17 Celebrity Travel Hacks That Will Upgrade Your Next Trip

Ever wonder how celebrities always look refreshed after long-haul flights, know exactly where to eat, and somehow never overpack? Spoiler alert: It’s not just about first-class tickets and VIP lounges. They have smart travel hacks that make every trip smoother, more stylish, and definitely, way less stressful.

We bring you the top traveling secrets from celebrities who are surely going to make a difference in how you travel next. These A-list-approved tips will take your next trip from basic to red carpet-worthy in no time. Ready to travel like a pro?

Madison Headrick’s Selfie System

Packing in a hurry? Model Madison Headrick has a foolproof method—she lays out her outfits, takes pictures, and saves them on her phone. This way, she always knows what she packed and how to put outfits together. She also swears by packing cubes to keep things neat and wrinkle-free.

Try it: Save yourself the hotel room chaos—snap a selfie of your outfits before packing and say goodbye to "what did I even bring?" moments.

Curtis Stone’s Dirty Laundry Trick

Chef Curtis Stone takes a controversial approach to packing: bring old clothes you’re ready to toss. Instead of hauling dirty laundry home, he leaves it behind and comes back with only fresh and clean outfits. It’s minimalist and efficient, and it frees up space for souvenirs.

Try it: Traveling for business? Use hotel laundry services instead of stuffing your bag with dirty clothes.

Ludacris’ Foodie Secret: Haiti’s Culinary

Forget five-star restaurants. Ludacris says Haiti has some of the finest food in the world. From spicy griot (fried pork) to flavorful diri djon djon (mushroom rice), he believes Haitian cuisine is one of the most underrated in the Caribbean.

Try it: When traveling, skip the touristy spots and seek out local flavors. It’s where the real magic happens.

Robert Irvine’s In-Flight Meal Strategy

If you’ve ever struggled with eating healthy while flying, chef Robert Irvine has a plan. He believes in eating clean before a flight but also suggests strategic snacking to avoid bad airport food. His pro tip? Pack protein bars, nuts, and fruit to stay fueled without relying on airplane meals.

Try it: Bring healthy, TSA-friendly snacks and avoid overpriced, unhealthy airport food.

Andrew Zimmern’s NYC Dining Hack

When in New York, most people rush to Manhattan for the most amazing food. Andrew Zimmern says they’re making a big mistake. His advice? Head to Queens—it’s home to some of the best Chinese, Thai, and Greek food in the world.

Try it: Want authentic flavors? Follow the locals, not the tourist guides.

A’ja Wilson’s Off-the-Strip Vegas Experience

Vegas isn’t all about The Strip. WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson swears by Soul Food Cafe—a hidden gem far from the neon lights. And for a unique experience? She hits up the West Wind drive-in movie theater.

Try it: Want a more authentic travel experience? Explore beyond the obvious hotspots.

Allyson Felix’s Ultimate Parent Travel Hack

Traveling with kids? Olympian Allyson Felix says the key is new toys. Kids get bored fast, so she always packs surprise toys they haven’t seen before to keep them entertained. Bonus points for bringing snacks… lots of snacks.

Try it: Keep kids happy on flights with "surprise entertainment" and endless snacks.

Keon Coleman’s Buffalo Wing Bible

NFL star Keon Coleman has one major food rule in Buffalo—go to Bar-Bill for wings. Forget the touristy spots—he swears Bar-Bill is the real deal.

Try it: When in a new city, ask a local (or an athlete) where to eat. They know the most wonderful spots.

Billy Gardell’s "Healthy Hotel" Rule

Actor Billy Gardell takes his health seriously, even while traveling. His golden rule? Before doing anything, he stocks his hotel room with healthy snacks. This helps him avoid room service temptations when late-night cravings hit.

Try it: Find a local grocery store as soon as you land and stock up on healthy essentials.

Jewell Loyd’s Seattle Outdoor Escape

While coffee and rainy days are what describe Seattle best, there’s plenty of adventure, too! WNBA star Jewell Loyd’s go-to spot? Discovery Park. This place flaunts stunning views, peaceful trails, and a mix of water and greenery. It’s the perfect escape from the city buzz.

Try it: Want to see a city like a local? Find their go-to outdoor spots.

Dustin Johnson’s Golf Getaway Formula

For pro golfer Dustin Johnson, a perfect golf trip isn’t just about the course. It’s about the full experience. He picks destinations with warm weather, great food, and luxurious accommodations.

Try it: When planning your trip, consider both adventure and relaxation.

E.J. Lagasse’s Secret New Orleans Café

Skip the long lines at Café du Monde in the French Quarter. Chef E.J. Lagasse says there’s a hidden Café du Monde in City Park—same delicious beignets, zero crowds.

Try it: Sometimes the most exotic experiences are hiding in plain sight.

Wilson’s Travel Essential: Drive-In Nostalgia

WNBA star A’ja Wilson swears by the West Wind drive-in movie theater in Vegas. It’s a blast from the past and a great way to unwind after a long day.

Try it: Find unique, nostalgic experiences that aren’t in every guidebook.

Sailor Alan Roura’s Ocean Adventure Advice

Want an ocean thrill? Pro sailor Alan Roura says the Indian and Pacific Oceans offer the most intense waves. But if you’re a beginner? Start in Brittany, France, where you can learn about currents and tides before taking on the high seas.

Try it: Love water sports? Research the best locations for your skill level.

Chef Stephanie Izard’s Hidden LA Food Spots

Los Angeles has no shortage of great food, but chef Stephanie Izard’s go-to is Ji Rong for Peking duck in San Gabriel. Her advice? Find small, local places where the chefs know your name.

Try it: Some of the most delicious meals are found in local, hole-in-the-wall spots.

Cate Blanchett & Kate Winslet’s In-Flight Moisturizing Mask Trick

Long flights can dry out skin quickly due to recycled cabin air. Cate Blanchett and Kate Winslet both admit to applying a moisturizing face mask mid-flight to stay fresh upon landing. A simple skincare gesture, carried in your carry-on, can help you feel more like yourself once you arrive.

Try it: Pack a hydrating sheet mask to revive your skin during long flights.

Rosie Huntington‑Whiteley’s Minimal Packing Palette

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley keeps packing simple by sticking to a tight palette of neutral colors such as navy, grey, black, and white, along with one versatile pair of shoes. Limiting options makes outfits easier to mix and match, keeps luggage noticeably lighter, and reduces decision fatigue during busy travel days.

Try it: Stick to a simple color palette so every piece in your bag works together.