As the summer travel season approaches, many of us are eager to hit the road, explore new destinations, and enjoy the freedom of adventure travel. To help make the most of our travels, we’ve gathered some smart tips from fellow Redditors who are sharing their top travel hacks that they wish they had known sooner.

Streamlining Airport Security

When going through airport security, there are a few simple steps you can take to save time and stress. One traveler recommends placing all personal items such as a phone or wallet directly in your backpack or purse and not in the bowl or tray that moves through the security checkpoint. This prevents them from accidentally being knocked out, or caught in the machine. “The more loose items you have in a bin, the greater chance of missing something, especially if you feel hurried,” the frequent flier shared. Other travelers have suggested packing a travel fan, which offers cool air in warm climates and also creates white noise. A beach ball can also be a useful item to bring along, as it can be partially inflated and double as a pillow on an airplane, and then be used for a fun activity on the beach.

Arrival in a New City

When arriving in a new city, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the many free resources available. One traveler recommends immediately going on a free walking tour upon landing in an international destination to get a lay of the land and also stretch the legs after a long flight. Another traveler suggested packing a small map with directions from the train station to accommodation, and keeping it in a manilla envelope in their backpack. This tip has been particularly useful when the internet went out or an electronic device battery died.

Convenience and Time Saving

While most of the tips focused on convenience and time saving, some of the travel hacks also can help save money. One traveler recommends choosing a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, which can quickly add up when traveling abroad. Another traveler suggested keeping a travel bag with toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, and other daily necessities ready to go, and not dipping into that bag when back at home. While it may seem obvious, many travelers will use the same toiletry bag throughout their day to day, which can mean items go empty faster and have to be restocked.

Smart Storage and Organization

When it comes to hotels and Airbnbs, several users shared tips on how to make the most of limited space. One traveler recommended using clothing hanger clips to help keep curtains shut tightly, which keeps the sunlight or streetlights out of the room. Another traveler suggested pulling out the ironing board to be used as an extra shelf and storage space in a small room. This tip has been particularly useful in finding extra space to store essentials like snacks, books, or other items.

Less is More

Multiple travelers also shared the wise advice of packing less, and not packing for “what if” scenarios. The lighter suitcase will make the journey more pleasant and easy, according to multiple posts. By following these smart travel tips from fellow Redditors, you can make the most of your next trip and enjoy a more stress-free and enjoyable journey.

“Physically print out all reservation information and a small map with directions from train station to accommodation, and keep it in a manilla envelope in my backpack.