Sitting behind your computer at work, desperately waiting for your next break so that you can jet away from the city? Then you need to list down these genius travel tricks for your next trip. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a rare vacationer, these expert-approved tips will change the way you travel. If you’re guilty of over-packing even for a weekend escape or if you’re one those people who struggles with flight bookings, don’t stress because we’ve got you covered.
Here are 10 travel hacks that will make your holidays smooth sailing.
1. Book your ticket in a hidden or “incognito” browser
Airlines and travel websites track cookies and hike up prices based on a consumer’s action on the site. You can avoid the raise in the price by opening the website in an incognito (private) browser.
2. You can use Google maps without a data plan.
Zoom in on a part of a map that you want to save for offline browsing. Then, tap the search bar and type “OK Maps’’ and hit the Search button. Once you reach your destination, you’ll be able to access it without a data plan. The GPS will not work but the compass on your phone will.
3. Organise your packing
Space saving ideas can be extremely important when you’re travelling. While clothes can be rolled instead of being folded to save up space, tiny containers make great organizers for jewellery. Your old sunglass cases are perfect for storing chargers and cables.
“Plan your wardrobe so you don’t end up packing what you don’t need. And always roll your clothes; don’t fold them. It creates massive space in the suitcase,” says model Kanishtha Dhankar. “I love suede shoes and watches, so I use layered packing to protect both. I put the timepieces in my socks, then stuff the socks in shoes, and then pack shoes in a shower cap,” adds designer Nikhil Thampi.
4. Skip the luxury hotels for these offbeat stays instead
Private rentals are the recent game-changers in the travel business. If you want to swap your luxury hotel stay for a more homely and comfortable environment, rented abodes are the best option for you. They are pocket friendly as well. With Airbnb’s success and appreciation from the customers, many other options have surfaced. Onefinestay, Le Collectionist, HotelTonight, One Night Standard and Blink are a few of them.
5. Ensure your suitcase comes out first on the baggage carousel
When you’re at the check-in counter at your departure airport, ask the representative to attach a fragile sticker to your bag. According to Travel and Leisure, suitcases with these stickers are typically loaded later as a form of protection, meaning they’re the first bags to be unloaded too. But this isn’t a foolproof system, as sometimes airport personnel miss the stickers and forget to reserve your bag for the end of the loading process.
Another option: Be the last person to check-in. “Bags will always be loaded front to back on the bag carts, so if you check in last, your bags will be in the last bag cart, which will make them the last on the aircraft, and the first off the aircraft at your destination,” ramp worker and gate agent Thomas Lo Sciuto wrote on Quora. “If they are the first off the aircraft, they will most likely be the first on the bag carts and then the first to be unloaded at baggage claim.”
6. Where you should sit on a plane if you want the best service
Of course, if you’ve got the money for it, then the best service will always be at the very front of the plane in first or business class. But if you’re flying economy, apparently where you sit could make a difference, too. Flight attendant Annie Kingston told Oyster: “While most passengers tend to choose seats that are at the front of the aircraft, so that they can disembark first and have a better chance of securing their preferred meal option, flight attendants know that if you’re sitting towards the back, you’ll receive the most attentive service.”
7. This is the best time to book international flights and score cheaper tickets
According to the data, 72 percent of Indian travellers don’t know exactly when to book tickets for their flights, while 69 percent of people believe that the best air fares can be found less than 12 weeks before your departure date. But unfortunately for them, the survey reveals that people travelling to a popular destination — like Bali, for example — can save up to 51 percent on flight tickets if they book their flights up to 25 weeks in advance. In the case of Europe and the USA, it’s advisable to book your tickets 24 weeks earlier to get the best rate. Before planning your vacation, make sure it falls in the months of January, February, April or September, as they are supposed to be the cheapest months to travel according to the survey.
8. Ask the hotel to negotiate a better deal from the one you found online
If you manage to get yourself a decent deal online, you call that hotel directly before making the reservation online. Inform them about the length of your stay and ask the concerned person for a better deal than you found online or at least an upgrade.
9. Make use of special hotel promotions
Look out for hotel promotions that advertise a free night when you book a certain number of paid nights. Hotels regularly launch a “stay two nights and receive a complimentary third night” kind of offer for guest who stay more than one night. These offers are mostly applicable if you book directly on the official hotel website. Sign up for the newsletter of your preferred hotels so that you are aware of their promotional deals or via websites that list current hotel offers along with the complimentary nights.
10. Sign up for promotional emails from airlines
Airlines frequently send out flash sale emails, following them on social media can help you stay updated with quick sales and promotions.
