Below are several travel resources and tips that we use when planning our trips. Our goal is to find practical choices to keep expenses down but not take away from the overall experience.
Disclosure: Our travel recommendations are based on our own experiences over the years. Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links, we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Please see our Disclaimer for additional information.
Transportation Resources
WayAway – a website to find cheap flights with cashback!
Expedia – an on-line travel agency (OTA) that can book flights.
Google Flights – a great tool to search for cheap domestic and international flights. Lots of filter options and can book directly with the airline. They just launched the Price Guarantee pilot program on select bookings. If the price drops by the first flight in the itinerary, Google will make up the difference.
Rail Europe – this is the site to purchase train tickets for use across Europe.
Rome2rio – good tool to use for planning how to get somewhere (Point A to Point B) using various modes of transportation (planes, trains, ferries, and buses).
Airport Lounge Access Program
Priority Pass – Priority Pass elevates your travel with exclusive access to a global network of airport lounges. Enjoy comfort and amenities, making every journey a seamless and enjoyable experience. We love relaxing in their lounges while we travel. A quiet place to rest and enjoy food and beverages, with Wifi access.
Car Rental Resources
DiscoverCars.com – this is an international car rental website that provides rental car bookings.
Accommodation Resources and Tips
Airbnb – economical alternative when more space is required. Do your research and read the reviews for selected properties. Communicate with the property contact before, during and after your stay. Establishing a relationship can make things go a lot smoother.
Booking.com – an on-line travel agency (OTA) for booking hotels globally.
Expedia – an on-line travel agency (OTA) that can offer deals on hotels, cruises, vacation packages and more.
Hotels.com – on-line website for booking hotels around the world with a Loyalty Rewards Program.
Vrbo – similar to Airbnb but with a Loyalty Program. Ideal for finding vacation apartment and housing rentals globally.
Wi-Fi Services
Ryoko Pro – When traveling, the Ryoko Pro portable mobile Wi-Fi is an essential companion. Ready to use with a 500MB SIM pre-installed, it works in 112 countries, fits easily in your pocket or purse, and requires no contract. With a battery life of at least 8 hours and the ability to connect up to 10 devices, you can enjoy secure and protected internet access anywhere.

We used the Ryoko Pro on a one-month trip to Europe and found it indispensable, especially for using Google Maps. It fit perfectly in my crossbody bag and worked flawlessly wherever we went. Adding data online as needed was effortless, eliminating worries about connecting to public Wi-Fi or paying roaming charges. Staying connected was incredibly easy, and we highly recommend the Ryoko Pro for anyone traveling abroad.
Airalo – is an eSIM store that provides digital SIM cards for travelers. Check out their website to learn more.
Tour Resources
Get Your Guide – online site for finding tour guides and excursions globally.
Go City – sells passes to popular tourist attractions around the world. Based on how long you are in a city, you can select the All-Inclusive Pass (unlimited attractions) or the Explorer Pass (choose how many attractions you want to see within a 60-day period). The data downloads to your phone; no need for paper tickets.
GuruWalk – free walking tours by local guides in cities around the world. Tours generally last 2 to 3 hours and tipping the guide is always appreciated. A great way to learn about the area from a local and to meet other travelers on the tour.
Viator – a good site to find and book sightseeing tours, city tours, and day trips in cities all over the world.
Travel Insurance Resources
VisitorsCoverage – in today’s world, insurance is needed whether traveling domestically or internationally. VistorsCoverage provides comprehensive plans for global travel including options for additional medical coverage when traveling within Europe.
Monetize Your Travel Blog
Embark on a transformative journey into the world of travel blogging with Scale Your Travel Blog, a comprehensive and expertly crafted course designed to elevate your blogging skills to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world of blogging, this program offers a structured and insightful approach to help you navigate the intricacies of the travel blogging landscape.
From content creation strategies to effective monetization techniques, Scale Your Travel Blog provides invaluable insights and hands-on guidance. I personally recommend this course (I am a student) as an essential resource for anyone looking to build a successful and sustainable travel blog. Ready to turn your passion into a profession? Click Scale Your Travel Blog to enroll now and unlock the secrets to travel blogging success!
More Practical Travel Resources and Tips
Packing Tips
Learn how to pack like a pro! Check out our post:
How to Pack for a Two-Week Trip: Travel Light with Just a Carry-On & Personal Item!
New Travel Rules for Europe & the UK You Need to Know
Planning trips to Europe or the UK in 2025? There are exciting new changes to how we travel across the pond! Here’s what you need to know:
UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – Coming January 8, 2025
Starting January 2025, visitors from the US, Canada, and other visa-free countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK. This digital travel permission, linked to your passport, costs £10 and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The ETA is required for everyone, including infants, and applications can be completed quickly via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK, with most approvals granted within hours.
European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) – Delayed Again until 2025
The EU is introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES) to enhance border security and better track the 90-day rule for non-EU travelers. Say goodbye to passport stamps – entries and exits will now be recorded digitally, along with biometric scans of fingerprints and a photo at border control in airports or cruise ports. This process is free and applies to all 29 Schengen Area countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Travelers should allow extra time at border control to complete the process smoothly once it’s in effect.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): Your Mini Visa for Europe (due to start 6 months after EES – estimating May or June 2025)
Visitors to the Schengen Area’s 29 European countries will soon need ETIAS, a pre-travel authorization designed to enhance safety and streamline border processes. Valid for three years or until your passport expires, ETIAS costs €7 and can be applied for online before your trip, with approvals typically granted within hours. While ETIAS simplifies travel, entry remains at the discretion of border officers, so ensure you follow the 90-day rule and carry all required documentation.
What You Need to Know About the REAL ID
Deadline: REAL ID rules in the USA will take effect on May 7, 2025. After this date, you’ll need a REAL ID or another accepted form of identification, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, to:
- Board domestic flights
- Enter federal facilities or military installations
How to Check if You Have a REAL ID
Look at your driver’s license or state ID card. If you see a gold star in the top-right corner, your ID is already REAL ID-compliant.
How to Get a REAL ID
When applying for or renewing your driver’s license or state ID, you can request a REAL ID-compliant card. To do this:
1. Visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website.
2. Review the list of required documents, such as proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.
3. Bring these documents with you to your appointment.
Your new ID will include the gold star marking at the top-right corner, confirming it meets REAL ID standards.