

7. Bring solid shampoo and skip problems

Nowadays, shampoo and conditioner are also available in bar form. This makes it much easier to take them in your carry-on, since liquid containers over 100 ml aren’t allowed. It’s especially handy for those traveling with hand luggage only.

There are more perks too: you won’t have to worry about running out of shampoo, nothing will spill inside your bag, and the bar lasts long enough that you can skip relying on hotel toiletries.

8. Choose empty rows online to secure window and aisle

If you can book seats online, choose an empty row and take window and aisle seats. Other passengers are unlikely to want to sit in the middle seat. So, unless the plane is completely full, you have a good chance of flying with just the 2 of you in that row. If someone does show up, kindly ask them to change seats to sit next to your companion.

9. Use a bright ribbon to remember your hotel safe

If you use a hotel safe, tie one end of a brightly colored ribbon or string to its handle and the other end to something you’re sure you won’t forget. For example, your suitcase. This way, you’re sure not to leave anything important in the safe when you check out.

10. Leave colorful socks at home

We know that these items of clothing love to get lost and appear in the most unexpected places. Therefore, it is advisable to take socks of one color only to avoid the need to constantly look for a matching pair.

11. Consider booking flights during public holidays

If you’re not tied to the children’s summer holidays or don’t think that everyone should be sitting around a table during the festive season, try booking tickets for dates when most people are already at their destinations. For example, flights on New Year’s Eve are often cheaper. You’ll also have fewer traveling companions.

12. Adjust your travel pillow for maximum comfort

Although U-shaped travel pillows were originally designed to be worn around the back of the neck, some travelers find it more comfortable to place them in front, with the opening at the back. This position can provide extra support for the chin and neck, allowing the shoulders to rest more naturally against the seat. While experts recommend the conventional position to avoid neck strain or breathing issues, personal comfort is ultimately what matters most during a flight.

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