Online searches for travel hacks have surged in recent years as Britons seek smarter ways to cut costs amid rising holiday expenses. According to data from Google Trends, online searches for “Travel hacks” recently hit their highest level in five years. Over on TikTok, the hashtag #TravelHacks has amassed almost 600,000 posts.
With many people turning to social media to uncover money-saving vacation tips, the travel experts at Westgate Vacation Packages have unpacked some of the trendiest seasonal hacks from the platform.
Smart packing strategies
Packing efficiently is one of the easiest ways to avoid costly excess luggage fees. Several viral trends highlight how strategic preparation can streamline your baggage:
Compression packing cubes
The hashtag #PackingHacks has amassed nearly 63,000 posts, while #PackingCubes has reached almost 32,000 posts. Experts recommend these affordable organisers to create extra space, keep suitcases light, and reduce the risk of overpacking.
The “5-4-3-2-1” method
This viral technique focuses on packing essentials to create a versatile travel wardrobe with fewer items. Shared in a video by Alison Lumbatis, she explains: “All you have to do is pick out five tops, four coordinating bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two layering pieces, and one of anything else like a dress, pyjamas, a hat, belt, or any other accessories you might need.”
The “3-3-3” method
Created by Rachel Spencer, this trending technique involves packing three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes. In her TikTok video, Spencer demonstrates how to mix and match these items to create 19 different outfit combinations.
Roll, don’t fold
With #FoldingHacks totalling almost 17,000 posts, this method is highly effective for organising a suitcase. Rolling clothes creates more space and helps prevent wrinkles.
Strategic timing and flight tracking
Altering when you fly and how you book can significantly lower transit costs
Midweek travel
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly because weekend demand is higher, driven by families bound to work and school schedules.
Off-peak hours
Booking early-morning or late-night flights can cut costs. Early-morning flights also carry a lower risk of knock-on delays, saving travellers from unexpected spending on last-minute accommodation or itinerary changes.
Flight trackers
The hashtag #FlightHacks has nearly 15,000 posts. Driven by an 800% rise in worldwide Google searches for “flight price trackers” from June 2021– June 2026, platforms like Google Flights, Hopper, and Skyscanner are widely used to compare prices. Apps like Hopper use advanced algorithms to predict whether prices will rise or fall, alerting users via text or email so they can book at the optimal time.
Bundling bookings
Vacation packages, or “VacPacs,” are designed to keep costs down by combining bookings. Using a package can reduce individual booking fees and often gives travellers access to exclusive add-ons such as room upgrades and attraction tickets.
Expert insights
A spokesperson for Westgate Vacation Packages commented on these trends
“Cost is often the most off-putting factor for many people when it comes to booking their dream vacation, which is why it’s so important to take advantage of cost-cutting travel hacks, especially with summer just around the corner.”
“It’s really easy for travel costs to quickly spiral, especially during summer when demand for flights and accommodation is at its highest.”
“However, what’s interesting is that some of the biggest savings often come from the simplest changes.”
“Bundling flights, accommodation, and attraction tickets into one package, rather than booking each one separately, is another overlooked travel hack that can end up saving you hundreds.”
“It’s really important to take advantage of any bundle or VacPac offers, especially if you’re booking trips over the summer.”
“Based on the TikTok hashtag data and these recent Google search increases, it’s clear that people are being more strategic when it comes to vacation preparation, whether that’s packing more efficiently, using flight trackers, or opting to travel mid-week.”
“For example, Google searches for ‘Midweek flights’ have increased worldwide by a staggering 200% since 2021. People are no longer just looking for deals on accommodation and hotels. Instead, there’s a trend in which people are reshifting their entire trip to save as much money as possible.”