Travel Experts Share Their Best 20 Travel Tips

[@PackHacker]

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[@KalpeshPatel78]

My simple travel tip. Take photos of everything you are packing. Over a period of time, you will realise what you use more and what can be left at home. Plus, it is a visual checklist of things you HAVE TO take on a trip or be optional or worn so few times It can be packed last, if the pack permits.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@Dracomies]

You can also create an Excel sheet. Then go back and look at things you wish you had (then bring them later), things you never used (don't bring them) and look at how much laundry you actually use to later optimize the list.

[@vigorousera]

Three more tips of my own... - The more "squashable" your bag appears to be, the less likely you are to be stopped and made to measure your bag. Hard-side luggage is the most visible offender and most likely to get stopped at the gate. A backpack with too much rigid internal framing can also be problematic if it won't give an inch when trying to get it in an overhead bin. A softer travel backpack gives you a lot more leeway with where it can be stuffed. - Assuming you bring spare shoes, pack any small rigid items (e.g. sunglasses, toiletries, first aid) inside them. It's effectively inflexible "dead space" in your bag so may as well get maximize it. - Remove all the things that won't get through security screening and put them in your bag _while in line_ at security. Putting your phone, belt, watch, wallet, and change in a quick access pocket in your bag means you don't have to deal with it before the screening and don't have to scoop it all up at the other end.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@DonkeysYears16]

I have traveled to 67 countries and having the right gear is absolutely important. But most important is learning about the areas culture and ways of life. This will come in handy more times than you can ever imagine. Safe travels to everyone!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@alimfuzzy]

My pro tip (I'm not a pro): is if you have wide feet look at buying Brooks or Asics. They specialise in extra wide shoes and are a favorite of podiatrists.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@MsRotorwings]

As well as Salomon (wide) for hiking. I find Nike suits my narrow heal.

[@BradleyBell83]

The Altra wide toe box are the best!

[@darkdeb4185]

I have narrow feet. ASICS use to make them for narrow feet however not anymore. Extremely frustrating

[@enricolimcaco]

New Balance also good for wides, Nike has a few runners that are 2E or 4E, and Cole Haan if you want that hybrid leather Oxford and sneaker look for flexibility.

[@gareth449]

I like to print out a paper copy of my flights and hotel reservations , just in case of network issues , i also make a paper copy of my passport

[@Elaines-travels]

Merino wool is the best for clothing, e-sim cards, collapsible water bottles

[@cathytucker2009]

Yes esims are my new friend. So good to preload them and then just switch when I arrive. Game changer for me.

[@rmaa8110]

My 5 1. Carry on, carry on, carry on! 2. Sling or day bag for when you're there. 3. Your favorite outfit x 2. Wash, wear, and for undies have spares. Consider fabrics you can wash in a sink and that will dry over night. 4. Don't overpack! Unless you're going back in time you can buy cheap travel stuff wherever you go. Only pack what they won't have i.e. size 13 shoes, 36 inseam pants. 5. Important documents, credit card info, and contacts saved in the cloud.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@rockstar6790]

A sling/day bag is essential

[@MsLLs]

it's a good advise to book a flight with muliple layovers when the industry is stable. Now the aviation industry is still a bit shaky after the Covid, so they still cancel a lot of flights. And if one of your legs is cancelled, the whole trip is and u need to book it over and re-arrange everyhing. So my tip - until the market stabilizes, try to book the direct flights or with minimal layovers. Save your energy and time and worries

[@teddybearisms2505]

Backpacks with wheels are awesome. You get the best of both. Never wear a sling with money on your back. Keep everything of value that's small on your chest in a hard to open case, out of site if possible. I use to keep 500us (maybe spit with local money) bucks in my non-namebrand, non flashy shoes for emergencies. (muggers will take name brand shoes like nike). You can get phones with 2 sim card slot (i still have one). And never let a taxi driver put you bag in the trunk. I worked on cruise lines...and often left the tourist zones. So, I've avoided the worst. I did this stuff from day 1...it saved my ass a few times.

