24 TRAVEL Hacks you NEED for 2024!!

Welcome to the ultimate guide for travel hacks in 2024! I have compiled a comprehensive list of my favorite 24 travel hacks that will simplify your journey and make your adventures even more enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time traveler, these tips and tricks are bound to enhance your travel experiences. From vacation planning advice, to packing tips, these hacks will keep you waaayyy less stressed on your next vacation!
⭐️LINKS⭐️
*Faredrop: faredrop.com/?fpr=christi80
*Blue Light Glasses: amzn.to/3H2UBTK
*Eye mask: amzn.to/3tAT0Bu
*Compression Packing Cubes: amzn.to/41GZawA
*Level8 Suitcase: amzn.to/3TDVwlb
*Handle Luggage Tags: amzn.to/41IZSJB
*Silicone storage bags: amzn.to/41J0RcR
*Kindle Oasis: amzn.to/3tAAqcS
*Mini pill container: amzn.to/4660ycB
Weekly Newsletter sign up: eepurl.com/iC0Iik
**Amazon storefront for all my favorites: www.amazon.com/shop/genxgypsy
If you'd like to help me get through the hours of filming and editing it takes to get these videos published, you can buy me a coffee (or a glass of wine) here...it will be greatly appreciated!!:
www.buymeacoffee.com/genxgypsy
*Don't forget to subscribe, hit that like button and share with other fellow adventurers (or wannabe adventurers!)*
Hello!! I'm Christi and I'm a 55 year old GenX'er who has spent the last 10 years embracing the adventurer within and I want to share what I've learned along the way to inspire others to find the adventurer within themselves.
Thank you so much for watching and supporting!
XOXO
Christi
Travel Insurance:
*TravelInsurance.com: www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_...
Luggage:
*Carry-On Luggage: amzn.to/3sqDAv4
*Backpack: amzn.to/34xfDtZ
*Compression Packing Cubes: amzn.to/3Jffbzm
⭐️ ⭐️ Links marked with * are affiliate codes/links which mean... if you sign up/buy a product (at no extra cost to you) I make a little bit of money so I can keep entertaining, inspiring and creating content to help you travel better :-)⭐️⭐️

[@GenxGypsy1968]

⭐LINKS⭐ Faredrop: faredrop.com/start-here *Blue Light Glasses: amzn.to/3H2UBTK *Eye mask: amzn.to/3tAT0Bu *Compression Packing Cubes: amzn.to/41GZawA *Level8 Suitcase: amzn.to/3TDVwlb *Handle Luggage Tags: amzn.to/41IZSJB *Silicone storage bags: amzn.to/41J0RcR *Kindle Oasis: amzn.to/3tAAqcS *Mini pill container: amzn.to/4660ycB Weekly Newsletter sign up: eepurl.com/iC0Iik **Amazon storefront for all my favorites: www.amazon.com/shop/genxgypsy If you'd like to help me get through the hours of filming and editing it takes to get these videos published, you can buy me a coffee (or a glass of wine) here...it will be greatly appreciated!!: www.buymeacoffee.com/genxgypsy

[@amydale7408]

Travel Hack #13 - One thing my husband and I do when renting a car is bring a small stuffed toy to lay on the dashboard or hang from the rear view mirror. This way we know it's our rental.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

I love this, so cute 😊. Thanks for sharing!

[@DillyDahlia]

Regarding the luggage tags with your personal info…I started only putting our phone numbers on there, not our addresses. That way no one knows where you live and that you’re not home.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Agreed!! Years ago I started only putting my phone number and email address 😊

[@ginafuller1654]

Sticky note is a great idea! I always forget something basic and end up replacing it on a trip, which is just a hassle and a waste of money.

