By Alycia Simons, HotelsCombined.com
Christmas is around the corner and travellers quickly jumping online to book their end of year accommodation. Last year the number of hotel bookings on HotelsCombined for the 2013 Christmas period increased 364 per cent (!) over November and December and it's expected that there will be a similar jump in bookings expected this year.
So, what can we do to help out the travelers in the lead up to this busy travel period? We've put our heads together here at HotelsCombined and have come up with a clever list of the Top Ten Travel Hacks to make your trip this Christmas easy:
1. The Adaptor
Forgotten your phone charger? Or are you just stopping over for a short period without the correct country adaptor? Just use the USB port in your hotel television to charge your phone.
2. The Phone Stand
Tired of holding your phone to watch the latest episode of Game of Thrones? By sitting your sunglasses upside down, you'll create the perfect phone stand for the plane.
3. The Photocopy
Make copies of your passport, plane tickets, birth certificate, health insurance and hotel booking information before you leave. Save these documents as PDFs on your iPad or print them out so that you can access them offline if urgently needed.
4. The Sock
By placing delicate or breakable items inside a sock when packing will ensure that they arrive at your destination in one piece.
5. The Rope
A long, thin piece of rope will prove invaluable, when you can create a makeshift washing line in your hotel room. It's much easier than hanging your dripping clothes over the back of the chair in your hotel room.
6. The Clip
Binder clips are multi-talented and can be used to both protect your razor and to wind your headphones around so they don't get tangled.
7. The Scarf
Packed at the top of your hand luggage, a scarf or sarong will ensure that you have an extra layer or a blanket when it's cool and can cover up if required.
8. The Roll
Roll your clothes instead of folding to both reduce crinkles and create extra space in your bag.
9. The Ribbon
Every second person has the same black suitcase. To save yourself from picking up the wrong bag, attach a bright ribbon or sticker to yours. That way you'll be able to spot it from a mile away on the airport conveyor belt.
10. The App
Having the HotelsCombined mobile app on your phone will ensure that you get the best deal possible for your hotel, no matter where you are. It's easy to use, 100 per cent free and you'll be able to find nearby hotels on the go.
Do you have any travel tips or hacks to share? Have we missed any?