5 Secret Travel Tips You Wish You’ve Always Known

While the destinations may be different, travelers are faced with similar nuances wherever they are in the world.

There are certain tips tourists should keep in mind to make their trip even more unforgettable and hassle-free. Here are some of the lesser-known things travelers should remember on their next trip out.

1. There are means to get into sold out hotels.

Certain travelers are quite picky with the hotels they want to check into. While they may encounter these hotels as sold out, the best way to get better chances is to learn when cancellation penalties are applicable. If it falls on the date these tourists want to arrive, call in the hotel and chances are, there are other guests who cancelled.

2. Connect with locals before arriving.

There are countless travel blogs, social media platforms and other online channels tourists can check in order to connect with locals. To get deeper into the place they're about to visit, chat up a local online and make it a point to meet up and have a personal (and free) tour guide who could become a longtime friend.

3. Take a photo of yourself with your luggage.

While this may sound rather unconventional, travelers need to take a photo of themselves beside their luggage before venturing into the airport. When baggage gets lost, such a photo is an easy proof that it is truly the traveler's possession and no one else's.

4. It's possible to enjoy a pub or club flying solo.

Those who are flying solo and would want to discover the nightlife of the city should start early, sit by the bar and even befriend the bartender, as they are one's safe zone. For safety reasons, solo travelers in such places should never carry their wallets in obvious places and try as much as control their drinking to avoid sticky situations.

5. Make a copy by reprinting and taking a photo.

Whether it's one's passport, hotel itinerary or flight ticket, it's essential to make a copy via reprinting and taking a photo of the original copies with a smart phone or tablet. While it may sound too paranoid, it makes for an extra-convenient and sure trip that's less of a hassle.