Life Hacks You Can Use When You Travel

Ready to get back out there again? Whether you are road tripping to the next state or taking a trip abroad, hacks can help you make the most of everything from packing to budgets. Here are some of our favorites.

Travel insurance is a relatively small expense that you should see as a normal and regular part of your travel budget. It helps protect your investment and your health when things happen, many of which are outside of your control. Plan for this by exploring different plans so you purchase the coverage you need.

• Think about packing clothes you no longer want or need. You can donate these items before traveling back home and make more room for travel treasure. You also can lighten your packing by forgoing some toiletries and relying on the stock in your hotel.
• Take a portable power bank charger. You’ll be glad you did when you’re on the go all day and your phone battery runs low or your laptop (hello, digital nomads) needs a bit of extra juice. Many of these power banks can be charged by plugging into a TV if you need an extra outlet.
• Ship some of your items to your hotel. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling for an extended time, such as if you’re adopting the long-term digital nomad lifestyle, or you have extra gear like golf equipment. Mailing some of your items can help cut down on baggage fees and lugging things through the airport.
• Double-check your cell phone plan to make sure you don’t get hit with unexpected charges. Look for free Wi-Fi at restaurants, libraries, or near schools. You can also download apps like Nomad to save on mobile data for travel to more than 100 countries.
• If your schedule is flexible, travel midweek, during shoulder season, or at the end of school holiday breaks. This often means fewer crowds and better deals.
• Check out what is on the way to your destination. If you have a long layover or are driving, use that time to build in bonus sightseeing. For extended layovers, take a journey outside the airport for a meal or a museum. When road tripping, take a break in long travel for dinner or to stretch your legs with a walk through a park or zoo.

Regardless of where you travel, knowing you have a backup plan can elevate the whole experience. Seven Corners offers travel insurance so that you can enjoy your trip with less stress. Visit SevenCorners.com or talk to one of our licensed travel insurance agents to find the right coverage for your next trip.

About the Author

Nikki Vivian is a UK-based writer with more than 10 years of experience writing for print and online publications, covering topics from lifestyle and parenting to food and travel to careers and professional development. Nikki has been published in The Guardian, writes regular profiles for Prospects, and is an expert contributor for several careers websites to name a few.