[@aminor7476]

I learned the lesson about taking pictures of my rental car, when I was in Ukraine. Upon returning the car, the operator wanted to charge me for a dent in the rental car. I showed him a video of the vehicle at checkout and there was the dent. He could not say anything. 😊

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Yes, even in the US rental car operators can be unscrupulous... I had that same thing happen to me. Now I take pictures of anything I find wrong on the rental car when we're doing our "walk around"!

[@chris...9497]

Also, examine your lodgings the moment you arrive and take photos of anything 'questionable'. Then send the photos to yourself as email attachments, to timestamp them. That small ding in the wall or burn on the carpet is documented before there was time enough to have been YOU who caused it. Enough issues with your lodgings and you could even get an upgrade, discount, or refund.

[@smajd86]

You don't need to bring a chip clip - just use the skirt hanger from the closet.

[@chris...9497]

StickyNote additional hack: Put on or next to the interior of the last door you will be going out of to travel: -List everything you need to shut off, unplug, dial down, or turn on. -List services that need to be rescheduled, suspended, or cancelled. -List everyone you need to speak to or make arrangements with (includes someone to collect your mail/newspapers, someone providing care for a pet or plants, someone at the bank which days are spent in what location so your credit isn't flagged). -Reminder to toss or give away any perishables that can't be frozen and might spoil before you return. Addendum to Travel Hack #17: Before you place your ziplock of flight essentials in the seatback pocket in front of you, be aware that often the pockets frequently don't get a proper cleaning. Barf bags get stuffed there and break or spill; kids stuff snacks and food there, and many stuff their used tissues there. I suggest you bring along a snack-sized ziplock of produce bags from your local grocery story. They're very thin and lightweight, and they compact to almost nothing. Put your handy essentials bag inside a produce back before putting it inside the seatback pocket. At the end of the flight, take out just the essentials bag and repack in your personal bag. Then reach into the produce bag and pull it out by grasping the interior bottom, turning the bag inside out. Any unpleasantness in the pocket will be inside the reversed produce bag and safe to handle and toss. Addendum to Travel Hack #18: If you're traveling in warm weather between warm climates, you might consider using an inflatable bath pillow for lumbar support. In addition, for those with short legs, you might bring a small beach ball, only partially inflate it, and use it for a footrest. (A limp beach ball could also be used for lumbar support.) TSA considers anything that's SPREADABLE to be a 'liquid' (oils, fluids, nut butters, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, etc). Addendum to Travel Hack #20: Along with that doggie bag, bring a binder clip or two, to help attach the bag within easy reach. Please take care to only clean up your own litter, not someone else's. You can offer the opportunity to a fellow traveler to put their litter into the bag, but don't gather THEIR litter; there have been instances where an overly-helpful passenger has thrown away a scrap of paper or tissue with essential information written on it!

[@696969bold]

Google Maps: 1. Download expected map areas for offline use. No data/wifi needed while in use. 2. Park the car. Tap the blue dot that shows your location. Tap "Set as parking location." Your parking location will be saved in Google Maps until you remove it. Nice video!

[@durhamskywriter]

Whoa, that’s a great tip!

[@696969bold]

Also, take a picture of the rental license plate. Pay Park machines or apps always ask for the plate #.

[@TheWanderingWife]

I always carry a small pad of sticky notes and find them useful for all kinds of things! Cover up the annoying light of an alarm clock, cover the auto flush on the toilet ( we once had one that flushed every time we moved WHILE on the toilet), leaving notes for housekeeping that won’t blow off the table and get missed, etc.

[@katherinezulick8637]

I travel with a Uniqlo packable down jacket that becomes a lumbar pillow for flights. After two back surgeries, it’s a must-have for me and might be helpful for other people.

[@debbiemeyer7666]

I do the same thing! I have a bad back too and I have to use or my back starts hurting during a short 2 hr flight.

[@mhero2343]

Game changer!!!!

[@bronwynquinn4477]

Me too…not so much a bad back…but it’s a great pillow

[@ericholmes4152]

Poncho will also cover the backpack or daypack, if your wearing them.

