Travel Resources

Planning a trip and feeling overwhelmed by all the options? I’ve got you!

After more than a decade of solo travel across Asia, I’ve tested more travel tools, booking sites, and gear than I can count. Some were amazing. Others… not so much. So I’ve put together this list of resources I trust and use again and again—the ones I always recommend to friends, family, and now you!

If you’re looking for ways to save money, stay safe, and travel smarter, this guide is for you.

Quick Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. That helps me keep this blog running and full of real, honest travel tips. Thanks for your support!

Flights and Transportation

Getting around can be one of the trickiest parts of travel—but once you know where to look, it gets so much easier. These are the websites and apps I rely on to find the best routes, prices, and transportation options all across Asia and beyond:

Skyscanner – My go-to flight search engine. I always use the “Everywhere” and “Whole Month” tools to find the cheapest flights, then book directly with the airline. Also worth checking: Google Flights and Kayak.
12Go Asia – Perfect for booking trains, buses, and ferries across Southeast Asia. It compares prices and travel times, and you can book everything right on the site. Super useful when you’re hopping between countries or islands.
Uber / Grab – I always prefer ride apps over taxis—they’re safer, easier, and you know the price before you go. I use Grab all the time in Southeast Asia, Gojek in Indonesia, and Careem when I’m in Egypt. If Uber is available, I’ll use that too.
Rome2Rio – Just plug in two destinations and it shows you all the possible ways to get there—flights, trains, buses, ferries—along with travel times and rough costs. I always check this before making a decision.
Priority Pass – You’ll get access to airport lounges in over 1,300 locations around the world. Think comfy chairs, snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi—and a much more relaxing travel day. If you fly often, this is 100% worth it.
Discover Cars / RentalCars.com – They’re great for comparing rental prices, finding deals, and booking with free cancellation. I haven’t rented cars much in Asia yet, but I’ve used both of these in Europe.
Seat61 – The ultimate guide to train travel around the world. It’s full of detailed, up-to-date info on routes, tickets, and what to expect.

Read Next: What No One Tells You About Driving Your Own Tuk Tuk in Sri Lanka

Accommodation

A good night’s sleep makes all the difference when you’re on the road. These are the platforms I use the most when booking accommodation, plus a few awesome alternatives if you’re traveling long-term or trying to save money:

Booking.com – My go-to for everything—from capsule hotels in Singapore to luxury stays in Cairo with pyramid views. I love the flexible cancellation, Genius discounts, and how easy it is to filter by price, rating, and location. Also worth checking: Agoda.
Hostelworld – If you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, this is a must. Hostels are affordable, clean, and surprisingly social. I usually go for female-only dorms with curtains—or book a private room if I need a break.
Airbnb / VRBO – Great for longer stays or when I want something more local and unique. I usually compare both—VRBO often has fewer hidden fees.
Trusted Housesitters – Stay somewhere lovely for free in exchange for pet sitting or plant care. Perfect for slow travel and anyone who misses their dog while on the road.
HomeExchange – You can swap homes with another traveler and stay for free, which is perfect if you own a place. If not, Couchsurfing is a great alternative for staying with locals at no cost—just make sure to read the reviews!
Workaway / Worldpackers – I love these platforms for volunteer exchanges. You work a few hours a day—maybe at a hostel, farm, or animal shelter—in return for food and accommodation.

Read Next: 13 Breathtaking Luxury Tented Camps in Asia for Your Honeymoon

Tours and Activities

Tours are one of my favorite ways to explore a new place—especially when I’m traveling solo. They’re great for meeting people, learning from locals, and discovering experiences you might not stumble on by yourself. These are the platforms I rely on to book the best ones:

GetYourGuide – My favorite platform for booking day trips, city tours, and skip-the-line tickets. They have a huge range of activities in nearly every major city, plus flexible cancellation, which is always a win.
Viator – Owned by TripAdvisor (aka the place to read all the reviews) and super reliable. If I can’t find what I need on GetYourGuide, this is the next place I check. From food tours to multi-day adventures, they’ve got it all.
Klook – Especially good in Asia. I’ve used it for SIM cards, airport transfers, public transport passes, and fun cultural tours. I always sort by top-rated before booking.
Airbnb Experiences – I’ve had some really unique experiences here—like a fall photoshoot in Japan. Most guides are locals, so it feels more personal than big tour companies.
GuruWalk – I love doing a free walking tour as soon as I arrive somewhere new. It’s tip-based (usually $10–15 USD), and a great way to get your bearings and ask a local all your burning questions.
EatWith – This one’s perfect if you’re a foodie. You get to enjoy a homemade meal with locals, and it often turns into a really fun, casual cultural exchange over dinner.
Meetup – Ideal for longer stays. I’ve used this for everything from language exchanges and coworking meetups to yoga classes. Great for finding community on the road.

