11 Awesome Travel Hacks for Smart Travelers

Traveling abroad is an incredible experience. But it comes with its share of challenges. Here are few travel hacks that will make your next trip a lot easier.

1. Clear your browser’s cookies

Booking websites usually keep a record of your browser’s cookies so they know how many times you’ve looked for a flight or hotel deal. These sites often track your visits and your activity on the page and as a result, raise the price simply because you’ve visited before. Prevent this from happening by clearing your cookies and search for flight and hotel deals in incognito mode.

2. Choose your travel dates wisely

If you’re on a flexible schedule, pick your dates wisely and save on flights and accommodation. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are known, on average, to be the cheapest days of the week, and staying away from peak holiday periods obviously helps. Planning ahead can pay off too, as unless you manage to snag a promotional deal or budget airline sale, the cheapest seats are available when you book your flight around 24 weeks in advance.

3. Roll your clothes

Instead of creating a folded pile in your suitcase roll your clothes when packing. It allows you to accommodate more things in the space and you can even roll underwear and socks within your clothes for optimal space-saving. Also, place a dryer sheet in your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh and reduce static.

4. Scan your documents

One of the most-ignored travel hacks is about the safety of your document. Scan your passport, identification card, bank/insurance company phone numbers, insurance policy, and all other important document and copy them on a USB stick. Also, email these to yourself. This is a handy backup option in case you lose original copies.

5. Bring an empty water bottle

Airlines tend to charge for drinking water and even shops around at airport charge high for a bottle of water. Carrying a bottle ensures you have water readily available. You can carry an empty bottle and once you have passed through security, fill it up at the tap or water fountain.

6. Keep a pen handy

Ensure that you have a pen before leaving home so you can complete customs forms. It’s quite hard to borrow a pen while you are in a hurry to catch your flight.

7. Withdraw money from ATM

Money converters usually come with their own fees and the exchange rates are a rip-off. So, use ATMs to get local currency. For this, carry a Forex Card to avoid the hidden charges of using a debit or credit card. In case you use your debit or credit cards, do remember to call your bank and your credit card company to ensure that you have your card authorized for your foreign destination. This prevents them from suspecting suspicious activity and blocking your card when you do a transaction.

8. Download the Apps

Before flying abroad make sure you have all the important apps like Yelp, TripAdvisor and Matrix Travel Companion App installed on your phone to know about places for staying, sightseeing, or eating. Also, the Matrix Travel Companion App will help you avail various offers and discounts on your shopping, sightseeing, restaurant reservations and hotel bookings. You can use this amazing app to book your airport transportation and even an UBER ride!

9. Get an International SIM card to enjoy free calling

You should research around and find the best International SIM card that can offer you free calling facilities while overseas. This will help you save on international roaming expenses and also avoid the hassle of looking around for a local SIM card when you land. In case you travel regularly to different countries or are planning to do so, it’s better to get a World SIM Card so you don’t have to switch your SIM card each time.

10. Take Google’s help when you are offline

In case you haven’t opted for a good International SIM card like the one offered by

Yamini is a versatile Indian writer. She currently writes columns and articles for Matrix Cellular (http://www.matrix.in/), Atlanta Cutlery(http://www.atlantacutlery.com/) and Museum Replicas (http://www.museumreplicas.com/)