Travel hacks 101: Make your road trips more efficient

Travelling is not just about packing efficiently. In 2025, it’s also all about using technology and smart planning to make any trip smoother, more efficient, and enjoyable. If you're planning a road trip, these travel hacks are what you need to see. Here are ways you'll save a lot of money on your trips.

Apps you need for smoother road trips
 

Here are some of the primary apps that can make your journey hassle-free:

1. Translation apps – If you're travelling abroad, apps like Google Translate can be very convenient. Especially with voice typing, you can ask people to talk to the app, and it’ll translate their message.
   
   
2. Digiocker – Ensure your important documents, such as ID, driving license, passport, etc., are downloaded. This way, you can access them on your smartphone offline during your road journey.
   
   
3. Navigation apps – Google Maps is a must-have on a road trip. Another app that will become your best friend in a new place would be a reliable navigation or transit guide. This road trip planner will tell you all the information regarding the commute, from local transport to car routes.
   
   
4. Vehicle maintenance apps – Several apps can help you track your car’s maintenance, manage costs, understand fuel consumption, and more. Don't forget to have one of these before your next road trip.
   
   
5. Bill split – Some apps allow you to split all the expenses evenly. Whether it's accommodation, food, or other expenses, they ensure everyone pays their fair share.

Fuel-saving travel hacks for longer road trips
 

Many small mistakes can lead to significant fuel wastage. Follow these tips for an efficient drive:

1. Avoid idling – Prolonged idling while parking consumes fuel. If you stop for more than a minute, for fuel-saving purposes, turn off your engine and restart when you're ready to go again.
   
   
2. Maintain a consistent speed – Sudden acceleration and braking consume more fuel. On highways, a consistent speed must be maintained. This will also allow you to enjoy a much smoother, less stressful ride.
   
   
3. Keep checking the air pressure in tyres – Incorrectly inflated tyres create more drag, resulting in increased fuel consumption. It is, therefore, necessary to regularly check and maintain the appropriate air pressure of your tyres.
   
   
4. Reduce excess weight – Keeping extra weight inside the vehicle, especially during long travels, reduces fuel efficiency. You can offload unused items to make it easier for the vehicle to run using less fuel, making it among the most crucial travel hacks.
   
   
5. Drive in higher gears – Sometimes, driving in high gear while going at lower speeds increases fuel economy. When driving on highways, shift into higher gears as soon as possible to save fuel by keeping engine revs low.

FASTag: The ultimate travel hack for your road journeys
 

FASTag has radically changed toll payments and made them effortless to use for your road trips. It lets your toll be deducted automatically, without any toll booth queues. You can use the IDFC FIRST Bank FIRSTforward to make this process even more convenient.

Here are some of its amazing features –

1. IDFC FIRST Bank FIRSTforward is a bank-backed product that ensures reliability and safety
2. It’s a more convenient option as it’s linked to your bank account
3. You can also get instant discounts on fuel payments at HPCL petrol pumps during your road journey
4. It saves time as you don’t have to scan any QR codes or make payments manually at toll booths
5. You only have to pay for parking at some places

Conclusion

2025 is all about travelling with ease. From navigation and language translation to fuel-saving hacks and the convenience of FASTag, these are travel hacks that will make journeys more efficient, comfortable, and affordable.

Take things to the next level with the IDFC FIRST Bank FIRSTforward program, a road companion with great travel benefits.

Don’t miss out! Check out the IDFC FIRST Bank FIRSTforward app today!