monica travel hack

The Travel Hack: How it all began

By: Author Monica

Categories Welcome

Hi and thank you for stopping by The Travel Hack!

My name is Monica, I’m 33 and I live in North Wales with my partner, Sam, and our three kids, George (5), Joseph (4) and Alba (1).

I’ve been blogging for 12 years and I’ve been doing this full time for eight years! The thing I’m always asked is, ‘How did this all begin!? And how did you keep blogging after so long?’ 

So here is my blogging timeline to show what I’ve been up to for the past 12 years and to show some highlights from each year….

If you’d like to keep up to date with the blog, you can sign up to my newsletter where I send out weekly updates.

Here’s my blogging timeline…

2009 – In 2009, I finished university, where I’d studied English Language and Literature at The University of Liverpool. I then set out on a two-year backpacking trip with Sam. I started the blog as a way to document the journey – partly because I’d always loved to write a journal and partly because I was hoping to pursue a career in journalism so I saw the blog as work experience (little did I know that the blog would soon become my career!)

Back in 2009 we booked one-way tickets to Australia with a 3-month stop in Hong Kong. From Hong Kong we flew to other places in South East Asia.

We visited:

And then flew to Sydney to work for a few months and spend Christmas and New Year there.

Read more: How and why I started travel blogging

2010 – We bought an old VW camper van in Melbourne and drove around the entire coast of Australia.

We stopped to work on a scuba diving and fishing island on the west coast of Australia and gained our second-year visa so we could stay a little longer on our Working Holiday Visas.

Read more: How to survive living in a campervan…for a year…with a boy

2011 – We left Australia and travelled through South East Asia again on the way home.

I then moved to London to complete an NCTJ in journalism and I started working for travel site called Gap Daemon. I was also doing a lot of travel copywriting at this time to help with the living costs in London!

Read more: What my journalism course taught me about blogging.

^ One of my favourite trips was to Sun Peaks in Canada

2012 – This is when I started to really get into travel blogging and I realised a career in blogging would be much more exciting than a career in journalism!

I started working as the UK social media manager for Flight Centre and began attending lots of press trips for my blog.

My travel highlights from 2012

^During a dream trip to South Africa

2013 – I quit my full time job to travel blog full time – this is when the fun really started and I was travelling 2-3 times a month.

Read more: I’m going freelance!

My travel highlights from 2013

^ Taken during an epic trip to Miami

2014 – I moved from London back to North Wales and Louie, our gorgeous fur baby, came into our lives. Oh, and I continued to travel a lot!

Read more: The real reason I got a dog

My travel highlights from 2014

2015 – Sam and I had our first son, George, and bought our first house which we renovated over a year.

Read more: The house renovation project: 8 months on

Introducing Baby George

2016 – We travelled a lot with George and then had our second son, Joseph.

My travel highlights from 2016

An Introduction to Joseph

2017 – I released a Travel Hack Cabin Case!

My travel highlights from 2017

2018 – 2018 was the year of finding the balance between travelling, family life and running an online business. There was a lot of travel and a lot of fun, but also a lot of time spent at home in the UK and discovering some gorgeous places on my doorstep. We bought a caravan on the Llyn Peninsula in Wales too so we spent a lot of time on the coast!

Read: My travel highlights from 2018

How I’m managing the work/life/blogging/babies/travelling balance

Buying a static caravan

2019 began as a very busy year with trips to Morocco, Montenegro, Menorca, Switzerland and lots of UK trips. I also launched The Travel Hack Backpack! The second half of the year was busy in a very different way as we built an extension on our house and our baby girl, Alba, joined our family!

Our first three months with our baby girl

What’s it like to have three children?

The Travel Hack Backpack

2020, wow, what a year. It’s fair to say that 2020 has turned the world on it’s head, chewed us all up, spat us all out and we’re currently wiping ourselves down and hoping it doesn’t happen again.

Despite the global pandemic, I have actually been very lucky and all of my loved ones are safe and well. I’ve missed travelling this year but COVID-19 and lockdown did make me rethink a few things and use the downtime as an opportunity to rethink my career and introduce more family lifestyle content to the blog.

I really hope you enjoy reading The Travel Hack and please do follow me on Instagram for daily updates!

Jessica Friend

Monday 5th of October 2020

This felt like the Monica's 'Greatest Hits' in a lovely feel-good way! And I've loved revisiting all your milestones again - avid follower from 2010! :-)

Hehe, I should have made a cheesy album cover for the greatest hits!

