---
title: 5 Travel Tricks from a Pro
description: A travel professional shares her tips for smooth traveling.
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published: '2016-05-27T17:03:43.000Z'
modified: '2016-05-27T17:03:43.000Z'
section: Lifestyle
tags:
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![Travelers watching a sunrise or sunset](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160527_em_travel-tricks_grab.png)

Heading out on a vacation soon? Here are some tricks and tips to keep in mind to make your travels smooth sailing.

**Get off the beaten path**. Ditch the map and follow your nose. You'll be surprised at what you can find when you don't stick to a list of sights to see.

**Pack zip ties**. These are great to close a stuffed suitcase or fix a broken zipper.

**Bring magazines**. Read these on the plane and free up space in your suitcase after you've read them.

**Pack an extra bag**. You'll want it in case you find that one souvenir you can't live without.

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