The best part of traveling is, well… traveling! Experiencing the world out there and its array of different cultures and people. But when traveling, whether for the first or the millionth time, it is always in your best interest to be as prepared as possible. The internet is full of brilliant hacks, but not everyone has time to read through them and find the best ones for the seasoned and novice traveler! Lucky for you, we've done our research and have broken it down into the top 6 travel hacks that will make your next trip smooth sailing!

It's no secret that booking smart can drastically affect the cost and enjoyment of your travel. The most direct flights and convenient times during the day are the first to sell out, so try to book as early as possible, or else you'll end up on the 6 am flight with two connecting flights! And no one wants that...and if you wait until the last minute to book, you'll be confronted with much more expensive flights - the airlines can smell your desperation! If you're one of the lucky ones with no specific date restrictions or are flexible on location, filtering by "everywhere" or "anytime" are great ways to find the cheapest flights in real-time.

Traveling can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. If you know a few insider tips, you can travel smart and save a lot of money. You can check out Megan Homme on TikTok - she is an airline team member that shares insider tips about how to travel smart and inexpensively.

Having more space in your suitcase is always a good idea. While it might seem like you don’t really need packing cubes – the truth is, they really do make a difference! Packing cubes help keep your suitcase organized, and as a bonus, they compress your items to give you that extra bit of space. Usually available in a set of different sizes, you can use them for anything from socks to tops or even heavier items like jeans or shoes. It's also worth packing a few extra canvas or foldable bags at the bottom of your suitcase if you need extra space on your way home. You can easily unfold one of the bags and fill them with your newly purchased souvenirs instead of trying to stuff everything in your bag or over the weight limit.

Google Maps is a lifesaver when it comes to getting around in unfamiliar territory. But what happens when you find yourself in an area with spotty cell service? Fortunately, Google Maps lets you download maps for offline use, so you can still get directions even when you're off the grid. Just zoom in on the area you want to save and tap "Download." Once the map has been downloaded, all location labels will be available even when you're not connected to the internet. So whether you're exploring a new city or hiking in the wilderness, offline Google Maps will help you stay on track.

We admit this one is pretty cheeky, but it works! When you check your luggage at the airport, request a fragile tag when you check in. Checking your bags with a fragile tag can help ensure your luggage arrives safely at your destination. Baggage claim can be a chaotic place, and luggage is often thrown around or mishandled. By tagging your luggage as fragile, you're more likely to get careful handling from the airline staff. All luggage marked "fragile" is kept on top throughout the journey and is sent to baggage claim first! We all know the fear of seeing everyone else's bag on the carousel with yours nowhere in sight...not a great feeling. Save yourself the stress and make sure your bag gets the VIP treatment it deserves! As a bonus, if your luggage is damaged during transit, you'll be eligible for compensation from the airline.

The Places tab on Instagram is a great place to start if you're looking for travel inspiration. When you search for a location, you'll see photos and videos from that place and a list of popular hashtags. You can also check out the location's page to see recently what's been tagged there. To find location tags, simply click on the " Places " tab and type in the name of the place you're interested in visiting. If you're unsure where to start, try searching for popular travel destinations like "Paris" or "New York." You can also browse by location to see what's popular in different parts of the world. Once you've found a few places that interest you, simply click on the tag to see all of the photos and videos that have been shared from that location.

We hear this all the time. Everyone says “drink water” and “stay hydrated” when they hear you’re undertaking a long-haul flight. But if you drink that much water, you’ll find yourself constantly pushing past people to get to the tiny cupboard they call a plane bathroom! We suggest you pack a secret weapon to keep you hydrated during your flight. A hydration supplement like Keppi electrolytes is the perfect way to make the water you drink more efficient - that way, you get the hydrating benefits without the extra gallons. These bad boys are the perfect size to take with you in your carry-on luggage and mix in effortlessly with water on a plane!

Whether you’re heading to a tropical island or trekking through the mountains, one thing is for sure – you’ll need a spot to chill. Our swaggy Shwaggins is your best travel partner – it’s lightweight, compact, and won’t cramp your style. You can take it with you in a backpack or simply wander off from your hostel or hotel and enjoy a relaxing chill anywhere and everywhere. It also beats having to look for a place to sit if you’re tired.

These are just a few of our favorite travel hacks, but there are plenty more where that came from. What are your go-to tips for making travel easier? Please share them in the comments below or on our social media pages. We’d love to hear from you!