5 Travel Hacks Worth Bookmarking For Your Next Trip

Easy Tricks to Maximize Your Flight Travel
Filed Under > Travel

Travel hacks for your next flight, @waitingonmartha

Every time I come back from a trip, I feel an even stronger pang of wanderlust for more.  And while travel is always so rewarding, the trips can add up FAST.  Luckily there are plenty of travel hacks and tips out there to help lessen the damage to your back account…you just need to know how to work the system. Whether that’s taking full advantage of the best loyalty programs with the leading travel credit cards, finding last-minute (I mean last, last, last-minute) flight deals, or even scoring access to the airport lounge during a hellacious flight delay, there are ways to get the most bang for your buck and enjoy even more comforts while you’re on the go. 

You may remember my 11 tips for traveling like a pro, but today I’m sharing five of my most recent tricks in the slideshow above.  Check out five easy travel hacks below, and get ready to say hello to smarter travel for your next trip!  What are your favorite travel hacks?  Cheers, Kat

No. 1…Score Access to the Airport Lounge. If you find yourself with a lot of time to kill thanks to a hellacious layover, cancellation or flight delay, consider checking out LoungeBuddy to see if it’s worth it to book one-day access to an airport lounge. The app partners with lounges in some of the busiest airports in the world, making exclusive members-only airport lounges a thing of the past.

No. 2…Choose the Right Travel Credit Card. The right travel credit card can offer fantastic benefits and rewards for your next trip. This list offers a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of the best options in 2016, and urges customers to look beyond the initial signup bonus to choose a card that works for them.

No. 3…Work the In-Flight Seating System. If you’re traveling with someone, and can select your seat assignments, book the aisle and window seats. You’ll then leave the middle seat open, which may deter someone from booking that seat at all (if the flight is not fully booked), thus leaving three seats at your disposal. If someone does book however, a simple request to switch seats can allow for you to sit with your travel partner as planned.

No. 4…Make Same-Day Changes. To most, the thought of changing your flight the day-of is either a) impossible, b) nerve-racking or c) unnecessary. But contrary to popular belief, same-day changes can be easy to do and can actually save you some money. By calling your airlines the day-of, you can inquire about cheaper reservations at different departure times. The change is free on airlines like Southwest and only $50 on other airlines to change the day of your flight.

No. 5…Land a Free Stopover (& Double Your Vacation). As many travelers discovered last year, creative planning can sometimes lend itself to a free stopover in an amazing destination (think Iceland, Casablanca, Istanbul, Sydney, Aukland and more). By landing a free stopover, you’ll be able to visit two cities on one ticket for almost the same price to fly directly to your destination. Though it does take a little research, it’s definitely worth the reward. You can find stopover information via search engines like this site.

 

Cedar Street Maia Travel Wallet

Kate Spade New York, $228

Shop Now >

A great travel wallet keeps things simple, and a beautiful one like this will be used for years to come (and long after the wheels touch down!). 

Travel Charger Roll Up

Mark & Graham, $49

Shop Now >

Say goodbye to the days of tangled cords in your carry on. This travel charger roll up is pure genius, and it makes a great gift for the jetsetter in your life! 

Canvas & Leather Weekender Bag

Mark & Graham, $199

Shop Now >

This classic canvas weekender with leather trim is perfect for a little getaway out of town. It’s roomy enough for a few outfits, plus easy to carry with an adjustable shoulder strap. 

Leather Passport Case

Mark & Graham, $59

Shop Now >

A leather passport case is a must for international travel. We especially love these classic options from Mark & Graham. Available in more than a dozen colors, and they look perfect with a monogram! 

Leather Luggage Tag

Mark & Graham, $49

Shop Now >

Pick up a matching luggage tag for your packed bags. These leather luggage tags are easy to spot, ensuring you can get grab your suitcase and get off to start your vacay STAT! 

Score Access to the Airport Lounge

Score Access to the Airport Lounge

If you find yourself with a lot of time to kill thanks to a hellacious layover, cancellation or flight delay, consider checking out LoungeBuddy to see if it's worth it to book one-day access to an airport lounge. The app partners with lounges in some of the busiest airports in the world, making exclusive members-only airport lounges a thing of the past.

SHOP THE LOOK:




VIA THE SWEETEST THING
Choose the Right Travel Credit Card

Choose the Right Travel Credit Card

The right travel credit card can offer fantastic benefits and rewards for your next trip. This list offers a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of the best options in 2016, and urges customers to look beyond the initial signup bonus to choose a card that works for them.

SHOP THE LOOK:




VIA HENRI BENDEL
Work the In-Flight Seating System

Work the In-Flight Seating System

If you're traveling with someone, and can select your seat assignments, book the aisle and window seats. You'll then leave the middle seat open, which may deter someone from booking that seat at all (if the flight is not fully booked), thus leaving three seats at your disposal. If someone does book however, a simple request to switch seats can allow for you to sit with your travel partner as planned.

SHOP THE LOOK:




VIA INSTAGRAM, @KATTANITA
Make Same-Day Changes

Make Same-Day Changes

To most, the thought of changing your flight the day-of is either a) impossible, b) nerve-racking or c) unnecessary. But contrary to popular belief, same-day changes can be easy to do and can actually save you some money.

By calling your airlines the day-of, you can inquire about cheaper reservations at different departure times. The change is free on airlines like Southwest and only $50 on other airlines to change the day of your flight.

SHOP THE LOOK:




VIA Wit & Whimsy
Land a Free Stopover (& Double Your Vacation)

Land a Free Stopover (& Double Your Vacation)

As many travelers discovered last year, creative planning can sometimes lend itself to a free stopover in an amazing destination (think Iceland, Casablanca, Istanbul, Sydney, Aukland and more). By landing a free stopover, you'll be able to visit two cities on one ticket for almost the same price to fly directly to your destination. Though it does take a little research, it's definitely worth the reward. You can find stopover information via search engines like this site.

SHOP THE LOOK:




VIA SEE AND SAVOUR
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  • Love your site & so fun to see my image as a part of your slideshow! Thanks for the credit – have a great weekend!

  • Kat Neunaber / 07.15.2016

    You too Meghan! Absolutely; it’s a gorgeous image! xo

  • jalexsa cintron / 02.27.2021

    I love the sleek and how cute this website is!!! it’s so cute

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