The 20 insider travel tips and tricks you need to know

JIGGLE your body when you hit turbulence. Always bring a hoodie with you. With holiday time nearly upon us, here are 20 tips to transform your next trip.

Here are some travel tips you need to know. Picture: Thinkstock

JIGGLE your body when you hit turbulence. Avoid security lines that have kids in them (they'll be slowest). Always wear a hoodie.

Holiday time is nearly upon us, so what better time to read these nuggets of wisdom picked up by the well-travelled team from Skyscanner.com.au.

Here are their 20 top tips.

1. Never wear flip flops (on a plane)

I used to work for an airline and we were told never to wear sandals on board an aircraft. In the unlikely event of an emergency, it's best to have a good set of sturdy shoes that will protect your feet from heat or sharp objects.

2. Keep your mouth shut

If you are in a country where it is unsafe to drink the water, keep your mouth shut in the shower.

3. Jiggle it (just a little bit)

If you're petrified of turbulence during flights, try slightly jiggling your body when you hit some rough air. No one will notice because everyone is being moved around due to the aircraft movement. Sounds a little crazy but your movement will counteract that of the aircraft and you won't feel the turbulence so much. It really does work!

4. Bring a money belt AND a wallet

There's a dual purpose to this: if you get mugged you can calmly hand over the wallet and carry on your holiday with minimum hassle. If you meet new friends, use the wallet, as it can be a bit insulting to go into a money belt to pay for your beers.

5. Pre-book an airport lounge

If you're flying long-haul, pre-book yourself into an airport lounge. There's an upfront fee, but it provides a quiet environment with complimentary drinks, food, magazines, newspapers, WiFi etc. When you leave the lounge, take a few big bottles of water. It's a cost effective and relaxing way to start your journey.

6. Never exchange money in your hotel

Instead, shop around for best rate. Find a credit/debit card that doesn't charge for purchases abroad, and don't bother with traveller's cheques anymore.

7. Always travel in a hoodie

They may have become the uniform of unruly teenagers, but hooded tops make excellent travel garments. Just slip up your hood to retreat from the world of noise and light when you want to sleep on a flight/airport seat/bus.

A hoodie will keep you warm on the plane. Picture: Thinkstocj

8. Roll your clothes when packing

Once you roll, you'll wonder why you ever bothered to fold.

9. Choose the Asian-vegetarian option on the plane

You get fed before anyone else, you avoid anything too greasy and stodgy (helps the jet lag allegedly) and I'm convinced the more niche meals are much better quality as they're made in smaller batches.

10. Hide your guidebook

If you're in London and need to ask directions but don't want people to avoid you, hide your guide book and map.

11. Synch your sleep

To get over jet lag quickly on arrival, try to synch your sleeping pattern with the new time zone immediately. More: How to avoid jet lag.

12. Hotels are not the only fruit

Forget staying in overpriced hotels, or hostels full of noisy backpackers. Apartments or rooms in private homes are where the savvy travellers rest their heads these days.

13. Never join the security queue with kids in

Go for the one with the 'suits'. It will move much quicker.

14. Always bring a sarong

They're light and multifunctional: something to lie on at the beach, a cover for when you're cold, a towel, a curtain, a skirt, a dress, even an emergency bandage.

15. Invest in noise-cancelling headphones

For the perfect long-haul trip, invest in some good quality noise cancelling headphones. The price tags are hefty, but they are worth every penny to tune out the crying baby, snoring man, or chattering teenagers.

16. Ditch your friends

Travelling all by your lonesome might seem daunting at first, but it gives you a chance to really immerse yourself in the travel experience. I've met friends for life, learnt a new language, and had amazing experiences by travelling solo.

Sometimes, solo travel can be more fun. Picture: Thinkstock

17. Be loyal

If you're looking for ways to get a flight upgrade, then join the airline's loyalty program. Even if it's the lowest level, you still get rewarded first.

18. Leave the guidebook at home

Rather than taking your entire copy of the Rough Guide or Lonely Planet, just photocopy the pages you need, then discard after you have used them. It saves space and weight.

19. Bring an internet ready device

If travelling for a long time, take your own device that can pick up WiFi, like a smartphone or tablet. We didn't do this because we didn't want to bring an expensive item backpacking, but it turned out to be incredibly expensive to use the internet, or impossible to find any. Yet there is free WiFi in places all around the world, and you quickly realise how often you need to tap in to things like bank accounts or travel bookings.

20. Use body language

When there's a language barrier, shouting in your own language is not going to get you far. Instead, use your body. It's the most international language in the entire world. Don't forget to translate a full stop with a smile.

More travel tips here.

For more travel advice go to Skyscanner.com.au.