Travel can be stressful - but it doesn’t have to be. With these clever hacks, you can save money, stay organised and keep the whole crew happy on the go. We’ve also included product recommendations to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Roll, don’t fold
Rolling clothes saves space, avoids wrinkles, and makes it easy to see what you’ve packed. Pair it with
packing cubes to separate outfits, kids’ gear, or even dirty laundry. Packing cubes are a game-changer for any organised traveler.
2. Airport Lounges aren’t just for VIPs
Lounges are often cheaper than a couple of airport sandwiches and drinks. Enjoy comfy chairs, Wi-Fi, unlimited snacks, and a calmer start to your trip. Many cards, like
Caxton, get you access at discounted rates.
3. Bring your own snacks
Airport food is expensive, and plane meals can be hit or miss. Pack sandwiches, fruit, or protein bars in a
reusable snack container. For kids, bring surprise snack bags — little treats spread throughout the journey make delays much easier.
4. Bring an empty water bottle 💧
Skip paying £3+ for bottled water at the airport. Take an empty reusable bottle through security and refill at a fountain once you’re airside.
5. Kids’ entertainment kit
Pack a “travel fun bag” with sticker books, colouring pads, headphones, a tablet loaded with games/films, and even some wrapped “surprise toys” to open mid-flight.
Travel activity kits for kids keep them entertained and give you a bit of peace.
6. Mark your bag “Fragile”
Even if it’s not, marking it as fragile often means it’ll be loaded last and unloaded first — getting it to baggage claim quicker and handled more gently.
7. Use google maps offline
Download your destination’s map before you go. Works without data and saves you from getting lost (or paying roaming charges).
Offline map guides are lifesavers when you’re exploring new cities.
8. Bring a lightweight scarf
Sounds random, but it’s the ultimate multi-tasker: blanket on the plane, pillow at the gate, cover-up in the sun, or even a picnic mat. Try a
multi-use travel scarf for ultimate versatility.
9. Power up smart
Hotels often have limited sockets. A small extension or multi-USB charger means you can charge all your devices at once - no arguments over who gets the plug.
10. Book experiences in advance
Skip-the-line tickets (via
GetYourGuide or included in Caxton Extras) mean less waiting, more exploring — and often cheaper prices than buying on the day.
💡 Bonus Hack for Parents: Wrap a few small toys or activity packs like presents. Kids get excited to “unwrap” them mid-journey, and it spreads out the entertainment.
👉 Travel is about memories, not stress. With these hacks — and your
Caxton Card to keep spending simple - you’ll be sorted before you even board.
