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* – basically 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.
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.
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.
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Practical Travel Resources and 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!
Compression Socks or Stockings – No matter how old you are, wearing compression socks while flying has several health and comfort benefits. One of the main reasons is that they help to improve blood flow in your legs, which can be impeded during long periods of sitting on a plane.
Compression socks work by gently squeezing your legs, which helps to prevent blood from pooling and reduces the risk of blood clots. They can also help to reduce swelling and discomfort in the legs and feet, which are common complaints amongst air travelers. Additionally, wearing compression socks can help to regulate body temperature, as they can keep your feet and lower legs warm since we all know that it can get quite cold on the plane.
Overall, wearing compression socks is a simple and effective way to promote better circulation, reduce discomfort, and stay comfortable on a long flight.
Water Bottle – I always bring my reusable, stainless steel water bottle on all my trips. Once I clear TSA, I head for the water filling station, and I am ready to go. It is economical and helps to eliminate any unnecessary plastic waste. There are a lot of options available in the marketplace so I cannot make a recommendation. It is a personal choice.