The old saying goes 'work smarter, not harder.' While this might not be as true in 2022, it does ring somewhat true when it comes to traveling 'smarter.' With a few simple hacks, travel can also be made easier than anyone even thought possible - and we've got four that might just come in handy.
Not every hack will be applicable at all times, but these four hacks are universal when it comes to any trip and any travel type. From managing pre-flight jitters to investing in cheaper travel options, these hacks are sure to save some stress and, potentially, some money, to make traveling that much easier. When in doubt, take a page from those who have done it before - because these hacks are tried and true.
Avoid Paying More Than You Should For Airfare
One of the biggest things that complicate traveling is the price point of most flights. Flying is not a cheap thing to do and plane tickets can come with a hefty price tag. Many times, travelers will avoid booking certain destinations because the airfare doesn't fit into their budget which is one aspect of travel that scares off many people. A tip to avoid pricey airfare? Know where to look for tickets, and when.
The best thing a traveler can do for themselves is to plan (and research) a vacation well in advance. Problems arise when airfare must be purchased last minute, and the flight deals must align with the hotel booking dates. The more time a traveler has in advance to balance both of these things, the better - also, having a flexible travel date is extremely helpful.
Some other things travelers can do to make their travel lives easier include:
- Taking advantage of all the resources available. This means scoping out Google Flights, Skyscanner, Hopper, CheapAir, Expedia, and the list goes on. It's also a good idea to take advantage of alerts, which let travelers know when their chosen airfare is at its lowest, and when.
- Consider credit card points. For those who hold a major credit card, it might be worth checking out a points system to use toward airfare.
- Use frequent flyer miles. It doesn't necessarily need to be a long - or expensive - flight to accrue frequent flyer miles. Not that anyone should fly just for the sake of accruing points, but if there's a chance to fly often and with one airline, it's worth taking advantage of.
Considering Something Like CBD To Lower Anxiety Levels
In various forms, CBD has been shown to lower anxiety for those who use it regularly. This is especially helpful for those who experience travel anxiety and may benefit from something that could help lower those stress levels. Whether it's taken in capsule or tincture form, or used as a roll-on or in conjunction with aromatherapy, it can help soothe travelers enough that their anxiety is not debilitating - thus, making it much easier to do so.
The best part about CBD is that it can be used before or during a flight, following one, after a road trip (for passengers), on the train, on a boat, or wherever one might be traveling since it is legal in all 50 states. Its anxiety-lowering effects are popular among travelers, and many people refuse to travel without it in some form.
Utilize Offline Maps For Easy Directions
It's easy enough to get lost in a different state let alone another country, and if cell service is lacking, then that's an issue. Rather than being stuck in a bind with no way to use a GPS, consider downloading offline maps of the area via Google in order to have an outline of the area.
This can come in handy during a number of situations, including those where Wi-Fi is not an option, either. Some people also travel without international roaming as part of their phone plans, which means data can be scarce without an internet connection. It's better to be safe than sorry, and offline maps might feel old-school, but can really save the day for anyone unfamiliar with the area they're visiting. Plus, having a digital map eliminates the need to go panic-searching for a real one, and keeps travelers from having to ask the locals for directions. Although, this also is not a bad option - but having a map is a much easier one!
These hacks might be known to frequent travelers, but for first-timers, these are good to know no matter what the destination might be. Anything that makes travel easier is one that's worth it, and these will do just that.