Thursday 19th of December 2019

In all photos you look so joyful such a great photography and i am appreciating your blog. Perfect Travel blog.

Thursday 6th of June 2019

I really enjoyed seeing your travel timeline and having a little roundup! I’ve only started to follow you recently and I’ve only started traveling out of the UK in the past few years. Thanks for sharing ?

Danica Watson

Wednesday 10th of April 2019

Thank you so much for sharing!!

sumit saini

Saturday 23rd of February 2019

I truly appreciated seeing your movement course of events and having a little gathering! I've just begun to tail you as of late and I've just begun going out of the UK in the previous couple of years. I've as of late been to North Sweden and gracious my I cherished it to such an extent! I'm eager to perceive what 2019 has in store for you

Travel Hacks for an Amazing Santa Monica Vacation

Santa Monica is LA’s quintessential beach city with year-round sunshine and eight unique neighborhoods to explore. After the year we’ve had, we all deserve some fun in the sun! A visit to Santa Monica will be sure to leave a lasting impression. Here are a few tips and tricks to you prep for your next SoCal seaside getaway:

Plan your in-flight routine

As travel rebounds and more people begin to fly again, consider bringing your own antibacterial wipes for additional peace of mind. Most airlines promise enhanced cleaning protocols, but it doesn’t hurt to be cautions. Tray tables, armrests and seat cushions are high touch points that you may want to give an extra wipe down. To minimize contact with surfaces bring your own laptop, tablet or Kindle along for in-flight entertainment. Lost & Found , a local boutique on Main Street has a beautiful selection of travel-friendly totes to stash your carry-on items. After the flight, rehydrate with portable hydration packs from Whole Foods . Pro tip: toss a pair of socks in your carry-on tote to wear when you’re asked to remove your shoes at TSA.

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lost & Found (@lostandfoundshop_la)

Pack with intention

Packing with intention is essential for a successful trip to Santa Monica. Consider factors like the current season, the activities you may want to partake in, and how long you’ll be in town as you pack. Santa Monica is a renowned shopping destination, so you may even want to leave a little extra room in your suitcase! The goal is to avoid overpacking, but if you do we won’t judge – you can find expandable luggage at Tumi . When it comes to makeup and personal care items, it’s best to keep a separate set of your favorites to reduce packing time when you’re on-the-go. The Detox Market curates a selection of green beauty finds based on a strict Banned Ingredients list.

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Detox Market (@thedetoxmarket)

Dress for different temperatures

Santa Monica is by the beach, which means you may experience a fluctuation in temperatures throughout the day. A Santa Monica morning typically starts with a cool sea breeze, and afternoons can sometimes reach the high 80s before dipping back down in the evenings. Bring neutral colored clothing so you can mix, match and easily layer your pieces. Jane on Montana Ave offers a range of stylish, affordable basics (everything is under $98!) that can be easily dressed up or down. Dress to impress – you never know who you’ll run into! Celebs like Nicole Richie, Joe Jonas and Jhene Aiko have all been spotted shopping at the Third Street Promenade .

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Z O Ë 🦋 (@zoe.bright)

Plan a loose itinerary

Do you want to spend your days hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, or people watching at a hotspot like Urth Caffe ? You may want to do both! Santa Monica is a walkable 8.3 square mile city with no shortage of things to do, and narrowing down a list before you arrive will save time. Once you narrow down specific activities, you can work on other logistics like how you’ll get around and what outfits to pack. Leave some room to play things by ear as you build your dream itinerary, especially if your plans require you to brave LA traffic. For a car-free vacation use the Metro Expo Light Rail which can take you to Downtown Los Angeles in under 50 minutes, or rent a bike at Santa Monica Beach Bicycle Rentals for $15 per day.

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Jess 🌼 (@jessimika23)

We may live in a virtual world, but there are still situations where cash is king while traveling. Plan to bring or withdraw at least $100 in cash for tips, public transport and unexpected costs like parking lot fees. Every savvy traveler should have at least one cross body for occasions that require you to carry cash, such as an afternoon at the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market . Jill Roberts Boutique on Montana Avenue has some seriously stylish options. Speaking of Farmers Markets, the Virginia Avenue/Pico Farmer’s Market is a great addition to your itinerary for a glimpse at local culture. Local farmers and families converge in Virginia Avenue Park every Saturday from 8am-1pm.

