6 Travel Hacking Tips to Save Time

Have you been wanting to travel, but dread the hassle of packing and navigating through the airport? Travel hacking is a way to get more out of your travel experience without the extra stress. With these time-saving travel tips, you can spend less time at the airport and more time doing the things you love on vacation.

1. Use a checklist as you’re packing

Whether you’re taking a plane or going on a road trip, you should create a checklist of items you need to pack before you go. Be sure to include things like clothes, documents, passports, credit cards, electronics, and food on your list. And as you are packing, check off the items. Not only will this save you time, it will also prevent you from forgetting essential items that can delay your travel plans.

2. Pack less and pack similar items together

You should pack what you would need to get through the same amount of time at home, rather than planning to buy things when you arrive at your destination. This can save you time and spare you an extra stop on your trip.

And if you’re traveling with a friend or partner, you can coordinate (shampoo, toothpaste, phone charger, etc.) to make sure you have what you need, while also saving space (and avoiding airlines, train, or ship over-weight luggage fees). When you pack similar items together, you will have a less time-consuming, stressful, and uncomfortable time doing through TSA. You can use packing cubes to help organize you and your flight partner(s) luggage, for example, bundling liquids and electronics into packing cubes. (Tip: You can buy your packing cubes and other essential items when you redeem your Miles on Amazon or PayPal).

3. Use vacuum storage bags

According to the TSA, compression bags (also known as space bags) are allowed, and these can save you time when you’re looking for specific items or repacking at the end of your trip. Compression bags are a type of plastic bag that you can vacuum seal. These bags can help you pack more clothes and keep space in your luggage for other things you may want to bring on your trip or take home as a souvenir. They can also help you keep your luggage within the right weight limits and avoid added fees. 

4. Use TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry to expediate security wait time

Waiting in airport security lines can be time-consuming, but what if you could shorten it? With TSA PreCheck® that may be possible. TSA PreCheck® is a special screening program to make going through airport security faster, if you have a domestic flight (you can sign up for Global Entry for international travel).

Not only that, but you also typically won’t have to rummage through your carry-on for liquids, gels, or electronics, making your time going through security shorter. Plus, you can pay for these screening programs with your travel credit card and get back some points from it too.

5. Use a service to ship your clothes ahead of your trip

A luggage shipping service is a great travel hack if you have a lot of clothes or heavy luggage that you really don’t want to carry around with you everywhere. A lugging shipping service also means less stops being made inside the airport and more time to relax prior to your flight. A shipping service will deliver your luggage to your destination prior to your arrival, so make sure that your luggage is double tagged and securely locked.

6. Get an airport transfer to and from the airport

Having your ground transportation booked in advance can make your travel experience more stress-free. You can schedule through ridesharing apps or with a taxi company days in advance so you’re not scrambling at the last minute for a ride to the airport or to your lodging after you land. Plus, when you buy your ride with your travel credit card, you can earn rewards points to redeem during your vacation on food, souvenirs, and more.

Travel hacking is a great way to get more out of your next vacation. You’ll be able to see more of the world while spending less time at an airport or going through security. Not only can travel hacking help you get to your destination quicker, but it can also take some of the stress out of planning your vacation, too. If you’re interested in saving time during your next vacation, give the above travel tips a try the next time you hit the road.

Q: How do I qualify for a travel credit card?

A:  The type of travel credit card you get depends on several factors. Your income, current credit use, credit score, and other criteria can impact your ability to qualify for a travel card. Some premium travel cards may require excellent credit.

Q: Why get a travel credit card?

A: With a travel credit card, you can earn Miles you can redeem as a statement credit for a travel purchase. Eligible purchases include airfare, hotels, restaurants, gas stations and more.²