Savvy traveller hacks that will save time, money, and headaches

Are you a savvy traveller? Do you shop around to get the best deals? How about knowing the ins and outs of saving money when planning a trip?
Even if you think you know it all about getting from Point A to Point B, there are some secrets from travel gurus that might take your vacation travel to a new level. From streamlining check-in to getting the most out of your hotel stay, and even a few packing tips, here are some genius travel hacks that will save you time, money and headaches on your next trip.
Do your homework and plan ahead
According to Chase and IHG’s survey conducted earlier this year in the US, 57 per cent of consumers who consider themselves to be savvy travellers look for travel hacks to help them make the most of their time and money. Fare calendars let you see a month’s worth of fare prices at a glance. If your dates are flexible, you can save hundreds. And, if you set up price alerts, you’ll be notified as soon as fares drop on that flight to your dream destination.
Evoke the 24-hour rule
Have you ever booked a flight and then found a better deal the following day? Some airlines allow you to cancel flights within 24 hours of booking with no penalty. But a word to the wise: If you’re booking through a third-party travel site, that rule might not apply.
Scan your important documents
Once your trip is booked, remember to scan your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, even credit cards front and back. Email the scans to yourself or leave a copy at home with someone you trust. That way, if these lifelines are lost or stolen, you’ll have a much easier time getting them replaced.
Roll it up!
If you’re not rolling your clothes, you’re wasting precious suitcase space. Rolling instead of folding can double the amount of clothes you can take with you. Also, pop a dryer sheet into your suitcase to freshen everything up.
Pop your power cords into an extra glasses case
A glasses case will wrangle those cords into submission, and you won’t risk getting them kinked or tangled.
Bonus tip: If you forget your cords, ask your hotel’s front desk. They often have spare cords for forgetful travellers to use during their stay.
Another tip: If you have somehow forgotten your plug, you can use the USB port on the hotel TV to charge your phone.
Buy a city pass
Most major European and US cities offer city passes, which are sightseeing cards that give you free or discounted admission to that city’s most popular attractions. You buy the pass and can enter the attractions for free by presenting the pass at the door. In New York City, for example, the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial, the Statue of Liberty, Top of the Rock, MOMA, and many more are included. It will save you money, but the invaluable thing is: It will also save you time. Most city passes include fast-track entry to the attractions. You skip the line.—BPT