AIRFARE

Google Flights

Google Flights is always my first stop when I’m checking flight options. The interface is incredibly easy to use and allows you to explore options using a ton of different filters. My favorite feature is the dates option that allows you to see which dates are cheapest for your destination. You can also filter by stops, price, airports and more. Super handy.

Skyscanner

Once I figure out the cheapest date options using Google, I usually head to Skyscanner to cross-reference. Alternatively, if I’d like to travel but have no idea where to go, Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” destination function lets you see where it’s cheapest to fly for the dates you’ve inputted. There are several ways to use Skyscanner to save money and I’ve listed them all in my cheap flights guide.

ACCOMMODATION

Booking

Booking.com is my go-to website for booking hotels worldwide, thanks to a large inventory and competitive rates. I love the easy-to-use interface that allows you to filter the results according to what’s important for you. Plus, most of the hotels have a great cancellation policy, which means you can easily change your mind while on the road.

Airbnb

Airbnb is an awesome service that allows you to rent rooms in people’s homes or rent entire apartments / houses. I used to love Airbnb and used it all the time during my travels as a way to connect with locals and save a ton of money. Nowadays, a lot of the accommodation options are unfortunately run by real estate companies or investors. However, you can usually still get that local feel by staying in a room (rather than renting the whole place). If you’ve never stayed at an Airbnb before, check out my tips for booking one and get money off your first booking using my referral code!

Hostelworld

If you’re looking to stay in a hostel, there’s only one true search engine out there: Hostelworld. They have an awesome interface, which allows you to filter by reviews, room type, ratings and more. I make it a point to never stay in a hostel with lower than a 7.5 rating and read the reviews to make sure my hostel of choice is social but NOT a party hostel. If you need help choosing a hostel, check out my guide here.

Courchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a website that allows you stay on people’s couches or in their spare rooms for free. I can hear you asking “what’s the catch?” Honestly, none. Hosts are oftentimes travelers themselves who have used Couchsurfing and want to give back to the community. Plus, they genuinely want to meet cool travelers and show people around their city. Don’t just use it for a free place to stay. Instead, engage with the community and host if you can. If you aren’t comfortable staying in someone’s home, you can also use it to find travel buddies, locals to hang out with, or cool events. I’ve used Couchsurfing multiple times and have always enjoyed my experiences.

Agoda

For hotels in Asia and parts of The Middle East, I typically prefer Agoda to Booking.com. They have a much larger inventory (especially in Asia), which means you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, no matter what your price point. If you’re headed to that part of the world, definitely search on Agoda as well as on Booking.

TRANSPORTATION

Rome2Rio

Rome2Rio is my favorite website to use when I’m planning intercity travel. I just add my departure and arrival cities and voilà! It shows me all the transportation options for traveling between two destinations including planes, trains, buses, ferries and cars. Pretty sweet, right? You can oftentimes book directly on the website as well (depending on the destination). The drawback is that Rome2Rio typically gives price ranges for each transport option rather than super specific prices, but it leads you to do a bit more digging so you can accurately compare your options. Either way, it’s a great starting point to planning transport.

BusBud

BusBud is the best site ever for booking bus travel. Not only do they operate in a ton of countries, but the prices are comparable (and sometimes cheaper) to booking directly on a bus operator’s website. Plus, a lot of times bus websites won’t taken foreign credit cards, only allow locals to purchase tickets online, or are just generally confusing and hard to navigate. The BusBud interface is straightforward and easy to use, making booking a bus a stress-free experience.

Omio

Omio (formerly Go Euro) is an awesome website that allows you to compare the cost, duration, and method of transportation to get from Point A to Point B in Europe. It’s essentially a robust version of Rome2Rio built specifically for Europe, and the best part is that you can purchase your tickets directly from the website! It’s an incredibly useful planning and purchasing tool that allows you to compare options for every mode of transport.

BlaBlaCar

BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing platform that lets you catch a ride from a vetted driver to your destination. I’ve used it a ton of times and it’s a fun way to get yourself to another city. Not only are the times a lot more flexible than a bus or train but usually the pick up points are much more convenient as well. BlaBlaCar is also budget friendly and a great way to meet cool people (I’ve made friends on the road this way). I only wish it was available in more countries.

