I get so many questions about my go-to travel tools that I figured it’s time to create a one-stop hub for everything I actually use and recommend. I don’t list stuff just because it exists. If it’s here, I’ve used it because it has either saved me money, saved me stress, or have just saved my sanity.
📌 You don’t need everything on this list. I’m giving you options because what works for me might not be the best for you.
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🛫 Flights & Transport
Skyscanner – My go-to for finding cheap flights. Always check Skyscanner first before booking directly with an airline. Use the “Whole Month” view to find the cheapest dates.
Google Flights – Best for tracking prices and getting alerts when fares drop. If you’re flexible, use the “Explore” feature.
Trip.com – Once you pick your flight from google flights, I’ve often found that trip.com offers lower rates. As far as third party sites go for booking flights, this is one of the most reliable ones.
12Go Asia – If you’re traveling in Asia and need to book buses, trains, ferries, or even flights, this is the site to use.
Trainline – For booking trains across Europe. The app is a lifesaver when you’re running late and need to buy a ticket last minute.
Rail Europe – If you’re doing an extended train trip in Europe, this is useful for planning and booking multi-country rail passes.
Discover Cars – Best site for comparing rental car prices worldwide. If I need a car, I check here first.
Rentalcars.com – Another solid option for renting cars, especially if you’re booking last minute.
🏠 Accommodation
Booking.com – My default for booking hotels and guesthouses. The free cancellation option is a lifesaver when plans change.
Airbnb – I use Airbnb when I need a longer stay or a place with a kitchen. (Though in some places, hotels are cheaper—always compare.)
Hostelworld – Although it rarely happens now, but if I’m staying in a hostel, I book it here. You can also get private rooms in hostels here if you don’t want shared accommodation.
Trusted Housesitters – Free accommodation in exchange for pet-sitting (a dream for slow travelers!).
Vrbo – A great alternative to Airbnb, especially in the US and Europe, if you want entire homes without crazy service fees.
🎟️ Tours and Activities
GetYourGuide – The best platform for booking tours, skip-the-line tickets, and activities in major cities. Read reviews before booking.
Viator – Another solid option for tours, often with more local operators. Prices are sometimes better than GetYourGuide, so compare both.
Ticketmaster – If you’re traveling and want to catch a concert, festival, or sports game, Ticketmaster is where you check first.
TripAdvisor – I don’t trust all the reviews, but it’s a good place to browse things to do in a new city. Just take the ratings with a grain of salt.
📶 SIM Cards & Connectivity
Airalo – My go-to eSIM provider. Works in 200+ countries, and I don’t have to deal with sketchy airport SIM card kiosks. I have the global e-sim, this works if you travel a lot. You can also get regional e-sim based on where you are going. Honestly, this has been a game changer in my travels.
🏥 Travel Insurance (Don’t Skip This)
SafetyWing – Best for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Monthly subscription model, so you can start and stop as needed.
World Nomads – More expensive but better for adventure travel. If I’m hiking, motorbiking, or doing anything remotely risky, I go with this one.
Allianz Travel – Best for short trips if you want a one-time policy instead of a subscription.
That’s It.
No filler, no fluff. Just everything I actually use. If you’ve got a travel resource that’s been a game-changer for you, let me know—I’m always on the lookout for new tools that make travel easier.
Travel Tips and Guides
Here’s a collection of my blog posts that go beyond the basics—from packing tips to budgeting hacks and solo travel insights.
