45 TRAVEL HACKS THAT WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER BACKPACKER

Yup, you read that right – call us optimistic, call us deluded, call us arrogant, call us whatever you like, but what we have for you here are all the travel hacks you’ll ever need; from ensuring you never miss a flight to finding your own personal omnipresent guide, from making sure your electronics are always working to weaselling yourself a little VIP treatment, it’s all here. Here are 45 travel hacks you’ll wonder how you ever did without.

1. NEVER PAY FOR WATER AT THE AIRPORT

Things have got rather strict with bottles of liquid recently. Doesn’t matter whether it looks as if the seal been tampered with or not, a bottle with liquid in it is a no go. So, instead of bringing a full bottle, bring an empty bottle to the airport and refill it after you’ve passed through security.

2. TURN ON ‘PRIVATE BROWSING’ FOR CHEAPER FLIGHTS ONLINE

Airlines and travel sites can record your visits by installing cookies on your browser, which can cause the prices you’re shown to rise simply because you’ve searched for those flights before. This is to trick you into buying your flights sooner and encourage impulse buying, the cheeky beggars! Avoid it by switching to ‘Private Browsing’ whenever you book flights.

3. ROLL YOUR CLOTHES FOR MORE SPACE

 

One of the most simple but effective travel hacks there is. Rather than folding your clothes, roll them up into a little tube. This will save a ton of space and stop creases and wrinkles – all in all, pretty sweet!

4. CHARGE YOUR ELECTRONICS THROUGH A TV

Lost or forgotten your wall plug for your charger? No worries, most modern TVs have a USB connector on the back or side. Simply plug in your electrical device and watch that little battery icon charge.

5. BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION WITH HOSTELWORLD

Hostelworld’s brand new mobile app makes booking the best budget accommodation even easier. Read full descriptions and full reviews of each property to make sure you get what you want. From party places with bars and pub crawls galore to the cool but comfortable spots where you can simply sit back and chill out after a long day’s exploring. The app’s in-built map feature also makes finding your accommodation a doddle. Best of all, it’s free!

Download them from Google Play and iTunes now.

6. BUY A PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER

 

Yeah, alright, this one might seem a little simplistic, but it’s very useful. Essentially these act as an external battery you can charge separately using a USB connector or even replenish with a store bought battery. Worth having one of these in reserve in case an emergency arises while your phone is out of juice.

7. USE A BINDER CLIP TO PROTECT RAZORS

 

This is one I can’t advocate enough! When travelling America by train, I was fumbling in my wash bag for some sleeping pills and, hey presto, managed to drag my index finger across the entire length of all three blades of my shaving razor. Cue profuse bleeding and stained train seats. Cover your blades, people.

8. EMAIL YOURSELF A SCAN OF YOUR PASSPORT

 

You’ll thank yourself if you’re ever a victim of theft or loss. It’s also worth taking a screenshot of any journey confirmations. If you’ve booked any flights, buses or trains, whether you’re on your phone, laptop or tablet, make sure you screenshot them while you have Wi-Fi or internet access so you can access them when you’re no longer connected. So much easier than lugging around printouts. As travel hacks go, this is one you don’t want to ignore in case anything goes wrong.

9. MAKE YOUR OWN AIRPLANE TV

 

If your plane is somehow lacking in personal TVs, you can create your own with your phone and a clear plastic bag. Simply insert your device, position it, then hook it onto the back of the tray-table. Apparently, you can also use the metal bits from the sick-bag, though I’m not sure how that works… maybe you can work it out from the instructions.

10. MARK YOUR BAGGAGE AS FRAGILE

 

Not only does this mean your bag is more likely to be handled correctly, but it’ll also find itself at the top of pile in the storage compartment of the plane. The result? Why, you’ll get your bag back first, of course. Jackpot.

11. USE ATMS/CASH MACHINES TO GET LOCAL CURRENCY

In this day and age it’s best to use these automated bad boys to get hold of the national currency, rather than local the currency exchange/bureau de change. Money converters usually have their own fees and rip-off exchange rates, very likely to be far worse than your bank.

12. ONLY UNPACK WHAT YOU REALLY NEED

 

If you’re backpacking your way across the universe, then it’s likely you won’t be staying in one place for too long. To save on packing time, only take out what you’ll definitely need in each hostel. This will leave you free for a quick and easy escape when you’re next on the verge of missing that bus.

13. IT’S ONLY JET LAG, GO RUN IT OFF…

 

Apparently, a bit of exercise before your trip can stave off the jet lag and leave you feeling fresh as a daisy.

14. MAKE REAL TRAVEL FRIENDS USING YOUR PHONE

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There are a whole load of apps out there that can help you make friends out on the road without going through the anxiety of having to approach groups in person. Travel Buddies and Backpackr can help you find travellers nearby and check out their itineraries. You can even match up your personalities by checking out their public profiles.

15. MEET LOCALS USING YOUR PHONE

 

Sick of hanging around with other backpackers? Well why not get a local to show you all the best places in town to get your groove on, using the Party with a Local app. Get a real feel for life in the town you’re in, or the nightlife at least, avoid all the tourist traps and make a new friend, all through downloading this free app.

16. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS ON THE GO

Decided on an impromptu trip to Borneo to chase that buff beauty from the beach yesterday? Well you can find the best deals on flights on-the-go using the SkyScanner app. The world of finding cheap flights can be complicated, but stick with the travel hacks in this article and you’ll have the basics covered in no time.

17. BUNG A (TUMBLE) DRYER SHEET IN YOUR BAG

 

Sick of your clothes picking up the faint scent of old socks? Well this little trick will keep them smelling fresh throughout your trip. If you’re going for the long haul, take a little pack with you and replace whenever the sheet seems to be losing its potency.

18. GET YOUR OWN PERSONAL DEPARTURES AND ARRIVALS BOARD

Ever get sick of straining your neck or even, God forbid, having to leave the airport bar to see the departures board at the airport. Well, thankfully modern life has done away with that ridiculous inconvenience. Simply download FlightBoard onto your phone and experience the VIP lifestyle.

19. GET YOUR OWN PERSONAL AI TOUR GUIDE

 

Having a problem finding a decent tour guide, think tours are a little pricey or just want to avoid people while you explore for the day? No problem, simply install Google Goggles onto your phone and take some photos as you explore. Every time you photograph a famous monument, your phone will fire back a bunch of interesting information for you to read. You’ll be an expert in local culture, customs and history in no time.

20. PUT YOUR RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES IN THE FRIDGE

If you want to keep your batteries fresher and full of juice for longer, bung them in the hostel fridge with your food. This is one of the more bizarre travel hacks on the list, but most rechargeable batteries retain 90% of their full charge when kept in cold temperatures, meaning you don’t need to charge them as often.

21. BUY A DUMMY WALLET TO CONFUSE PICKPOCKETS

Get yourself a dummy wallet to trick those dishonest types, making sure it contains a suitably offensive note and a very, very grim and disturbing picture of your choosing. Then hide your real wallet somewhere cunning and close to your person, like in an ankle holster or within the crack of your bum…

22. GIVE UP YOUR SEAT FOR FREE PERKS AND UPGRADES

 

OK, it might not look like a cool hack on the surface, giving up your seat on that flight, but it’s true what they say about karma and ‘one good turn’. Volunteer to be bumped from an over-sold flight and you could find yourself reaping all the benefits; free meals, drink and accommodation nearby, then all the comforts of business class when you finally do make it on a flight. I’m not going to complain.

23. GET ALL THE FREEBIES AS A MARKET RESEARCHER

 

Free meals, films, drinks; all that kind of stuff. Companies all over the world are looking for people to try out their wares, test their staff and give feedback. It involves very little work and is pretty enjoyable, really, so why not apply to be a market researcher in the country you’re travelling and get all the things for free.

24. FOLLOW THE PUB CRAWL PATH

 

You don’t necessarily need to shell out for that pub crawl package. Instead, look up the popular pub crawl routes in your city and head to the starting line. There’s bound to be a bunch of backpackers in there, or even one of the organised groups, who you can covertly tag along with for free.

25. STEAL THE RICH MAN’S WIFI

 

Do you rightly feel that lack of access to free WiFi is oppressive? Then don’t stand for it. At airports, locate the First Class Lounge, pull up a pew, connect and browse away like the Robin Hood of internet service.

Likewise, if you’re on the street, sidle up to a swanky restaurant and sign the hell in. And if the networks are protected, never fear…because humanity is generally decent, lots of people share WiFi passwords online – FourSquare is the best place to find them. In the words of no one; WiFi access is a right, not a privilege! Join the revolution!

26. MAKE AN INSTANT LANTERN FROM A WATER BOTTLE

 

Time to get all Ray Mears or Bear Grylls and stuff. Grab your head torch, strap it to the side of a big old bottle of water and, thanks to refraction, you now have a full on lantern. The apocalypse will now be a breeze for you.

27. WATERPROOF YOUR BAG WITH A BIN LINER

 

Pretty self-explanatory, really. Line your rucksack with a bin bag and it’s instantly waterproof and ready to use in all conditions. Couple it with this next hack and you’ll be on to something really special.

28. BEESWAX WILL WATERPROOF ALL THE THINGS

 

That’s right, buy yourself a chunk of bees wax and get rubbing. You can coat the outside of your rucksack, your little light jacket, hell, you can even waterproof your Converse. Travel hacks don’t get much stranger than this, but don’t you just love bees?

29. MAKE YOUR VERY OWN MOBILE PHONE SPEAKER

Everybody just wastes their empty paper cups and used toilet rolls, filling the rubbish heaps of the world. Why, I ask. Why?! Simply cut a slit in the side of your used toilet roll, insert your phone and you have a speaker. Even easier, pop your phone in a cup and that tinny, faint sound is instantly transformed into a blaring cacophony of sound.

30. USE STRAWS AND TIC-TAC CONTAINERS TO CARRY SPICES

 

You are travelling the world, people! Don’t go eating plain, that’s simply a sin. You can easily store your spices in cut up candles or empty tic-tac containers. Just make sure you clean that minty aroma out first, you don’t want it interfering with the flavour.

