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Travel hacks that could save your next holiday

Genius travel hacks

Here are some basic but life-saving travel hacks to keep in mind when you’re packing.

Double up on bag tags

Nothing stands to ruin a trip quite like lost luggage. Although a luggage tag can help identify your suitcase, what happens if it falls off in transit? (We’ve all seen those viral videos of how luggage handlers treat our bags on the tarmac!) When you’re packing for a flight, pop a second luggage tag inside your bag. That way, even if the tag on the outside falls off, you’ll have the proof you need to reclaim your luggage.

Take this travel hack a step further by investing in a Bluetooth luggage tracker that allows you to keep tabs on your bag, wherever it may roam.

Never lose another earring

If earrings float freely in your luggage (or even your toiletry bag), they’ll inevitably get separated. Instead, grab a spare button and stick the posts of both earrings through two of the holes, closing them up with the backing around the other side.

Flat-pack your jewellery

To avoid knots in bracelets and necklaces, lay each piece flat on a sheet of plastic wrap, leaving lots of room in between. Place another sheet of plastic wrap on top, and press to seal. Slip your new flat-packed jewellery caddy between some folded clothes for safekeeping.

Prevent leaks

Don’t let a leaky bottle spoil everything in your suitcase. Unscrew the lids of any previously opened shampoo, conditioner and mouthwash bottles, cover the tops of the bottles with a layer of plastic wrap, then screw the lids back on.

Keep your toothbrush clean

Always pack a clothespeg: it will come in handy if you don’t want to lay your toothbrush on your hotel room’s vanity surface and you’ve already used all the glasses. Clip the peg to the toothbrush just under its bristled end, stand the peg on its two prongs, and you’ve got an instant tripod that keeps the brush safely off the vanity surface.

A clip-on razor guard

A bulldog clip – those clamp-style all-holds – is a ready-made razor guard. If you have to rummage around in your toiletry bag, it could prevent a sliced finger.

This article originally appeared on Reader's Digest.

Images: Getty

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travel, tips, hacks, packing, holiday, suitcase