I designed this as a quick reference guide to improve the quality of your travel experiences when moving or living abroad. After 8+ years of solo world traveling, I’ve made my share of rookie mistakes. There were times when I could have received better value and services for my money had I been aware of some of these travel resources.
How to Find Cheap Flights
Skyscanner – This is my favorite flight aggregator for getting an idea of what is available and the price ranges for all competing airlines.
Trip.com – I have found good prices and flight options when using this service.
Kiwi.com – This company has a lot of cheap flights to popular destinations. I have used them in the past with no problems.
Skiplagged – If you’re someone who can travel without needing to check any baggage, you can save some money when using this booking site. Hidden city ticketing is used to save you money.
Priority Pass – Get airport lounge access worldwide.
Best Accommodation Resources
Trip Advisor – I like how it aggregates and gives you the prices for all competing sites. I usually go with the cheapest unless I want to accumulate loyalty points through a particular brand.
Hostelworld – If you want to know what to expect when visiting a hostel objectively, you have to visit Hostelworld. Reviews are from experienced travelers and backpackers who can justify the ratings.
VRBO – If you find one you like on VRBO take a quick look to see if it’s also listed for cheaper at AirBnb…and vice versa.
Agoda – This site is not as well known in the United States, but it seems to have the best price over other booking sites, plus they will price match. Due to this perk, I received cashback at a property in Glasgow.
Booking.com – This is not my preferred company, but sometimes price is the only thing that matters. 🤷🏾♀️
Intercity Travel
Busbud – This is a bus route aggregator that allows you to easily compare bus tickets from different companies and book the best option for your next trip. I have used it in Europe to find the cheapest price and preferred route for my bus trips.
12Go – Travel from point A to point B trouble-free and with a high-quality service guarantee.
Flixbus – I use this when I want a safe and comfortable long-distance bus ride in Europe. This service is available in 26 European countries. Rates are very reasonable and luggage is free.
Omio – This is another aggregator that works in the United States, Canada, and Europe to find tickets for trains, buses, flights, ferries, etc.
Trainline – This is Europe’s most popular train and coach app. Book here to get the best available prices, times, and train/bus tickets for your journey.
Rental Car Resources
RentalCars.com – Find your perfect rental no matter where you’re at in the world.
GetRentacar.com – Available in over 100 countries, find rental cars from national brands and local owners.
Discover Cars – This site will aggregate all of the rental cars available so you can choose the amenities you want for the best price.
Sidenote: NEVER Use Alamo! They left me stranded at an airport in Minnesota.
Best Tours for Digital Nomads
Viator – Choose from over 300,000 experiences located throughout 200 countries. This includes including wine tastings, walking tours, cooking classes, catamaran rides, tickets and passes to popular landmarks, as well as travel and transportation services, such as bus tours and day trips.
Get Your Guide – Find incredible travel experiences no matter where you are in the world. This includes skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else.
Klook – This booking platform allows you to access the most popular attractions worldwide. You can book activities, tickets to attractions, and shows at great prices.
Big Bus Tours – For open-top bus tours that allow you to hop on and off at landmarks, this is the company I use. Big Bus tours are available in 20 of the most visited cities in the world.
Packing Essentials
Portable Charger – I like how rugged it is so that when I inevitably drop it, it doesn’t break. It allows for slow solar charging, but that’s something that would come in handy during an emergency or if you’re on a bus or train with no outlets. It also has a built-in flashlight and compass and is waterproof.
Universal Adapter – I bought mine many years ago during a Norwegian layover. At the time I had no idea that the outlets would be different from the ones we have in the United States. I still have the exact same adapter. It has worked everywhere from Ireland to Albania, to Turkey.
Storage Lock – I have locks that I use to close my backpack and suitcase zippers which is another safeguard against thieves and scammers. I also travel with this larger one that I have for hostel lockers and safes.
First Aid Kit – This first aid kit comes with everything you need, plus the container is reusable so items can be replaced during travels.
Bottle Opener – A lot of beverages come in glass bottles that will be impossible to open without this. Also, sometimes you will be in an accommodation that doesn’t have the appropriate utensils and you won’t notice until the last minute.
Towel – A full-sized towel is always useful, but be aware that some hostels require that you have your towel or rent one from the facility. It’s a lot easier to bring your own.
Checked Luggage – My all-time favorite is a discontinued Calvin Klein line. But if you need a durable 24-inch, choose this Kenneth Cole that has a lifetime warranty. If you need something larger, you can go with this 27-inch SwissGear. It’s harder to maneuver on and off trains with the larger luggage.
Longchamp Le Pliage – This zippered nylon tote folds down to a size that’s smaller than an iPad and fits easily in my suitcase. I carry mine when going to make groceries or any type of shopping that requires me to bring my own bag. It is also waterproof which is great for spills and inclement weather too.
Northface Backpack – This backpack serves as both my carry-on and my electronics and valuables bag as I never put certain things in checked luggage to avoid hassle and disappointment just in case of lost luggage. It can hold everything from a change of clothes to my laptop, drone, and camera gear.
How to Send and Receive Money Abroad
Wise.com – Wise.com is my #1 choice when I’m sending or receiving money abroad. Their multi-currency debit card charges no international fees, which means I don’t have to pay the crazy rates that some cards add when I am outside of the United States. Plus transfers are super fast. I usually receive mine in under 24 hours. You can also receive banking details for multiple currencies which allows you to be paid by foreign employers.
Universal eSIM Cards for International Calling
Remember to check if your phone supports eSIM technology before purchasing
Saily – This is a newer eSIM available from NordVPN. Very easy to install and works in over 150 countries.
Airalo – I have used this when traveling. It’s useful for avoiding roaming fees if that’s an issue for you.
Travel Safety Essentials
PacSafe Travelsafe Portable Safe – I bought one for me and my dad. It comes in handy in hostels and hotel rooms without safes.
Pacsafe Unisex Crossbody – This is the perfect bag for day trips and walking tours to keep your valuables safe from scammers and thieves.
Travel Health Insurance
Insubuy – If you don’t hold a US Passport and plan to visit the United States, you can use this company for coverage that can include emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and other travel-related situations.
SafetyWing – Anyone traveling outside of their home country qualifies for this coverage. Just make sure you are signing up for the plan that you want. Both nomad health insurance and travel insurance are available.
