A solo traveller has shared his must-know hacks after visiting more than 100 countries.
Lee Thompson, co-founder of social travel company Flash Pack, has collected various tips from his holidays over the years.
From saving money on hotel bookings, security free snacks on flights and local currency hacks, Lee has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
There’s one piece of advice from Lee that could help secure a ‘flat bed’ on a flight for free.
He recommends boarding the plane last to be able to scope out if there are any empty rows which could be perfect for relaxing in.
The former photo journalist shared this trick has ‘worked for him 90% of the time’ and he uses the full row as a ‘bed’ during the journey.
Aside from scoping out empty rows, Lee has another hack for making long-haul flights more comfortable.
He recommends choosing an aisle seat in the middle section of the plane, close to the front.
Lee Thompson, co-founder of social travel company Flash Pack, recommends boarding the plane last to be able to scope out if there are any empty rows
The former photojournalist shared this trick has ‘worked for him 90% of the time’ and he uses the full row as a ‘bed’ during the journey
This means it will be easier to get up without disturbing other passengers whilst also avoiding being trapped against the window.
Another flight-related trick from Lee is to try and avoid bringing checked luggage and instead, travel light.
The travel expert brings fewer clothes with him and uses local laundry services that offer cheaper rates than hotels.
During a trip to Lisbon, Portugal, Lee managed to get a load of laundry done for €20 (£17) by a local business, which was a huge saving compared to the €15 (£13) per item charge at his hotel.
This trick should also help save time at the airport security and cut out the wait at the baggage carousel.
To save even more money, Lee advises tourists book directly with hotels rather than booking sites.
The booking websites typically charge hotels up to 15 per cent in commission, which can hike prices up for customers.
Food on planes can also be expensive, but Lee has another money-saving hack.
Another flight-related trick from Lee is to try and avoid bringing checked luggage and instead, travel light
He reveals how most long-haul flights have free drinks and snacks for passengers tucked away in the back galley.
Lee urges travellers to not be afraid to ask for them.
Another way to save money when eating out during travels is to ignore restaurants recommended by the hotel.
The expert shares how hotels sometimes receive commission for encouraging customers to go to certain venues, or the recommendation can just be generic without any backing.
Instead, Lee advises those wanting good quality food for a reasonable price to look for places with at least 4.7 stars and 500+ reviews.
He also recommends checking media coverage to get the full scoop on the place.
When it comes to paying for food abroad, or anything else, Lee warns tourists using cards to always select the local currency on card machines.
Often, when GBP is selected, it can lead to poor exchange rates and added fees.
Lee (left) also reveals how most long-haul flights have free drinks and snacks for passengers tucked away in the back galley
Lee also uses AI to his advantage during his travels too, and he says he has used it as a ‘translator, concierge and travel buddy’ to help communicate with locals and find places to eat.
Another part of holidays that can be expensive is car rentals, but Lee shares a trick to help cut down the cost with insurance.
He reveals rental companies can charge £15 a day for insurance, but to avoid this, tourists can simple book their own in advance.
The hack saved Lee a fortune on a recent trip where he bagged insurance for just £30 for a ten-day holiday.