[@misstubbie1313]

LOL! It was great acting by Eric lugging that Monos suitcase. But yes, lugging suitcases when there's no elevator can be a pain.

[@PackHacker]

I did my best! 😂 Thanks for watching. -Eric

[@mychannelforlisteningtomus495]

I believe it when Gord says he isn't fooling anyone, but some of us fly under the radar just fine. I blend in basically anywhere outside of Africa or Asia. Even if you're not passing as a local, there's a difference between sending out subtle signals that you're a tourist and wearing things that scream "easy mark". It's generally beneficial to attract as little attention as possible, for a variety of reasons.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@AvtarRekhi]

If you want to have a day trip or longer car ride while on your trip, ask uber drivers you like if you could get their number and pay them for a day - usually you get a cheaper private driver and they get paid without uber fees

[@yaowsers77]

You're one of a few vloggers who recommends giving airline attendants a little something so I did this on my first solo flight. OMG she was so appreciative and called me her new friend. It wasn't much but she really loved it and made sure to tell the other attendant I was the one who gave them their gift. She was friendly to begin but really took to me after!

[@Niniriina]

When did u do it? I brought something but didnt know when to give it to them because they were always busy:(

[@yaowsers77]

@@Niniriina I gave it to the attendant greeting me as I boarded. Salted caramel milk chocolates from Costco! I heard they're very good.

[@MsRotorwings]

Nice!

[@user-ic2jl2ut6m]

Photo copy your passport to use when venturing.. No Jewellery Study your destination before you visit....be aware of cultural customs Wear jackets or pullovers with inside pockets to store cash, cards or documents. When using a TShirt, use a small flat card wallet tied to a lacing (it looks irrelevant) on the inside as a necklace. You can store cards or cash. (Used this over 25 times in Colombia with no issues as no one sees it)

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@bnguy]

Here’s my money tip! There are debit cards that you can use at any atm in the world and the bank will refund your atm fees. I personally use the Charles Schwab debit card. And it also doesn’t have a foreign transaction fee if something happens to your credit cards. Saved me in Canada when I went to a food festival that didn’t take card

[@Dracomies]

Definitely agree with this! You can basically walk past those lines of people standing in line at those Currency FODDER booths. Charles Schwab debit card is clutch.

[@goingawayguide]

Jewelry dupes are an absolute must when traveling - no way would I travel with my engagement ring! A good dupe does the job and if it's lost, no big deal.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@alimfuzzy]

Be careful if you use travel credit cards to buy anything at a casino or lottety tickets. My bank flagged it as suspicious activity and cancelled my credit card without notice. Apparently some banks have in fine print they arent allowed to be used for gambling. It left me stranded at a petrol station in the uk without cash and owing for petrol. Had to ring up a local relative to pay with their credit card over the phone.

[@achevres]

In Japan all 7-11 that I’ve been to accept foreign atm cards. They also have an option for 1000 yen bills which is great.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@KJSCalderon]

When we came to Boracay Island in the Philippines last February, me and my whole family slept the day on our arrival then we woke at arround 2:30 am local time. Me and my sister used this time for an super early walk to the nearest 7 eleven and the 24/7 restaurant (Boracay Island is secured. Don't worry)

[@Duubly]

I ordered the 35L Pakt One Travel duffel and from experience, that's more than enough for my Japan/Korea trip. I went to Japan for 18 days in 2019 and the Away carry-on 38L was more than enough for me so thanks to my last experience, I know for a fact that I never want to roll a luggage/carry-on with me ever again. Also, all the Airbrb I've been in had washing machines so I can definitely under pack. Worst case I need to hand wash some shirts and undies but that is no big deal!