Not quite ready to travel solo? Check out Gadventures, Intrepid Travel, or Contiki. They offer small group tours across Asia, and are perfect for solo travelers who want to explore in a fun, social, and sustainable way.

Money and Banking

Traveling with the right cards can save you a ton on fees—not to mention the stress of blocked cards, sky-high ATM charges, or getting stuck without access to your money. Here’s what I use to manage money while traveling, plus a few extras that are worth checking out:

Revolut & Monzo – These are the only cards I use right now. Both offer free international withdrawals up to £200/month. After that, there’s a small 2–3% fee. Their apps are super intuitive and make it so easy to manage your budget while on the go. Also worth checking: Starling, Charles Schwab (great for Americans), and Chase Sapphire (huge bonuses + top travel perks).
Wise (formerly TransferWise) – My go-to for sending and receiving international payments. The exchange rates are excellent, the fees are low, and it’s especially helpful if you work remotely or get paid from abroad.
XE Currency C onverter – I use this app constantly—whether I’m haggling at a market or trying to figure out if an ATM fee is fair. It even works offline, which is a lifesaver when you don’t have data.

Travel Insurance

My #1 travel safety tip? Never travel without insurance. If you’re from Europe, it might seem unnecessary—but trust me, medical care abroad can be shockingly expensive. And it’s not just about hospital visits. Good insurance also covers things like stolen gear, delayed flights, lost luggage, and trip cancellations.

Here are the ones I trust and recommend:

Hey Mondo – The first travel insurance I ever bought—and honestly, it was a great decision. It’s affordable and includes 24/7 medical chat support in your own language (yes, even Spanish!).
SafetyWing – What I use now. It’s perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads. You can buy a policy even after you’ve left home, and the flexible monthly plans are super convenient.
World Nomads – Best if you’re into adventure travel. They cover tons of activities—like scuba diving, trekking, and rock climbing. Easy to extend and file claims too.

Just make sure to read the fine print before booking any policy so you know exactly what’s covered.

Read Next: 21 Must-Have Safety Essentials Every Woman Needs for Solo Travel

Data and Connectivity

Staying connected on the road is a must—especially if you’re traveling solo, working remotely, or just need to Google where to find the best street food.

Airalo eSIM – If you want internet as soon as you land (without the hassle of hunting down a SIM card shop), this is the easiest option. I’ve used it in places like Thailand and Japan with no issues at all.
Surfshark VPN – A must if you’re using public Wi-Fi in hostels, cafes, or airports. It keeps your data secure and even lets you stream your favorite shows from home- —yes, even Netflix.

Budget Tip: Physical SIM cards are usually cheaper than eSIMs and easy to buy locally if you’re staying in one country for a while.

My Travel Essentials

These are the tried-and-tested items I pack for every trip—whether I’m working remotely, backpacking through Southeast Asia, or just escaping for a quick weekend getaway. After years of travel, I don’t leave home without them:

Osprey Backpack / Samsonite Suitcase / Uniqlo Bumbag – I’ve used all three for over 10 years (or at least since they came out), and they’re still going strong—super durable, comfortable, and perfect for different types of trips.
Microfiber Towel – Big enough for beach days, folds down tiny, and dries crazy fast. Ideal for hostels and anyone trying to pack light.
LifeStraw Water Bottle – Filters 99.99% of bacteria, so you can safely drink tap water in countries where it’s not normally safe. It saves money and helps cut down on plastic waste.
Kindle Paperwhite – Waterproof, lightweight, and backlit so I can read anywhere—buses, dorms, even floating in a pool. Absolutely worth it!
Power Bank (10,000mAh or more) – Essential when you rely on your phone for maps, translations, bookings, and photos. Make sure you can charge multiple devices on the go.
Compression Packing Cubes – These make packing (and unpacking) so much easier. I use one for tops, one for bottoms, and one for everything else.
Teva Sandals – I basically live in these while traveling Asia. They’re comfy, supportive, and good for everything from city walks to waterfall hikes.
Universal Travel Adapter – Covers all plug types in one. Super compact and a must for international travel.
Eye Mask & Ear Plugs – Absolute essentials for night buses, flights, and noisy dorm rooms.
Headphones – I love my noise-canceling ones for long flights, but AirPods are great if you want something smaller. I also use an AirTag to track my luggage—super useful!
Unbound Merino Clothing – These pieces are a bit of a splurge, but 100% worth it. They’re odor-resistant (even after days of wear), super soft, and great for minimalist packing.
MacBook Air – Lightweight, fast, and perfect for blogging, editing photos, and working remotely on the road.

That’s it—my complete list of travel tools and resources I actually use and love.

If you’ve got questions, need help picking the right gear, or have a favorite travel tool you think I should try, feel free to contact me. I’d genuinely love to hear from you!