I travel, often for months at a time, and relocate often. Some travel hacks are pretty standard and constantly repeated. Also, long-term travel hacks tend to be different than the weekend getaway. Here are some unusual travel hacks that you may not have heard before!
Laundry detergent sheets
These are the best inventions ever! They can be packed flat, no larger than a few sheets of paper, and they work just as well as the regular liquid detergent! I’d even use these at home, to help cut down on the production of plastic detergent bottles. There are quite a few brands available now, so it may take some experimentation to find your favorite.
Pack to survive 2-3 days in your carry on
Full time traveling with several hobbies and events means that I do not have the luxury of traveling carry-on only. And this summer of travel chaos and lost baggage fiasco has me wishing that I could. However, I always bring the things I CANNOT live without in my carry on, in the event that my bag takes more than a few days to return to me.
For example, if I am traveling to a competition, I make sure that I have what I need to compete. I can always buy toiletries or even a few basic clothes. Many things are replaceable. My bare minimum competition gear, and the comfort of a few personal items (clean underwear, toothbrush, etc.) are not, and therefore, they are with me at all times.
Use AirTags in checked luggage
Also considering the luggage chaos this summer, I have found that AirTags are really handy when you have checked luggage. I can check that my bag is on the plane with me before takeoff for some peace of mind, and I know exactly what country it is in when I land. I won’t be ditching the luggage AirTag ever again.
Bring a carabiner (or multiple)
As a climber, I have carabiners stashed everywhere. They’re handy for attaching waterbottles, wet swimsuits, hair ties, foam rollers, keys, and more to the outside of my bag for easy access. It’s useful to have, even if it’s not often used, and takes up almost no space or weight.
Along those same lines a sling is helpful as well to tie items to the carabiner. It can also double as a yoga strap or a clothesline.
Visit the local 7-11
Any time I visit another country, I make sure that I visit a 7-11 or the equivalent. In other countries, a 7-11 is an inexpensive convenience shop with takeaway meals and snacks where the locals eat. It’s a great way to experience the local culture, it’s cheap, and it’s very interesting to see the similarities and differences between countries. You can always find the local version of the country’s famous food in a 7-11, for a fraction of the price of a touristy restaurant.
Along those same lines, I also love going to grocery stores in foreign countries and finding new and exciting things to try!
Does anyone else do any of these? What are your unusual travel hacks?
Check out my other post on 10 Essentials I Never Travel Without!