My Top 6 Travel Hacks

Everybody loves hacks, no matter what the topic is. It’s just cool to learn some little thing that makes life a bit easier, right?

There are a million travel hacks. (I haven’t counted them, but I’m estimating around a million, so that’s the number I’m going with.) But since I want to keep this article short and sweet, I’m giving you my top 6.

1. Don’t hire a cab or Uber at the airport. If you’re traveling with Hobnail, chances are that you’ll be picked up at the airport by one of our staff, but if you’re on some other trip, try this: Grab a free hotel shuttle — even if you aren’t staying at that hotel — and when you arrive, order your Uber or cab from there. The price of the trip will likely be a lot less because airport cabs and Ubers often come with surcharges. Plus, you’ll probably be closer to your actual lodging than you would’ve been at the airport.
2. When checking your luggage, wait in the line closest to the business class check-in line. Why? Because there usually aren’t as many business travelers, and the business class check-in agents will usually call for people from the next closest line when they’re freed up.
3. Make your flight confirmation your phone’s lock-screen image. This way, you’re not constantly having to open your phone and search around for your flight info — it’s right there waiting for you! (Such a great idea; I should’ve thought of it a long time ago.)
4. Use the FlightAware app to keep tabs on your flight. This info is often updated even before the airline itself does it! Plus, give your flight info to family members so they can follow your flight progress with FlightAware. It’s actually pretty fun.
5. Avoid airplane food. Why? Well, first of all, because it’s usually nasty or mediocre at best. But it’s also a proven fact that dry air and pressure changes mess with our taste buds. Studies show that our perception of salt and sweet in food is decreased up to 30% at cruising altitude. To compensate for this, airlines tend to overload their food with sugar and sodium. Not good! Pack yourself plenty of healthy snacks instead.
6. If you’re planning a few trips (and you should be!), consider signing up for the TSA Global Entry pass. At most big airports, this will expedite the process of moving through immigration when you arrive back in the U.S. after your trip. Apply HERE.

Have other travel hacks? PLEASE send them to me or comment here!