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ｈ Ａ Ｙ Ｌ Ｅ Ｙ🌵 (@hayley.feldman)

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51 Practical Hacks To Make You Travel-Smart

• May 5, 2022
• September 2, 2023
• Tips & Hacks , Inspiration

Have you ever forgotten to pack ‘that’ thing only to realize later? That sudden sense of deep regret as you unpack your backpacks?

We understand. Traveling smart requires a lot of mindfulness and planning. While it may seem like an extra task for ordinary travelers, savvy travelers know that the rewards are astonishing.

Travel disasters are pretty natural. However, you can avoid them after learning a few travel hacks.

So, this article covers 51 practical travel hacks to make you travel smart. They are time-tested and are super helpful while traveling — both locally and internationally.

Notice : This post may contain a few links which might earn us financial support when you buy or make any reservations through them. They in no way affect our opinion or the information presented here.

1. Email Your Documents

Whether it is local travel or an international tour, it is necessary to carry your identification papers and passports. 

Just scan and email a copy of these papers to yourself for safety. Having a backup in your email account would never hurt, and you can always feel secure during your travels. 

Alternatively, you can upload your document on your Google Drive, OneDrive or iCloud for easier access.

2. Use Google Maps Without the Internet

Google Maps have been one of our few favorite travel hacks. If you have enough space on your phone, download Google maps and browse the location you need to visit. Tab “…” on the top of the screen to download the offline map of that particular area.

See Google’s instructions for doing the same .

This hack can be pretty efficient if you plan to visit a place with a poor internet connection.

3. Download an Offline Translation App

If you are traveling to a region where language might be a barrier, you should download a translation application on your mobile device. 

Most translation apps work with the Internet, but you should download those supporting offline translation. 

We suggest you go with Google Translate — free, supports offline translation, and is relatively reliable.

You can also translate the sign and menus by capturing the image through the camera in your Google Translate.

4. Carry a Baby Powder

This hack is essential when compared to the other makeup items. While traveling, you walk a lot on foot. Despite wearing socks, your feet might smell. 

So, applying baby powder to your socks and a little bit on your feet can reduce the effect and make them pleasant. You can find varieties of baby powder on Amazon and other e-commerce stores.

5. Empty Your Bottles

Carrying a filled water bottle is a strict no before passing airport security. So instead, bring it out as an empty water bottle and fill it up after security checks in the airport. 

This simple hack saves a lot of money! 

6. Go in Private

While searching for flights, choose the incognito or private mode in the browser. 

Experts say that most travel sites use your search history and cookies to understand your requirements and raise the price simply since you have searched for their flights before. 

This travel hack will protect you from spending unnecessary money on flight booking. 

7. Roll Up Your Clothes

This idea is a general hack but can be pretty essential. Rather than folding your clothes, roll them into a circular tube to preserve space and prevent creases or wrinkles. 

8. Use Vacuum Bags For Wrinkle-Free Clothes

The vacuum bags are also a general hack used to protect your clothes from wrinkles and pack more within a small space. 

These vacuum bags are commonly available in most online stores, and you can purchase them for a low price. Here is a list of many vacuum bags on Amazon . 

Place your clothes within the bags and vacuum the air out of them to protect the fabric and maintain it wrinkle-free. Since it sucks the air out, you will also have more space for packing. 

9. Use Smart TVs to Get Charged

If you have forgotten your charger or adapter, do not worry. Like the laptop’s USB port, today’s television sets have a USB port. You can charge your mobile phone and cameras through this port during emergencies. 

10. Mark Your Bags as Fragile

If you are a frequent traveler, you might understand the damages caused to your suitcase, especially with the handles and the wheels. 

Marking your suitcases and bags as fragile goods would ensure that your bags are handled correctly and placed on the top of the compartment. 

11. Runoff Your Jet Lag 

Jet lag can be an issue when going on an International Tour. It can make you feel under the cloud for at least two days. 

You can reduce your jet lag effects by going on a run or by engaging in light exercises. Try not to fall asleep during flight hours to lower your impact of jet lag. 

12. Use Rechargeable Batteries

Having rechargeable batteries as a backup can be pretty efficient. But when your rechargeable batteries keep running out of charge, the best solution is to place them in the freezer for an hour to maintain the battery level above 90%. 

