12 Travel Hacks to Ensure a Great Vacation (STRESS FREE)

Most of us (well at least us Americans) don’t get a lot of vacation time.

And when we do, we usually crave a break from the usual stresses of work, cleaning, errands, etc. So, what do we do? We plan a trip to an unfamiliar place and subject ourselves to strange routines, hoping we can relax and rejuvenate.

Does it work?  Sometimes.  Even often times.  But every once in a while, what is supposed to be a nice calm vacation, ends up causing us more stress.

Ever gotten lost in a country where you don’t speak the language and completely freaked out?  Or had your phone stolen and no idea what to do?  Or maybe you got caught in a downpour with your expensive camera gear.  Yep, all of those have happened to me.  But I’m hoping you can learn from my experiences so you don’t have to go thru the fear & stress yourself 

So if you want to set yourself up for success and to have a stress-free vacation, here is a list of savvy travel hacks that might just save your sanity….and your next vacation!!  Remember – getting the most out of your vacation sometimes takes a little pre-planning, but trust me, it pays off in the end!!

1.)   Make sure to download your airline’s app

If you are flying to your destination, take a couple of minutes to download the airline app on your phone.

By doing so, you will have all the details and updates regarding your flight right at your fingertips! If your flight changes in any way, you will get a notification on the app. You will even be able to choose your seats and change them later if you want. Best of all, you can pre-check-in and avoid potential lines. With pre-check-in, you also receive a scannable boarding pass right on your phone.

I would suggest, however, printing copies of your airline tickets from your computer as well. Having them with you is a smart move in case technology decides to fail you that day.

2.)   Although you will be tempted (who isn’t?!), don't overpack

Having an excess of clothes and things means heavier bags and a messier hotel room. I don’t know about you, but for me, clutter creates SO. MUCH. STRESS.

If you fly, over-packing means more baggage fees and the embarrassment and fear of having to stuff that bulging bag into the overhead compartment. Or worse yet, being told it won't fit. Besides, if your bag is already stuffed to the brim at the onset, where are you going to put the stuff you buy?

Think of your vacation as time away from the norm and use it to simplify your life by packing minimal clothes, accessories, and beauty products. If you find yourself without something you need, you can buy it when you get here.  In fact, use it as an OPPORTUNITY to buy a souvenir…I always do :)

3.)   Use a reloadable debit card that is not linked to your bank accounts

If the thought of using your credit card or debit card in unfamiliar places stresses you out, consider using a reloadable debit card that is not linked to your bank accounts.

You decide how much to put on the card, and it works just like a credit card and at ATM’s. These cards are affiliated with major credit card companies like American Express, Master Card, and Visa, so they work almost everywhere! You can stash a regular credit card for emergencies in your hotel room and then take out the preloaded card to help you feel safer about your accounts.

As an added BONUS, the preloaded card will also help you stay on budget. There are many card options available. Some even have no annual fee and no minimum balance, making them perfect for infrequent use. Places like Walmart sell them for a reasonable cost, usually around $5. But remember -- just like any other credit card -- if you plan to use it internationally, you must notify the card company.

4.)   Research your destination and surrounding area before leaving

Knowing what restaurants, activities, and events are nearby will be helpful and save time in the end. Contact places directly to find discounts and make reservations.

Just be careful you don't over-plan. There will ALWAYS be events and activities you discover once you are at your destination!  And having flexibility to make changes and additions is going to lead to a more enjoyable experience.

Having too strict of a schedule is usually a vacation fail and it doesn’t allow for spontaneity. Some of the best moments of travel usually come about by happenstance. 

Remember that there’s a difference between being prepared and being rigid.  Being prepared means you’ve done ample research and are going into a country with a *tentative* plan but haven’t mapped out your time so rigidly that you’re at risk for stress & exhaustion.  Two things you want to avoid on vacation!

5.)   Try not to have preconceived notions of your trip

Although I recommend a little research and preplanning, try not to have a preconceived idea of exactly what your vacation will be like. Travelers who spend an abundance of time dreaming about the ideal vacation are always disappointed.

I recommend practicing the art of saying yes when on vacation….you never know where it might lead you and what adventures you might find.  But remember, there are no perfect vacations. And that’s normal. 

If you find yourself having an off day, just pull a Scarlett O’Hara and remind yourself that, tomorrow is another day.  Each day traveling is a fresh start with new people, new experiences and new opportunities.  As always, keeping your expectations realistic will save you a lot of disappointment in the end.

6.)   Have a budget when you start planning your trip

Just make sure it is a realistic budget. Most people forget to add expenses like pet care, child care, gasoline, and other hidden costs when budgeting. Additionally, some people forget the extras when flying: rental cars, baggage fees, airfare upgrades, passports or visas, TSA Pre-check fees, and over-priced food and drink at the airport. Which can all add up quickly! 

