Life hacks

A travel expert who has visited over 60 countries has shared that an everyday item most people pack for their holidays is weighing them down

February is a dreary month, with never-ending grey skies, and many of us begin browsing holiday offers to find somewhere more appealing to visit in the summer. However, people often overlook how stressful packing can be, and there is nothing worse than lugging a heavy suitcase whilst rushing around to catch a flight or train.

Amanda Williams, a travel expert and founder of Dangerous Business, has visited over 60 countries, and the biggest mistake to make whilst travelling is packing too many pairs of jeans. She said: “You may have learned this the hard way already, but actual denim is HEAVY, bulky, and slow to dry if you have to wash it on the road. If you’re going to pack jeans on a trip, I recommend only taking one or two pairs max, along with some non-denim pants or bottoms.”

Jeans are a dependable everyday staple at home, which often makes them seem like a sensible choice for a holiday.

However, denim is a thick fabric that does not fold easily, so even a few pairs of jeans can take up a lot of space and add considerable weight to a suitcase.

They are also uncomfortable in warm weather or when sitting for extended periods, making them unsuitable for most summer destinations, reports the Express.

Most people only wear jeans once or twice whilst on holiday, and it will be more practical in the long run to pack just one pair if you are going somewhere warm. Instead, consider packing lightweight trousers that dry swiftly, such as chinos, shorts, dresses, skirts or even jeggings, as it will make lugging a suitcase considerably easier.

It’s also preferable to avoid packing a different outfit for every day, and instead select pieces that can be combined and coordinated to conserve space.

Amanda said: “My rule is usually four bottoms, five to seven tops, two layering pieces (like cardigans), and two to three dresses. Add in accessories like jewellery or maybe a scarf, and you can get a lot of outfits out of that amount of clothing!”

Only pack items you’re sure you’ll use, as travellers often squander space bringing things like hiking boots when they’ve made no firm plans to go mountain climbing.

Similarly, avoid packing gym clothes unless you regularly exercise at home, as you’re unlikely to feel inspired to work out whilst unwinding on holiday.

It may seem straightforward, but investing time to evaluate how practical each garment will be whilst travelling can save suitcase space and prevent exceeding luggage weight restrictions.

One traveller is urging others to complete a quick safety check before falling asleep in their accommodation after a horrifying experience.

If you’re someone who enjoys exploring foreign destinations, you’ll understand how draining travel can sometimes be, and after an action-packed day all you crave is climbing into a comfortable bed. Nevertheless, it’s absolutely vital as a tourist to inspect your hotel room before settling down for the night, as even a brief moment of precaution can help prevent potential issues.

Sue Ross, a travel expert and founder of Sue Where Why What, has revealed she was recently burgled whilst on holiday. She explained: “On my recent trip to St Lucia, I was robbed. I was staying alone in an apartment, and an intruder broke in while I was sleeping and stole from me. It was a sickening experience, but I was also very lucky. “

Sue is now determined to help fellow travellers remain safe and has disclosed that the single hotel safety measure she wishes she’d adhered to was ensuring the windows were shut.

As reported by the Express, she continued: “If there is one big thing I have changed it’s appreciating air conditioning, or using fans to get the air circulating. I will never open the windows at night again.

“Or, only if I’m sure that there is no way of this incident being repeated. If there isn’t any air conditioning or a fan, then again, the higher your room, the better for both safety reasons and access to a cooling breeze.”

Whilst it may appear straightforward, leaving windows open makes it easy for intruders to gain entry, and even occupying a higher floor isn’t without risk if there’s a balcony or fire escape close by.

Simply take a moment to ensure the windows and curtains are fully drawn as this helps keep you as protected whilst you’re sleeping.

You should also think about securing the door before retiring for the night with a rubber doorstop, a more sophisticated alarmed version or even positioning a chair against the door can be sufficient to frighten off intruders.

Burglars typically look for easy opportunities, and any obstruction can make them think the person they are robbing is on high alert so it is not worth the effort.

Taking the time to lock up is usually enough to get robbers to turn away from your room, and thereby keeping you safe while on holiday.

Most guests also avoid using the hotel safe in case they forget their valuables, but it’s a useful place to store your items so that they don’t get stolen.

If you’re worried you might leave behind valuables in the safe box when it’s time to check out, then there’s actually a straightforward method to prevent this.

Simply place your shoes on top of the safe box, as a reminder to check the safe before leaving your hotel room for the airport.

Stacey Hamilton has stayed in hundreds of hotels and says a simple visual reminder has saved her from costly mistakes when checking out

If you’re a seasoned jet-setter, you’ll be all too familiar with the minor irritations that come with hotel stays. From inconveniently placed plug sockets to baffling air conditioning controls and light switches that seem to operate something in another postcode.

Stacey Hamilton, a travel guru from Private Tours England, who has clocked up hundreds of hotel stays both in the UK and abroad, has revealed her go-to trick for hassle-free hotel living. From securing valuables to smarter packing and ensuring a good night’s sleep, she claims these simple hotel hacks have saved her time, money and a fair few early morning scrambles.

One particular technique she swears by might sound a bit odd, but it’s come to her rescue on numerous occasions.

Stacey admitted: “For years, I avoided using hotel safes because I was convinced I’d forget what I’d put in there. It sounds silly, but when you’re rushing to catch a train or heading out early with guests, it’s very easy to walk out and leave valuables behind.”

To combat this, she now always stashes one of her shoes in the safe along with her passport and jewellery, reports the Express.

She explained: “I physically cannot leave the room without realising something is missing,” she says. “It’s usually a heel for me because I need them for work, but the principle works with anything you wouldn’t dream of leaving behind.”

“If you travel with trainers, pop one trainer in there. If it’s winter, your coat works just as well. The idea is to create a visual reminder you can’t overlook.”

Before checking out of the hotel, after retrieving her shoe and other valuables from the safe, Stacey always makes sure to take one item with her. She never departs a hotel without pocketing one of the complimentary shower caps.

She explained: “They’re perfect for covering shoes when you’re packing to come home.”

If your shoes have become dirty from extensive walking or hiking, it’s not ideal to pack them directly against your clothes in your suitcase. That’s where the shower cap comes in handy.

She said: “Instead of wrapping shoes in plastic bags or hoping for the best, I slip a shower cap over the sole. It keeps everything else clean, and it packs neatly.”

Stacey also revealed another clever use for the shower cap.

She shared: “I also use shower caps on TV remotes. Let’s be honest, those things are filthy. It’s a simple barrier that makes me feel a lot better, especially if I’m staying somewhere for a few nights.”.