Travel hacks

Small tricks that save money, time and stress — as seen on @mrtravelpants.

1. Flights

   1. Use flexible dates, not incognito mode

   Prices change with demand, not cookies. Use a date grid or 'whole month' search and fly midweek to save the most.

2. Packing

   2. Travel hand-luggage only

   Roll clothes, wear your bulkiest shoes, and pack a foldable tote as your 'personal item'. You skip bag fees and the baggage belt.

3. Money & data

   3. Install an eSIM before you fly

   Buy a data eSIM at home, install it on Wi-Fi, and switch it on when you land. Much cheaper than most roaming bundles.

4. Money & data

   4. Always pay in local currency

   When a card machine asks 'GBP or local?', pick local. The GBP option uses a worse exchange rate.

5. Planning

   5. Keep every booking in one place

   Forward confirmation emails into one itinerary so flights, hotels and transfers sit in time order — MrTravelPants does this automatically.

6. On the ground

   6. Start with a free walking tour

   Most cities have tip-based walking tours. Take one on day one to get your bearings and local tips.

7. Flights

   7. Get into lounges for less

   Day passes booked online in advance are often cheaper than at the door, and some bank accounts include free visits.

8. Photos

   8. Shoot famous spots at sunrise

   Arrive an hour after dawn and you'll have landmarks nearly to yourself, with soft golden light.

9. On the ground

   9. Download offline maps

   Save the city in Google Maps before you go. Directions work without data, which saves battery and roaming costs.

10. Flights

    10. Claim delay compensation

    UK and EU rules can pay up to £520 for delays of three hours or more. Keep your booking reference and claim with the airline directly.