I try to keep things simple when I travel, which means I don’t use much.
But there are a few things that genuinely help. Tools for planning, gear I actually use, and things that make travel a bit easier overall. This page pulls them all together. It’s a living list, updated as I find better options or ditch things that stop working.
Some are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book or buy through them (at no extra cost to you). That helps keep this site running and supports the hours I put into writing helpful, honest posts.
Everything here is something I’ve used and trusted. The kind of stuff I’d recommend to a friend.
✈️ Flights & Transport
Google Flights | It’s the easiest way to get a quick overview of prices, and the date grid + explore feature are useful if your plans are flexible. I’ll often use it to track prices for a few days before booking.
Skyscanner | Still one of the best tools for finding cheaper routes. The “whole month” view is useful if you’re flexible, and the “everywhere” search is good when you don’t have a fixed destination. Even when I don’t book through it, I use it to get a baseline.
12Go Asia | The MVP of overland travel in Southeast Asia. It pulls together buses, trains, and ferries in places where that information is otherwise scattered or hard to find.
Rail Europe | For train travel in Europe. Trainline is better for quick bookings, especially if you’re already on the move. Rail Europe is more useful if you’re planning longer routes or looking into passes.
Discover Cars & Localrent | When I need to rent a car, I usually check both of these. They’re good for comparing options across different companies, especially in places where local rental agencies don’t show up on bigger platforms.
🏠 Accommodation
Booking.com | It’s the easiest way to get a quick overview of what’s available, and the filters are actually useful. I like having the option to cancel for free, especially when plans aren’t fully set.
Airbnb | I mostly use this for longer stays or when I want a kitchen. In some places it’s great, in others it’s overpriced, so I always compare it with Booking.com before booking anything.
Hostelworld | I don’t stay in hostels as much anymore, but when I do, this is what I use. It’s also useful for finding private rooms that are sometimes cheaper than hotels.
Trusted Housesitters | This one’s a bit different. You stay somewhere for free in exchange for looking after someone’s home (usually pets). It works well for slower travel, but it does come with responsibility, so it’s not for everyone.
Vrbo | I don’t use this as often, but it’s a good alternative to Airbnb in some places, especially in the US. Listings tend to be more straightforward, and sometimes the pricing is better.
🎟️ Tours and Activities
GetYourGuide – Great for skip-the-line tickets, walking tours, and day trips. I mostly use it for things I know I want to do in advance – like colosseum access or guided hikes. Always read the reviews.
Viator – Same idea as GetYourGuide, but different listings and sometimes cheaper. I’ll check both before booking anything major. Especially useful for last-minute ideas.
Ticketmaster – If I’m traveling and want to catch a concert, festival, or football match, this is where I look first. Just watch for service fees – they’re brutal.
TripAdvisor – The reviews are hit or miss (some are clearly fake), but I still use it to browse what’s available in a city then book elsewhere. It’s more for research than reservations.
⭐️ My Travel Essentials
I don’t carry much when I travel, but the things I do carry, I rely on pretty heavily. I’ve put them all into my Amazon storefront so it’s easier to browse depending on what you need, whether that’s flight essentials, camera gear, backpacks, or stuff for specific trips like hiking or beach travel.
This is a slow-growing list of things I’ve used, worn, or carried – handpicked over time. If you’re already buying something on Amazon, you can go through my storefront. I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support the site.
🥾 Gear Reviews
Here’s a collection of my blog posts that go beyond the basics – from packing tips to budgeting hacks and solo travel insights.
