Awesome travel hacks for 2014
FROM surprising booking tricks to hotel hacks and the country you really don't want to be flying out of, here's some travel advice you need to know for 2014.
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NEED to cancel your hotel booking at the last minute but want to avoid a massive financial penalty? Or simply longing for a way to protect your legroom during flights?
Here are some handy travel hacks, compiled by travel website SmarterTravel.com, that will help you in whatever adventures await during 2014.
Mile-high bargains
Did you know you could potentially score a cheaper ticket by switching the airline's website to its foreign-language website? If there's a sale on in the region you've selected, you may be in luck.
For example, SmarterTravel.com found that the English-language website for Polish Airline LOT listed a March flight from New York to Warsaw for $US968 ($1081), but the Polish-language website listed fares for the same flight from 2641.01 PLN (around $US849). Use a translation feature such as that offered via Google Chrome, and ensure your credit card has a low international-transaction fee before going ahead with the deal.
Use soap to soothe an insect bite
There's no doubt it can be hard to avoid insect bites while travelling, but you can skip a costly trip to the pharmacy in search of relief. Instead, use the bar of soap from your hotel room. Wet it, rub it on the bite and leave it to dry.
How to cancel your booking, without paying for it
Missed the cancellation window for your hotel or rental car booking? Never fear, you may still be able to change the reservation date for free. First, move the reservation several weeks or months ahead, then call back and speak to a different person to attempt to cancel it.
The place you really don't want to fly from (unless you have to, of course)
Due to the UK Air Passenger Duty, a family of four flying from London to Australia will have to pay an extra Pound388 ($711) on top of the cost of the flight. Those travelling in premium economy, business or first class, will have to pay double this amount. Rates are lower for short trips to Western Europe ($24 per person).
Venting can be good
If you're worried about germs on planes - especially if your seatmate is sick and constantly coughing - some experts suggest that aiming your air vent in front of your face can deflect any circulating germs away from you.
Save on phone bills
If you've got a WiFi connection, you can save by using apps such as Skype or Facebook's Video Calling to make unlimited free calls. You can also use mobile-messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Kik to text with loved ones back home for free.
Be more supportive
Many airline seats lack proper lumber support, leaving many passengers with sore backs and necks. Solve this by putting a blanket or rolled up piece of clothing behind you so your back can maintain its natural curve. The same goes for armrests - drape a folded scarf over it to boost the comfort factor.
Just roll with it
Instead of owning multiple suitcases, or running out of room to pack all your items after a huge shopping spree overseas, buy an expandable bag. Suitcases such as the Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-on Expandable Upright grow by 25 per cent just by pulling a lever. Problem solved.
Pack like a pro
Organise your clothes effectively and save them from getting scrunched in your bag by using packing folders. For example, this 18-inch folder holds up to 12 items. It also claims to save you room.
Otherwise, achieve a similar effect by rolling your clothes instead of folding. Another tip - if you're seeking more space in your suitcase, zip it up and reopen it and you'll often find more room has emerged in the corners.
Think outside the box
Sites such as HomeAway.com list a range of properties you can rent for your holiday, and they're often cheaper than hotels. You can also try negotiating the price and length of stay when renting these types of properties.
Use vaseline to remove makeup
Forgotten to bring makeup remover with you? Petroleum jelly can help - just avoid getting it in your eyes.
Use a pillowcase for your dirty clothes
Pillow cases can be useful for separating your dirty clothes from the clean ones and are also handy to wrap delicate souvenirs collected during your trip.
Remove lint with your bag tag
Get rid of that fluff, or animal hair, by removing the baggage tracking sticker placed on your suitcase.
Timing is everything
Where possible try to fly in the middle of the week instead of the weekend. Most people tend to take to the skies on Friday and fly back home on Sunday, pushing the price of air travel higher on these days. Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the least expensive days to fly.
Airlines also tend to pull discounted airfares in advance of the weekend.
Also, don't buy airline tickets earlier than three-and-a-half months before departure, and be warned that prices can rise dramatically within two weeks of the scheduled flight.
The early bird gets the worm ...
The first flight out in the morning is usually the cheapest, according to deal website Farecompare.com. You're also generally more likely to avoid the worst delays, as airlines are starting with a clean slate. The exception to this is airports such as San Francisco, where morning fog tends to regularly delay early flights.
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