Top 13+ Travel Hacks We Only Learned After the Age of 60

#1: Never Underestimate the Power of the Mid-Aisle Stretch, #3: Always Pack an Emergency Protein Bar—Even for a 90-Minute Flight, #4: If a Hotel Lists “Newly Renovated,” Ask When, #6: The Carry-On is Your Kingdom—Rule It Well, #10: Bring a Sweater—Yes, Even to Florida, #12: Take the Tour, But Then Get Lost (On Purpose), #13: Leave Room in the Suitcase for Unexpected Treasures

If you’re reading this and you’re well under 60, consider this a gift from all of the over-60-year-olds to you. And if you’re already of a certain age, you’ll probably find yourself nodding knowingly as you peruse these slides. Because when you’ve lived a life that has afforded you the opportunity to do some traveling, you inevitably pick up valuable tips along the way. Here, we’re sharing 13 insider travel hacks that will make your life easier and so much more efficient when you’re out and about in the great, big world.

#1: Never Underestimate the Power of the Mid-Aisle Stretch

#1: Never Underestimate the Power of the Mid-Aisle Stretch, #3: Always Pack an Emergency Protein Bar—Even for a 90-Minute Flight, #4: If a Hotel Lists “Newly Renovated,” Ask When, #6: The Carry-On is Your Kingdom—Rule It Well, #10: Bring a Sweater—Yes, Even to Florida, #12: Take the Tour, But Then Get Lost (On Purpose), #13: Leave Room in the Suitcase for Unexpected Treasures

Sometimes, especially when it comes to long flights, you just have to do what you need to do without worrying about anyone else. When the flight attendants give you the go-ahead to leave your seat, stretching your legs every hour or half-hour can be the difference between feeling pretty fresh the next day versus hobbling off a flight where you barely even lifted your arms.

#3: Always Pack an Emergency Protein Bar—Even for a 90-Minute Flight

#1: Never Underestimate the Power of the Mid-Aisle Stretch, #3: Always Pack an Emergency Protein Bar—Even for a 90-Minute Flight, #4: If a Hotel Lists “Newly Renovated,” Ask When, #6: The Carry-On is Your Kingdom—Rule It Well, #10: Bring a Sweater—Yes, Even to Florida, #12: Take the Tour, But Then Get Lost (On Purpose), #13: Leave Room in the Suitcase for Unexpected Treasures

You simply never know when hunger will strike, and strike hard, which is why it’s a good idea to keep a backup protein bar on you at all times when you’re traveling. Gone will be the days of scrambling for any old junk food you can get your hands on at airports or from the flight attendants. Think ahead, and your blood sugar will thank you later.

#4: If a Hotel Lists “Newly Renovated,” Ask When

#1: Never Underestimate the Power of the Mid-Aisle Stretch, #3: Always Pack an Emergency Protein Bar—Even for a 90-Minute Flight, #4: If a Hotel Lists “Newly Renovated,” Ask When, #6: The Carry-On is Your Kingdom—Rule It Well, #10: Bring a Sweater—Yes, Even to Florida, #12: Take the Tour, But Then Get Lost (On Purpose), #13: Leave Room in the Suitcase for Unexpected Treasures

The words “newly renovated” seem to be open to interpretation. If the hotel was newly renovated when the reservation listing was made, say, in 1997, and the marketing person/concierge/hotel manager hasn’t thought to update the wording, you could be looking at stained carpets and peeling wallpaper. Just go ahead and ask ahead of time if you’re concerned.

#6: The Carry-On is Your Kingdom—Rule It Well

#1: Never Underestimate the Power of the Mid-Aisle Stretch, #3: Always Pack an Emergency Protein Bar—Even for a 90-Minute Flight, #4: If a Hotel Lists “Newly Renovated,” Ask When, #6: The Carry-On is Your Kingdom—Rule It Well, #10: Bring a Sweater—Yes, Even to Florida, #12: Take the Tour, But Then Get Lost (On Purpose), #13: Leave Room in the Suitcase for Unexpected Treasures

When you’re going on a longer trip and need to check a bag, ask yourself this question before you put the finishing touches to your carry-on: Will I really miss this item if I don’t have it for the next 24 hours? Pills, vitamins, books, small toiletries, a change of clothes, your toothbrush–consider your carry-on your kingdom of comfort, then rule it well.