[@truneilson]

After having my plastic chip clip break ive replaced mine with 2 wooden laundry pins, takes less space, and they never break.

[@lisaboles3724]

I use the pants hanger from the closet to fully close the curtains.

[@chiki1999100]

To add to #14, instead of having them the phone, I print and laminate all the addresses of where I'm going to be and put them in my walet. Perfect for filling customs paperwork or to show the taxi driver, etc.

[@silkenpaw]

You can use the clips on a pants/skirt hanger to keep the curtains closed. Found in most hotel closets.

[@TheScratchingKiwi]

If you have food allergies, many airlines do not guarantee their special meals designed for that allergy are allergen free. They use phrases like 'Low Gluten' or 'Low Allergen' and if questioned as to how 'safe' their special meals are, will suggest you bring your own food (which is part of the 7kg carry on limit). The food you bring cannot be hot and you cannot ask for food to be reheated. You will need a Doctor's letter to get the food through security. There has to be a better way than this.

[@shelleybergen1232]

Love your videos!! I'm not sure if these are hacks or not but they definitely save some travel stress. We make a list of all the Embassy and Consulate addresses and phone numbers for wherever we are going and then print off the list which I keep in my pouch for passport copies etc. We have never used this list but if we needed to we won't be panicking trying to find that information. the same goes for emergency numbers for each location we are going to. We also give our son a copy of this list as well as a copy of our travel itinerary including hotel contact information. The other tip I have is to register with your home country with where you are going and when. We always do this, we live in Canada, and it is how your family is found if something bad happens to you when you are travelling, or if you go missing then they have an idea where to look for you. A bit gruesome I admit but better safe than sorry. Our travel moto is plan for the worst but hope for the best!!

[@missmayflower]

Yes! I also write family/friend phone numbers cause I don’t know any of them anymore, just in case I can access my electronic contact list.

[@doloresfuertes6677]

In Europe the hack with a Starbucks bag won't work: the flight attendants always check the bill, attached to the bag and the name of the passenger on the boarding pass. I saw it myself few times 😟. Soon they will classify a matchbox as a luggage item and make us pay for it.

[@mswhizz56]

On long haul flights, instead of a doggie bag I take a plastic grocery bag. It can more easily hold all the trash you are accumulating due to the airline feeding you and giving you snacks more frequently than on a shorter flight. Plus you can offer to share it with your seatmate so their trash isn’t accumulating around you. I also like those bags because the handles already have a hole so they are easier to hang.

[@mamanothing9506]

For lumbar support I have a small lumbar "pillow" that is a blow up one. I put it in the side mesh pocket of my backpack and when I get on plane, I blow it up, and adjust to a comfortable level for my back. OMG it has saved my back countless times.

[@MountainTopHigh]

Link please? Anyone have a good butt pillow for the plane? Traveling overseas with a tailbone injury & wanting a travel pillow for the plane

[@gabih7481]

Do you have the name of it and where you bought it? I’m looking for exactly this 😮

[@mamanothing9506]

@@gabih7481 Amazon- I bought the McKenzie travel lumbar pillow you blow it up. It is pricey but saves my back every time!

[@mhero2343]

I got some regular packing cubes and they are good but i travel 2/3 times a month for work and i finally invested in Thule compression packing cubes. They are so amazing! I got 3 now.

[@BetsyDudash]

I love my Thule compression cubes, and two medium fit perfectly in one side of my carry-on suitcase.

[@kristinkessler3370]

Goodness! That sweater really makes your eyes pop!

[@ginnylee9928]

The blue sweater also flatters her hair color nicely.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Thank you 😊

[@merrilynblackmore6962]

Just signed up for your newsletter and subscribed. Enjoying your channel.

