These Sketchy Travel Hacks Will Make Your Trip Incredibly Easy!

When it comes to travel, a little creativity can go a long way. And sometimes, the best hacks aren’t exactly what you’d call “above board.” Yes, the sketchiest travel hacks may seem unusual, but they can take the hassle out of your adventures.

If you are willing to think outside the box, these quirky tricks can save you time, money, and stress.

Use a “Do Not Disturb” Sign to Store Luggage After Checkout

One of the sketchiest travel hacks is using a hotel’s “Do Not Disturb” sign as a stealthy way to store your luggage. If you are not checking out until later in the day and don’t want to lug your bags around, leave the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door of your room after you have officially checked out.

Housekeeping usually respects the sign and may not enter the room right away. Thus, this gives you a little extra time to explore without your bags.

RDNE / Pexels / Bring a good camera or your smartphone, ask about the “Instagram-worthy” dishes and take photos while pretending to be super invested in the presentation.

Of course, it is not guaranteed! You will want to avoid anything too valuable in case the staff does enter. But if you are in a pinch and don’t have time to run back to the hotel’s bag check, this sneaky hack can give you a bit of extra freedom on your last day.

Pretend to be a Food Blogger for Free or Discounted Meals

Ever thought about posing as a food blogger for some extra perks? Many restaurants are keen on positive publicity. They are willing to offer a discount or even a free meal to anyone with a decent social media presence.

Even if you don’t have a following, a little creativity goes a long way!

Strike up a friendly conversation with the staff, mention you are exploring local cuisines, and show genuine enthusiasm. Many managers are open to offering a discount in exchange for a glowing review on social media. Even a simple “Wow, this would be great for my food blog!” can sometimes be enough to score a deal.

Use Another Hotel’s Pool for a Relaxing Break

Want to enjoy a pool day without booking an expensive hotel room? Slip into another hotel’s pool area with a bit of stealth! This hack is most effective at large resorts or hotels with multiple pools where foot traffic is high.

Simply bring your swimsuit, a towel, and a confident attitude, and walk right in. Avoid making eye contact with staff or guests who look like they’re regulars and look like you belong.

Pixabay / Pexels / Choose a large resort where foot traffic is high! Bring your swimming essentials and jump in – without making eye contact with anyone!

Some travelers even bring a cheap hotel-branded pool towel from a nearby chain to blend in more easily. It is a clever way to relax at the poolside without paying for it. However, just don’t overstay your welcome and try to be respectful of the actual guests.

Sneak in Extra Luggage With the “Hidden Bag” Trick

The “hidden bag” trick involves slipping a small bag inside a larger bag, like a purse or laptop case, and only pulling it out after boarding. Carry your main carry-on and a small personal item. Security won’t usually inspect the exact contents as long as you are within the limit.

Once you are seated on the plane, you can retrieve the hidden bag and place it in the overhead compartment.

For an added boost, try wearing extra layers of clothing to avoid overstuffing your luggage. Bulky items like jackets, scarves, or even an extra pair of shoes can be worn through security to lighten your bags.