Going on a trip is really exciting, but it can also be stressful. From overspending on travel to starving because you were sure there would be food on this flight, there are certain travel mistakes that people learn to avoid when they spend a lot of time globetrotting. Here are some expert travel hacks to help save your money, your sanity, and prevent a lot of annoyance the next time you set out on a vacation.
1. Know when to book your flight.
Do you get the best deals by booking domestic flights several months in advance or two days before your plane leaves the ground? The answer is neither. Book six months in advance and you could pay as much as 20% more. Meanwhile, if you book at the last minute, you’ll potentially pay a whopping 25% more. The magic number? Book one to three months in advance. Use an online tool to compare flights and you’ll save even more.
2. Roll your clothes instead of folding them.
With your flight scheduled and your trip at hand, it’s finally time to pack. As bizarre as it sounds, skip the urge to fold your clothes and pile them into your suitcase. Instead, roll them tightly. They’ll take up less space and you’ll find that they’re not as wrinkled when you pull them out to wear them.
3. Pack a small bag of items for use during the flight.
There’s nothing more annoying than that person who keeps getting up to grab items from their bag that’s in the overhead bin. Don’t be that person. Instead, pack a small pouch or backpack with items you’ll need while the plane is in the air. Include things like headphones, gum, a book, and snacks.
4. Go grade-school and pack some snacks.
Speaking of snacks, never depend on the airline to feed you. If it’s a short flight, you may have an elvish-sized bag of peanuts tossed your way. Longer flights usually include a meal, but to be on the safe side, always bring something to sustain you through the flight. Keep in mind that apples and overly crunchy foods may make your neighbors want to strangle you with your headphone cord. (Google “misophonia.”)
5. Bring noise-canceling headphones
Planes are noisy. People are noisy. Noise is annoying. Unless you want to sit through a few hours of loud whooshing sounds, people accidentally hitting their flight attendant call buttons, and that guy behind you watching HILARIOUS videos on his phone with the volume turned all the way up, bring noise-canceling headphones. You’ll thank yourself later.
6. Take it easy on caffeine and alcohol.
Especially if it’s a long flight, it can be tempting to down lots of coffee to keep you awake or throw back a few drinks to help you take a nap. Both are a bad idea for similar reasons. Caffeine and alcohol both dehydrate you, which will make you feel even more tired when you get off the flight. Caffeine may keep your eyes open, but drink too much and it can make you irritable. And rather than putting you to sleep, alcohol can actually keep you awake for a few hours after you consume it. Keep your caffeine and adult beverage intake to a minimum. Opt to keep hydrated with decaf or club soda with a slice of lemon instead.
7. Layer up!
Even when you board a flight in the sweltering heat, you’d be surprised at how cold it can get once the cabin is pressurized and the air conditioner is on. Always bring a comfortable sweatshirt or a hoodie you can throw on if you get chilly. If you don’t get cold, you can always use it as a pillow and fall asleep until the flight attendant wakes you up, refreshed and ready to head out and enjoy your destination.