[@colleenmarin8907]

I agree that a dollar store poncho is a must! It saved me in Genoa last year, and I didn't have to lug an umbrella around for two weeks for a one-time use for two hours of drizzle

[@doloresfuertes6677]

I use this poncho in combination with a baseball cap; this way the rain drops down fall on my face and the poncho hood doesn't slide down.

[@markpuffer9615]

If you dont bring along a chip clip to clise the curtsins, many hotles have hangers that have clips on the to use. Usually, the laundry bag is attached to them. My wife and i use the laundry bags for our dirty clothes or shoes.

[@PraveenSriram]

Only 76 years until the year 2100 which is very hard to believe! I will be 116 years old at the turn of the century.

[@SheilaKarner]

I paused to grab some doggie bags to stuff in my backpack so I don't forget. GENIUS!

[@carolrequet5465]

Great video, great list!!

[@AnneFord-bb1ek]

Great tips!

[@itllbesuzanarchy]

I really like the suitcase handle name tags. Thanks for sharing!

[@elena_a-2023]

I have follow some of your “hacks” (suggestions) and I am glad I did! Thank you! And Happy New Year!!!

[@aminor7476]

I will try to opposite bin to store my carryon bag! Thanks! 😊

[@jezzacolognes]

Awesome!

[@cherylw445]

Love the doggy bag hack, and love the restaurant/convenience store bag hack!!

[@lorenadugan6355]

I have seen many of these videos, yours is the most unique. Good for you. I will be subscribing.

[@sylviacummings202]

I love these and I’ve been using the sweater or jacket rolled up for lumbar support for years! It’s so much better for those of us with chronic lower back pain. LOVE!

[@jordanragsdale6001]

My new favorite travel snack is going to be mashed potatoes. That cracked me up. 😂

[@colleencorr-panek1064]

I really like the name on the handle hack!! Perfect ideas! How do you carry your makeup? Thanks for another helpful video and Happy New Year 😊

[@GenxGypsy1968]

I have a few toiletry packing videos where I show how I pack my makeup, but honestly I don't bring a whole lot 😊

[@ElijahNetzel]

Japan 2024!!! So excited!!!

[@colleenmarin8907]

Laundry detergent sheets are perfect for stains, as well

[@angelesrodriguezp8545]

Happy New Year 🎊🎆🎈! Thanks 😊 for all the great information we have. Please can’t you try to get some more information about a people know they want to take your place on the plane and the flight attendant doesn’t know what to do. Happens to me because the connection was late,two ladies one was in the front seat the other was behind (friends) the flight attendant didn’t do anything. I see the airline did nothing,they just tell the people in line, don’t exchange seats. Please please 🙏 help me out with this. Thank you 🙏 🎊 ❤

[@fromdays2years]

3:55 Of you for get the chip clip, hangers with clips in the e hotel closet do the trick.

[@DebDebbiesWorld]

ive taken pics of where i parked for YEARS. it just makes one less thing i have to try and remember!

[@heyjenknee]

For myself the best hack ive learned is how u can use cotton pads/rounds that are pre-soaked with whatever liquid you need like makeup remover. One warning i heard only once so im not 100% sure of its validity yet but i heard u cant use 70% or stronger rubbing alcohol. Because i just soaked some cotton i know mine is 70 % strength. Thanks for the helpful video 😊

[@lisawilson9612]

Happy New Year Everyone! 🎉

[@PraveenSriram]

Thanks and happy new 🆕 year!! Hope 2024 will be the best year of our lives for both of us and it won’t be as bad as the news 🗞️ media is making it out to be. I plan to travel 🧳 to Canada 🍁 and Great Britain 🇬🇧 in 2024.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Thank you ❤️. Both sound like fantastic trips!

