Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools I personally use to plan my trips, from finding affordable flights to booking unique stays that support local communities. I’m always on the lookout for options that align with mindful, sustainable travel while still giving me a smooth and inspiring experience.
I never travel without Airalo anymore. It’s an eSIM you can download before your trip so you have data the moment you land—no hunting for a SIM card or paying crazy roaming fees. It works in over 200 countries, takes minutes to set up, and makes traveling so much smoother.
Get 15% off your first Airalo eSIM HERE!
My go-to tool for flight searches. I love that it’s fast, flexible, and easy to use. You can compare different airlines, filter by carry-on only, and even track prices over time. But my favorite feature is the ‘explore’ option, where you can put your departing city, length of travel, and just check prices for different destinations. I always start my flight planning here, even if I end up booking elsewhere.
Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)
Still one of my favorite ways to find affordable airfare, especially international deals. I use the premium plan, which sends flight alerts based on my local airports. It’s where I first learned about mistake fares, and I’ve saved hundreds over the years.
Rome2Rio
If I’m figuring out how to get from one city to another—especially by train, bus, or ferry—this is the tool I use. It lays out all the available transportation options and helps me plan more sustainably by choosing overland routes when possible.
Still my favorite for finding unique and local places to stay. I’ve used Airbnb everywhere from Taiwan to Greece to small-town USA. I especially love when hosts share personal recommendations or the history behind their property. It makes me feel more connected to the place. I also love that both the host and the guest can leave a review…it helps to keep all of us accountable, and I appreciate that!
If I’m booking a hotel and want to use points or earn extra rewards, I use Chase Travel through the app. It’s also great for finding nice boutique hotels with flexible cancellation policies.
I love how easy it is to find places here, with helpful filters and plenty of options for every budget. Plus I’ve found some great last-minute deals, often with perks like free breakfast or no prepayment required. When I’m not using Airbnb or Chase, this is usually where I book. You can check out hotels here and flights here.
I usually love to wander on my own when I travel, but sometimes I want a little structure without losing that freedom to explore. That’s when I use GetYourGuide. Their tours give me the balance I need: a planned experience with local insight plus time to do my own thing. If that sounds like your style too, you can check them out here:
When I’m on a budget or in the mood to meet fellow travelers, I look for highly-rated hostels here. Many offer private rooms if you want a bit of both worlds. I used this a lot in my early solo travel days and still check it from time to time when exploring new regions.
🌱 A Note on Sustainable Travel
Where you spend your money matters. In all transparency, I do sometimes book stays at beautiful, big-named hotels, but I do make an effort to book stays that are either locally owned or thoughtfully designed. Supporting small businesses, choosing lower-impact transportation, and being mindful of how I move through a place are all part of how I try to travel.
Boutique hotels, family-run guesthouses, and charming Airbnbs in residential neighborhoods help me feel grounded and give back to the community I’m visiting. I’ve found some of my favorite travel memories in places that weren’t flashy but felt real, welcoming, and rooted.
🛒 Travel Essentials I Actually Use
Want a peek at what I pack? I’ve put together a curated list of my favorite travel-friendly products on my Amazon Storefront, from packing cubes and skincare to tech accessories and carry-on must-haves. These are items I’ve personally used (or currently use) to make life on the road smoother, lighter, and more enjoyable.
I regularly update it as I find new favorites, so feel free to browse and see what works for you too.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. I only share things I genuinely use and love based on my personal experience.
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