TikTok is a treasure trove of travel tips, but not all of them deliver on their promise. Some hacks are game-changing, while others are overhyped or downright impractical. Here’s a breakdown of the best TikTok travel hacks that actually work and the ones you should avoid.
While TikTok has brought attention to game-changing travel tricks, it’s essential to separate what works from what doesn’t. Focus on practical, science-backed hacks to save money, stay organized, and reduce stress during your trip.
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Key Takeaways
Hacks like packing cubes, Google Maps offline mode, and the water bottle trick are reliable.
Be cautious of overhyped or risky hacks like skip-lagging or wrapping suitcases in plastic.
Use tools like VPNs, Google Translate, and flight compensation apps to enhance your travel experience.
Viral Travel Hacks That Actually Work
1. Packing Cubes for Organization and Space-Saving
Why It Works: Packing cubes help you organize clothes, maximize suitcase space, and make unpacking easier.
How to Use It:
Group items (shirts, pants, socks) into separate cubes.
Compress cubes to save space and keep your bag tidy.
TikTok Example: Users show how rolling clothes into cubes creates extra space for souvenirs.
2. The “Water Bottle Trick” for Extra Storage
Why It Works: Empty reusable water bottles can store small items like chargers, jewelry, or cash, keeping them safe and compact.
How to Use It:
Use a wide-mouth bottle to store items discreetly during travel.
Pro Tip: Empty the bottle before airport security to avoid delays.
3. Google Maps Offline Mode
Why It Works: You can download maps ahead of time, so you don’t need internet access to navigate.
How to Use It:
Go to Google Maps > Select the area > Tap “Download.”
Use it offline to find landmarks, restaurants, and routes.
TikTok Success Stories: Travelers in rural or remote areas swear by this for navigation without roaming charges.
4. Booking Flights with a VPN
Why It Works: Changing your virtual location can sometimes reveal cheaper flight prices.
How to Use It:
Use a VPN app to switch to a country with lower ticket prices (e.g., your airline’s home country).
Clear your cookies before browsing.
Pro Tip: Compare prices with and without the VPN to confirm savings.
5. Pillowcase Trick for Carrying Extra Items
Why It Works: Use a pillowcase to “hide” extra clothes when airlines enforce strict baggage limits.
How to Use It:
Fill a pillowcase with soft clothes or essentials.
Pass it off as a personal item (it doubles as a neck pillow).
Why It’s Genius: It’s simple, budget-friendly, and works for budget airlines with strict carry-on rules.
6. Airport Lounge Access with Credit Card Hacks
Why It Works: Many TikTokers highlight how travel credit cards like AmEx Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve grant free lounge access.
How to Use It:
Sign up for a card with lounge perks and activate Priority Pass.
Access lounges even with economy tickets.
Why It’s Effective: It elevates your travel experience with free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
7. Hotel Upgrades with the “$20 Trick”
Why It Works: TikTokers claim slipping a $20 bill to the front desk staff (with your ID or credit card) can lead to a free room upgrade.
How to Use It:
Be polite and discreet when asking, e.g., “Do you have any complimentary upgrades available today?”
Pro Tip: Works best in upscale hotels during non-peak seasons.
8. Using Google Translate’s Camera Feature
Why It Works: The app translates foreign text in real time, making menus, signs, and instructions easier to understand.
How to Use It:
Open the Google Translate app, choose your language, and tap the camera icon.
Hover over text to see instant translations.
TikTok Win: Many travelers use this for navigating non-English-speaking countries.
9. Compression Socks for Long Flights
Why It Works: Prevents swelling and improves circulation on long-haul flights.
How to Use It:
Wear compression socks during the flight, especially if you’re prone to leg discomfort.
Why It’s Essential: It’s a simple and effective way to stay comfortable and reduce health risks like DVT.
10. Using Flight Delay Compensation Apps
Why It Works: Apps like AirHelp help travelers claim compensation for delayed or canceled flights.
How to Use It:
Input your flight details to check if you’re eligible for compensation.
TikTok Success Stories: Users have shared videos of claiming hundreds of dollars for delays.
Viral Travel Hacks That Don’t Work (or Aren’t Worth It)
1. Booking Flights on “Cheapest Day of the Week”
Why It Doesn’t Work:
The myth that booking on Tuesdays always yields the lowest prices isn’t true anymore. Airlines use dynamic pricing that changes multiple times a day.
What to Do Instead:
Use Google Flights or Hopper to track flight prices over time.
2. Wrapping Suitcases in Plastic Wrap
Why It Doesn’t Work:
While TikTokers suggest wrapping suitcases in plastic to prevent theft or damage, it’s unnecessary and wasteful.
What to Do Instead:
Use TSA-approved locks and luggage covers for protection.
3. Hiding Valuables in Soap Containers
Why It Doesn’t Work:
Common hiding spots like soap or sunscreen bottles can be just as obvious to thieves.
What to Do Instead:
Use anti-theft bags with hidden compartments.
4. Flying Standby for Cheaper Tickets
Why It Doesn’t Work:
Standby tickets are often reserved for airline employees or travelers with flexible tickets. It’s unreliable and rarely saves money.
What to Do Instead:
Look for last-minute deals on platforms like Skyscanner or Kayak Explore.
5. Free Upgrades by Complaining
Why It Doesn’t Work:
Complaining to airline staff rarely results in upgrades, as they’re often tied to loyalty status or fare type.
What to Do Instead:
Be polite and inquire about upgrades directly—kindness goes a long way.
6. Using Incognito Mode to Find Cheaper Flights
Why It’s Overhyped:
While incognito mode prevents cookies from tracking your browsing, flight prices are determined by demand, not browsing history.
What to Do Instead:
Use price-tracking apps like Hopper or set alerts on Google Flights.
7. Luggage in Shower Caps
Why It Doesn’t Work:
Wrapping your shoes in shower caps to keep dirt off clothes seems clever but is impractical and wasteful.
What to Do Instead:
Use reusable shoe bags or plastic bags from home.
8. “Skip-Lagging” Flights
Why It’s Risky:
Skip-lagging (booking a cheaper flight with a layover at your destination and skipping the second leg) can violate airline policies and get you banned.
What to Do Instead:
Look for direct flight deals or sign up for budget airlines’ notifications.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.