[@elnamayberry]

I just use a plain white plastic bag for my snacks for the airport or plane, and security doesn't even look twice at it. Just make sure if it's a sandwich with meat or fruit that you have consumed it before you arrive in another country, as most have strict restrictions on what can be brought in.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Very true about the meat, cheese and fruit. And it's not security that will have an issue with what type of bag or whether its an extra bag, it's the airline employees when you go to board the plane. If they have strict baggage rules, they will make you combine everything until it fits in the number of bags they allow. However, if it looks like you bought a meal or product while you were shopping in the airport AFTER you went through security, they will usually let that "extra" bag on the plane with no issue. 😊

[@staceyshinske3998]

can totally attest to bringing a doggie/garbage bag with you on a flight! i always get a diabetic or low carb meal and when I went to England, I got plain yogurt w blueberries for breakfast - well, i ran out of blueberries before I ran out of yogurt. so because I got the special meal, I was holding onto the cup (because I was sick of the tray being down) and somehow bobbled it, ended up w yogurt in my sneaker! so i will forever bring small plastic bags for garbage!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

I'm sorry about the yogurt in your shoe!!

[@terrymurphy9054]

I used these in February, but I put my first name on each one.. I even have personal luggage covers.

[@nnajj01]

I use the hotel or ship soaps to handwash.

[@MountainTopHigh]

I need all the travel tips/hints as I’m taking my first plane ride since before 9/11 and going to Germany in very shortly for a few weeks. Nervous with many so trying to suck it all up

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Hope you have a fabulous trip to Germany!! 😊

[@doloresfuertes6677]

If your small wash is not completely dry in the morning - use a hair dryer. Your clothes will be dry in a couple of minutes. ❤

[@GinnyVOfficial]

I had thought about bringing a small, foldable USB fan. Some fold up pretty small, but I think they would work to dry clothes overnight. I use a small fan at home for this reason and it works great. Hair dryers work great for that last bit of dampness.

[@doloresfuertes6677]

A foldable hair dryer is a great travel companion. You can also use it to dry last bit of dampness of washed clothes, you can dry your shoes and rain-wet clothes, you can heat up a cold bed (this is fantastic solution when you can't fall asleep because you feel cold). 💕

[@booksnbeaches7075]

Using a hair dryer or the hand dryer in the bathroom will also shrink your clothes. Been there...done that...

[@ginnylee9928]

I do the majority of hacks you have compiled. Thanks for such a comprehensive, helpful list. One hack I always, always do is to place my carry-on luggage in the overhead bin across from my seat. The rationale is I want to see my luggage at all times to be certain someone doesn't accidentally pull mine down thinking it is theirs when exiting the plane. I also place those velcro handle covers you mentioned on all the handles in addition to my ID tag (as well as my phone number inside the carry-on). Taking pictures of both my open, packed suitcase, closed carry-on, parking space, and rental vehicle are long-time habits of mine. I have never needed to use those pictures for "just in case I can't remember", but there could come a day . . . someday when I will need it.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

All great tips, thank you for sharing!! 😊

[@Randilynn66]

I ordered a kosher meal on our last flight to London. It was absolutely horrible. the omelet at breakfast was still frozen. They took it back. I didn't get it back for thirty more minutes and it was like rubber

[@carolynirwin7898]

Use doggie bags to pack shoes individually. Easier to fit in small spaces. Inside shoes I put socks or undies.

[@booksnbeaches7075]

Shower caps from the hotels or dollar store work way better.

[@mkkrum7734]

My husband recommended a privacy screen protector for my phone and tablet. I always have a screen protector anyway, but the privacy feature limits the angle of viewing data on your screen. Takes up zero additional space, but I can look at my phone/tablet for directions or sensitive information without worrying who else can read it.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Love this suggestion!! 😊

[@ruthgibson6475]

No! Keep your bag in your allocated space. I’ve seen so many people put their carry on and then their personal item plus a bag ( like duty free etc) up in the bins. Then the flight attendants have to remove it so other passengers can get their bags in. Be considerate of other travellers!

