Travel Resources
Trip planning is my happy place. Whether it’s researching, booking, or getting everything ready for the next adventure, I absolutely love every step of the process.
Some of the links you’ll find here are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or booking through them—at no extra cost to you! It’s a win-win that helps me keep exploring and sharing my adventures with you.
On this page, you’ll discover all my go-to travel resources, carefully organized for you. I have personally utilized these search tools, credit cards, travel portals, insurance providers, and booking services, so I can honestly say they’re companies I’m happy working with. There are hundreds of other services I’m aware of, and if I happen to utilize another company in the future, I’ll add them to this list of resources for you.
Flights
Skyscanner is my go-to for international travel deals. Similar to Google Flights, you can set up alerts, compare dates, and price-track flights. It’s super easy to use and reliably affordable.
If you’re a flexible traveler searching for the best airfare deals, Google Flights is your best friend. With features like price-tracking and route comparison, it’s perfect for those hunting for flights on a budget.
Accommodation
From budget-friendly stays to luxury hotels, Booking.com offers a massive range of accommodations worldwide. It’s a one-stop shop for every type of traveler, whether you’re booking a cozy hostel or a five-star suite.
Hostelworld is ideal for the budget-conscious or solo traveler looking to connect with others. It specializes in hostels but also lists budget-friendly hotels, offering a community vibe and affordable stays across the globe.
For those seeking a home-away-from-home experience, Vrbo offers vacation rentals ranging from cozy cottages to luxurious villas. Perfect for families, groups, or anyone craving more space and privacy than a typical hotel stay.
Agoda is a resource for finding deals on accommodations both in the U.S. and around the world. Whether you’re booking a weekend getaway or a long-term stay, it’s perfect for travelers of all types who want to save money without sacrificing comfort.
Attractions/Tours
Looking for unforgettable experiences? Viator is perfect for booking tours, activities, and unique experiences all over the world. It’s ideal for travelers who want to explore a destination beyond the usual attractions and dive into something special.
For adventurers who love planning ahead, GetYourGuide offers an extensive collection of tours, tickets, and activities globally. Whether you’re seeking guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, or exclusive local experiences, this site has it all.
CityPass is your ticket to huge savings on major attractions in select popular cities. Perfect for travelers who plan to hit all the top sights without breaking the bank, it bundles entrance fees for the must-see spots at a discounted price.
Other Transportation (car rentals, buses, trains, etc.)
Rome2Rio is a powerful trip planning tool that shows you how to get from point A to point B using every possible mode of transportation. It’s ideal for early planning when you want to explore all route options before booking.
Omio makes it easy to compare and book trains, buses, flights, and ferries all in one place. It’s perfect for travelers, especially in Europe, who want to see all their transportation options side-by-side and choose the fastest or most affordable route.
FlixBus is a budget-friendly way to travel between cities, offering comfortable long-distance bus routes across the U.S. and internationally. It’s a great option for travelers looking to save money while still getting reliable, easy transportation.
One-Stop Travel Booking
Expedia is a one-stop shop for planning your entire trip, allowing you to book flights, hotels, rental cars, activities, and vacation packages all in one place. It’s a great option for travelers who want to keep everything organized under a single booking platform.
Travel Insurance
SafetyWing is a flexible nomad insurance (for ages 18-39) that covers both travel and basic medical needs while you’re on the go. You can sign up even after your trip has started, sign up for a specific number of days, and coverage renews automatically, making it a great option for travelers who want simple, affordable peace of mind.
Travel Credit Cards
I’m not a points expert or a full-on travel hacker, and I tend to stick with cards that don’t require annual fees. That said, these are the credit cards I personally use and check when booking travel. Each one offers its own perks, and I like having a few options depending on the trip.
VentureOne
This card is ideal for earning travel rewards without an annual fee. You’ll earn miles on every purchase, making it a solid everyday card for casual travelers who still want to rack up points over time.
Saffire Reserve
This is my go-to for premium travel perks. It offers strong rewards on travel and dining, plus benefits like travel credits, airport lounge access, and built-in travel protections—great for frequent travelers who want a more elevated experience.
Miles
A super simple, no-annual-fee option that earns flat-rate miles on every purchase. It’s perfect if you want straightforward rewards without worrying about rotating categories or complicated point systems.
Blue Cash Everyday
While not specifically a travel card, this one helps me earn cash back on everyday spending like groceries and gas. It’s a great way to offset travel costs by saving money in the day-to-day.
*Disclaimer: I do not advise signing up for credit cards if you are already in debt and/or have trouble managing your money. I am not a financial advisor, and without knowing your specific financial situation, it would be hard for me to make recommendations on what is best for you. If you’re interested in one of the cards below, I’m happy to answer questions about the card and/or my experience, but I would encourage you to speak with a financial advisor for more specific questions regarding your finances.
Technology
Airalo is an eSIM provider that gives you instant access to mobile data in over 200 countries—no physical SIM card required. It’s perfect for international travelers who want an easy, affordable way to stay connected as soon as they land.
Surfshark is a VPN service that helps protect your data and privacy while using public WiFi, whether you’re at an airport, café, or hotel. It’s a great tool for travelers who want secure browsing and access to content from anywhere in the world.
Phone Apps
WhatsApp lets you call and message over WiFi, making it incredibly useful for staying in touch without international phone charges. It’s especially helpful for communicating with hotels, tour guides, or new friends abroad.
XE Currency makes it easy to convert prices on the go, so you always know exactly what you’re spending. It’s an easy-to-use, must-have for international travel, especially when dealing with unfamiliar currencies.
A must-have for every trip. Google Maps helps you navigate walking routes, driving directions, and public transportation—and you can download maps offline so you’re never stuck without directions.
Every traveler should have apps for the following:
– Location-specific rideshare options
– Alltrails hiking maps
– A language translator
Amazon Travel Lists
I’ve shared all my favorite tools for planning your trips here, but the right gear makes a big difference too. I’ve created Amazon lists with the travel, hiking, and camping products I personally use to stay organized, comfortable, and ready for anything.
The Guest List - Lucy Foley
This is the Life - Alex Shearer