15 Travel hacks you’ll wish you knew sooner

You already know to check your passport and arrive at the airport early. But what about removing old barcode stickers from your suitcase or checking where your aircraft has been before your flight?

Some of the most useful travel tricks are also the easiest to miss.

These lesser-known travel hacks could help you spot delays earlier, reduce unnecessary charges and solve common holiday headaches. Most take only a few seconds – and you may wonder why nobody told you about them sooner.

Here are 15 travel hacks to try on your next holiday.

1. Track your aircraft’s previous flight

Your departure may still show as on time when the aircraft operating it is running late elsewhere.

Enter your flight number into a flight-tracking app or website. You may be able to find your aircraft and see its earlier journey. It won’t confirm a delay, but it could give you an early warning.

Use your airline or airport for official updates.

2. Save your accommodation address in the local language

Screenshot your hotel or accommodation address as it appears in the local language.

You can show it to a taxi driver or ask for directions without needing mobile data. Save the telephone number and booking reference on the same screen.

3. Add boarding passes to your phone’s wallet

A boarding pass saved in your digital wallet can be easier to find than one buried in your emails.

It may also remain accessible without mobile data. Take a screenshot as a second backup and check that the barcode is fully visible.

4. Download the airport map before you fly

Airport Wi-Fi may be slow when you need it most. Download a terminal map or take screenshots before travelling.

For a connecting flight, check whether you’ll need to change terminals, pass through security again or take an airport shuttle.

5. Download the destination language to your phone

Some translation apps let you download languages for offline use.

Do this before leaving home and test the app without Wi-Fi. Depending on the app, you may then be able to translate signs, menus or short conversations without using mobile data.

6. Choose the local currency at the card machine

When paying by card abroad, the machine may offer to convert the price into euros.

This is known as dynamic currency conversion. Selecting the destination’s local currency generally lets your own card provider handle the conversion instead.

Check the exchange rate and any overseas card fees before confirming. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has more information about using cards overseas.

7. Split belongings between suitcases

Travelling with someone else? Put a few of your clothes in their suitcase and some of theirs in yours.

If one bag is delayed, you’ll both still have something to wear. Keep valuables, medication and important documents in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage.

8. Put your contact details inside your suitcase

External luggage tags can become damaged or detached. Place a card with your name, email address and phone number inside your bag.

Think carefully before displaying your full home address on the outside of your case. Your accommodation or email address may be a more suitable option.

9. Turn off automatic updates before leaving Ireland

Apps can update, sync photographs and refresh content without you opening them.

Set app updates and cloud backups to Wi-Fi only. This is particularly useful outside the EU, where roaming can be considerably more expensive. Check your destination and mobile plan before travelling using ComReg’s roaming guidance.

10. Add emergency details to your lock screen

Your smartphone may let you display an emergency contact without revealing your passcode.

Add the details of someone who isn’t travelling with you. You can also include relevant medical information, but only share details you’re comfortable making visible.

11. Remove old barcode stickers from your suitcase

Airlines use barcode labels to direct checked bags through airport systems. Old stickers left on your suitcase could make the current label harder to identify.

Remove tags and small barcode stickers from previous journeys before checking in. Keep the new baggage receipt until your suitcase is returned.

12. Photograph your suitcase while it’s open

Most people only photograph the outside of their luggage. Take another picture showing what you packed before closing it.

The photos could help you describe the bag and remember its contents if it is delayed or lost. 

13. Keep your essentials in your hand luggage

Delayed luggage doesn’t have to mean going without everything you need.

Pack a change of clothes, chargers and essential toiletries in your hand luggage. Keep medication in its original packaging and bring enough for your trip, plus a little extra in case your return is delayed.

Check your airline’s hand-luggage rules and any destination requirements for travelling with medication.

14. Screenshot anything that uses a QR code

Restaurant menus, attraction tickets, rail bookings and hotel check-in details may all rely on QR codes.

Open each code before travelling and save a screenshot. Put your screenshots into one album so you can find them quickly without searching through messages or emails.

Check whether the provider requires a live or regularly refreshing code, as a screenshot won’t work in every case.

15. Photograph your hire car before moving it

Take a slow video around the car before leaving the collection point. Include the wheels, windows, roof, fuel gauge and mileage.

Report any existing damage that isn’t shown on the rental agreement. Take another set of photographs when returning the car, including where you parked it and the final fuel level.

A few seconds now could save time later

You won’t need every hack on every holiday. But taking a few minutes to prepare could make delays, language barriers and unexpected charges easier to manage.

It’s also worth checking the latest Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice and arranging your travel insurance as soon as you book.

JustCover travel insurance can help with eligible unexpected events, including overseas medical emergencies, cancellation and lost or delayed baggage, depending on your chosen policy.

Save this list somewhere you’ll remember before your next trip.