31. CARRY A PACKET OF CRAYONS INSTEAD OF CANDLES

 

As a co-worker pointed out, why would you carry crayons over candles? True. Still, I’m going to keep this Bear Grylls-like trick in here anyway, since you never know what might happen on the road. In an emergency, a full crayon will burn for up to half an hour and provide a pretty impressive light for its size.

32. LIFESTRAW

 

The genius Life Straw makes contaminated water safe to drink as you drink from anywhere – meaning your adventures are limitless!

33. PREDICT THE SUNSET LIKE A SURVIVALIST

 

Out on a hike? A little lost? Need to know how much sunlight you’ve got left? Well this neat little trick can help you work out how much time you have until the wolves come-a-sniffing. Simply count the finger-width between the sun and the horizon and work it out from there – each finger represents 15 minutes.

34. BRING A POWER STRIP OR EXTENSION CABLE

Looking after your electronics is a running theme in the world of travel hacks, but this one means no more fights over the plugs in your hostel room. And because you no doubt have some space on that little bad boy for everyone else too, they all love you and will buy you beer. All good deeds deserve beer.

35. TAKE SELFIES!

 

Whenever you start a new SD card on your camera make sure you take a bombastic and over the top selfie. This way you can prove it’s yours if you ever lose it.

36. USE GOOGLE MAPS OFFLINE

Obviously you can’t stick by a WiFi connection while exploring a city, not all that much happens in a Starbucks. Which means you’re going to find it impossible to access live Google Maps for that easy-peasy sat-nav style guidance for bi-pods. Thankfully, the latest versions of Google Maps now allows you to save map areas directly to your phone and call them up later to explore. Check out how it works.

37. PROTECT YOUR CABLES WITH SOME PEN SPRINGS

 

A nice and simple tip, this one. If you find your cable connections keep breaking, then simply wrapping them in springs from a biro can help. See the picture for how to.

38. MAKE YOUR FRAGRANCES INVINCIBLE

 

By transferring your perfume or aftershave to a smaller, plastic spray top bottle you can save space and eliminate the danger of breaking the bottle while you travel. Think something the size of a throat or antiseptic spray. Though if you go for either of those options, make sure you clean them out thoroughly first. You don’t want the original contents interfering with your aroma.

39. AVOID BULKY CLOTHING

 

One of the top travel hacks on this list by a long way. Unless you’re planning to hike Everest or trek through the Antarctic, you can probably get away without that insane puffer jacket and those three thick lamb’s wool jumpers. Instead, try layering up. Pick your fabrics wisely too. Thing like flannel are light, but great at retaining heat. You can also find lighter cardigans that will keep you snuggly, especially when combined with a lighter waterproof jacket.

If you need a few more packing tips, then check out our Hostel Packing List to see how experienced travellers keep things simple.

40. LEARN IRRITATING POP SONGS

One for the musicians! I know, you have a sophisticated taste, you’re an artist. That’s exactly why you learnt how to play the guitar. I feel for you, I really do. Do you think I wanted to learn those Oasis songs? Do you think I want to charm the legion of lager lout snakes while they wait for the next football game to appear on the bar’s TV? Of course not. However, those three simple chords impress. In fact, they impress to the point of free beer. And attention. Musical sophistication aside, who here didn’t start playing guitar for some attention? Put your hand down…

41. LEARN TO COOK A TRADITIONAL DISH FROM EACH COUNTRY

This is a great travel hack for making new friends, but make sure you do this before you go away. Then when you rock up to a hostel, you can buy a few cheap, local ingredients and knock up your own take on the regional classic. Just make sure you make enough to go around, then everyone will believe you’re a backpacker expert and want to be your friend – and no doubt repay you in beers.

42. BUY A SMALL BOTTLE OF HAND WASHING DETERGENT

 

Probably a bit of an obvious one again, this one, but you never know how long you might go without a washing machine and you can only really turn your undies inside-out once.

43. BULLDOG CLIPS CAN ALSO SAVE YOUR HEADPHONES

 

Not content with just saving you from slicing open your index finger on your razor, the bulldog clip is also here to save you from that insanely irritating time when just one headphone breaks. It might be bearable, but the sound keeps coming through intermittently, accompanied by distortion and white noise. Pretty easy to work out how this helps. Simply wrap around said bulldog clip and clip to your bag strap. Safe and accessible, all you’d ever need.

44. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE VIBER, WHATSAPP AND SKYPE

 

Unless you’ve lived under a rock for the last couple of decades, or recently left the Amish community, you probably know about all the wonderful apps out there that let you phone, video call, text and instant message your friends and family for absolutely free. Viber lets you make free calls, send texts and pictures over the internet, while WhatsApp lets you instant message.

45. GIVE YOUR CHANGE TO THE HOMELESS

And finally, make the last deed a good deed. Before leaving a country, donate all your remaining change to the homeless.

Okay, we admit it, we can’t possibly have all the answers, so this is where you come in! If you have any ingenious travel hacks of your own to share, stick them in the comments below.

Don’t forget, you can download our iOS and Android travel apps for free from Google Play and iTunes.