Most new batteries work just fine. But when your rechargeable battery is old, you can use this technique.

Although this travel hack might not seem practical in a few years, it’s useful if you’re using a gadget that runs on replaceable charging batteries such as trimmers.

13. Plastic Bags For All The Wets

Sealed pouches and plastic bags can be pretty efficient on a trip. These bags do not occupy huge space, and they are efficient while packing wet clothes or dirty clothes. 

It practically separates your fresh clothes and prevents them from the disgusting scent. You can also pack used swimsuits within these bags since they carry the chlorine scent despite being dry. 

Check out plastic bags for clothes on Amazon .

14. Purchase Tickets in Advance

If you plan a trip, then book all your tickets in advance. It’s not just the flight and train tickets, but also book other activity tickets like museum visits and others to avoid the queues and make a visit. 

This idea saves time, and you can prevent vast crowds. 

15. Avoid Add-ons

Plan to reduce the price and save unnecessary rush rather than booking your add-ons like the extra baggage and food items separately. 

You can complete all your baggage booking, food, insurance, and seat reservations during booking with planning. Including add-ons during the later stage will only increase your budget. 

16. Smart with Small Bottles

The excess baggage might be pretty heavy to carry around when you travel. The essentials and makeup products are hard to distinguish among your clothes and accessories. 

Instead of taking the whole shampoo bottle and face wash, you can transfer them to small bottles for packing. This technique might reduce a lot of weight from your baggage. 

If you have small bottles at home, you can use them, or next time you go on a trip, take the bottles they offer you in the hotels. Moreover, there are various travel bottles available on Amazon which you can purchase if you don’t have it at home.

17. Buy Shoe Covers

While traveling around, you need to carry at least two to three sets of footwear to keep your fashion sense alive. But instead of taking them simply in a bag, cover them within a zip lock pouch or a dedicated shoe cover . 

This hack will protect your shoes from getting dirty. 

Since shoe covers cover the base portion of your shoe, you can use them while traveling in a muddy area.

18. Rental Vehicles to Save $$

Even though this concept was not quite common a decade ago, you can now find it in multiple cities. 

Renting a car or two-wheeler will save you a lot of money and allow you to enjoy the freedom of going anywhere. 

Try to purchase a universal license if you are a frequent international traveler. The rental vehicle is a cost-effective technique when compared to taxis.  

19. Rent a Home When With Family

Did you know that renting a home is much cheaper than staying in a hotel? If you travel with your family, rent a house or room through Airbnb. 

If you are traveling alone, then rent a single room. The old bed-and-breakfast concept is much more exciting and comfortable than a hotel. 

20. Carry a Pen

This hack might seem like a simple trick, but it can be handy when you try to exchange foreign money or fill out a customs form. 

Instead of asking other people for the pain, you can fill out the form and save time with the pen. 

Even most rentals in international countries subject you to multiple form-related procedures. 

21. Use Local ATMs

If you have an international credit or debit card, then use them in the local ATMs instead of opting for the money exchanger in airports with a particular cost. 

These ATMs charge less and allow you to get money from anywhere.

22. Unpack Necessities, Leave The Rest

Even if it is a long trip, avoid complete unpacking. Instead, opt to remove only necessities from your luggage when you come back from a trip.

To avoid hectic last-minute packing, you can wash or pack your used clothes in a separate bag. It also increases your chance of missing out on something in the hotel room. 

23. Smell Nice with Pocket Deodorants

If you are packing for a long holiday, do not miss out on the pocket deodorants available for your clothes. 

Whether a hotel or a home, it is always safe to keep your suitcases closed. But your clothes might smell when you try to place used clothes within them. 

The pocket deodorant provides a pleasant smell and keeps your cloth fresh for your upcoming use. 

24. Get Souvenirs To Buy on a List, Seriously

Everyone expects you to purchase something for them during their foreign trips. So, create a list of souvenirs and items you must buy before departure for easy access. 

It might feel like you are striking things off your bucket list, but it saves time and money. It also allows you to remember things and avoid feeling guilty. 

25. Savor Yourself on The Local Cuisine

Try to consume local foods and avoid common fast-food joints like McDonald’s, Dominos Pizza, or Starbucks. This hack will allow you to taste the local cuisine while saving you a lot of money. 

