Summer travel season is almost here, and if you’re planning a trip, you might be looking for some smart tips to make your journey easier. Luckily, a trending Reddit thread has gone viral where seasoned travelers are sharing their best travel hacks—little tricks they wish they’d known sooner. These tips cover everything from saving time and money to making long flights in economy class a lot more comfortable. No matter what part of your trip you’re worried about, there’s probably a useful tip for it, from the moment you leave for the airport until you check out of your hotel.
One of the first things travelers mentioned was getting through airport security smoothly. A frequent flyer shared a smart trick: instead of placing your phone, wallet, and other small items in those plastic bins, just put them directly into your backpack or purse before sending it through the scanner. Why? Because loose items in bins can easily get knocked over or even stuck in the machine. “The more stuff you have in a bin, the more likely you are to forget something, especially if you’re rushing,” they explained.
Packing smart was another big topic. Some travelers swear by bringing a small travel fan—not only does it keep you cool in hot places, but the gentle hum also works as white noise to help you sleep. Another clever idea? Packing a deflated beach ball. You can blow it up just enough to use as a pillow on the plane, then fully inflate it later for some fun in the sun.
Once you land in a new country, the thread suggests joining a free walking tour right away. It’s a great way to get a feel for the place and stretch your legs after being stuck on a long flight. Plus, you’ll learn some useful tips from locals.
Even though we all rely on our phones for reservations and directions, several travelers stressed the importance of having paper backups. One person shared their go-to trick: “I always print out all my hotel bookings, flight details, and even a small map from the train station to where I’m staying. I keep everything in a Manila envelope in my bag.” This has saved them more than once—like when their phone died or when they couldn’t get internet access.
While most of the tips were about making travel smoother, some were focused on saving money. One big one? Using a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Those small fees can add up fast when you’re using your card abroad, so avoiding them can keep more cash in your pocket.
The most upvoted tip in the thread (with over 400 likes) was about keeping a dedicated travel toiletry bag. The idea is simple: fill a small bag with essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, and other daily necessities—and then don’t use those items at home. That way, you’ll always have a fully stocked travel kit ready to go. It sounds obvious, but a lot of people use the same toiletries at home and on trips, which means they often run out at the worst time.
For hotel stays, travelers shared some genius hacks. One popular tip? Using clothes hanger clips to keep curtains tightly closed, blocking out sunlight or streetlights for better sleep. Another smart idea was using the ironing board as extra storage space in small rooms—just unfold it and suddenly you’ve got a handy shelf for your stuff.
A lot of experienced travelers also agreed on one golden rule: pack less. It’s tempting to bring extra clothes and gear “just in case,” but a lighter suitcase makes moving around so much easier.
Finally, one last tip—which is also a favorite of Travel + Leisure—is to place a shoe inside the hotel safe along with your passport, cash, and other valuables. It sounds silly, but it works: when you go to grab your shoes before leaving, you’ll remember to check the safe and won’t accidentally leave anything behind.