The Man in Seat 61

Seriously, do not book a train trip without first consulting The Man in Seat 61, the most comprehensive train travel website of all time. It’s seriously amazing, providing information on routes, times, prices, buying tickets and more – pretty much any and everything related to global train travel. It’s a fantastic resource, especially for countries where this information isn’t available anywhere else. Bookmark it and use it forever.

ORGANIZATION & PLANNING

Lonely Planet

Whenever I’m trying to initially wrap my head around a new destination, I first turn to Lonely Planet. Their guidebooks have always been a great resource to helping me decide which parts of a country to visit and what a rough and realistic itinerary should look like. Plus, it’s handy to have a book along with you when you’re in a destination so you can quickly look things up. Nowadays, I typically purchase their ebooks and load them onto my Kindle but there’s nothing wrong with an old-fashioned paperback as well!

TripIt

There’s so much information to keep track of when you travel – flights, hotels, tour confirmations and more. TripIt is a super handy (and free) app that helps you keep all of that information organized. It’s incredibly handy when you have to quickly look up a confirmation number or get some information about your hotel. Plus, it lets you auto-sync everything to your Google Calendar, if that’s your style.

Tour Radar

Technically, Tour Radar isn’t a planning website. Instead, it’s a tour aggregator, allowing you to compare all the multi-day tour offerings in a single destination all on one website. I pretty much always book tours with Intrepid Travel, but I do like to look at Tour Radar to get ideas about which parts of a country should I visit and what itineraries typically look like. Gotta be resourceful, right?

TOUR COMPANIES & LOCAL EXPERIENCES

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is hands down the best travel company I’ve ever used for group tours. Most people think group tours are comprised of fifty or so people following a tour guide with a flag. But it’s not like that with Intrepid. Intrepid offers small group tours, uses local guides in the destination, and is environmentally friendly (the company even carbon-offsets tours). I travel with Intrepid at least once per year and highly recommend the company. Check out my review of Intrepid here.

Viator

For the most comprehensive database of in-destination tours and experiences out there, I turn to Viator. Viator works with a ton of local tour operators so you can price-shop and buy your tours / experiences ahead of time. Just be sure to read the reviews since experiences vary widely by destination and operator. If you prefer to book on a website with a nicer interface, I suggest Viator’s competitor, Get Your Guide, instead.

EatWith

EatWith is my go-to website for local culinary experiences worldwide. It has everything from cooking with locals to local-run food tours to rooftop supper clubs. The coolest part is that you’re directly supporting locals (most of the experiences on there are run by people, not by big companies) and you have the added benefit of gaining local insight into an otherwise unfamiliar culture. You can read about my experience with EatWith in Madrid for more information.

Groupon

Many of you have probably used Groupon at some point in your hometown but did you know you can use it while traveling as well? Not only can you book full-on packaged vacation deals, but it’s also a budget-friendly way to do awesome local experiences! Just be sure to read the terms and conditions for using the Groupon before purchasing it.

Free Tours by Foot

I have a confession: I’m obsessed with walking tours. They’re seriously the best introduction you can get to a new city. They’re my favorite way to get some historical context to a new place, get some bearings and potentially make some friends! Note that Free Tours by Foot (along with all free tour companies) rely on tips from attendees so please tip generously. Free Tours by Foot currently operates in the U.S. and Europe but similar companies do operate elsewhere.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

World Nomads

Yes, you need travel insurance for if things (hopefully don’t but often do) go wrong. I’ve been sick, needed stitches, crashed a rental car, had cash stolen and have dealt with luggage delays. Let’s just say I’ve learned my lesson about travel insurance the hard way. My go-to insurance is World Nomads cause they’re awesome. Be sure to check out the different plan options to pick one that’s right for you!

TRAVEL GEAR

NordVPN

For those of you who don’t know, a VPN (virtual private network) is a service that allows you to securely and privately route your internet through a server. Basically, it makes your internet think you’re in one place when you’re in a different one. Why do you need this? Well, if you want to access your bank account or any secure online account, the sites get super sketched out when you’re in a foreign country. It makes accessing some of these sites annoying or downright impossible. Plus, some sites are straight-up blocked in some countries. This is the most powerful VPN I’ve encountered so far so I highly recommend it.