[@thibaudgodard3893]

First minimalist trip for me in a few months, thanks for all the advice. I think I'll go with the Osprey 26+6. Excited!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@rockstar6790]

I like to add a few. Always bring your physical credit cards when you travel, in case Apple Pay (or any contactless payment with your phone) does not work in the country. Be alert of your surroundings and don't constantly look at your phone when walking. While they advise to go with the flow when travelling, it's okay to back out if you are not comfortable visiting a specific place (either for safety or security reasons)

[@morrisyarnell6083]

I take an expired credit card with several (10 or so)wraps of black electrical tape. Small, light and easily stored (about 9 grams) for emergency repairs, so many uses.

[@chevelleflorida]

I’m curious. What kind of things have you used them for?

[@Dracomies]

I know someone who does this as a decoy. Came in handy during a trip to Bolivia. They stole his decoy card but not his real card.

[@yaowsers77]

I'm in Montreal and when I got in, I thought I was ok with my phone plan. Well I wasn't. Wandering around trying to figure out where I wanted to get to without Google maps not working was... Interesting. Stopped and asked for directions many times. Thank God I had at least a couple of maps downloaded. I had stuff I was interested or really wanted to see written down but did pop into random shops that caught my eye

[@Dracomies]

One travel tip I'll add is to find things that save you time. Here's my list: (1) Get Global Entry, that saves you time. (2) Pack everything in carry-on to avoid the 2 hour metal carousel. My setup is 28-35 Liters and no more than 3 lbs (unfilled backpack). (3) Don't bring "travel-friendly multitools". Not worth it. First off, the Jetsetter will 'still' get confiscated in Narita airport. But most importantly even if your item is NOT confiscated, you WILL be stopped for inspection. Don't waste 20 minutes of time. Don't buy things that slow you down (4) Other people mention this but Charles Schwab debit card save time. No foreign transaction fees, no atm fees (5) While being in the back of the plane is more cheaper, it sometimes might be worth it to be more towards the middle or as close to the front. You're the first to leave

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@cathytucker2009]

7:38 Concur with Sergei. I had 5 hours of fun in Almaty Kazakhstan on the way to Uzbekistan. Was great to just have carryon and see a city rather than just wait in a boring airport.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@marianamirandoli]

Nice to see the "EU AMO FLORIPA" there. I hope you enjoyed Brazil 💚

[@MothHeart13]

This was such a good video!

[@rinkadink66]

backup mobile phone ... tote bag which folds down into your main bag .. I prefer a 40l barrel bag (half full) with a sling carrying strap.. so I can see it all the time.. cargo shorts and waistcoats with zip pockets.. ohhhh and smile a lot.. 😊

[@tvfd-thevirtualflightdispa978]

I have been traveling by air on my own for 48 years. I have racked up well over 1M miles and 90% of it on international travel. PH tips are on point. I have a couple of variations on their theme: 1) Money: get a small amount of cash in the airport where you will arrive (not >$100). Most things can be paid for with a credit card (and should be), but a little cash on hand solves a lot of little problems. The biggest piece of advice I will tack on is copies of your documents. I am not a fan of USB drives, lose it and you are toast. Backup in the cloud is good. Paper is better. Having at least two copies of your documents in different places and one you leave at home can save you in places which technology can’t. It sucks to lose your phone and your access to anything… It may seem like overkill, until it isn’t… The PH crew absolutely know what they are doing and give great advice (no this isn’t sponsored..). Another great video!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@LucasPassmore]

This channel has become comfort food

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching! 😃

[@zerocarbdoc]

email important documents to yourself. Is free and you can access anywhere you can access your email.

[@phoqueme]

Or Google Drive, always reliable for both online and offline use

[@33Jenesis]

No need to email, just put the unsent email in draft, safer for data security

[@feeb2634]

I have been to England a few different cities and to Scotland no problem with rolling luggage

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@andrecalil]

Floripa! Pros input! Love everything on this video.

[@PackHacker]

🤙🤙🤙

[@junichijam5364]

Glad to see you trying on a new look, Tom. Makes you seem more confident and relaxed.

