13 small travel hacks that can be gamechangers

You know how to travel. And we know you know how to travel. Still, there always ways to do things better — slight changes that make things easier, smoother and more enjoyable.

This isn't about rocking your well traveled world with some complex, never-before-revealed hacks. Nor is it about cluing you into the big things like signing up for Global Entry or making use of the airport lounge. We assume you've already got that stuff taken care of, but we thought we should give you some tips about how to make some small that can be total gamechangers.

Here are our easy-does-it travel tips, with inspiration gleaned from Quora:

1. Stick to your self-care regimen. We're not saying you need to apply a face mask on the plane, but keep up those small efforts you would never forgo on land — like brushing your teeth and washing your face. They do wonders for making you feel more like a normal human being on the road.

2. Pack noise-canceling headphones. These are way more effective than shushing your chattermouth neighbor or casting mean looks. They might be bulky, but they're worth the extra space. Or, if you're good at tuning out the world around you on your own, some earplugs might be all you need.

3. Bring a sleep mask. The plane might toss you a free one, but investing a little money (as little as $10 on Amazon) can get you a much more comfortable one that adjusts. Or if you want something stylish, Etsy has an array of options that will make you the coolest-looking sleeper on the plane.

4. Go digital. There's no reason to travel with paper documents — the weight adds up, and it's hard to keep papers organized while traveling. Take the time to load your boarding passes, meeting notes, books and anything else you need onto your devices. Leaving without fully charged batteries is a rookie mistake, too. Speaking of which...

5. Have your own way to charge up, whether it's a portable charger or one of those crazy suitcases with a USB charging port that probably will soon be the norm. And if you take it a step further and get a solar-powered charger, you'll be totally independently functional, as you'll never have to rely on finding an outlet.

6. Switch to a universal charger. It was Leonardo da Vinci who once said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." And while I never thought I'd use that quote in relation to device chargers, it is pretty heavenly to cut down on all those cords and plugs.

7. Consider getting your own mobile hotspot. Does the thought of being without Wi-Fi send you into a panic? Get a hotspot, and it'll never be a concerned again.

8. Wear layers. Freezing? Sweltering? From temperature fluctuations on the plane to weird weather patterns on the ground, you want to be covered — literally. Tanks, sweaters, blazers and scarves are great, just don't try to wear your whole suitcase at once. Solid colors, especially monochrome, can be mixed mindlessly and look sharp.

9. Always have an umbrella. Because getting stuck in the rain sucks and it's annoying to have to buy an overpriced, semi-functional umbrella from a street vendor. Get one that packs up light and tight.

10. Stay wrinkle-free. Think about your airplane outfit: Knits, cashmere and polyester don't wrinkle. And while no force in the world could wrinkle wool, it's also hot as hell — your body (and neighbors) will thank you for wearing breathable materials. When packing, roll your clothes to avoid creases. And if you're bringing a suit, it's wise to bring it in a suit bag.

11. Check in early. Remember, getting bumped is a real threat. Early check-in lessens your chances of being a victim of denied-boarding. (Though if you are, there could be up to $1,300 in it for you.)

12. Angle for a hotel upgrade . It never hurts to ask (the right way).

13. Request the company rate. Even if you're traveling for pleasure you might be able to get it anyway.