Travel blogs can be useful, but the best travel advice often comes from people who do not work in the travel industry. These are the folks squeezing in red-eyes between client meetings, booking last-minute flights to conferences, or making time for personal trips in between a packed calendar. Their tips are grounded in real-life trial and error, not curated itineraries or sponsored content. We spoke to eight professionals who travel often but do not do it for a living—except one—and asked them to share their most practical tip that actually makes traveling easier.
“Pack in layers, not outfits.” – Emma Liu, Art Director, Freelance Creative
“Outfit planning sounds organized in theory, but it rarely works out the way you expect. Weather shifts, you spill something, or plans change last minute. I used to pack every day’s outfit in a separate zip bag like I was going to summer camp. Now, I pack layers—things I can re-wear, combine, or dress up or down. A lightweight button-down, a hoodie, a couple of tanks, a black dress, and a windbreaker cover me in almost any situation. It cuts down on overpacking and leaves room for things I pick up on the trip.”
“Use Google Maps as your personal travel planner.” – James Myers, Vinevida
“Before every trip, I go into Google Maps and start saving places. Restaurants, cafes, coworking spots, even barbershops—I label and color-code everything. Then I download the map offline so I’m not relying on patchy Wi-Fi. It turns the map into my own custom guidebook, and it helps me spot clusters of things I like so I can plan by neighborhood. It is one of the simplest ways to avoid wasting time.”
“Skip exchange booths. Just use the ATM.” – Jordan Pierce, YunoJuno
“Those currency exchange booths at the airport are a rip-off. You’ll lose 8 to 15% on the spot. If you need local currency, use an ATM from a major bank once you land. The exchange rate is closer to what you'd get on a credit card, and even if your bank charges a fee, it’s still less than what the booths take. Just be sure to decline the ATM’s own currency conversion offer—always choose to be charged in the local currency.”
“Book on a Tuesday, fly on a Wednesday.” – Angela Reyes, Behance
“It sounds like superstition, but the pattern holds up. I book flights on Tuesdays because that’s when I usually see prices drop. And I try to fly midweek—Wednesdays and Thursdays are less crowded and often cheaper. Mondays are brutal, Fridays are packed, and weekends cost more. Shifting your trip by a day or two can save hundreds, especially on longer hauls.”
“Bring a refillable bottle and electrolyte tablets.” – Chris Halden, The Creative Store UK
“I bring a stainless steel bottle and a tube of hydration tablets on every trip. Flying dehydrates you like crazy and airport water is ridiculously expensive. You can’t bring a full bottle through security, but you can bring an empty one and fill it up once you’re past. Then I drop in an electrolyte tab and I’m good. Keeps energy up, avoids headaches, and it is one less reason to spend $6 on bottled water.”
“Always bring a travel-sized power strip.” – Nia Thompson, Creative Hub
“Most hotel rooms have two visible outlets max, and airports are even worse. A compact power strip with a couple of USB ports lets me charge my laptop, phone, watch, and headphones all at once. It is especially useful if you're traveling with someone and don't want to fight over charging space. I keep one permanently in my carry-on so I never forget it.”
“Get the insurance, especially if you’re self-employed.” – Blake Conway, Bloom & Wild
“Freelancers skip travel insurance to save money, but it is short-sighted. I had a job canceled because of a missed connection and I was out three days of income plus gear rental costs. Since then, I get insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and lost gear. It is a business expense and it gives me peace of mind. Look into credit cards that offer built-in coverage too—it might already be part of what you’re paying for.”
“Pick one thing to splurge on.” – Tanya Bell, Travel Perk
“Not every part of a trip needs to be budget-friendly. But you don’t need to blow your whole budget either. I always pick one thing to splurge on. Maybe it is a five-star hotel for the last night, a fine dining meal, or a guided tour I really want. It gives the trip a high point, something I remember long after. And it makes the budget choices elsewhere feel more intentional, not like I’m cutting corners everywhere.”
Conclusion: You do not need a passport full of stamps or a blog full of affiliate links to give smart travel advice. These tips come from people juggling work, life, and travel without turning it into a production. The common thread? Simplicity. Use what works, skip what does not, and find ways to make your travel life a little smoother, even if you're just hopping on a plane for a weekend away or packing light for a business trip. Travel does not have to be perfect—it just needs to work for you.