20 essential travel hacks

Airline loyalty programs, like Delta SkyMiles and AAdvantage, can mean major benefits for frequent travelers. Keeping this in mind, it's often best to stick to one airline to maximize your miles. As you rack up the miles, you can redeem them for future travel, hotel stays, and much more. 

If you're the spontaneous type, last-minute travel deals can save you a ton of cash. Look to sites like HotelTonight and HotWire for last-minute fares, hotel stays, and more that are often deeply discounted. 

The popularity of Airbnb and VRBO has grown massively in recent years, and so have the fees for staying in these properties. Before you book your short-term rental, take stock of all the cleaning fees, resort fees, and taxes you'll have to pay in addition to the nightly rate. 

One of the best travel hacks is also the easiest: travel a little earlier (or a little later) than your destination's peak season. A quick Google search will tell you when peak season is, and you can plan to go just a few weeks before it begins to avoid the crowds in popular destinations. 

Accidents happen when you're traveling, which sometimes means losing your identification. Take a photo of your passport's ID page in case of a mishap. Consider taking pictures of other essential documents, like travel itineraries and health insurance cards, if you're worried about losing them. 

Available with or without the vacuum attachment, compression bags like MagicBags can save a ton of room in your suitcase. Packing cubes are also a great option and will help keep your suitcase organized. 

Checking bags means waiting for luggage, paying fees, and potentially dealing with a lost suitcase when you arrive at your destination. Consider packing lightly and going carry-on only for an easy airport experience. 

If you go through the general boarding line, you know that you will have to remove some items from your bag for security screening at the airport. Organize your bag so that the items you'll need to remove — like your laptop and bag of liquids — are easily accessible to speed up the screening process. 

Alternatively, skip that hassle and drop the $78 for five years of TSA Pre-Check. You'll be able to use the Pre-Check line, won't have to remove your shoes or laptop, and make it through security much faster. 

Before heading to the airport, ensure you have all the apps you need. That includes the app for your airline's boarding passes, translator apps, and currency converters that will be essential when you land at your destination. 

Take a rechargeable power bank, even if your cell phone is fully charged and you're just heading out on a short trip. They only take up a little bit of space and will come in handy if you end up in a situation where your battery is on 1%, and you need help. 

Many people sleep poorly when they travel, and bringing a fan can seriously help. Use it to keep cool during the night or just for a little white noise while trying to fall asleep in a strange place. 

If your hotel has a concierge, talk to them! Hotel concierges are often experts in the cities they work in, able to tell you the best restaurants, the best sightseeing, and tourist traps to avoid. 

Airport ATMs and currency exchanges tend to have terrible exchange rates, so it's best to get cash elsewhere if you're headed to an international destination. 

Ubers, rental cars, and taxis can get pricey, but if your destination has great public transit, you can save a ton of cash. Scope out the subway or bus system before you head out, and use apps like Google Maps to plan your routes to make navigating these new transit systems a little less stressful. 

It's often true that car rentals are more expensive at the airport than at other outposts of the company in the city you're visiting. Check rates at multiple locations of Hertz or Enterprise when you travel, and you'll frequently find a better rate by taking the bus or an Uber to a location further away from the airport. 

A luggage scale is a must if you frequently travel with checked baggage. It can help you determine if your bag is too heavy to travel or if you'll pay a fee for overweight luggage. 

Injuries and illnesses during travel are the worst, so everyone should travel with a small first-aid kit in their carry-on bag. Fill it with essential medications, like pain relievers and anti-nausea pills, and other essentials, like bandages, antacid tablets, and hand sanitizer. 

Being stuck in the air without WiFi can get really boring, especially if you're on a long flight. Spend a little time before heading to the airport downloading movies, TV, and books to your tablet or phone from your favorite streaming services, and you'll be thankful when you're stuck in the terminal after an unexpected delay. 

Even if you speak a little of the language of the country you're visiting abroad, a translation app can come in handy when there's a language barrier. Download Google Translate, and use it when you struggle to communicate with someone.