18 of the smartest travel hacks for transit
You’re smart, so you know the value of a good travel hacks list. If you are planning a trip in the near future, follow our guide for travel hacks for transit.
Travel hacks for airplanes
If you are taking to the skies, follow these travel hacks for a hassle-free flight:
- Score discounted fares when booking flights by pretending your computer is somewhere else. The place where a ticket is purchased is called its point of sale. This can affect its price because airlines will often charge as much as market research says they can. However, the price of a ticket is sometimes lower if you are shopping (or pretending to shop) in a country with a lower standard of living or where travel companies are trying to establish themselves. Remember to do the math, though, as you will probably see prices in local currency, so Google the conversion rate.
- Don’t fear cold feet. Most flights have a 24-hour window to get a refund, even if they bill themselves as non-refundable. Do not pay more to ‘hold your seat’ for 24 hours (a new feature many airlines are offering). Purchase the ticket now and return within 24 hours if you change your mind.
- Check your flight status with ease by just Googling your airline name and flight number.
- Learn to limit your belongings to just those that fit in a carry-on to make it through the airport in record time. Whether you’re taking a long trip in multiple climates, on a cruise ship for a whole week, or are travelling for work, use the youGo Carry-On Challenge to ensure you pack efficiently.
- Save money on liquids at the airport by saving an empty plastic water bottle and refilling it after passing through security. Similarly, if an airport party is on your mind, bring alcohol in by putting it in travel-size containers or brining miniature bottles.
- Get upgrades by booking an economy ticket with a Y or B booking code. These codes mean the flier is looking for an upgrade, so should there be any open seats in the next class up from what you booked, you should be the one to get a complimentary upgrade. Of course, this works best when the airline recognizes you as a frequent flyer or a loyalty customer.
- Volunteer to get bumped off your flight if it is overbooked and you have no pressing plans, often times the airlines will offer you money for your trouble. Make sure you are the first volunteer, as you will get the highest compensation. Ask for cash or make sure flight vouchers don’t have stipulations and blackout dates.
- Make sure you have a pen before you leave the airport so you can fill out customs forms. Despite the regular occurrence of customs forms on planes, flight attendants rarely carry pens.
- Wear a night moisturizer on long flights. Re-circulated air will dehydrate your skin and make you look oilier when you deplane. If you are hoping to impress someone at the gate, put a bit of moisturizer on before take-off.
- Get food faster on the flight by ordering a special meal. While this takes some advance planning, but by requesting a special meal option (like vegetarian or kosher), you will usually be served first – which means you can sleep sooner. Rumour has it special meals taste better anyway.
- Minimize jet lag by sleeping right and eating well. Plan ahead and don’t stay up late the night before. Stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol, and consider taking a sleep aid en route. Read all of our tips for how to deal with jet lag.
- As soon as you land, go directly for baggage claim. It is amazing how many people lollygag around the terminal. Walk with purpose and you are sure to exit the airport much quicker than your co-passengers.
Travel hacks for cars and caravans
If you are road tripping on your next holiday, follow these tips for a peaceful journey:
- Choose your vehicle wisely. Use our list of practical tips for renting a campervan to decide whether a trailer, motorhome or campervan is right for you. Each option has different benefits and drawbacks that might be important for your trip.
- Make your vehicle more functional by utilizing household items. Turn a cereal container into a trash can or buy a shower caddy and use it to store and use food on the road.
- Remember where you parked in a new city by dropping a pin on Google Maps or taking a picture of the parking space with your phone. It’s usually a bad idea to rely on memory when it comes to parking in a new city, especially if you are driving a rental car.
- Consider supplementary travel insurance for your rental car or campervan. With youGo, every domestic travel insurance policy automatically includes A$4000 in rental car excess. This means if you hire a car and happen to have an accident cover is included.
- If you choose to use a rental car anywhere in Australia, you shouldn’t be left uncovered. That’s why youGo automatically includes A$4000 in rental car excess in our domestic travel insurance policies. Now, if you hire a car and happen to have an accident, your holiday isn’t over — cover is included for rental car excess.
- Go on the road with friends – and avoid the urge to kill them – with our tips for caravanning with friends. Don’t let your holiday ruin your friendship by splitting everything evenly, from drive time to fuel costs to snacks.
Read our other articles in the Smartest Travel Hacks series to make planning your next trip easy and enjoyable.