7 Tried & Tested Travel Hacks You Need to Know!



After years of working as an Editor and writer for…
Let’s face it; travelling can be quite a challenge. Whether it’s a long drive in the car or a long-haul flight with loads of layovers, travelling to and from your dream holiday destination can really take it out of you. Luckily there are a few clever ways to make travel life a little easier and more comfortable. Try these tried and tested travel hacks next time you decide to hit the road.
Toss a sports ‘Buff’ into your carry-on:
When I travel I always make sure I have a sports buff with me. A buff is a great travel accessory as it can be worn in multiple ways. Use it as a headband to tame travel-tousled hair and keep your hair out of the way between taxis, trains, and planes. When you’re not using it to tame your hair it can also be worn as a scarf, sweatband, bandanna, or even an eye mask to block out light when I want to nap on the plane or in the airport.
Find them at Cape Union Mart stores nationwide.
Pack a lightweight Kimono jacket:
If you hate having a million things to lug around in your carry-on then ditch the bulky jumper for a kimono instead. This lightweight cover-up is a great alternative to a chunky sweater or a bulky hoody. A light-weight Kimono jacket is easy to carry and will help you battle the unstable temperatures inside the plane — you’ll never be too hot or too cold again. Of course, you can also toss it over yourself like a blanket for when you want to have a nap.
Downsize your carry-on makeup with a contact lens case:
If you want to pack makeup essentials in your carry-on bag or are going away for a short trip then leave your makeup and other beauty product jars at home. Instead, grab a few contact lens cases and decant a dollop of product into each circular contact lens holder. This will work for almost any product including foundation, lip balm, sun cream, shaving gel, hair mousse and more!
Fold in a carry-all canvas tote:
You’ve got limited space when travelling so there’s no need to pack a handbag for every outfit. Just toss in a neutral canvas tote bag and you’ll have a handbag, beach bag, and grocery bag all in one! Totes are easy to fold and will fit snuggly into your luggage, taking up very little space. You can easily have all your carry-on essentials in your backpack or an over-shoulder bag for the plane and whip out your tote for day and night-time outings during your holiday.
Quench your thirst with a foldable water bottle:
Whether you’re hiking or flying halfway around the world you can’t leave without a foldable water bottle. These super handy water containers can be easily filled and then decanted and folded away before you head through security. I would not have survived without it during my long-haul flight to Australia or during my long layovers on the way there — bottled water is expensive and having one of these is a great way to save money.
Don’t forget the coconut oil:
Not just for eating, this hydrating oil is a jack of all trades and a must-have when travelling! Decant some coconut oil into a travel-sized jar and use it as a makeup remover, lip balm, split-end treatment, cuticle cream, overnight hair conditioner, to treat sunburn, and so much more!
Invest in a micro towel:
Microfibre towels are light, super absorbent and take up very little space. They also dry very quickly and are perfect for everything from airport showers to hikes and camping trips. Bring one of these on your travels and you’ll have loads more space for other, more important things!
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After years of working as an Editor and writer for popular websites like Joburg’s Darling, Cape Town’s Darling and Joburg.co.za, Crystal left her sanity and an established career in lifestyle journalism behind to follow her dream of creating a website for the intellectual and discerning woman. Today she spends her time chasing the thrill of being the first to know about ‘the next big thing’. She’ll try anything once and has been known to put her body, hair and health on the line – all in the name of research.