16 Travel Hacks That Are Actually a Waste of Time and Money

Everyone loves a good hack when it comes to travel. Our screens are filled with tips that promise to make journeys smoother, lighter, and even cheaper. Not all “travel hacks” do what they say they would. Some are just time-wasting gimmicks that will cost you more time, money, and stress than they are worth.

Here are some of these hacks to skip on your next trip so you can focus on having a good time, and a great trip!

Booking Flights on a Specific Day of the Week

You might have heard that booking flights on certain days, usually Tuesday or Wednesday, will save you a chunk of cash. This was true in the early days of online booking, but most airlines now use complex algorithms to set prices based on demand, time and a host of other factors. If you are trying to time your booking to a particular day? It’s a gamble that rarely pays off anymore.

Folding Clothes Instead of Rolling

Travel circles are still divided on the roll-or-fold debate, but rolling clothes doesn’t always save that much space, especially if you’re bringing bulkier items. Folding can work just as well, and even if you’re not packing thin fabrics, it can prevent your clothes from wrinkling as much as rolling does.

Buying a Global SIM Card

A global SIM card sounds like a lifesaver, but you’re more likely to have a limited data, high fee, patchy coverage card. In most instances, it’s better to buy a local SIM card at your destination or find a cheap international plan with your provider.

Bringing a Selfie Stick

Selfie sticks were all the rage a few years back, and they promised the perfect angle for travel photos. Now, they’re more cumbersome than useful. They’re banned at several popular attractions and most smartphones have front-facing cameras that take excellent photos on their own. Often a friend’s outstretched arm works just as well!

Using Vacuum Bags for Clothes

Vacuum bags claim to compress your clothing and give you more space. The reality, however, is that the saved space is usually occupied by the pump you’ll need to re-vacuum the bags for your return trip, plus once clothes are vacuum packed, they can come out looking like they’ve been beaten with a hammer.

Booking Tours in Advance

There are some destinations that practically beg for spontaneity and pre-booking every tour or attraction can make you feel over scheduled. You can book great tours on the same day in many cities. Locals or hotel staff might point you to hidden gems not listed online, too. Skip the over planning and save yourself some time.

Packing Light

It’s great to pack light, but the urge to make it through a week with only a carry on can cause some major sacrifices. You’ll save on checked bag fees, but you may miss essential items. Sometimes, it’s an episode of ‘Extreme Packing’ trying to fit your entire trip into a small bag.

Pillow for the Plane

Travel pillows are a must-buy, but most of them don’t deliver the comfort we expect. They end up feeling lumpy or uncomfortable and just another thing to lug around. If you’re on a flight and want to rest, a rolled-up sweater or jacket is less hassle and brings the same comfort.

All Your Heavy Clothes on the Plane

While this hack might work for winter gear, packing and wearing several layers can take up luggage space and make you uncomfortable. Take fewer warm clothes that you can mix and match or pair together to avoid stress.

Travel Sized Products Overload

The travel section at the store is tempting, but all those tiny bottles add up fast. It’s also a waste to keep buying small bottles every trip. The better solution is to buy a set of reusable travel bottles, fill them from your regular products at home. You’ll also save money and waste less.

Easy Access using a Fanny Pack

Fanny packs were once the domain of tourists, but have made a surprising comeback. But while they’re handy, they also serve as prime targets for pickpockets so you should be especially careful with them in crowded areas. Instead go for a small cross body bag or a backpack that will keep your belongings safer.

Valuables Hiding in Your Shoes

It may seem clever to hide cash or valuables in your shoes, but it’s not very sanitary or comfortable. And if you’re pulling cash out of your shoe at a café, it’s a little awkward. Instead, think about a money belt or a secure inside pocket — these keep your valuables safe without the footwork.

Extensive First Aid Kit Bringing

There is a limit to being prepared. A basic first aid kit is a good idea, but packing an entire pharmacy for “just in case” situations means lugging around a lot of unused stuff. If you need them, most essentials can be found easily at local pharmacies, so pack light.

Fitting All Outfits into One Color Scheme

The thought of a perfectly coordinated wardrobe is efficient, but limiting yourself to only certain colors can kill the fun of dressing for different locations. Generally, it’s better to pack a few basics that can be mixed and matched with a couple of bolder pieces you really love than to try to make everything match.

Your Own Portable Wi-Fi

The thing about portable Wi-Fi devices is they seem handy, but they can cost a lot in terms of rental fees, daily rates, or meager data packages. Today free or low-cost Wi-Fi is available in most public spaces, hotels, and cafes around the world. Don’t waste the extra gear and use the networks you have.

Snacks for Every Occasion

It’s smart to have a snack or two, but lugging around a mini pantry takes up space. There are so many food options at most places you’ll travel to. Instead, pack a few basics for emergencies or long travels legs, and spend the time gorging on local snacks and treats.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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