Below is a comprehensive list of my favorite tools and resources I use when planning my next adventure and traveling.

Travel Gears

  • Packing cubes or Travel Space Saver Bags – They are great for organizing. Easy to find things quickly, pack, and unpack. I sometimes use the travel space saver bags when packing clothes for winter as they are mostly bulky and with the bags, it helps saving spaces.
  • Laundry Detergent Sheets – I bring these along and use it when a place I’m staying doesn’t have laundry. The sheet can be torn into smaller pieces for smaller loads. It’s also great when camping.
  • Travel Shoes Bag – When I have to bring an extra pair of shoes, I use the travel shoes bag to keep my dirty shoes away from my clean clothes. The bag is thick, durable, light and breathable at the same time.
  • Compression Socks – I would add this to my wardrobe, especially for long flights or extended periods of sitting. They help improving circulation, reducing swelling, and keeping your legs comfortable and healthy during long trips.
  • Selfie Stick Tripod – This travel accessory is very useful when I travel solo or want to take better photos and videos with ease. Its combination of portability, hands-free functionality, and versatility makes it a great travel companion, whether you’re capturing selfies, group shots, or scenic views.
  • International Travel Adapter – This is a must-have accessory that I always bring with me. It provides compatibility, convenience, and safety for my electronic devices, ensuring I stay connected and powered up throughout my travels.
  • Travel Scarf Wrap – Airplane cabins can often be cold so I bring a travel scarf wrap to get an extra layer of warmth and comfort without carrying bulky outerwear. It is a versatile that can serve as a blanket, shawl, or even a makeshift pillow for long flights, chilly nights, or unexpected weather changes.
  • Trtl Travel Pillow – This is a travel pillow I use when I journey on a long-haul flight. It fits perfectly and provides neck support for me to relax into a decent sleep without neck pain. It’s also lightweight and easy to pack in a carry-on.

Trip planning

  • TripAdvisor – I use TripAdvisor when I want to do travel researches for my next destination. It is considered one of the most reliable travel resources globally providing everything you need to plan a successful and enjoyable trip.
  • Google My Maps – It allows you to create your own maps and add specific points of interest like hotels, restaurants, attractions, and scenic spots. This would help you organize trips visually, making it easier to plan each day and know where everything is located. And it works offline!

Flights, Trains, Buses

  • Google Flights – One of the most powerful search engines available. It provides flexible date search features, powerful filtering options such as filtering by airline, number of stops, departure/arrival times, and more. In addition, Real-time price tracking helps you book the best flights at the best prices.
  • Hopper – Want to find the best deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals? Hopper is a travel app that uses price prediction technology allowing users to make a smart decisions about when to book flights, hotels, and rentals while keeping their options flexible. For instance, its Price Freeze feature gives you some extra time to plan your trip and protects you from potential price increases.
  • Kayak – I use Kayak to find and compare flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. The price alert feature to track flights or hotels in advance will notify you when prices drop, ensuring you get the best deal. Also take advantage of its Hacker Fares to save money if you don’t mind booking two one-way flights instead of a round-trip ticket.
  • Omio – If you are planning to book a transportation across Europe, this is an excellent tool. You can search, compare and book different modes of transportation, including trains, buses, and flights. You can book and keep all your tickets in one place and receive real-time updates on your travel schedule.

Accommodations

  • Booking.com – This is a go-to resource for booking accommodations, from hotels and resorts to vacation rentals and apartments. Many listings offer free cancellation or pay later options providing flexibility in travelers’ plans. The great thing is it offers price matching, ensuring that you get the best possible rate!
  • AirBnb – Want to live like locals? Consider AirBnb! It lists accommodations that are distinct from traditional hotels, such as private homes, apartments, cabins, and even treehouses. These properties often reflect the local culture and lifestyle, offering travelers a more authentic experience during their stay.
  • Agoda – Another global online travel booking platform, primarily focused on Asia. It often offers better deals compared to other platforms for travelers looking to explore popular Asian destinations like Thailand, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Travel Insurances

  • SafetyWing – Buy a travel insurance? SafetyWing is a good choice due to its flexible and affordable insurance with decent medical coverage outside of your home country. However, if you’re looking for trip cancellation coverage or coverage for extreme sports and adventure activities, you might want to compare it with other options.

Activities

  • GetYourGuide – If you are planning to enhance your journeys by doing unique local activities or joining tours, consider GetYourGuide! I’ve used GetYourGuide to book guided tours led by local guides that provide authentic insights into the destinations I’m visiting.
  • Viator – Another platform for booking tours, activities, and experiences worldwide. It offers a wider variety of well-known activities and integration with TripAdvisor allows travelers to access lots of information about their chosen activities and destinations.