Local cuisines are cheap, fresh, and the best. Besides, you can have fast food anywhere.  

26. Compression Socks For Swollen Feet

Compression socks are a boon to millennial travelers and allow you to avoid swollen feet after a long flight.

They act like spanks for your feet and calves. These socks are especially suitable for women and old age people. Further, compression socks are easily available on Amazon and other e-commerce stores.

27. Find Alternate Destination

If the city you are flying to is not the primary flight hub, consider flying into the central city hub and find an alternative flight to small towns. 

You can also choose other modes of transportation like metro and taxi to save money and develop your mileage points.

28. Packing Your Cubes

The packing cubes have proved efficient for space-saving packing. 

Compress your items and store them within the packing cubes before placing them within the primary suitcase and save everything separately. 

For example, you can use the small-sized packing cube for the socks while using the medium-size cube for your tops. 

Similarly, you can use large-sized packing cubes for your shoes and sneakers. 

If you are a makeup lover, you can also store your accessories and cosmetic products in separate cubes for easy access. It saves space and time. 

Find suitable packing cubes on Amazon for your travel needs.

29. The Credit Card Hack

The best way to save your money is by using your credit card points. Whether it is a domestic flight or an international flight, they offer multiple price reductions when you use a credit card. 

A credit card with the sign-up bonus and points can reduce your flight price, especially international flights. It offers you an efficient way to reduce your flight charges using points and miles for free travel.

30. Get a Refund From a Non-refundable Flight

When you book a non-refundable flight ticket, and suddenly your plans change, do not cancel the flight until the last minute. 

As most domestic flights alter their flight timings in the last five days, you can cancel the flights and receive immediate refunds during such situations. 

This hack is beneficial since you can always receive a refund for a non-refundable flight booking.

31. Hydration Multiplier

One thing that commonly irritates you the most is finding a restroom while traveling. 

The requirement to go to the bathroom repeatedly, especially in areas with poor maintenance, can be pretty irritating for a regular traveler. 

During such situations, you can use the hydration multiplier . All you need to do is mix this powder into your water and consume it. It can keep your hydration for a longer time and reduces your frequent visits to the bathroom since you’ll have less water.

32. Google Docs Your Itinerary

Writing your itinerary on a sheet of paper might not be handy since you need to save them for a long time. 

Instead, you can save your itinerary in a google docs file and share it with your fellow travelers or friends to make it more collaborative. 

It also allows you to receive multiple recommendations from the people for the destination you are visiting.

33. Avoid Baggage Checking

Avoid lost baggage nightmares by packing a carry-on bag for your over-a-week trip. Most flights allow you to carry at least seven kilograms, sufficient for brief trips. 

There are multiple small and comfortable carry-on bags available for online e-commerce websites for your comfort. 

34. Save Local Currencies

Instead of buying a keychain or a T-shirt, you can save the local currencies as a souvenir. 

This travel hack allows you to hold a piece of memory to yourself, and if you are a frequent traveler, you can display your currencies in a large photo frame. 

You can’t show a key chain or a T-shirt, but this allows you to frame it in a potential corner of your home for constant remembrance. 

35. Use Your Layovers

When booking a flight with a layover for over 12 hours, use it wisely to look at another city. When it is an international trip, most flights have a layover for a minimum of 12 hours. 

Ensure that your layover time falls during the morning phase so that you can explore the city you land in. 

36. Burst Mode If You Don’t Wanna Miss

Never miss an opportunity to take a photo. Always keep your camera in burst mode to never miss a shot. This hack is efficient in group travels, especially when you snap a photo amid a heavy crowd.

37. Don’t Mess With Your Wallet

A wallet can be efficient in your day-to-day life. Still, while traveling, it can get messy by stuffing everything like foreign currency, recipients, and passport copies into your regular everyday wallet. 

So, to stay organized, buy an inexpensive but perfect travel wallet with multiple compartments to collect your travel-related items.

38. Travel Agents Aren’t So Bad

Most people avoid travel agents to prevent a dent in their budget. But for traveling multiple cities, a travel agent can be helpful to receive special rates and preferential treatment in hotels. 

Try it with a travel agent for comfort and a homogenized itinerary if this is your first time traveling. 

39. Share Photos via Google Drive

You can purchase a shared album while going on group trips to exchange photos during your trip. It also allows you to share the album with your family. 

