[Part 3] Travel Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money in 2017

For the Airport

Pre-order a meal at the airport.

Use the Grab app to pre-order a meal of your choice at the airport, and have it ready for you when you arrive. The app allows you to search restaurants that are nearby your terminal, as well as those on the way to your gate. It's available at more than 40 airports in the U.S.

Freeze your water.

You know you can't bring a bottle of water through airport security—unless you freeze it.

Easily access Wi-Fi.

If you want Wi-Fi on the flight (and your airline doesn't offer it for free, like JetBlue or Virgin America), buy it before you board. You'll save money and make a more rational decision on what you can and should pay for internet access.

Also take advantage of this handy map with Wi-Fi information from airports around the world, created by travel blogger and computer security engineer Anil Polat.

Ask for free in-flight items to keep the kids entertained.

Traveling with children can be tough, but airlines—thankfully!—have an array of free games and activities for kids. These freebies range from items like coloring books and puzzles aboard Lufthansa to ukuleles on select Hawaiian Airlines flights.

Get a complimentary drink.

Several airlines, believe it or not, continue to offer complimentary alcoholic beverages for economy passengers. Consider flying with Air Canada, which offers a selection of spirits on international flights, Etihad Airways, which offers, wines, and spirits, and KLM, among others.

Easily rebook a delayed or canceled flight.

Dealing with canceled or delayed flights can be a headache. That’s where Freebird comes in, offering travelers a free and quick travel protection option. For a flat fee of $19 for one-way flights and $34 for round-trip flights, travelers will be alerted if their flights is delayed or canceled. When that happens, Freebird delivers options to book another available flight, which can be done on mobile without ever waiting in line.

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[Part 2] Travel Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money in 2017

For Packing

 Keep instant oatmeal in a bag for an easy breakfast.

Grace Antipala, who has been a flight attendant with Hawaiian Airlines since 2011, recommends keeping instant oatmeal in a Ziploc bag along with your preferred toppings (dried fruit, nuts, brown sugar). During meal service, ask your flight attendant for hot water and prepare your healthy meal in a coffee cup.

Try peppermint essential oil.

Antipala also carries a small bottle of peppermint essential oil with her on flights. She told T+L the oil is "great for nausea during a flight, freshen[s] your breath, and helps with odors from the flight." Antipala will also dab a few drops onto a napkin and take a sniff to clear her sinuses.

Stay organized with collapsing laundry bags.

Taking a collapsible laundry bag can help you keep dirty clothes organized during your trip—and separated from other items on the way back. You can also opt for a waterproof version, which is perfect for stowing a damp bathing suit after a last minute run to the beach on your way to the airport.

Carry a hydrating face spray.

Another product Antipala regularly takes on flights is the AmorePacific face spray ($35), which comes in a TSA-approved 2.7 ounce bottle.

“The first ingredient in it isn't water, but bamboo sap, so there are more essential oils to keep you hydrated and moisturized throughout your flight,” said Antipala.

Ship your packages beforehand.

To avoid having a longer wait time at airport security and using precious storage space for gifts, ship your luggage out before flying.

Invest in a multi-purpose jacket.

Antipala also recommends packing a light jacket, like the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka($80).

This thin-yet-cozy, water-resistant coat squishes easily into an included pouch. “I use it as a pillow,” said Antipala, “and always pack in no matter where I go since there can be cold snaps.”

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[Part 1] Travel Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money in 2017

It's National Plan For Vacation Day. So what are you waiting for?

Expert travelers like flight attendants and frequent fliers know that foreign transaction fees, the dreaded middle seat, and flight delays can put a damper even on an otherwise perfectly planned vacation.

To help you travel better in 2017, we've compiled our favorite travel hacks we learned this year. You'll navigate airports masterfully, save money on trip changes and cancelations, uncover real-time hotel discounts, and find yourself with more time (and money) when you finally arrive.

For Booking Flights

Set up price alerts.

If you know where you want to go, and you are at least a few months out, now may not be the best time to buy. Download the Hopper app and do a search on Google Flights, and if the price isn't yet right, set an alert. This is also a reminder to Always Be Planning.)

Sign up for airline emails.

Sign up from airlines newsletters: JetBlue, for examle, frequently sends out flash sale emails. Similarly, following airlines on social media can help you stay in the loop with quick sales and promotions. Also, websites like Airfarewatchdog are great for finding top-notch flight prices, thanks to flight-tracker alerts that notify you when prices drop.

Take advantage of free stopovers.

Free stopovers give you the chance to get two trips out of one vacation: without paying twice as much for flights. A number of airlines offer stopover programs, though one of the best known is Icelandair. You can extend your layover in Iceland for up to seven days (at no additional cost) and the airline will even pair you up with a complimentary Stopover Buddy to take you to the best local spots in town.

With Finnair, you can spend up to five nights doing everything from chasing the Northern Lights to exploring the city's food scene, while stopovers in Singapore from Singapore Airlines include a night's hotel stay and airport transfer for just $60.

Get the perfect seat.

Where you sit on a flight can make all the difference. SeatGuru helps savvy travelers examine every detail of an airplane seat before it's too late to make a change. Find out whether you'll be close to a bathroom, if you can count on power outlets, what the seat pitch is, or if that seat will recline. There are user reviews so you can get a sense of what the experience was like for other travelers.

Use the 24-hour rule.

Take advantage of the 24-hour rule, which allows travelers to cancel tickets on most airlines without a fee within 24 hours of booking. In 2017, check one last time for a better price, or jump on a flash airfare sale—even if you still need to ask your boss for time off.

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