[@nsmith2209]

Sponge hack is a great idea

[@TheWanderingWife]

Re: Google Translate, make sure the language you need is on your phone before you go. Some lesser known ones have to be downloaded, but it’s all free. For example, we just went to Croatia, and I had to download it.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Yes!! Thank you for adding that 😊

[@truthmatters7997]

Are you able to pre,order a meal after booking your ✈️? Or foes that have to be done at the same time?

[@GenxGypsy1968]

You should be able to pre order your meal after booking as long as it is done a certain amount of time in advance of your flight, and I believe that depends on which airline you are flying. Usually at least one to two weeks before your departure. 😊

[@truthmatters7997]

@@GenxGypsy1968 thank you! Btw..I love your videos!

[@susangilliam6400]

Well this might sound rude but if I'm in comfort plus and you put your suitcase above my head and not above your head I will politely ask you to remove it because I am paying for that space just saying with all the respect.😮 I have already had someone remove their suitcase above my head when they were sitting in the row behind me and I'm just now beginning to be a pepper plus person and I'm using all of the benefits that comes with that One of my A lot of anxiety comes when I'm trying to plan a trip with my carry on and worry about not having a space above my head to put my suitcase and that's worked out real well except when I'm going on a small plane then sometimes those things won't fit anyway.

[@kayesena]

Regarding the frozen sponge - does that not count as a liquid?

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Not as long as the sponge is still frozen and you've emptied any excess liquid out of the plastic bag 😊

[@booksnbeaches7075]

Nope. As long as it's still frozen and there is not liquid. They work great. (Airlines will not let you you ice packs).

[@tnewman924]

Smartwool socks dry overnight

[@fromdays2years]

9:50 …and text that picture to someone. In case you lose your phone. Also let’s the other person you got there safely.

[@sherrytolbird7983]

I have gluten and dairy issues people who don’t have issues cause issues to those who do

[@SACREDFlRE]

Mentions cheese multiple times

[@margaretgiudice7698]

Your travel hack to place your carry on bag is someone else’s space in the opposite bin is dreadful! It makes it stressful for the person trying to get their bag/case in their allocated bin. Please don’t do it!!

[@kellydooling]

there is no such thing as someone’s “allocated” space on a plane other than the seat. while i do try use the space above my seat, if it’s not available, i just use what is open. no biggie.

[@DillyDahlia]

How is it “dreadful” when you’re not taking up any additional space beyond what you’d already be using for your carryon? What is an a-hole move is when people headed to the back of the plane put their carryon in a bin at the front of the plane so that they don’t have to deal with lugging it all the way down the aisle. Not cool. Another good reason to use the bin across from you it that she didn’t mention is that during the flight you can see better if someone is trying to get into your suitcase. A rare occurrence, but still.

[@ToriE1073]

There are no “designated spaces“ in the overhead bins even if you fly first class. Even though there are NOT designated spaces, the most accepted and recommended practice if possible, is to stow your bags in the bins slightly in front of and across from your seat so you can keep an eye on them. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I suggest you watch a few videos on overhead bin etiquette.

[@somepinkflowers]

Isn’t everyone entitled to have their one carry on bag nearest to where they are seated? As a frequent, international travelers over many years I would suggest everyone be courteous of other people’s needs. Maybe an elder or a family flying with small children need their bags nearby for numerous & varied reasons. Not cool to think only of yourself & your official idea of ‘designated spaces.’ If there is a Rule for such things, let it be this :: Be kind. 🌸

[@kellydooling]

@@somepinkflowers wow, that's some assumption you are making there. no one is being selfish or only thinking of themselves. and many of us are also frequent travelers, both nationwide and international who are courteous and help others. the only point being made here is that it's fine to put your suitcase on the other side of the aisle. your point about having "designated" spots is invalid. so, i guess we will have to agree to disagree on this.

[@patricianatkin7584]

That overhead luggage idea is ridiculous. Unless you are the only one getting off… otherwise you have both side reaching and trying to get past one another. Bzzzzzzzz