If you are not interested in making a payment, you can always use Google Drive to upload your photos and share them with your family members. It also preserves your data for a long time.

40. Shoulder Season Travel

The shoulder season is the space between the high and low seasons when the weather is better with less crowd. The hotel will have a decent rate, and the tourist spots will be less busy, allowing you to enjoy your free time. 

The general shoulder season is from April to June and September to October. It might vary for some countries, and you can always Google it out.

41. Go With a Local Guide

While visiting a foreign city, hire a local guide on the first day of the trip. This idea will allow you to get a lay of the land and understand non-touristy spaces where you can visit during your free time. 

When you travel in groups, always hire a tourist guide since it takes the pressure off your shoulder with a hectic itinerary. It also allows you to look at multiple things within a short period.

42. Expediting Service

Whether it is a simple passport renewal or buying a visa within a short period, you must hire expediting service when you are super tight on time.

43. Book a Hostel

If hostels are an option for you, you can always book a private room or a bunk bed for a minimal price instead of a hotel. 

This travel hack allows you to save money and meet people from other countries during your trips. You will bond with other people and enjoy new relationships for a short time.

Furthermore, you can also try Couchsurfing to stay with a local. We tried it and had super fun meeting new peoples via Couchsurfing .

44. Country Toggling

If you are looking forward to flying with a specific airline, set your country with a decent exchange rate. This idea will allow you to purchase the flight tickets for a low price but your international credit card and save big. 

This travel hack takes time, and you have to be patient with the trial-and-error method but it is worth it.

45. Oversized Scarf 

Always carry an oversized scarf on the flight and use it as an alternative blanket when required. You can also take a coat or jacket in your carry-on baggage to protect yourself from the flight chillness. 

46. DIY Pack

While traveling in business class, you always get a DIY pack filled with the accessories like cream, eye mask, tissues, and earbuds. 

But most domestic flights and the general class will not have such facilities. During such situations, you can pack your DIY pack with essentials. 

47. Pack Smart and Save

Rather than packing the things you love, always take the essential things. Each country has its own set of requirements. Packing according to them and save your time, space, and money. 

For example, you can avoid packing your basic amenities like toothbrushes and bottles if the flight you are traveling offers you one. 

Also, discard the unnecessary items within your suitcase through rational planning. 

48. Check the Adapter

Each country has its own set of adapters and block points that might differ from yours. 

So invest in a good plug converter with USB ports for universal traveling. You can buy these universal travel adapters from Amazon .

Trust us, this hack saves a lot of time and money.

49. Be Chic and Comfortable

The present trend forces you to wear a chic airport costume. But always select your outfit based on current fashion with comfort for the long run. 

With international flights, especially those that exceed long hours, you need to be chic and comfortable. 

50. Research and Plan Well

Before going on a trip, research all the outlets and shopping areas to purchase cheap and best products. 

Instead of buying in any shop, you plan to open yourself with the possibility to visit the top boutiques that offer you the latest products. 

51. Replace Your Camera

While visiting a foreign country, you may pay a selective charge for your cameras at each tourist location. The price for foreigners will be higher. 

Instead, you can choose to carry your phone with a higher megapixel to avoid such charges and capture your memories. 

Final Thoughts

So this was a list of 51 travel hacks to make you travel smart. Use these hacks to make your travels safer, enjoyable, and regret-free. 

In no way, this is an exhaustive list and there are plenty of other travel hacks out there. Do you know some? Please share and help your fellow travelers of the world.

#Vasudhaiva_Kutumbakam

An appeal: Please do not throw litter around. Use a dustbin and if you can’t find one, take the trash with you and throw it when you find one. Your small steps like this one can make the world clean and green.

Vipin is a techie, traveler, and entrepreneur. He has done engineering in computer science and is an Apple Fan Boy. He is behind all the tech and content management of this website. Often, he shares his entrepreneurial learnings and thoughts on his Twitter .

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well those are some helpful tips, keep up the good work.

Thank you. Glad you liked it 🙂

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Airline furious after man uses secret hack to buy 58 free flights.

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A lawyer is locked in a legal battle with Jetstar after finding a loophole in the airline’s “Return for free” promotion and booking 58 flights for $0 each.

Tyrone Barugh booked a flight from Auckland to Sydney for $171, receiving the return fare for free as part of the promotion.

Barugh then canceled the outbound flight and received a Jetstar credit as a refund, with the free flight remaining on the booking.

