After countless trips around the globe — including a six-month backpacking trip in Europe — I’d say I’ve earned my stripes as a seasoned traveller.

Along the way, I’ve had some epic fails — but the messy, unpredictable, sometimes chaotic reality of travel makes it all the more memorable. Some of my most treasured memories are the spontaneous adventures sparked by meeting new friends in hostels or finally exploring a part of the world that had previously only existed in my dreams.

The excitement of trying new things, staying curious, exploring new cities, learning about other cultures and growing as a person is invaluable.

I’ve also picked up some insanely useful travel hacks along the way. You can thank me later.

Consider booking outside of peak season.

The allure of peak season’s prime weather is undeniable, but it also comes with inflated prices, limited availability and crowds. If you want to save some serious cash and spend less time queuing to see an attraction or sharing the beaches of Greece with a million other tourists, I recommend booking your holiday in shoulder season.

You can still get great weather, and you could potentially save thousands of dollars on flights and accommodation. A bit of research is key, of course — you wouldn’t want to find yourself in Bali during rainy season. But destinations like Rome, for example, are practically made for shoulder season.

A couple of years ago, I braved Rome during the peak of Euro summer, and it was literally a hot mess. It was 40 degrees every day with absolutely no breeze, and to make matters worse, I was battling throngs of tourists for a glimpse of the Trevi Fountain. More recently, I visited in September, and it was utterly perfect. There were no crowds, no queues at the Colosseum and the cooler weather (just right for a light jacket) made for ideal exploring and walking conditions.

Plus, your wallet will breathe a sigh of relief.

Packing cubes are your best friend. 

You know that feeling when you’re digging around in your suitcase, trying to find that one dress that’s somehow right at the bottom and suddenly your perfectly packed bag looks like a bomb went off? It’s the worst.

Luckily, this can all be avoided with one little travel hack that has changed my life: packing cubes. These little fabric organisers for your suitcase are a game-changer. I put shirts, underwear, bottoms and dresses into different cubes, so everything is neatly compartmentalised, which means less rummaging, less wrinkling and somehow, I can even fit more stuff in my suitcase.

They’re also great for separating clean clothes from dirty clothes as your trip goes on — genius!

Be flexible when flying. 

Okay, so everyone’s always searching for the secret trick to snagging the cheapest flight. And while there are a lot of theories floating around (clear your cookies, book at midnight, pray to the airline gods etc.), there’s one that actually seems to hold some water: being flexible.

Flying Friday through Monday is generally more expensive due to higher demand. In my experience, Wednesday (early morning or late night) is often the cheapest day to fly. If you know you’re planning a trip six months out, set up price alerts or sign up for airline newsletters to stay up-to-date on their sales.

Remember, patience is key — you never know when flights will drop in price, so be ready to book.

Streamline airport security.

I’ve become a total pro at breezing through airport security, and it’s all about maximising efficiency.

I hate having to take out my laptop and liquids — it’s stressful, and nobody wants to be that person holding up the line. Here’s the thing: you can skip the whole unpacking drama if you can line up for the Smiths Detection machines (they’re clearly marked).

These machines use advanced scanning technology, so you can leave your laptop, liquids and even your water bottle in your bag. No more frantic rummaging and repacking, and the lines move so much faster.

Download offline maps.

Data roaming charges will drain your bank account faster than you can say “international travel”. So, my absolute must-do before any trip is downloading offline maps.

It’s not just about saving money (though that’s a huge plus), it’s also about peace of mind. Knowing I have maps downloaded eliminates that low-level travel anxiety because I know I can always find my way back to my hotel, even if there’s no reception in the area. The possibilities are endless when you’re not worrying about getting lost.

My go-to is Google Maps, it takes less than two minutes to download the maps I need and it ensures I’m not wandering around a new city, lost and confused.

Embrace midweek trips.

When you’re feeling like the week is dragging on, sometimes the best thing you can do is change the scenery, even for just a day or two. Midweek getaways, especially ones booked on Wednesday, can be a great way to break up the routine and reset. Not only will you often find better flight prices, but there’s something refreshing about getting away when most people are still in the office.

A quick trip can give you the space to recharge, experience something new and return feeling more motivated.

So there you have it, my top travel hacks, learned from years of adventures. And after writing this one, I think it’s time for me to book my next holiday.