We love short trips: In just a few hours we are in the middle of the most beautiful cities, hiking through breathtaking landscapes or rolling the best pasta in Rome onto our forks. To ensure that the preparation, the flight and the stay go smoothly, we have collected eleven travel hacks for your next short vacation: 

1. in search - but incognito

Anyone looking for flights and hotels on the Internet should do so in a private browser. This is because many sites supposedly save browser data and change prices depending on how often you have already searched for a route - at least that's what the internet legend says. Whether you believe it or not, the effort is minimal. So: just do it!

Tip: Ideally, you book the flight about seven to six weeks before departure. The most favorable day for this is Tuesday, from the later afternoon.

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2. automated coupon codes

With the help of the Google Chrome Extension Honey you become the "queenpin" of travel, but without much effort. The extension automatically informs you about possible discount codes for hotels, travel and much more during shopping cart check-outs on sites like Travelzoo or Living Social.

3. little time, much to see?

Depending on the destination, it's worth doing a little research beforehand (for example, on Falstaff Travel). Which places do you really want to see? It is important to remain realistic and to consider how many activities are possible in a few days. Because no matter where you travel - you will have to cut back. The beauty of it is that if you haven't seen everything, you'll always find a reason to return.

Inspiration: A weekend in Florence: these are the best places to stay 

4. cabin trolley instead of checked baggage

Only traveling for two or three days? A cabin trolley (20x40x55 cm) is (still) included with every airline ticket and is ideal for getting around quickly - both when traveling and at the airport. 

Taking the trolley on a short trip. © Marissa Grootes

Here you can forget the check-in counter and walk directly to the security check (attention: of course, you still have to check in online in advance!). When packing, follow this: laptop and cables on top, liquids in the ziplock bag below, then clothes and miscellaneous.

Tip:

Even low-cost airlines allow you to take small backpacks or bags on board, in addition to the trolley. You can keep all your valuables in them: passport, money and cards, cell phone and charging cable and laptop - if the flight is very full, it can happen that the airline moves the cabin trolley to the checked baggage.

5. they see me rollin': Packing clothes

A hack that has already gotten around among frequent travelers: Rolling up clothes - saves space and prevents outfits from looking dingy after long trips. Alternatively, Fabric Cubes, square fabric bags, also keep luggage tidy. Fragile items are best put in shoes (should you have a second pair with you)!

Travel hack that no short trip should be without: rolled-up clothes in a rolling suitcase. © Shutterstock

6. freshness kick

For lasting fragrance when traveling, simply place a dryer sheet between the clothes in the suitcase. Et voilà! For  For the face and neck, individual pocket-sized freshening tissues go in the purse. Cosmetic wipes, which already come in a handy size, can also be used in a variety of ways for removing makeup, disinfecting, cleaning and refreshing.

7. smartly packed

So that the suitcase does not become too full, it is worth putting together the outfits for the weekend in advance. Tops, pants, blazers, shoes - favorite pieces that can be combined in many ways are a must when traveling. You should also take into account the weather conditions at your destination and your own plans. After all, high heels have just as little to do on the mountain as sneakers in a restaurant.

At least in spring and winter, you should also always have a scarf with you, which can also be used as a blanket, hood and sleeping mask. Those who are sensitive to air conditioning will be glad to have it with them, even on short flights.

Tip:

The "heaviest" or bulkiest clothes are best worn during arrival and departure to minimize the weight of your luggage.

8. small but mighty

Cosmetic products are best decanted into refillable containers in travel sizes for the short trip. After all, you don't use 100 ml of eye serum in three days.

9. security check: to the left, to the left

You can pack your trolley as efficiently as you like, but if the people in front of you take forever at the security checkpoint, we'll be standing in line longer, too. Tip: According to statistics, the leftmost row is usually the shortest.

10. translator to go

We no speak Americano? No habla español? Non capisci italiano? No problema - because, fortunately, today's technology is already translating for us. Just download the Google Translate App , select "Offline Translation" in the settings - and let's go. What many people don't know: The app can also translate images, such as restaurant menus, directly via the cell phone camera.

Apps like Google Translate or WiFi Map are useful travel companions on short trips. © Austin Thistle

11. release the passwords ...

Meanwhile we can use our own cell phone internet throughout Europe carefree. Nevertheless, it's certainly not a bad idea to tap into local Wi-Fi sources when the opportunity arises. For example, with the help of the App WiFi Map, which collects passwords of various establishments, from hotels to restaurants or libraries. FourSquare is also suitable for this - there you can find useful tips and reviews from other travelers.