By: Heather Keys
Buckle your seatbelts, travelers—and not just because the captain said so! We’re about to spill some major tea on travel hacks that are so underground they’re practically in another dimension. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, seen-it-a-million-times tips. Nope, we’re diving deep into the vault of “Why didn’t I think of that?”
So grab your metaphorical shovels, because we’re going treasure hunting, 2024 style.
‘Un-Google’ Your Maps
Let’s talk maps. But not just any maps—offline maps.
Yes! I know, it sounds like something your grandpa might’ve suggested, but hear me out. When you’re out in the sticks or strutting down a street where the wifi fearfully treads, offline maps are your lifeline. Pick up a physical map for that old school road trip feel (and for a fantastic souvenir of your travels), or download a detailed map you can look at no matter how spotty your connection is.
Set Up a VPN
If you’re new to VPNs, you may have wondered, “Can you be tracked with a VPN?” I mean…sort of, but if you’re looking to stay generally anonymous and get access to things you might not be able to view online in your destination, it’s a fantastic option, and one that every smart traveler uses.
Add a VPN to your device, and you’re practically invisible online. It’s like throwing on a digital ninja suit. You could be enjoying a gelato in Rome or riding a camel in Egypt, and no one’s the wiser. Plus, you get to unlock all the streaming goodies that may be unavailable in your destination, making those never-ending flights just a smidge more bearable.
Pick Up a Local SIM Card
Roaming charges are totally unnecessary these days. Local and eSIM cards are the underrated MVPs of travel. If your phone uses a physical SIM, you can pick up a local one at your airport or electronics store, or at pharmacies and general stores depending on where you are. And if you don’t want to (or can’t, like if you’re a Pixel owner) use a physical SIM card, an eSIM is a fantastic option to quickly get online and avoid exorbitant roaming charges in between finding wifi hotspots.
Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes. Trust me—they’re the closet organizers you never knew you needed for your suitcase. Imagine popping open your bag, and everything’s right where you left it, not in a crumpled heap. It’s like having little drawers on the go. Life-changing? Absolutely.
Read our guide to smart packing!
Set Up Multi-Currency Accounts
Navigating currency exchanges can feel like you’re in a bad game show. Enter multi-currency accounts. These let you juggle euros, yen, and dollars like a financial circus star, minus the creepy clowns. Wave goodbye to those sneaky fees and say hello to more money for souvenirs. Also a must-have if you’re a country-hopping digital nomad!
Download Podcasts and Audiobooks
Whether you’re in an unending line and bored out of your mind, or enjoying the scenery whizzing by on the train, or just need something to fill some silence, make sure you download a variety of podcasts and audiobooks! Whether it’s a murder mystery or a deep dive into history, they turn downtime into “me time.”
Join Travel Forums
If the Insta-glam travel influencers aren’t really your style, check out travel forums. They’re raw, real, and ridiculously helpful—our favorite is the Digital Nomad subreddit.
Snack Swapsies: Your Ticket to Culinary Fame
Let’s talk munchies. Forget about packing your usual snacks. Dive into the local grocery store or that corner shop that looks like it’s stuck in time and grab some local snacks instead. It’s like snack roulette. You could end up with something that tastes like it’s from another planet or find your new all-time fave. Share them with new friends or hoard them for yourself (no judgment). Either way, you’ll have the most epic snack stash and stories that start with, “This one time, I tried this weird thing…”
Read our guide to the best comfort foods around the world!
Ditch the Itinerary and Embrace the ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’
And here’s the kicker: Rip up your itinerary. Okay, maybe not literally if you spent hours on it, but be ready to toss it out the window if something better comes along!
Walk out of your accommodation with no plan and let the day take you where it will. Turn left where you’d normally go right. Follow that intriguing music down an alley. It’s like living in a Choose Your Own Adventure book. Some of the best travel tales come from days that had no agenda but ended up being chock-full of serendipity and unforgettable encounters.
So there you have it, folks. As you gear up for your 2024 adventures, remember that the best travel experiences come from thinking outside the box (or suitcase). These quirky hacks aren’t just tips; they’re your ticket to becoming a travel legend in your own right. So go ahead, give them a whirl and make your next trip legend—wait for it—dary! Safe travels, you intrepid explorers, and may your journeys be as epic as your travel hack arsenal!
About the Author
Heather is a freelance writer who loves exploring the intersection of travel and history. Read her other articles on Frayed Passport here.
Featured image via Pixabay.
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