Travel WiFi

Once upon a time, I used to collect SIM cards like 90’s kids collected Beanie Babies. I had one for each country I visited and multiple phone numbers I could never remember. Why? So I could always have internet (I’m an addict and I know it). Nowadays, I use a Travelwifi Hotspot. I get internet pretty much everywhere and can use it for multiple devices. You can read my review (which includes when to get a hotspot and when to get a local SIM instead) here.

Anker Power Bank

I don’t know if I’m a phone addict or what (jk, the answer to that is an unfortunate but resounding yes) but I legit don’t understand how people can travel without a power bank. You’re out and about all day and using your phone to navigate, take photos, and who knows what else. I always carry my Anker Power Bank while I’m traveling. It’s light, holds multiple charges, and charges phones quickly. Win!

Universal Power Adapter

Gone are the days of frantically googling which plug will work in which country (and getting about a hundred different answers). Now I just pop a couple of these in my suitcase and voilà! No hassle.

Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack

Waterproof, durable and comfortable: the Tortuga Outbreaker is hands down my #1 pick for the best travel backpack. It has a ridiculous number of pockets to keep you incredibly organized, has lockable zippers and is height-adjustable for the perfect body fit. I can’t say enough good things about it. If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, the Osprey Fairview is a spectacular option.

Away Bigger Carry On

I travel with my backpack most of the time (especially if I’m going to multiple cities) but if I don’t bring my backpack, I use my Away Carry On (which I’m obsessed with). I used to always buy inexpensive suitcases to save money but most of them didn’t survive longer than a few trips. This suitcase has been adventuring with me for a few years and it still looks new. It’s definitely a worthy investment!

Compression Packing Cubes

I never understood why people needed packing cubes until I got some of my own. Now I can no longer travel without them. They’re legit the BEST for keeping organized! Now I avoid what I fondly call “exploding suitcase syndrome” – that tendency for all your things to go all over the place every time you need to get one thing from your suitcase. They’re a serious game-changer for organization.

Lewis N Clark Anti-Theft Purse

You know what’s a problem in a LOT of countries? Pickpocketing. Most people worry about big crimes happening while they’re on the road, but the reality is, petty theft is the most common issue travelers face. That’s why I always travel with this lockable purse. It’s not the cutest but it’s surprisingly roomy (it fits my giant wallet, several cameras and my water bottle) and has two locking pockets and sturdy straps. Do yourself a favor and pick one up!

Sony Rx100 ii Camera

DSLRs are all the rage nowadays but I’ve been a loyal fan to my Sony Rx100 ii for the last few years (Sony is on their sixth edition of this camera now). It may look like a basic point and shoot, but it’s definitely much more. This camera takes amazing photos thanks to a high-quality lens but is still small enough to fit in my purse or large pocket.

JOBY GorillaPod

Have you ever wanted to take a photo of yourself, your group or even a landscape but there’s nowhere flat to put down your camera? Then you need a GorillaPod! It’s a bendy tripod that allows you to attach your camera to trees, fences, signposts…any object really. Plus it’s smaller and much more convenient than a regular tripod. I bring mine everywhere!

GoPro Hero 7

I swear, just when you think the GoPro can’t get any better, BOOM! A newer, sleeker edition arrives. The GoPro is the ultimate adventure traveler camera: the 7 is waterproof, voice-activated, video-stabilizing and so much more. I’ve been an unintentional outdoorsy traveler as of late, and this camera is perfect when I need to leave my delicate digital camera at home.

GRAYL Purifying Water Bottle

I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel because single-use plastic sucks for the planet and buying lots of bottled water is expensive and inconvenient. In many countries, you can’t drink the tap water unless it’s filtered first, which is why I always bring this purifying water bottle with me. Not only has it saved me money in the long run and kept me healthy but it’s a small way reduce my plastic consumption. Win!

TRAVEL GEAR

NordVPN

For those of you who don’t know, a VPN (virtual private network) is a service that allows you to securely and privately route your internet through a server. Basically, it makes your internet think you’re in one place when you’re in a different one. Why do you need this? Well, if you want to access your bank account or any secure online account, the sites get super sketched out when you’re in a foreign country. It makes accessing some of these sites annoying or downright impossible. Plus, some sites are straight-up blocked in some countries. This is the most powerful VPN I’ve encountered so far so I highly recommend it.