Take the time to research your trip and make a comprehensive budget. Look at blogs about what others have spent in those countries and scenarios to give you rough estimates.  I also recommend using an app that tracks your trip spending like TrailWallet so you make sure to stray on track.  No one wants to be stressing about money while on vacation.

7.)   Have a solid plan for what happens at your home when you are gone

From experience, I can tell you, having a house-sitter is well worth the money, especially if you have animals. If a house-sitter is not in the budget, ask a family member or friend. I’ve had very good luck asking friends who live with roommates and could use the alone time. 

Even if you don’t have pets, it’s probably wise to have a neighbor or someone check in every once in a while, so you don't come home to a surprise like a busted pipe or other damage.

If an unexpected event does occur, be appropriate with your response. Freaking out isn’t going to do anyone any good.  Take some deep breaths, remember you are on vacation, and create a plan in the short term to minimize damage and deal with the rest when you get home. This is why having a trusted house-sitter or person to check-in is so essential.

8.)   Remember that airline app you downloaded on your phone? Check it frequently for upgrades that offer maximum comfort at a minimal price.

Occasionally, if First Class is not full, the airline will offer these spots at discounted prices. Traveling in style is the perfect way to treat yourself when you’re on vacation.  By checking on the app right away AND up until the last minute, you could find huge savings and save yourself the stress of sitting in a middle seat!

9.)   Be prepared for any type of weather

We can’t change the weather, so we might as well not worry about it either. I know people who start checking the weather apps on their phones weeks in advance (especially if they are going somewhere tropical and beachy), only to immediately start stressing about poor weather. Checking the weather apps on your phone will only stress you out and make you grumpy because nine times out of ten, it's going to report something you don't like.

Pretty much every time I go to a tropical climate, the reported weather will tell me it’s going to storm and rain constantly and then I get there and it only rains for like 5 minutes of the entire day…..and I’ve spent ALL this time stressing about it. 

Avoid this stress altogether by having the mindset that whatever happens, happens. You can’t change it anyway. Instead of complaining and getting mad, be proactive by having a plan for bad weather. Have a few plans for things you can do on a rainy day, and make sure you’re armed with a raincoat and umbrella.  I’ve gone on boat trips and treks in the rain so I can tell you from experience – it’s all about your mindset.  You can sit at home being upset by the weather, or you can strap on your galoshes and go have an adventure that you laugh about for years!

10.  If you don’t speak the language, download Google Translate

I always recommend trying to learn a few basic phrases wherever you are going.  It really goes a long way when traveling to show local people that you are embracing their culture and trying to speak a little of their language. 

For everything else, there’s Google Translate.  It’s an incredibly useful tool and most languages are available for translation offline (so you don’t need to worry about wifi).  One of my favorite functions is to play the audio version of my translation in the local language – have used this a million times with taxi or uber drives in particular (who are often times less likely to know English).  So do yourself a favor and take the stress out of not speaking the language by knowing a few phrases and having a plan for how to communicate.

11.  Make sure you have travel insurance

This one may sound obvious to some, but you’d be surprised how many people vacation without travel insurance.  But I’m telling you….if you can afford to go on vacation, you can afford to have travel insurance. 

The costs associated with having a major accident abroad will far outweigh the costs of a travel medical policy.  SafetyWing has a very affordable plan that I’ve been using (it breaks down to $37/4 weeks or you can pay by the day).  For a more comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers your electronics too, I recommend WorldNomads.  Take it from someone who has had their camera damaged by rain and their phone stolen, the payouts from those two occurrences alone have made it worthwhile to insure all my travels.

12.  Finally, a word or two about traveling with friends: having others with you on vacation can be a great experience.

I suggest having an understanding with your travel partners before setting out on vacation. For one thing, do NOT feel obligated to do everything your friends plan to do. Likewise, do not expect them to accompany you on every adventure, either.

The main goal is for everyone to have fun. No one wants to feel pressured into spending money and time on experiences they don't care about. Doing so will cause resentment and make you feel cheated out of the experience you wanted. Having the agreement beforehand takes the pressure off when people take off on their own or reject your plans. Spending your time and money the way you want will make a happier and better experience for everyone.

So, what’s the take-away here? Having a perfect vacation may be impossible, but having a relaxing, enjoyable vacation is within your reach. Don't squander your precious vacation time over-spending, worrying, and being disappointed. With a little extra planning and reasonable expectations, you can ensure stress will be at a minimum, and your vacation delivers some remarkable experiences.

If you have any other tips on how to have a stress-free vacation, please share them in the comments below!!

And if you would’t mind taking a moment to share my blog post, I’d much appreciate! Handy pin for you below as well :)