5 more travel hacks

I can ninja the hell out of common travel-related problems. If you’d like to give a running fly kick to your #FirstWorldProblems then pay close attention, grasshopper.

Here are 5 more* travel hacks to add to your repertoire:
* If you missed out on my 6 awesome travel hacks blog, you’re already one step behind the rest of the Dojo

International SIM card

It takes a lot of data to feed the beast. The beast being my addiction to Instagram, Facebook and BuzzFeed. This hack is for my fellow data pigs out there.

Data roaming is unreasonably expensive and when you’re traveling for an extended period of time, it’s not easy to go without data – I can’t go a day without posting a selfie. The most cost-effective way for me to travel with data is to purchase a prepaid SIM card for the destination where I’ll spend most of my time. That way I can stalk as much as I like without the $3000 phone bill (legit).

You can pick up an international SIM card from travelgear.com.au; they’ve got lots of different options to suit everyone. Make sure you always understand the pricing structure before using the data – if it costs more than $10-$15 per GB, it’s too expensive.

Pro Tip: If each of your travel buddies has a SIM it’s so much easier to keep in touch with each other when you are off feeling your oats.

Don’t be basic, learn the basics

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, wine has largely been responsible for my lack of LOTE skills. But when you’re travelling to a non-English speaking country don’t expect them to speak English – that’s basic.

Learn how to say Please, thank you, I’m sorry and how much in the local language. It’s polite and it shows that you’re trying. And if you’re asking for help, people are more likely to help a sister out if you’re not being a moll.

Mountains of jocks

Your suitcase is prime real estate, so be strict. Don’t pack that extra pair of dressy shoes or that extra jacket – no, you won’t wear them. DO pack a mountain of jocks though.

After a long day of running around, nothing will give you more life than slipping into a fresh pair of drawers. Even if you’re not changing up your whole outfit, it’ll keep you going through your night time itinerary too.

Bonus: You might be able to avoid doing washing all together if you pack enough jocks.

Portable Washing Machine

Most hotels have a laundry service if you can’t avoid doing the laundry, but they can be really expensive. Or maybe you’re travelling somewhere with no laundry options at all.

Pack the Scrubba, the world’s first pocket sized portable washing machine. You might not be able to do a full load but you can get through the essentials. Argh, washing on holidays.

Never change money at the airport

Don’t get ripped off by exchanging money at the airport. ATMs at your destination often will have the best exchange rate. Even if your bank at home charges you a foreign transaction fee, you may still be better off.

Trying to work out foreign currency exchange, amirite?

It’s been years since I’ve had to maths, so I’m not about to start now. But if you want to multiply the amount of cash money you have for souvenirs, I can tell you I’ve always ended up with 5-10% more cash from an ATM than I ever do getting cash at a foreign exchange. Obvi everyone has different bank accounts, so you’ll need to check out your personal situation yourself.

I still like to exchange around $100-$150 before I arrive so that I don’t have to worry about getting cash for a cab… or a beverage.

Do you have any travel hacks to share? Leave them in the comments below.

• I want to get away- I want to fly away
• I need a sweet hotel deal