Since relocating from the UK to Portugal four years ago, my travel frequency has dramatically increased, necessitating numerous trips back to Britain and other destinations. This constant shuttling between countries has transformed travel from a sporadic event into a regular part of my life. Through this experience, and after committing my fair share of costly travel blunders, I’ve developed a system for simplifying and streamlining my journeys. From securing the best airplane seats to identifying the single most indispensable item in my luggage, I’ve compiled a collection of hard-earned travel hacks that have proven invaluable.
One of the most crucial aspects of my travel strategy revolves around booking flights strategically. Tuesday has consistently emerged as the day with the lowest fares, a pattern I’ve observed across various online platforms. Furthermore, Tuesday often proves to be the cheapest day to fly, making it a key consideration in my travel planning. To minimize the risk of disruptions, I prioritize early morning flights, despite the ungodly wake-up calls. While this may not be everyone’s preferred choice, it significantly reduces the likelihood of delays and cancellations, which can quickly derail travel plans.
Packing light has become a cardinal rule. While extensive wardrobes and seasonal accessories are justifiable for extended vacations, most trips only require the essentials. To expedite packing, I maintain a dedicated toiletry bag, permanently stocked with travel-sized essentials, eliminating the need for repetitive packing and unpacking. My most prized travel possession is an expandable carry-on rucksack, purchased from Amazon, which comfortably accommodates several days’ worth of clothing while adhering to the size restrictions of major airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. This has saved me considerable sums on checked baggage fees and, more importantly, prevents me from overpacking, a common travel pitfall.
Contrary to the common wisdom of checking in early, I’ve found that delaying the process often yields better seating arrangements. Early check-in frequently results in less desirable seats and prompts to pay extra for upgrades. By waiting until closer to the deadline (but never cutting it too close!), I often secure leftover seats that align with my preferences: window seats near the front of the plane. This simple strategy has consistently proven effective in securing more comfortable seating without incurring additional costs.
Managing finances abroad is another area where I’ve optimized my approach. I’ve long abandoned the outdated practice of pre-trip currency exchange. Instead, I rely on fintech solutions like Monzo and Revolut, which permit fee-free international payments and withdrawals. These apps provide real-time transaction details in both local currencies and British pounds, simplifying budgeting and expense tracking. They also facilitate seamless money transfers to friends in various countries, a feature I frequently utilize. Another crucial tip: Be mindful of ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt, which charge in local currency even when using your usual card. I learned this the hard way, accumulating unnecessary fees until I switched to a local payment method.
While it’s impractical to recreate the comforts of home while traveling, certain items are non-negotiable for maintaining a semblance of comfort and familiarity. My essential travel kit includes cozy slippers, a necessity in many European countries where hard flooring is prevalent. An eye mask is another must-have, ensuring a good night’s sleep regardless of the quality of window coverings in my accommodations. A travel iron, invaluable for maintaining presentable attire, and a pair of trainers for impromptu workouts also make the cut. Finally, for peace of mind, I occasionally pack my own smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. While perhaps overly cautious, this precaution addresses potential safety gaps in accommodations lacking the mandatory safety standards enforced in the UK.
Frequent air travel inevitably leads to occasional disruptions. Whether it’s a delayed or canceled flight, I diligently pursue potential refunds and compensation, even if the process is cumbersome. This persistence has paid off, securing full refunds and compensation for weather-related cancellations and air traffic control issues. I also claim back expenses incurred due to overnight stays necessitated by flight disruptions, ensuring I’m not left out of pocket due to circumstances beyond my control. Switching to a flexible phone plan has been crucial for managing communication costs during extended trips. My UK provider’s roaming limit of 28 days proved inadequate for longer stays. I transitioned to a pay-as-you-go e-sim for my UK number and use a local Portuguese sim card with a comprehensive plan for local calls, texts, and data. This dual-sim setup has significantly reduced my phone bills and simplified communication within Portugal.
