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lazy

9 Travel Hacks for Lazy People

If you’ve ever gone to bed the night before an early flight and thought to yourself, “I’ll pack in the morning,” this story is for you. Make the boring parts of travel (like packing and organizing) easier on yourself by following these travel hacks for lazy people.

Don’t Unpack Your Suitcase

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The things you need only while you’re traveling should stay stashed in your suitcase when it’s at home. I leave my neck pillow, adapter, and other travel only items in my suitcase at all times—it saves storage space, and I don’t have to rummage around for them when it’s time for my next trip. That’s fewer things I have to unpack when I return home—perfect for those feeling lazy after an awesome adventure.

Get TSA Pre-Check

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Who wants to deal with the hassle of taking off shoes and digging out liquids at airport security? Not lazy travelers. If you have TSA Pre-Check you can save time and aggravation by keeping your shoes on and your liquids in your bag. Plus, you won’t have to take out your electronics under the new TSA-screening procedure that’s being tested.

Be Last On, Last Off the Plane

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If you don’t need overhead space, being the last one to board a plane and the last one to get off is an excellent lazy travel hack. You can relax at the gate, charging your phone or sending last-minute emails while everyone else stands in line and elbows each other. When it’s time to get off the plane, you can chill in your seat while other flyers stand in the aisle for twenty minutes trying to deplane. Of course, only attempt this if you’re in a window seat, otherwise, you might be delaying people that really need to get out of the plane.

Save a General Packing List

ultimate packing list

Use our Ultimate Packing List or create a note in your phone next time you’re packing that lists everything you’re bringing. You may have to swap out a swimsuit for a business suit, but the standard essentials (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) will stay the same, and you can see at a glance what you need to bring.

Treat Yourself to Room Service

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SmarterTravel’s Ed Hewitt writes, “A little-known fact about room services is that the prices are almost always the same as those in the hotel restaurant; in fact, it’s usually the same menu.” If you’re feeling too lazy to head out for a meal, you may as well order in—it probably won’t cost you more.

Use a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus

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You’ll see Hop-On, Hop-Off tour buses in most cities around the world, and they’re a great way to orient yourself in a new destination. Buying a pass might be worth it since you can use them outside of the standard tour when you’re feeling too lazy for public transit or taxi—if you’re heading somewhere near the route, take the bus instead of walking. You’ll save cab fare and your feet.

Never Unpack Your Toiletries Kit

toiletry bag cosmetics in luggage
LightField Studios/Shutterstock

I use travel-sized containers for all of my toiletries and simply refill the individual bottles at home when I’m running low—everything else doesn’t need to be packed and unpacked every time. Bonus: Replenish your kit with hotel-provided amenities that are perfectly travel-sized next time you stay somewhere nice.

Book an All-Inclusive Resort

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Some may call all-inclusive resorts “lazy,” but others will call them “relaxing.” If the idea of laying on a beach and having unlimited food and drinks brought to you sounds more appealing than appalling, then go ahead and book yourself an all-inclusive for your next vacation. You won’t have to worry about researching where you eat, figuring out how to get places, or organizing activities on your own—the resort will do it all for you.

Buy a City Pass

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Most major cities offer some type of city pass for visitors, which usually includes museum admissions, public transportation access, and entrance to popular tourist attractions. These passes not only save you money, but also time and planning—you won’t have to figure out how to buy tickets on your own.

What’s your best travel hack for lazy people? Comment below.

More from SmarterTravel:

Caroline Morse loves a good travel hack. Follow her on Instagram @TravelwithCaroline and Twitter @CarolineMorse1 for travel photos from around the world.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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