3 Travel Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Earlier

Thinking of Visiting Paris? Read This Before You Go to France.

I still remember the first time I landed in France. I stepped off the plane, and there it was — that mix of excitement and elegance that only this country can give you. As a travel advisor and guide, I’ve explored many corners of the world, but there’s something about France that always stays with me.

3 Travel Tricks I Teach All My Clients (And They Always Thank Me Later)

Simple tips from a travel advisor who’s been on more planes than in her own living room.

When you spend years helping people travel — planning itineraries, solving last-minute problems, and living out of a suitcase more often than at home — you start collecting little secrets.
Not the kind you find on TikTok… the kind you only learn after dozens of airports, delayed flights, lost luggage, and unforgettable adventures.

Today, I want to share 3 tricks I teach all my travelers.
The kind of tricks that make you say: “How did I not know this before?

1. The “First-24 Hours Rule” — Pack Like Your Luggage Won’t Arrive

Here’s a truth no one tells you:
even when the airline loses your bag, your trip doesn’t have to be ruined.

My rule?
Pack your first 24 hours of life in your personal bag:

• One full outfit

• Essential toiletries

• Medications

• Chargers

• A light sweater

• Headphones

• A reusable water bottle

I’ve had clients lose bags in Paris, Cancún, Rome — but because they followed this rule, their first day was completely normal.

It’s not about being paranoid.
It’s about being smart enough to enjoy your trip no matter what happens.

2. Screenshots Are Your Best Friend — Especially Abroad

Before you leave your hotel WiFi, screenshot EVERYTHING:

• Your hotel address

• The directions back

• Your flight QR code

• Tour confirmations

• Local emergency numbers

• Maps of the routes you’ll take that day

I learned this trick during a trip to Turkey when my phone lost service in the middle of a bazaar.
No internet. No GPS. No idea where my hotel was.
After that day, screenshots became my religion.

Bonus:
Google Maps also works offline if you download the area in advance.
Life-saver.

3. Always Travel With One Debit, One Credit, and One “Just in Case” Card

I call this the 3-card strategy, and believe me — it has saved more travelers than I can count.

Here’s how it works:

• Card #1: The one you use daily

• Card #2: Stays in the hotel safe

• Card #3: A backup/virtual card saved in Apple Pay or Google Pay

If you lose your wallet (it happens), you still have a card.
If your bank blocks your first card (it happens even more), you still have a second.
If both fail, your virtual card keeps you alive.

Peace of mind is not optional when you’re thousands of miles from home.

Final Tip From a Guide Who’s Seen It All

Travel doesn’t reward perfection.
It rewards preparation and curiosity.

And the more you prepare, the more freedom you have to enjoy the beautiful, messy, magical parts of exploring a new place.

If you want more personal travel tricks, or need help planning your next adventure, I’m always here to help — it’s what I love doing the most.

Safe travels, always.