He then used the credit to book another flight before repeating the process another 57 times.

Barugh said he didn’t intend on using any of the flights, but instead hoped to receive a settlement from Jetstar.

The lawyer has taken the matter to the Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand, claiming he is also entitled to a refund on the taxes owed on the flights, which add up to about $2,971 ($4,500 AUD), due to a combination of Australian legislation and Jetstar’s policies.

Speaking to news.com.au, Barugh said Jetstar claimed he didn’t have the “most saintly of intentions” when taking the matter to the tribunal.

“They’re not out here with the most saintly of intentions either,” he said.

“They have terms and conditions that are designed to potentially avoid having to do the right thing by a lot of their customers and limit their liability to their customers, and they’re pretty happy to pull those out when it suits them.”

Barugh said he is owed the $2,971 ($4,500 AUD) due to the Passenger Movement Charge Collection Act 1978 — which is a $40 ($60 AUD) charge the Australian government collects when a person departs Australia.

He said he was enjoying the “banter” of the case and that he would be happy with a settlement of a “small flight credit and a toy plane.”

“There is a spirit of larrikinism,” he said, using an Australian term for mischief.

A spokesman for Jetstar declined to comment.

“As this is a matter before the Tribunal, we won’t be making any comment,” it said in a statement to news.com.au.

The matter returns to the tribunal next week.

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How to get the best sleep on a plane — wherever your travels take you

Here are some of our best tips for sleeping soundly, even in uncomfortable seats.

By Caroline McDonald

On Thursday, the New York Post posted a picture on X of a woman who climbed into an overhead bin to take a nap. The passengers were described as feeling “baffled” as they watched the seemingly unconcerned passenger make herself comfortable.

Southwest passengers baffled after woman climbs into overhead bin for nap https://t.co/H4PIirnsXc pic.twitter.com/rXixe640u2 — New York Post (@nypost) May 9, 2024

While climbing into overhead bins is certainly unusual, feeling exhausted on planes is not. If you always seem to find yourself disembarking a plane feeling extra fatigued, have no fear.

There are ways to stay well-rested even on the longest of journeys — without leaving your seat.

How to get the best sleep on a plane

• Pass up the caffeine . According to Travel + Leisure , drinking soda on a flight contributes to both jet lag and dehydration. Plus, fizzy drinks can make you feel bloated, which contributes to in-flight discomfort.
• Book a window seat . If you can, try and sit in a window seat. You can rest your head against the wall of the plane as you doze and have a great view waiting for you when you wake up.
• Wear layers . Even the slightest chill in an airplane cabin can prevent you from sleeping. That is why wearing light layers — and bringing a small blanket on longer flights — can increase comfort and feelings of security.
• Tune out the noise . Bring a set of headphones, or better yet, noise-canceling headphones, to block out the sounds of passengers around you.

Products to try

• Invest in a neck pillow . No matter how long you rest, it’s important to provide your neck with comfort. This Napfun Neck Pillow is customizable, made from memory foam and comes in a variety of colors. Find it on Amazon for $14.96.
• Buy compression socks . Compression socks help with blood circulation while flying, preventing swelling, blood clots and discomfort. These Charmking compression socks are one option. Find them for $13.99 on Amazon .
• Consider a foot hammock . Foot hammocks can be attached to the bottom of the seat in front of you, providing your feet with elevation and added support for your lower back. This could be a great option for travelers seeking to stretch their legs a little. Find one for $14.99 on Amazon .
• Try a sleep mask . Not all sleep masks are created equal, so finding one that effectively blocks out light and doesn’t smudge makeup is important. Try the Bucky 40 Blinks No Pressure Printed Eye Mask on Amazon for $15.99. This particular mask is contoured, allowing you to blink freely without putting pressure on your eyes.

Essential Elektrostal

Elektrostal Is Great For

Eat & drink.

• Apelsin Hotel
• Elektrostal Hotel
• Apart Hotel Yantar
• Mini Hotel Banifatsiy
• Restaurant Globus
• Amsterdam Moments
• Cafe Antresole
• Viki Cinema
• Statue of Lenin
• Park of Culture and Leisure

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Geographic coordinates of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

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Coordinates of Elektrostal in decimal degrees

Coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

Elevation above sea level is a measure of a geographic location’s height. We are using the global digital elevation model GTOPO30 .

Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia