Best Travel Tips

On a recent episode of 20 Minute Travel we had an opener about some of the best travel tips on a Reddit thread. I thought it would be a fun and entertaining subject to cover in detail on the website too. I'll pull out some of the crazier, or more interesting ones. Plus, I'll share some of my favorite tips below. Please come over to the ToP Facebook Group and share your favorite travel tips and tricks, or tell us which one you liked best from the list below.

Best Travel Tips & Tricks

Here are some of the more interesting travel tips and tricks I saw on the thread. I threw in a couple of my favorites from my travels as well. Let me know if there is anything we should add to the list!

British Plug Vs Euro Plug

The tip that kicked the reddit thread off was about trying to get a euro plug to work while visiting England. First off, why does the United Kingdom have different outlets from the rest of Europe? Was this a part of Brexit too? Bad joke alert, I know. Anyway, reddit user traumalt says you just have to stick an object (bonus points if it’s metal) into the ground pin to open up the live pins so that you can force the euro plug in there (gently).

I don't know that I would recommend trying this one out, since it seems like a fire hazard. You would be better off going down to the front desk to see if they have any extra adapters lying around. Sometimes they are willing to loan one left behind by other guests. If that doesn't work then you may just need to break down and buy a replacement at a near by corner store etc.

Another option for missing adapter is shared by kp1794. They say to check the back of the TV for a USB outlet that you can tap into to charge your phone. It will be slow but might help in a pinch. I once used my laptop to charge my phone an entire trip when I forgot the adapter in another bag. Luckily my laptop had been fully charged before I left.

Use Hotel Restrooms When Walking Around Town

This tip by reddit user saksit13429 is to use hotel restrooms while traveling, even if you are not staying there. This is a tip I have actually used myself. The lobby area of a hotel is usually very busy, and no one is making sure you are a paying guest. You may be there to meet someone staying at the hotel anyway. Maybe you are just looking to grab a drink or a bite to eat in the lobby bar etc. Hotel lobby bathrooms are usually leaps and bounds better than any other public toilet you will find. Another great perk is that they won't charge you to use it like other restrooms in Europe.

Taking it even further than that. If you need some privacy in the bathroom, or want the best of the best, then the conference center area is often dead and usually has the best public bathrooms on property.

Hotels For Help In English

To go along with the hotel bathroom tip, I wanted to share a good one if you are ever lost or need some help while traveling overseas. Your best bet is to go into a hotel lobby and seek out a front desk employee. Hotel front desks are more likely to have someone on staff that speaks English and will be willing to help you out. You should be able to find someone after a hotel or two of trying. Your odds are far superior versus other options in the area.

Move Your Travel Outside The Cancellation Window

Another travel tip and trick, which is shared by PassRevolutionary254, is to move your hotel reservation to outside of the cancellation window. You can then call back at a later time and cancel for free. This is a favorite travel tip among award travelers. It will also often work on award flights too, should you need it.

Line Your Suitcase With A Plastic Bag

Reddit user mmmmmarty suggests lining your suitcase with a plastic bag if flying through the southern parts of the US during the spring. That is because baggage handlers need to vacate the area ASAP if a lightning storm rolls through, and your bags could be exposed for a while. Others chime in that this is a good practice for cruises or backpacking etc. too. I personally ignore this tip since I am team carry-on. No lining needed in my backpack!

Ride To An Offsite Spot From The Airport To Be Picked Up

Next up is another travel tip and trick that I have used myself. Reddit user thatben says to use a airport shuttle or tram to get offsite to be picked up if it is crazy around the airport. There is also a chance that the Uber / Lyft price is a little cheaper away from the airport too. We used to do this when my parents lived in Atlanta to get a little outside the worst of the traffic.

To go along with this one, I will say to consider riding to the international terminal at the airport upon arrival. The international area is usually less busy and it can be easier to get a cab or Uber from there. It is something I often do when flying into Las Vegas.

Always Pick Up In Departures

Something I do every time when my family flies in is to pick them up in the departures area. It is usually a ton less chaotic and busy versus picking them up in the arrivals area. I think that is because it isn't a glutton of people all arriving at the same like around baggage claim. I will often see the arrivals area backed up a half a mile, all while the departures area has 20 or fewer cars in it. They can grab their luggage and still head upstairs afterwards, although it is even better if they are team carry on.

Bring Old Clothes To Leave Behind

A great travel tip by No-Clerk-5600 is to bring old clothes that you were going to retire soon anyway. You can then toss them throughout your trip to lighten your load as the travels go on. This is something I am considering on my upcoming trip to Asia so I can try to bring the least amount of luggage possible. I am okay stuffing my backpack full to start if I know it will be thinning out along the way. There are waste considerations you need to decide for yourself on this one though.

Look For Housesitting Gigs

Reddit user frequentcannibalism says they have some friends that look for housesitting gigs or jobs on Rover before they go somewhere. They may be able to save money on a hotel or Airbnb if they can find a good job. There are tons of ways to go about this one, including being a TrustedHousesitters member. Read Ben's full write up on the program if you love pets, or have pets and travel often.

Late Night Eats

The one that surprised me most, or one that I had never considered, was from user Sleep_adict:

If you are staying at a full service hotel and arriving late, after the kitchen closes, let them know and they will prepare a light meal and put it in your room.

Such a great idea if you know you will be hungry and are worried about finding a place that has food upon arrival. Kind of like pre-ordered room service order.

Best Travel Tips: ToP Thoughts

Hopefully you enjoyed this list of best travel tips and tricks and came away with some good ideas for your next trip. If you have anything that you think is worth adding to the list please let me know. Also share which one you think will be most useful during your future travels.