Lost Winds’ Top 9 Favorite Travel Hacks

While at common WiFi hotspots, look at Yelp or other review apps. Look at the comments sections and you’ll often find the WiFi passwords. Or, use this wonderful resource.

Roll your clothes instead of folding them. My mom taught me this trick when I was young and we lived on our sailboat. Rolling clothes as opposed to folding them can save you up to three times the space. If you do it right, you’ll also avoid wrinkles and fold marks. Bonus!

If you’re traveling with another person, book the window seat and the aisle seat, leaving the middle seat empty. Your chances of that seat staying unoccupied are much greater, since most people don’t want to sit in a middle seat between two strangers. And, if someone happens to book that seat, then they’ll be happy to trade for the window or the aisle, so that you’ll still be able to sit next to your loved one.

As you’re prepping and packing for your trip, scan your vital documents, like your passport, driver’s license, visa, etc. That way, if your luggage happens to get lost or stolen, you’ll have the backup on your phone or tablet.

Keep a fresh dryer sheet in your luggage. If you’re not in a location where you’re able to do laundry, then at least you won’t get blown away by those dirty socks you have to lug back home! Here are some other handy travel hacks for dryer sheets.

Pack ziploc bags. All sizes. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how often they come in handy. Wet bathing suits, toiletries, seashells you’ve gathered…you name it. You’ll be thankful the rest of your things are protected.

Wear your heaviest, sturdiest shoes on the plane. It will help you comfortably get around the airport, but more importantly, save room in your luggage for other things.

Always, always, always (are you getting my point?) pack extra clothes in your carry on. Underwear, shorts or leggings, a shirt, and, if you’re going to a warm climate, pack that bathing suit! The last thing you want to do as you wait for your lost luggage to arrive is sit on the sidelines, watching everyone else having fun because you didn’t pack appropriately.

Lastly, I can tell you from experience that one of the most important ways to ensure an epic vacation is to get out of that comfort zone. Embrace the local culture, the local food and the local hot spots. Talk to the locals and learn from them. After all, isn’t that why you’re traveling? To make memories?