Reddit is a social media site where people come together to discuss news, pop culture, and thousands of niche interests in so-called “subreddits.” In particular, the platform is a treasure trove of travel tips — jet-setters and seasoned adventurers log on to share all of their best recommendations, from bucket-list itineraries and must-visit attractions to clever packing tips and useful gadgets you never knew you needed. With over 15,000 travel-focused communities, it’s no wonder that curious travelers flock to the site for guidance. We’ve rounded up some of the best travel hacks from savvy Reddit users to help elevate your next journey.
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Ship Your Luggage Ahead
Why haul heavy luggage through airports or crowded public transportation if you don’t have to? User nedmg recommends sending it to your destination ahead of time. They use this hack while traveling in Japan, where they recently sent their heavy luggage from Tokyo to Kyoto for just $17 using Takuhaibin, a luggage shipping service.
Shipping your luggage saves you the hassle of lugging your bags around the airport, ensuring your luggage will be waiting for you in your hotel room upon arrival. Many delivery services offer same-day or next-day options, and services like Send My Bag also offer long-distance deliveries for international trips.
Track Your Belongings With an AirTag
The benefits of an Apple AirTag or similar Bluetooth tracker like the Tile far outweigh the cost of replacing luggage and belongings. These tiny gadgets allow you to track your bags through your phone from anywhere in the world.
Reddit user DryDependent6854 shared how an AirTag saved them from a potential travel headache when they lost their car in the massive parking lot at Mont-Saint-Michel in France. The lot was divided by hedges, causing limited visibility, but they had an AirTag in their backpack in the trunk, allowing them to locate the car quickly.
Always Pack Ziploc Bags
A simple Ziploc bag is the travel essential you didn’t know you needed. According to user Pure-Remote9614, plastic storage bags can serve countless purposes. “Dirty hotel remotes? Stick it in a Ziploc. Soiled clothes and no way to wash? Keeps them separated and smells contained,” they shared on Reddit.
Ziploc bags can also double as makeshift ice packs, emergency storage for liquid leaks, or storage for loose change. Stash a few bags of varying sizes in your luggage during your next trip — you never know when you might need them.
Download Offline Maps
Getting lost in an unfamiliar place can quickly ruin a day of sightseeing, so download an offline map of the area on your phone before you set out. As Reddit user -chibcha- points out, it’s easy to lose service in rural and international destinations, so having a map on your phone can be a lifesaver.
With Google Maps, you can download detailed regional maps, including hiking trails, points of interest, and emergency medical centers. To do so, simply open the app, tap on your profile picture (or initials icon), select “offline maps,” choose your area, and you’re ready to explore.
Pack Your Own Pillowcase
Let’s face it — hotel linens aren’t always the most comfortable. To sleep more soundly during vacation, user NinjaCatWV suggests bringing your own pillowcase. There are also science-backed reasons to try this hack. Travel exposes you to excess germs, including those lingering on hotel bedding, making clean pillowcases especially important.
If you suffer from allergies, you can bring a hypoallergenic pillowcase with you. This can also help prevent unwanted breakouts or skin irritation during travel by ensuring your pillowcase is fresh, clean, and free of unwanted scents or detergents.
Don’t Waste Money on Bottled Water
Why pay for bottled water when you can find it for free? Several Reddit users offer tips for scoring free bottles of water and finding free water for refills. Contributor Doziness suggests always checking out the fitness center at the hotel, which often offers complimentary bottles of water as part of your daily resort fee.
Another option is to bring your own reusable water bottle and refill it at airports, attractions, or resorts. Consider investing in a TSA-friendly travel water bottle that rolls up for compact packing in your luggage.
Use a Camera Translation App
Navigating a language barrier in a foreign destination is now easier thanks to camera-based translation apps. These allow you to snap a photo with your phone and quickly translate text like restaurant menus, road signs, and product labels.
User InterviewAtTheRuins recommends the Google Camera app for Android — just click “translate” at the bottom of the app, and all the hard work is done for you. Apple iOS users will need to download a separate app, such as Speak & Translate, which translates over 100 languages and provides offline access for remote travel.
Purchase an Airport Lounge Day Pass
Most meals at airport restaurants these days come with a hefty price tag. That’s why user santc recommends purchasing a day pass to an airline lounge for a cost-effective — and more comfortable — experience.
For example, you can purchase a day pass to the United Club (as long as you have a same-day boarding pass for a United Airlines flight) for $59 per person, which includes complimentary food and drinks, as well as access to exclusive restrooms, cushioned chairs, private tables, and even desks to work at. Meanwhile, a meal with a beer or two in the terminal can easily run you $50 plus tip.
Day-pass prices vary by lounge and location, but they typically range from around $25 to $100 per person. You can usually purchase them online or on the day of travel. It may also be worth signing up for a travel credit card that offers lounge access as a perk.
Choose Luggage That Stands Out
The travel threads of Reddit are chock-full of firsthand experiences of lost or stolen luggage. Many Reddit users say one way to mitigate this is to make your luggage stand out from the crowd to reduce the chance of mix-ups. Some even recommend purchasing uniquely colored or neon luggage.
Contributor VegetableNomad went the extra mile, explaining, “I bought the ugliest luggage I could find,” which was lime green and zebra print. It’s easy to spot this on the luggage carousel, and they’ve never seen anyone else with it, so the chances of another traveler mistakenly picking it up — or trying to steal it — are slim.
Others suggest bold stickers, colorful duct tape or ribbons on handles, and luggage covers or straps. After all, there’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination without your luggage.
Come Back to a Clean House
One way to beat the post-vacation blues is to return to a pristine environment and a home-cooked meal. Reddit user pri_ya recommends doing a deep clean before heading out and, above all else, having freshly pressed sheets on the bed. This allows you to walk in the door, drop your belongings, and relax after a long day of travel. Other users added that making a meal or two beforehand to store in the freezer (lasagna is a favorite) ensures a stress-free return with little to do but unwind and reminisce about your vacation.
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