Here’s a little-known secret: ordering a free specialty meal (think vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, low-sodium, vegan, etc) on international flights doesn’t just cater to your dietary quirks — it gets you served first. That means you eat before the rest of the plane — sometimes by as much as an hour or more and usually before first-class even — giving you a head start on digestion and dozing off. Better yet, these meals are often lighter, healthier, and easier on your gut, which is a blessing when trying to sleep in a cramped metal tube for 10 hours. Win-win, people.

2. Take sleeping pills on long-haul flights

Full disclosure: I’m no doctor, but when used responsibly, short-term sleep aids (such as prescription Ambien or over the counter melatonin and Tylonal PM) can mean the difference between zombified jet-lag and a refreshing arrival. Pair these with your fast-acting special meal, dim the lights and sound with an eye mask and noise canceling headphones, and you’ll be sleeping soundly way faster than otherwise. Pro-tip: test any medication beforehand to see how your body reacts. The last thing you need is a mid-flight meltdown somewhere over the Arctic.

3. Stay up until 9 p.m. local time (aka jet lag’s quickest fix)

The fastest way to murder jet lag? Muscle your way to 9 pm local time on Day 1, no matter how wrecked you feel. That’s no napping, no crashing on arrival, and no excuses. Walk around, eat a big meal, and get as much sunlight as possible to reset your internal clock. You’ll be exhausted, to be sure, but should have no trouble collapsing into a deep sleep when the time comes to let your system sync to a new time zone. Trust me, power through and your future self will thank you.

4. For maximum savings, book with Google Flights & Hotels

More than any other fare and hotel finder, Google Flights and Google Hotels let you compare dozens of airlines, fare types, cancellation policies, and even price trends — all in one slick interface. The flexible date grids, email alerts, and policy filters mean you’re not just booking cheap — you’re booking smart. You can even search for “no change fee” fares, refundable bookings, and even pay-later hotel deals. It’s the ultimate toolkit for travelers who don’t want to be locked into anything.

5. Pack a carry-on only — sink laundry forever

Dragging a giant suitcase through cobblestone alleys? That’s a form of punishment no one wants. Traveling with just a carry-on? Freedom. The trick is minimalism. Pack layers, roll your clothes, and embrace dual or even triple purpose outfits. Then on Day 3 or 4, hit the sink for a quick wash with a little soap, a lot of rinse, then “burrito roll” in a hotel towel to wring dry before hanging your clothes overnight. Pro travelers like Rick Steves swear by this hack, and so do Reddit warriors who’ve mastered the “laundry burrito.” I once did two weeks in Japan with a backpack and a sink. You can, too.

BONUS HACK: Always carry a water bottle, because dehydrated people make bad decisions. You don’t need that while traveling abroad. Most airports and cities have drinking stations to save you from $5 water bottles and plastic pollution. To avoid a painful crisis in the middle of a foreign city, don’t forget to save free restrooms on your map app before you arrive.

Travel can be chaotic. But with these already-in-your-suitcase strategies, you’ll feel more like a seasoned nomad than frazzled tourist. Now cram that carry-on, sleep smart, and bon voyage!

Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and seasoned travel journalist to all seven continents. He lives in Provo, Utah with his wife, five children, and one ferocious chihuahua.