Travel hacks to make the most of your holiday

MAKE the most of your holiday with these travel hacks to save money and ensure you get the best of everything.

Young business woman sleeping and enjoying the flight in the small private airplane.

HOLIDAYS are precious and you don’t want anything to kill that buzz.

Here are some of the best travel hacks to make the most of your money and enjoy the best experience:

Pack like a pro

First things first, get the most out of your luggage space by following tips given by flight crews. They suggest stuffing socks and underwear in shoes to help your footwear keep their shape and save room. Bulky items such as coats, jeans and dresses should be placed on top of each other in one layer before any excess edges are folded into the suitcase one by one. Watch the video below for a demonstration.

Choose wisely

If you choose your own seat on a plane, avoid the areas that are in the worst positions. For instance, the front of each section usually has more legroom and the last row doesn’t recline as far as the other seats.

Spread out

It’s funny how that little bit of extra room on a plane can make you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot. If you are travelling as a pair, maximise the chances of scoring your very own row of seats by booking the aisle and window seat, rather than two seats next to each other. Even if someone does book the middle seat, he or she will likely swap with one of you for the window or aisle.

Check flight prices

Don’t pay a penny more than you have to when booking your next flight. Try researching prices first by going through the booking process until you reach the “seat selection” step. See how many seats are still open and if there are a lot, there’s a good chance prices may drop because of a lack of demand.

Get the best deal on your hotel room

Hotels reward travellers who book in early so don’t procrastinate. Generally, the earlier you book a hotel room the cheaper it will be. The magic hour is 6pm when hotels will re-release rooms that they blocked out in the hopes tour groups would book them, but didn’t.

Such luxury: Room to spread out on for a nap.

Avoid cancellation fees

If you need to cancel your hotel reservation against the hotel’s cancellation policy, don’t call and cancel, instead move your reservation to next week and then a few hours later call and cancel your “new” reservation. This could save you a cancellation fee.

Stay for free

Better yet, stay in someone’s home and pay nothing for accommodation. Use a couchsurfing website to find a place to crash. You can also sign up for a home swap or volunteer to house sit.

Ask for things, politely

When you check in to a hotel, the first thing you should do is ask for an upgrade. If there are none available ask if there are any discounted room rates available that you missed when you made your reservation. Make sure only one person goes to the front desk, and that person is the most pleasant, non-stressed one.

Bring up issues early

Nobody wants to ask about your holiday, only to hear a rant about those nights you spent listening to schoolies partying next door or the newlyweds having noisy sex. If there is anything that would improve your hotel stay tell the front desk early so they have the chance to do something about it, rather than grumbling about it afterwards to your friends.

Ask for recommendations

Hotel staff are locals and often know the area well. Make a habit of asking them where they eat and hang out.

Don’t ask, don’t get: Make sure you request a room upgrade.

Don’t forget the tourist boards

Many tourist boards offer discount cards, special coupons and freebies at local restaurants and attractions.

Keep a travel kit in your suitcase at home

Never forget the essentials again by leaving a travel kit in your suitcase. Include toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, razor, cotton buds, extra phone charger, bottle opener and headphones.

Don’t forget your pillowcase

You can stuff it with clothes or your jacket for a makeshift pillow; or use it as your laundry bag and stash all your dirty clothes inside during your trip.

Or your scarf and sarong

This can be a lifesaver. Taking a scarf or sarong in your hand luggage will ensure you have an extra layer to keep warm if required. A sarong can also be used as a thin beach towel, or tied into a dress or skirt if needed.

A sarong can be a lifesaver when travelling.

Sign up

If you travel often, always join the hotel and airline loyalty programs which will give you a much better chance for a free upgrade and sale offers.

Travel on an unpopular day

While sitting in the airport on Christmas Day may not sound glamorous, it can help you score a cheaper ticket. Since demand for flight tickets on the actual day is lower than the days before and after, tickets may be offered for less. Another bonus? You’ll find smaller crowds, too.

It’s not glamorous but think of all the dollars you’ll save for presents. Picture: AFP/ROLAND WEIHRAUCH

Store stuff on your phone

Take photos of your passport, visa, licence and other important travel documents. Just make sure to put a password lock on your phone.

Take the time to read

Take a minute to browse through the info books in your hotel room. They may just contain hidden services, luxuries or events — often for free. You may discover a free craft cocktail class, the best hot tub on the property or a coupon for a free appetiser at dinner.

Original editorial commissioned by news.com.au in partnership with Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband. Be the holiday hero- pack the Internet.