These 4 Travel Hacks Blew My Mind. They Could Save You Money, Too

I've taken a solid mix of backpacking, vacations, and business trips, and I'm lucky to have traveled on everything from a champagne to a shoestring budget. With over 40 countries under my belt, I thought I knew all the ways to save money and reduce stress when you're on the move. I was wrong. This year, I've picked up some new travel hacks that might surprise even the most seasoned traveler. Here are a few of them.

1. Freeze your liquids

These days, most -- but not all -- airports have water fountains where you can fill an empty water bottle once you're through security. But that doesn't always work, especially as some international airlines check again for liquids right before you board the plane. That second check meant I spent 7 hours without water on a delayed Avianca flight to New York. Granted, I could have paid for bottled water on board but I am stubborn and didn't want to give the airline money for what feels like an inhumane policy.

If you want to carry liquid in bottles of more than 100 ml in your hand luggage, freeze them. According to the TSA website, "Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening." Just be aware that your liquid might still get confiscated if it's slushy or has started to defrost. 

2. Always carry zip lock bags

I started traveling with zip locks after the start of the pandemic when I needed a place to keep my face mask clean. Now you won't find me without one. Use them for your liquids to avoid sticky shampoo leakages. Blow them up to make mini cushions for your breakables. Impulse bought chili oil in Mexico or fruit jelly in North Dakota? Pack it in a zip lock and your souvenir won't stain your whole suitcase if it oozes. Plus, if you get hit by unexpected rain or decide to go sailing, a zip lock will keep your cellphone dry. It's also a good place for a wet swimsuit.

3. Download an offline version of Google Maps 

If you're traveling internationally, roaming costs can quickly add up. It's often worth buying a local SIM or using an eSIM to cut costs. You can also set data-heavy apps to only connect when you've got wifi. On which note, make the most of wifi wherever you're staying and don't be shy about asking for passwords when you're eating out. 

Even so, there may be times when you can't connect to the internet, and it's often at the worst possible moment. Don't let that stop you from getting where you want to be. Install Google Maps on your cell and download an offline version of a map that covers the area you'll be visiting. It's also worth pinning your hotel or rental address as well as any places you want to visit. You can do it all before you set out. 

4. Tie your charger to your keys

Before you leave the room you've been staying in, it's worth doing a quick check inside the shower, electric plugs, and under the pillow. Those are the most likely places you'll accidentally leave something behind. Even better? Tie your keys around your charging cable, so you can't leave without them. Looping your charger around your shoe has the same effect -- it's about tying an easily-forgettable item to something you really can't do without.

If you're an Apple user, activate the "Find My" feature on your iPhone or iPad. This will help you locate a lost device. I also travel with a back-up power bank so I don't get caught with no battery. There's no point having an e-ticket if you don't have enough power to show it.

The right travel credit card can save you hundreds of dollars

The travel hacks above can cut costs and hassle when you're traveling. And, while it's not a mind-blowing hack, in truth, a travel credit card can be a lot more helpful than a bottle of frozen water. For starters, a card that won't charge foreign transaction fees is essential if you regularly travel abroad. Let's say you have to pay 3% for every international payment on a trip to Europe. If you spend $2,000 on that vacation, you'd pay $60 in transaction fees alone.

The best travel credit cards often come with perks such as certain types of trip insurance and credits for travel-related costs. You may be able to get free checked luggage and a couple of cards even offer free companion flights (though they charge an annual fee). Finally, look for cards where you can earn decent rewards on flights, hotels, and other travel costs. Even better, if you can get a card with a hefty sign-up bonus, that might be enough to cover a return flight on its own. Weigh any fees against the benefits to ensure you get enough value.