Travel WiFi

Once upon a time, I used to collect SIM cards like 90’s kids collected Beanie Babies. I had one for each country I visited and multiple phone numbers I could never remember. Why? So I could always have internet (I’m an addict and I know it). Nowadays, I use a Travelwifi Hotspot. I get internet pretty much everywhere and can use it for multiple devices. You can read my review (which includes when to get one and when to get a local SIM instead) here.

Anker Power Bank

I don’t know if I’m a phone addict or what (jk, the answer to that is an unfortunate but resounding yes) but I legit don’t understand how people can travel without a power bank. You’re out and about all day and using your phone to navigate, take photos, and who knows what else. I always carry my Anker Power Bank with me while I’m traveling. It’s light, holds multiple charges, and charges phones quickly. Win!

Universal Power Adapter

Gone are the days of frantically googling which plug will work in which country (and getting about a hundred different answers). Now I just pop a couple of these in my suitcase and voilà! No hassle.

Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack

Waterproof, durable and comfortable: the Tortuga Outbreaker is hands down my #1 pick for the best travel backpack. It has a ridiculous number of pockets to keep you incredibly organized, has lockable zippers, and is height-adjustable for the perfect body fit. I can’t say enough good things about it. If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, the Osprey Fairview is a spectacular option.

Away Bigger Carry On

I travel with my backpack most of the time (especially if I’m going to multiple cities) but if I don’t bring my backpack, I use my Away Bigger Carry On (which I’m obsessed with). I used to always buy inexpensive suitcases to save money but most of them didn’t survive longer than a few trips. This suitcase has been adventuring with me for several years and it still looks new. It’s definitely a worthy investment!

Compression Packing Cubes

I never understood why people needed packing cubes until I got some of my own. Now I can no longer travel without them. They’re legit the BEST for keeping organized! Now I avoid what I fondly call “exploding suitcase syndrome” – that tendency for all your things to go all over the place every time you need to get one thing from your suitcase. They’re a serious game-changer for organization.

Lewis N Clark Anti-Theft Purse

You know what’s a problem in a LOT of countries? Pickpocketing. Most people worry about big crimes happening while they’re on the road, but the reality is, petty theft is the most common issue travelers face. That’s why I always travel with this lockable purse. It’s not the cutest but it’s surprisingly roomy (it fits my giant wallet, several cameras and my water bottle) and has two locking pockets and sturdy straps. Do yourself a favor and pick one up!

Sony Rx100 ii Camera

DSLRs are all the rage nowadays but I’ve been a loyal fan to my Sony Rx100 ii for the last few years (Sony is on their sixth edition of this camera now). It may look like a basic point and shoot, but it’s definitely so much more. This camera takes amazing photos thanks to a high-quality lens but is still small enough to fit in my purse or large pocket.

JOBY GorillaPod

Have you ever wanted to take a photo of yourself, your group or even a landscape but there’s nowhere flat to put down your camera? Then you need a GorillaPod! It’s a bendy tripod that allows you to attach your camera to trees, fences, signposts…any object really. Plus it’s smaller and much more convenient than a regular tripod. I bring mine everywhere!

GoPro

I swear, just when you think the GoPro can’t get any better, BOOM! A newer, sleeker edition arrives. The GoPro is the ultimate adventure traveler camera: it is waterproof, voice-activated, video-stabilizing, and so much more. I’ve been an unintentional outdoorsy traveler as of late, and this camera is perfect when I need to leave my delicate digital camera at home.

GRAYL Purifying Water Bottle

I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel because single-use plastic sucks for the planet and buying lots of bottled water is expensive and inconvenient. In many countries, you can’t drink the tap water unless it’s filtered first, which is why I always bring this purifying water bottle with me. Not only has it saved me money in the long run and kept me healthy but it’s a small way reduce my plastic consumption. Win!

LONG-TERM TRAVEL

If you’ve always wanted to work and travel at the same time but had no idea how, then this post is for you! It includes the three main categories of people who make money while traveling plus all my favorite resources to help you make your work and travel dreams come true.