Traveling smarter means being well-prepared for your trip and knowing how to
get around. Additionally, taking advantage of tools such as deal alerts, Google
Flights, and sign-up bonuses in order to save money can help make travel even
smarter.
This article presents 15 travel hacks to make your travel more efficient.
1. Know Your Destination
With Travel Smarter, whether your aim is to save money, maximize the
experience, or simply make things simpler, Travel Smarter means doing your
research before leaving home. This includes everything from researching all
available information on your destination, finding deals for flights and
accommodations, and learning what local customs and etiquette are like -
among many other considerations.
As part of your travel preparations, knowing how to navigate a foreign
country involves learning some basic phrases or downloading an app that helps
communicate with locals. If visiting an area known for pickpocketing, consider
carrying around an "empty wallet and phone". In contrast, for those
visiting areas with limited public transit systems, it might be worthwhile
learning how to ride a scooter or use taxi services instead.
Smarter Travel has truly perfected the art of smart travel by employing
Optimizely to test and enhance its landing page experience, continuously
testing conversion rates and bookings with Optimizely's help. I spoke with
senior product manager Tony Haenn to learn more about their impressive
optimization program's effect on search conversion rates and bookings.
2. Know Your Budget
Your savings have grown, your PTO has been taken and you are eagerly
awaiting an enjoyable vacation. But being financially smart requires knowing
your budget and looking for ways to save while traveling; whether that means
packing light or taking advantage of free local activities instead of costly
ones. Traveling smart also involves knowing how to get around to your
destination before arriving so you don't waste money on taxi rides or wander
aimlessly due to lack of research - something small but essential when
traveling abroad.
Smarter Travel provides independent expert advice to budget-minded travelers
online.
4. Pack Light
Packing light when traveling is key to smart travel. Experienced travelers
understand how difficult it can be to lug around an oversized suitcase, not to
mention paying airline extra baggage fees when exceeding size and weight
restrictions. Luckily, there are various packing hacks that can help reduce how
much luggage you bring on an adventure; remember quality over quantity every
time! Additionally, try not bringing along items "just in case",
there may be stores abroad offering similar goods at cheaper rates than at
home.
Learning to pack light can give you a greater sense of freedom and
flexibility. A smaller bag makes your travels quicker through airports and
train stations, public transit rides more straightforwardly, and keeping track
of your gear easier - it will become second nature over time! Packing lightly
will become second nature with practice!
5. Know How to Get Around
Traveling smarter means making your trip as relaxing and stress-free as
possible so that you can fully appreciate every moment. This involves
understanding local transportation options, packing light, and being aware of
customs/etiquette protocols before reaching your destination. By following
these tips you're sure to have an unforgettable vacation!
This article was produced by the Chartered Institution of Highways &
Transportation's (CIHT) Smarter Travel team. CIHT promotes sustainable forms of
transport other than driving alone, such as active travel (walking and
cycling), public transit, car-sharing services such as Zipcar and electric
vehicles; or simply cutting back altogether on travel altogether. For more
information, visit their Sustainable Transport Guide here; their full report
can also be viewed here.
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