[@constanzagonzalez6088]

I would love to see a video of essential in a year long trip, like for someone doing a working holiday :)

[@karlitoandreasson]

I really admite that PackHacker always raises when bags are bluesign or recyclable - but no matter how sustainable the bag is, I have to ask what sort of norm is this community pushing around such intense and/or frequent air travel? What norms or alternatives could we be sharing for more sustainable travel instead? Only 1% of the world's population causes 50% of commercial aviation emissions AND 80% of the world population has never been on a flight...

[@wanderingdavid]

Rick Steves, the OG. Forever a fan here also.

[@PackHacker]

🤙🤙🤙

[@DragonAntares]

Awesome Jacket Tom!!! Absolutely LOVE mine!

[@morrisyarnell6083]

I also have a 'throw away' wallet with expired license, expired credit card and a few bills in the currency of the country I am in and a few US dollars. Started carrying it years ago. Thieves are not going to reject your wallet just because the stuff in it is bogus, it is a grab and run situation. Although I must say because of the trips we now take with a travel company we have been quite fortunate in that they take us away from confrontational areas and warn about areas that might be questionable for tourists.

[@Dracomies]

Really agree with all these tips here. Especially the one about going 'directly' with the airline. Often you'll see fares from a third party provider like Kiwi or something like that. Don't do it! Pay the extra money and go DIRECTLY with the airline. If things go wrong the airline will work with you. But if you go third party and things go wrong, it's a death spiral in that they say to go to the airline but the airline will say to go to Kiwi -- and you waste HOURS, even days of time. Just pay the extra and book it directly with the airline.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@Labios_Rotos]

I have found the contrary to be true. I book everything through Expedia and the few times something has diverted from the original plan, they always work with the airline on my behalf to look for alternatives. I don't have to spend hours on the phone with incompetent airline employees who will give me the run around. Perhaps Kiwi is not as well known as Expedia and that's why you saw those results.

[@Dracomies]

I usually don't use Expedia for flights but I've had good experiences with them for hotel. I think for hotel, I do the direct opposite. As in, I don't go directly with the hotel, I book via 3rd party because hotels are much more expensive when going direct. ie Agoda is 50% cheaper than going direct with a hotel in SE Asia as an example. So you might be right regarding using Expedia for flights. But usually it's some other vendor for flights and what they do is actually try to combine flights but with too short of a layover. @@Labios_Rotos

[@cathytucker2009]

Money.. South Korea in 2022.. couldnt buy public transport card at the airport.. and all ATMs were not working. Good to have a stash of cash before landing.

[@Dracomies]

Japan is like this too. They are cash-centered and don't have a lot of atms. Took me a while to realize that the only closest places to me for atms were 7 elevens.

[@asoma64]

With your wide feet’s, what are some of your favorite shoes

[@livelovelaugh2130]

I have a question. You guys always pitch traveling with one rucksack in carry on. How do you do that? There are strict limits on how muxh you can carry carrry on. What am I not understading?

[@CraigFels]

Does anyone know what the crossbody bag is in the b-roll at 1:18?

[@rapmeister5242]

what was that black shoes?

[@andywu2334]

Hello, what Apple Watch band are you wearing?

[@Niniriina]

There are so many pros so I will post a question hoping that some of you guys have an answer: If I bring less clothes and wash them in the sink, what do I do in humid weather? In indonesia I tried to airdry my clothes but it took about 3 days because even at night the air was so humid

[@rebeccaw9656]

It depends on the fabrics of your clothes, how long they take to dry. Moisture wicking fabrics will be your best friend as they dry very quickly. Like athletic wear with polyester or thin-weight natural fibres.

[@cathytucker2009]

In South East Asia, yep my experience is that handwashing works if I'm in an air-conditioned room, and am drying merino tees having rolled them in a towel and stomped on them. Cotton tends to smell musty..

[@cbunn81]

The most important step is to buy clothes made from quick-dying fabrics, like merino wool or synthetics. Then, make sure you squeeze as much water out as possible. Rolling in a towel, then squeezing helps. Don't twist, though; that'll just stretch your clothes out. Last, do what you can so they get good airflow when dying. An air conditioner, bathroom extractor fan, balcony, etc.