#7: Early Check-In at the Hotel Is a Gift, Not a Given—Call Ahead and Be Sweet

#1: Never Underestimate the Power of the Mid-Aisle Stretch, #3: Always Pack an Emergency Protein Bar—Even for a 90-Minute Flight, #4: If a Hotel Lists “Newly Renovated,” Ask When, #6: The Carry-On is Your Kingdom—Rule It Well, #10: Bring a Sweater—Yes, Even to Florida, #12: Take the Tour, But Then Get Lost (On Purpose), #13: Leave Room in the Suitcase for Unexpected Treasures

After that four-hour layover and 5 am call time, all you want to do is check into your hotel room and take a load off in the comfort and privacy of your own space. But what if you arrive at your destination early? Many hotels will be able to offer you an early check-in time. You just have to ask, and nicely. As Mother always said, you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.

#10: Bring a Sweater—Yes, Even to Florida

#1: Never Underestimate the Power of the Mid-Aisle Stretch, #3: Always Pack an Emergency Protein Bar—Even for a 90-Minute Flight, #4: If a Hotel Lists “Newly Renovated,” Ask When, #6: The Carry-On is Your Kingdom—Rule It Well, #10: Bring a Sweater—Yes, Even to Florida, #12: Take the Tour, But Then Get Lost (On Purpose), #13: Leave Room in the Suitcase for Unexpected Treasures

You simply never know when you’re going to need it, and believe us: If you need it, you’re not going to want to be without it! Don’t be like the poor schmuck walking around with “#1 Beach in America” on his chest because he didn’t plan ahead. Hotter outdoor temperatures usually mean colder AC temps on buses, in restaurants, and even in hotels that don’t let you overly tinker with the air conditioning.

#12: Take the Tour, But Then Get Lost (On Purpose)

#1: Never Underestimate the Power of the Mid-Aisle Stretch, #3: Always Pack an Emergency Protein Bar—Even for a 90-Minute Flight, #4: If a Hotel Lists “Newly Renovated,” Ask When, #6: The Carry-On is Your Kingdom—Rule It Well, #10: Bring a Sweater—Yes, Even to Florida, #12: Take the Tour, But Then Get Lost (On Purpose), #13: Leave Room in the Suitcase for Unexpected Treasures

Tours are great when you don’t feel like driving in a foreign place and want to learn about the local culture, customs, and landmarks you might have missed along the way. Let the tour deposit you somewhere beautiful, and then, get lost for a little while. Surrender to the natural flow and beauty of a new place as you soak in every detail, succumbing to the moment as you let your feet take you where your head can’t yet predict.

#13: Leave Room in the Suitcase for Unexpected Treasures

#1: Never Underestimate the Power of the Mid-Aisle Stretch, #3: Always Pack an Emergency Protein Bar—Even for a 90-Minute Flight, #4: If a Hotel Lists “Newly Renovated,” Ask When, #6: The Carry-On is Your Kingdom—Rule It Well, #10: Bring a Sweater—Yes, Even to Florida, #12: Take the Tour, But Then Get Lost (On Purpose), #13: Leave Room in the Suitcase for Unexpected Treasures

You never know what goodies you might stumble upon that speak to your soul and make you say, “That’s perfect for so-and-so.” Perhaps it’s a piece of art for that spot on the wall you’ve struggled to fill, or a rare stone that’s unique to wherever you are, as the options are endless for what you might suddenly find yourself purchasing while on vacation. This is why the most pro-travelers always leave some space for the unexpected. (Heck, you could even bring an empty suitcase if you’re really planning to do some damage!)

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