14 Travel Hacks That Every Savvy Traveler Should Know

Traveling in thrifty fashion? Make the most of your travels with the Discover it® Miles card — no blackout dates, any airline, anytime.

1. Book flights during the middle of the week.

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Tuesday–Thursday is usually the most economical time to book flights based on historical flight data.

2. Turn layovers into sightseeing time.

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Often, flights with stopovers are much more reasonable. Opt for a stop-over flight and turn your one vacation into two!

3. Look into home stays instead of hotels to save money and feel like a local.

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Home stays have become a thrifty accommodation alternative — sometimes they turn out to be even nicer than hotels! Plus, they give you a sense of what it's like to actually live in that city.

4. Take an inventory of everything before you pack.

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Make a list of everything that goes into your luggage on your phone, as well as each item's location. This way, you'll be able to find everything when you land, and you won't leave anything behind when you head home.

5. Wrap your shoes in a shower cap before putting them in your suitcase.

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No one likes to arrive with a suitcase full of dirty clothes!

6. Pack outfits that all revolve around one color scheme.

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You'll have an easy time mixing and matching outfits once you arrive.

7. Protect your razor by placing a binder clip on the blade.

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You'll keep the blade in good shape, and you won't have to worry about it slicing anything in your suitcase (if you're bravely going it without a toiletry bag, that is).

8. Store your loose chargers in an old glasses case.

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This way, you won't have to dig around the bottom of your bag when you're in need of a charge. Plus, you'll keep the cords tangle free.

9. Store and sort your jewelry in a weekly pill container.

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Earrings and rings are easy fits.

10. Make a souvenir list before you arrive.

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This way, you won't spend your precious dollars on tchotchkes you'll never use. Plus, it'll eliminate stress when you get home and all of your friends expect to get a fridge magnet!

11. Keep your undies in your carry-on, just in case.

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If your luggage gets lost on the way to your destination, you'll still have plenty of clean underwear to keep you going.

12. Order the tomato juice, because it tastes better in the air.

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Fact: Food and drink taste differently at higher altitudes. An aroma chemist conducted several experiments and found that, on the ground (at normal pressure), tomato juice tastes earthy and musty. Under cabin pressure, it's described as "pleasantly fruity in its aroma, and with a sweet, cooling taste impression."

13. Keep dirty clothes in a laundry bag with a bar of hotel soap.

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This way, your dirty laundry won't stink up your suitcase.

14. As you explore the city, talk to the locals.

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Rather than asking your concierge what to do with your day, visit cafes, galleries, or shops and ask around there. This way, you'll have a genuinely authentic visit, and you might even discover some great local gems.

And finally, travel with the right credit card.

Don't forget to pay for travel with the Discover it® Miles card, then redeem Miles in any amount to credit your travel purchases, or get cash at any time.