20 Travel Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money

Traveling can be expensive and exhausting, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some travel hacks that will save you time and money so you can focus on enjoying your vacation.

1. Divide cash. Keep some cash on your person, put some in your bag, and put some into your suitcase. If you lose a piece of luggage or get robbed, you will not lose all of your money.

2. Bring an empty water bottle with you. Most airport security will not let you bring liquids through the checkpoints, but if you have an empty water bottle, you can refill it once you get through security instead of having to buy a new drink.

3. Call your credit card company before leaving. You will be able to use your card to make purchases without being reported for suspicious spending and having your account blocked.

4. Pack smart. Rolling clothes instead of folding them will save space in your suitcase and prevent wrinkles.

5. Plan for sleep. Bring ear plugs and an eye mask with you so you can sleep even if it is noisy and bright.

6. Use Google Maps offline. While you have service, bring up an area of a map that you want to save. Type “OK maps” into the search bar, and Google will let you access the map even when you do not have service.

7. Use a phrase book. It is not necessary to learn a whole new language before traveling to a country that does not speak English. Instead, bring a phrase book with you so that you know how to speak common sentences. If you have a smartphone, you can even download an app.

8. Bring a power strip. You will be able to charge multiple devices at a single outlet, and you will only need to buy one adapter for travel to foreign countries.

9. Keep digital copies of important documents. Scan your passport, ID, and other important documents, and then email them to yourself. If you lose them, a digital copy will make it easier to get a replacement.

10. Bring plastic bags. You can store shoes in them to prevent dirty soles from touching clean clothes, and wrap toiletries in them to avoid spills. As you pack for your return trip, you can also store dirty clothes in the plastic bags.

11. Get cash from an ATM. Bring your ATM card with you to get cash as you travel. Local ATMS will offer far better rates than airport currency converters, which often have huge fees.

12. Bring fast drying clothes. You can reduce the amount of clothes you pack by washing your clothes and drying them overnight. Fast drying clothes are also useful if you get caught in a rainstorm while traveling.

13. Store power cords in a glasses case. You can easily access all of your cords instead of searching around in your luggage, and the case will help prevent tangles if you coil the cords neatly.

14. Look into renting houses or apartments. Check out sites such as Airbnb, Roomorama, and Homeaway before you make hotel reservations. It is sometimes cheaper to rent instead of staying at a hotel, especially on longer trips.

15. Call the hotel before making reservations. You can often get better rates if you speak to someone directly, instead of booking your rooms online.

16. Find free Wi-Fi. Check Foursquare to find out the location of Wi-Fi hotspots. Restaurant chains such as McDonald's often offer free Wi-Fi as long as you buy a meal.

17. Ask for your checked bags to be marked as fragile. Your luggage will be less likely to be damaged. Another benefit is that it will be placed on top of the other bags, so your luggage will be one of the first items to be released after you land.

18. Use a money belt. If you are traveling through a high-crime area, a money belt will ensure that it is not easy for thieves to steal from you.

19. Take an unlocked phone with you. You can sign up for a pay-as-you-go plan and have service even if you are traveling internationally.

20. Ask for upgrades. When you check in, it never hurts to ask for an upgrade, and hotels will often give you a better room for free.