We asked the almighty, all-knowing, kind of creepy, master of the internet, the one and the only, ChatGPT for it’s top 10 travel hacks. Here is what was spit out, along with my comments.
(1) Pack light: Traveling with fewer items will make your journey more comfortable. Stick to essentials and versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched.
OK. Not exactly groundbreaking, but a good tip.
(2) Roll your clothes: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save space in your luggage and help prevent wrinkles.
I am not a fan of rolling clothes! I prefer folding them so they can be easily placed into drawers or shelves upon arrival, without needing to re-fold everything. I’ve always wondered if rolling actually saves space. I guess since the AI mentioned it, it must be true. Good tip then!
(3) Use packing cubes: These small organizers can keep your belongings neatly separated and easily accessible within your suitcase.
Are we rolling or using packing cubes?! Are we doing both? Are we rolling and then putting them in cubes? Now I am confused.
(4) Bring a reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while traveling by carrying a refillable water bottle. You can fill it up at water fountains or ask flight attendants to fill it for you.
Always travel with a reusable water bottle, mostly because I don’t want to be price gouged by the cost of water at the airport. Oh, just to add, if you are asking a flight attendant to fill your water bottle, make sure it’s not from the plane’s water supply.
(5) Download offline maps: Before your trip, download offline maps of your destination on your smartphone. This way, you can navigate without relying on an internet connection.
This is actually a really good one. There are plenty of solid apps out there to download maps from. Especially helpful if you are traveling to a new city and using their transit system – think London or Paris. I was using Maplets for a bit.
(6) Bring a power bank: Ensure you have a portable charger for your electronics, especially if you’ll be out for long periods. This will prevent your devices from running out of battery.
Never leave home without one. The anxiety of being stranded somewhere without a working phone is daunting.
(7) Use a VPN: When accessing public Wi-Fi networks, use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your sensitive information and maintain online privacy.
Says the AI…
(8) Bring a photocopy of important documents: Make copies of your passport, ID, and other essential documents. Store them separately from the originals in case of loss or theft.
Probably better to have a hard copy, but for me a picture in your phone is enough insurance. The chance of having both lost or stolen has to be pretty slim.
(9) Learn a few key phrases: If you’re visiting a country with a different language, learn a few basic phrases to help you communicate with locals. It can enhance your experience and make interactions smoother.
This might be a little dated considering we now have Google translate at our fingertips. I do vividly remember making cheat sheets to learn key words and phrases before traveling abroad back in the day “Wo ist die Toilette?”
(10) Research local customs and etiquette: Familiarize yourself with the customs and etiquette of your destination. Respect local traditions, dress codes, and behaviors to show appreciation for the local culture.
This to me is kind of a Golden Rule of traveling abroad. Don’t be THAT person.
Plane Addicted 