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Below is a list of all my major resources that I suggest to everyone I talk to about traveling. From where to stay, how to get there and what to bring – it’s all right here!
Cheap Airfare
Google Flights
When I research plane tickets, Google Flights is the FIRST place I go. It allows you to select the airport you’re flying out of and then the destination you are going. Once you do that it will show almost all the major airlines and compare the prices of each of them. Don’t have a destination in mind? Tell it you’re going “anywhere” and it will show you the cheapest places to travel in the timeframe you provide.
Expedia
I usually check everywhere else before Expedia, but I still recommend it because if you can get the same flight prices on Expedia as you find on Google flights or Skyscanner I would book through Expedia for the booking rewards.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a very flexible airfare search engine. Like google flights, it allows you to go “everywhere” instead of one destination so you can see where to find the cheapest deals. It also allows you to look in a month view rather than any specific date to see which days are the cheapest to fly. Even though google flights is my favorite, I still like to do a quick check on skyscanner because they have some airlines (such as Southwest) that won’t show up on google flights and I always like to make sure I’m getting the best deal.
Where to Stay
AirBnb
AirBnb is the new hotel industry and I’m in love with it. It allows you to choose between luxury, basic or even crazy accommodations. You can be in the finest Chicago apartment one week and then a treehouse in Texas the next week. It is also really helpful when you’re on a budget because the accommodations in each city have a wide range of prices. Use this link to get $40 off your first AirBnb rental.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is the best choice for people who want to learn about the cultures around the world but don’t have a lot of money to do it. Couchsurfing lets people bring others into their homes free of cost to allow travelers to see the cities like locals.
Hostelworld
This is my #1 favorite accommodation resource. Hostels allow you to see the world while meeting new people at a crazy low rate compared to normal hotels. Hostelworld allows you to see all the hostels in the area that you’re traveling, reviews of the hostels and it even allows you to book the hostel right there on their website. It’s completely safe and easy!
Hotels.com
If you aren’t a fan of hostels then I recommend Hotels.com. Just like Hostelsworld.com, it will show you all the hotels in the area and after the 10th time booking with them you get a free night! They also have coupons off your stay (for example: $20 off $200) every once in awhile.
How to Get There
Amtrak
If you’re a train person, Amtrak is my best recommendation. It has multiple destinations throughout the US and even a little bit into Canada. If you’re looking to take a trip from one end of the US to the other, Amtrak could be a good source for you.
Bolt Bus
Bolt bus can be found on either the far West part of the US or far East part. The best thing about Bolt Bus is that you can sometimes find $1 fares which is perfect for travelers on a budget.
Greyhound Bus
When it comes to buses, Greyhound Bus tends to be much more expensive compared to Bolt Bus or Megabus, but it has a much better selection of destinations across the United States and Canada.
Lyft
Lyft is a very popular in the US so I feel like it needs to be on this list. Just download the mobile app and request a car ride from wherever you are (only certain cities are eligible).
Megabus
Like Bolt Bus, you can find $1 fares with Megabus. But unlike Bolt Bus, it can be found in more than just the United States. Megabus can be found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Europe.
Uber
Uber is even more popular than Lyft so it also deserves to be on the list. Just like Lyft, you use an app to request a ride from wherever you are – but only certain cities are eligible.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads
World Nomads is the only travel insurance I will recommend because they have the best (in my opinion) coverage and they make reporting claims simple.
Blog Hosting
This website is hosted by Siteground and I’ve never had a problem! I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for website hosting.
Travel Accessories
Anti-theft Purse
Many countries are known for having pick-pocketers, therefore I recommend using a special purse for travel so that you don’t have to worry about having someone scam you into getting robbed.
Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag
This is a perfect bag for putting all your essentials into and then once you get to your accommodation, you can just hang it up and open it to easily find everything you need during your trip.
Hygienna Solo
Hygienna Solo is a portable bidet that is the perfect size for traveling. All you have to do is attach it to the top of a water bottle and use it for washing your hands, brushing your teeth or whatever else you may need fresh water for.
LifeStraw
Use this while hiking to purify water you find along the way.
Luggage Scale
To make sure your luggage isn’t overweight to avoid extra baggage costs.
Portable Charger
These are lifesavers for multiple reasons. It’s always important to have your phone charged in case of emergencies, no matter where you are. Personally, I would even recommend having two of these on you.
Scrubba Wash Bag
Scrubba Wash Bag is a portable washing machine. Need I say more?
TrackR Bravo
This is a tracker that you connect to your items and track it through your phone. It helps if you lose something while traveling, just check your phone to figure out where you dropped it!
World Travel Adapter Kit
Not all countries use the same plug ins for their electronic devices, so having a kit for each country is extremely handy.
My Favorite Travel Bloggers
Adventurous Kate
Nomadic Matt
The Blonde Abroad
The Points Guy
Million Mile Secrets
One Mile at a Time
View from the Wing