It seems like travel is finally getting back to normal: airports are crowded again, our PTO calendars are full, and everyone is planning and packing for trips they’re going on this year. With airports as busy as ever and flight prices at what seems like an all-time high, we could all use a few travel hacks to get us through the trips we have coming up.
Whether you’re someone who travels often or your trips are a little more rare, there’s always a travel hack out there that you might not know yet. After all, there’s so much that goes into a trip, from deciding on a destination to planning flights (or mapping out road trips) to scheduling an itinerary to packing your luggage.
We’re sharing six game-changing travel hacks that we wish we knew sooner, so that you can be as prepared as ever and have your best trip yet.
1. Travel with CBD to combat jet lag and travel anxiety
When traveling, your body and mind are really going through it. The last thing you want is to arrive to a destination you’re so excited about, only to not be feeling like yourself. CBD can help regulate your mood, reduce stress, boost your energy, and leave you feeling more balanced overall. Our favorite CBD brand, Equilibria, has tons of products that serve different purposes and can be extremely helpful when traveling. Our editors are always talking about which Equilibria products we pack when we go on trips because they can truly be game changers for things like jet lag and general travel anxiety. Plus, you can get 20% off your first Equilibria order with code THEEVERYGIRL!
Rapid Calming Melts
If you ever feel yourself getting overwhelmed while on the go, these Rapid Calming Melts are the fastest solution to getting back to feeling calm. The innovative technology focuses on maximum absorption, meaning you can take your recommended dosage right before takeoff and find yourself feeling relaxed by the time you’re in the air.
Use code THEEVERYGIRL for 20% off your first order!
Dynamic Roller Duo
This all-time editor-favorite roller duo comes with an Energizing Roller infused with uplifting peppermint, jasmine, and lemon as well as a Calming Roller infused with relaxing lavender, bergamot, and rosewood. They are super easy to travel with, and having both means that you can get an extra energy boost when jet lag sets in or a calming sensation when you’re feeling anxious or stressed on your trip.
Use code THEEVERYGIRL for 20% off your first order!
2. Don’t overpay for your flights
There are so many resources out there to save on flights that it would be silly not to use them. We understand that sometimes you just have to do what you have to do if you’re flying last minute, but if you have time to research your trip, it’s definitely worth it. Here are a few of our money-saving hacks:
- Use a service like Hopper, Skyscanner, or Google Flights to see all airlines at once and compare your options. Most even allow you to set up alerts so that you know when your flight prices are at their lowest.
- If you have flexibility with your travel dates, use a low fare calendar to figure out when it’s cheapest to fly to your destination.
- If you’re loyal to a specific airline, make yourself a frequent flyer account to earn points and save in the future. And if your favorite airline offers a credit card or partners with a major one, you can save tons of money by using that as your primary credit card.
3. Put dryer sheets in your suitcase for nice-smelling clothes
When you’re shoving all your clothes into a suitcase with shoes, bags, jackets, and more, it’s possible that they will lose their freshly cleaned laundry scent—especially if you’re going on a long trip. Our favorite hack for keeping your clothes smelling fresh is to pack a few dryer sheets in your favorite scent throughout your suitcase in between clothes. Trust us, people will be stopping you to ask how you smell so good. And as a bonus, dryer sheets also help reduce static.
4. Pack a zippered pillowcase for extra packing room
We’ve all been there: You go on a trip, spend a lot of time shopping (as you should!), and then suddenly you can’t fit everything into your suitcase to bring home. One of our editors shared the most genius hack with the rest of the team: Bring a zippered pillowcase so that in case you run out of space, you can put clothes into it and just bring it on the plane with you! This also works if you get to the airport with an overweight suitcase and need to put some stuff elsewhere. Not to mention that if you bring a satin pillowcase, you can use it during your trip and enjoy the benefits for your skin and hair.
Zippered Satin Pillow Cases
This set comes in 16 colors and five sizes, plus it’s less than $10!
5. Download Google Maps offline
When traveling, you never know when you might not have service—and if you’re traveling internationally, you might already know that you’ll be without a data plan. Google Maps allows you to download certain regions of a map (like cities or neighborhoods) to access offline so that no matter what, you can have some idea of where you are. You won’t be able to get directions, but you can break out your ol’ map-reading skills and explore a city the old-fashioned way.
6. Store your jewelry in cling wrap to keep it from tangling
We would recommend investing in a travel jewelry case, but if you ever find yourself in a pinch before a trip without one (or if you just don’t feel like buying one), there is another solution. Fully extend the chain of your necklaces and bracelets and simply roll them up in cling wrap. This not only keeps them from tangling, but it also takes up barely any room in your luggage. The last thing you want is to arrive to your destination and have to spend an hour untangling a necklace.
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Equilibria, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.