[@Niniriina]

@@rebeccaw9656 Thank you!

[@Niniriina]

@@cathytucker2009 Oh I didn’t know, I will try the stomping method haha

[@BadlandsBehaviour]

Which color is your waxed trucker jacket from huckberry?

[@jennifer_u]

I always pack twice as many contact lenses as I need

[@MichelleDiana]

I’d pack the rubber gloves as well🧤🩸🩹 just in case of a deep cut or helping out a stranger, you don’t know what germs you have on your hands🦠🙌🏼😇

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for the suggestion! 😃

[@gjwhite]

Is that an oura ring??

[@kickass626]

What jacket is he wearing ?

[@eduardotirado839]

Tip 1: don’t wear shorts or flip flops.

[@MsRotorwings]

Flew from SAN Francisco to Germany in December next to a guy in flip flops and shorts. Total knucklehead. Who does that?

[@Dracomies]

You'll die in SE Asia from the heat.

[@carlosezetagomez]

Come to Perú 🇵🇪🇵🇪

[@adrianlee438]

May i know is you are allowed to fly with a tripod with your carry on camera bag?

[@PackHacker]

It will depend on the tripod! We've done it in the past with no issues.

[@brightboxstudio]

A year ago I carried on a Peak Design travel tripod, strapped to the side of my day pack. I went through five airport security checkpoints in the USA and Europe, and the tripod was never a problem. I think it helped that it comes with a gray fabric case, so it doesn’t look as intimidating as a bare black metal tripod. However, one person with the same brand of tripod complained that an airport in Asia would not allow his tripod to be carried on, so there are no guarantees. As with all airport security questions, what actually happens always ultimately depends on the judgement of the specific officer at the checkpoint.

[@xnoname223]

What the hell travel experts supposed to mean? You mean strong passports holder?

[@xnoname223]

@@Crying-Croc that’s cool to know! I think all of us would want to be well-traveled/travel experts, having all of those experiences, but unfortunately not everyone have the same opportunity right from being a fetus, one of which is to posses strong passport, that itself is a major privilege.

[@Bob_Smith19]

200+ flights? As in total or per year? That’s average for the year for me.

[@PackHacker]

Wow, that's a lot, Bob!

[@lanceklein2746]

😊

[@PackHacker]

🤙🤙🤙

[@happyheartslee]

I do not like the 'ask the locals stop relying on tech' it is so annoying. Rely on the map, if u dont understand THEN ask. Don‘t go wasting people’s time

[@GonzoMallorca]

Having +500 flights (without having them under my belt) i have been doing fine without these.

[@Bob_Smith19]

I’m close to two million miles and this video was a waste of time.

[@user-nv3xi8mz7u]

I ordered the 35L Pakt One Travel duffel and from experience, that's more than enough for my Japan/Korea trip. I went to Japan for 18 days in 2019 and the Away carry-on 38L was more than enough for me so thanks to my last experience, I know for a fact that I never want to roll a luggage/carry-on with me ever again. Also, all the Airbrb I've been in had washing machines so I can definitely under pack. Worst case I need to hand wash some shirts and undies but that is no big deal!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@PhoenixProLandscapingServices]

In Japan all 7-11 that I’ve been to accept foreign atm cards. They also have an option for 1000 yen bills which is great.

[@user-en6xz4dt3o]

Backpacks with wheels are awesome. You get the best of both. Never wear a sling with money on your back. Keep everything of value that's small on your chest in a hard to open case, out of site if possible. I use to keep 500us (maybe spit with local money) bucks in my non-namebrand, non flashy shoes for emergencies. (muggers will take name brand shoes like nike). You can get phones with 2 sim card slot (i still have one). And never let a taxi driver put you bag in the trunk. I worked on cruise lines...and often left the tourist zones. So, I've avoided the worst. I did this stuff from day 1...it saved my ass a few times.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