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We\u2019re all about making travel easier and more accessible. Whether flying, road-tripping, or even going on a local adventure, here are some of our favorite travel hacks we\u2019ve discovered over the years of full-time travel.<\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\nThanks to Pilot Flying J\u00a0for sponsoring this post. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure\u00a0for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.<\/em><\/p>\nLast Updated: <\/em>December 19, 2022<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Road Trip Hacks<\/u><\/h2>\n1. Create a Playlist or Download Audiobooks<\/h3>\n The first time we went on a cross-country road trip over ten years ago, I worked on a playlist where no song would repeat for over 24 hours. You don\u2019t need one that long, but a road trip playlist can help you through long trips. We like switching between music and audiobooks. Just be sure you download them so you can still listen to them if you don\u2019t have cell service.<\/p>\n
Pro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> We recently discovered Libby, where you can download free audiobooks from your local library and listen to them offline.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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2. Download Travel Apps<\/h3>\n Apps can come in handy when you\u2019re on the road. Here are a few of our favorites.<\/p>\n
\nmyRewards Plus App<\/strong> \u2013 We\u2019ve managed long stints on the road (we\u2019ve once done Atlanta to LA in 36 hours straight). Regardless of whether we do any overnights, we always make stops for gas, stretch our legs, and pick up snacks. Pilot Flying J gas stations are our top pick on road trips. Not only do they have reasonable gas prices, but the convenience stores are more extensive and facilities clean and spacious (bye-bye dingy gas station bathrooms). Their free app makes it even better because it gives you 10\u00a2 off every gallon of gas and deals to help you save money on snacks.<\/li>\nGoogle Maps<\/strong> \u2013 This is our go-to map app and I typically download offline versions of the areas we\u2019ll be in, especially when I know service might be spotty. It really helps to be able to still search and navigate without cell service.<\/li>\nGasBuddy <\/strong>\u2013 When I forget to watch the meter and need gas immediately, we use GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas near us. It\u2019s straightforward to use. They recently also added a gas card which helps you save money too.<\/li>\nSpotify<\/strong> \u2013 I take my road trip music seriously. On our first cross-country road trip, I created a 22-hour playlist. Ever since then, I\u2019ve worked on adding and modifying only to include songs with a good driving beat.<\/li>\nYelp<\/strong> \u2013 We love finding random gems for both food and roadside attractions. Since we\u2019re primarily traveling within the states, we use Yelp to find food. Instead of looking at the overall reviews, we also consider the reviewers\u2019 demographics, town size, and specific complaints. I\u2019m a maximizer, so I have to see it all before making my ideal choice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> The myRewards Plus App also has a plan your trip feature where you can plan your stops in advance and then export it to Waze or Apply Maps.<\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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3. Be Ready for Emergencies<\/h3>\n No one plans to have an emergency on the road, but it\u2019s always wise to prep ahead. We always have a few things in our car ready for them.<\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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4. Use Home Items in Creative Ways<\/h3>\n We\u2019ve found a few home items that we use in the car to make our ride more comfortable.<\/p>\n
\nTumblers for Snacks<\/strong> \u2013 Pack snacks in food tumblers for easy access to your snacks and fewer spills. Plus, they stay in your cup holder. We\u2019ve heard people use coffee creamer bottles too!<\/li>\nCereal Containers<\/strong> for Trash Cans <\/strong>\u2013 We picked up this hack from Pinterest. They keep your trash contained in one spot and make it easy to dump at a stop. It helps to keep a few extra plastic bags in the car too.<\/li>\nDryer Sheets for Air Freshers<\/strong> \u2013 Dryer sheets can freshen the air without being too strong (regular car air fresheners can make me dizzy). You can also throw one in your suitcase to keep your bag and clothes smelling fresh.<\/li>\nSuction Cup Shower Caddies<\/strong> \u2013 These are great for holding smaller items or snacks. For people with kids, you can keep art supplies or toys in them. Shoe holders strapped to the back of the seat are another great storage option.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIf you forget anything or need to make a last-minute stop, Pilot Flying J has you covered!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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5. Set Up Your Car for Camping<\/h3>\n Even if you don\u2019t like camping, having a car camping setup is handy in case you need a nap or want to make an overnight stop in the middle of nowhere. We\u2019ve perfected our car camping setup with a foam mattress in the back (you can use an inflatable one, too), a solar generator, and rooftop storage.\u00a0<\/p>\n
See Related \u2013 21 Car Camping Essentials<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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International Travel Hacks<\/span><\/h2>\n6. Scan and Email Yourself a Passport<\/h3>\n You\u2019ll have your actual passport, but having a hard copy and an email copy of your passport is wise to have in case it gets lost or stolen. We do this with tickets, confirmations, and other essential documents we may need.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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7. Always Pack a Travel Adapter<\/h3>\n We love this travel adapter. It allows us to charge multiple devices simultaneously to keep them all alive! If you\u2019re a light sleeper, keep it away from your bed since the fan can get noisy if it\u2019s charging a lot of items.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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8. Download Google Translate<\/strong><\/h3>\nDid you know that in Google Translate, you can use your camera to translate signs, menus, or anything else you scan? Technology is crazy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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9. Don\u2019t Exchange Money at the Airport<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nIt\u2019s tempting to exchange money at your destination airport, but you usually get the worst rates possible. Having a credit card with no exchange fees or going to local ATMs to withdraw money is better. Just be sure to notify your credit card and bank you are traveling to so the transactions don\u2019t get flagged.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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10. Choose Long Layovers to Explore Cities<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nSometimes a long layover is a perfect way to break up flights. Plus, it allows you to explore the layover city without making an extra trip.<\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Packing Hacks<\/span><\/h2>\n11. Roll Your Clothes and Use Compression Bags<\/strong><\/h3>\nRolling your clothes helps pack more clothes in the same amount of space. I do this for the clothes in my closet, which makes them ready to go. When your clothes are dirty, keep them rolled up too!<\/p>\n
Pro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> If you need even more space, compression bags and packing cubes will compress them even more.<\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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13. Create a Packing Check List<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nEven though we travel a ton, I still get anxious about forgetting to pack something on a trip. Because of that, I\u2019ve created a packing checklist spreadsheet that I look over each trip.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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14. Pack Essentials in a Carry On<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nWe travel light and never check a bag, but if the flight is full, sometimes they will take them from you! I get paranoid because they\u2019ve lost our bags for months before in this scenario. If you check your bag, have all your essentials in your personal carry-on item, including meds, toiletries, and an extra set of clothes. That way, if anything happens to your luggage, you at least have the basics.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> Be familiar with your credit card benefits. Many travel cards will give you a stipend to replace items if your luggage is lost.<\/p>\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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15. Get Reusable Travel Bottles for Toiletries<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nRather than buying miniature versions of your toiletries or trying to pack the large products, get some reusable travel bottles that you can fill with your favorite items that keep you under the 3 oz requirement. I even picked up a spray bottle for my toner and tubs for makeup.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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General Travel Hacks + Tips<\/span><\/h2>\n16. Download Offline Maps<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nWe use this rule locally and abroad. Before heading anywhere where we think we might have spotty service, we download Google Maps offline to help us navigate the area. It has been a lifesaver!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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17. Talk to Locals<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nAs much research as you can do online, locals always know the best under-the-radar spots. They can tell you about great deals, happy hours, unique experiences, and more. Even if you\u2019re talking to your servers when you\u2019re eating out, find out what spots they like to frequent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n