APPS
TRANSIT
Skyscanner
Trainline
All travelers should keep Skyscanner in their travel toolkit, which constantly refreshes to secure the best deals on the web. Also available as an app, finding great discounts takes seconds—I promise you’ll find a great price every time you look!
I use Trainline for my rail trips around Europe. The search allows you to pick specific times of day you would prefer to travel. This is great in certain countries where there are many train options – instead of checking their individual websites, you have all possible results streamlined in seconds.
Grab
12Go
If there was one essential app in Southeast Asia, it would be Grab. Like Uber, Grab offers rides and food pickups to customers in no time. You’ll spot drivers in their iconic green vests from Bangkok to Bali. Many countries in this region permit passengers to ride on the back of motorbikes.
Just as Europe has Trainline, Asia and Oceania have 12Go. Whether you’re in Vietnam or Australia, 12Go instantly finds hundreds of results for buses, trains, transfers, and flights.
Bookaway
NAVIGATION
Google Maps
Besides providing basic directions from A to B, Google Maps actually offers additional features that everyone should be aware of. For example, you can create your own maps with custom locations, from the best Match shops in London to the best diving spots around the world.
Rome2Rio
If you want to know the best way to get between two places, Rome2Rio provides the best results in seconds. If you wish to drive, take public transportation, or even fly, Rome2Go gives you the easiest and quickest routes to get where you need to go while comparing prices.
INTERNATIONAL DATA
Airalo
Although dozens of eSIM apps are available, I have the most success with Airalo. The app offers affordable data packages you can refill whenever you run low. It provides data for individual countries, general regions, and even a global package.
TRAVEL TRACKING
PolarSteps
PolarSteps is a creative way to track your trip and route. You can manually enter dates and locations or let the app determine your path through GPS to confirm later. Treat it like a journal by adding photos and notes if you want to be more detailed!
been
Been helps track how many countries you’ve visited and when you went! It shows you everywhere you’ve been, and the app also awards achievements for traveling to a new hemisphere and continent.
Stippl
This app was designed to simplify and streamline every aspect of travel. Not only does Stippl help you plan with friends and budget for upcoming trips, it also offers itinerary inspiration, custom packing lists, and plenty more to get you excited before you head off.
EXTRAS
SkyView
When I traveled to Asia, I often found myself gazing into the night sky, intrigued by what I observed. Whenever I saw a twinkling planet and red star, I would pull up the SkyView app, aim it upwards, and discover what constellations shone before me.
It’s no secret that Pinterest is great for finding inspiration on various topics, and traveling is no exception! I use Pinterest to create boards for interesting activities, travel off-the-beaten-path, and, of course, outfit mood boards for wherever I’m going next.
units plus
If you need a conversation app for anything and everything, Units Plus is your go-to. I use this app religiously when traveling to check exchange rates as well as temperature, height, weight, and even speed conversions.
MY IPAD PICKS
Amazon Kindle
Call me traditional, but I prefer writing to typing. When it comes to my itineraries, I like to tweak them by hand. With Goodnotes, I can easily edit, move elements, and make note-taking fun.
Goodnotes
Although I did not choose the Kindle, I can still access millions of titles through the app. For Amazon Prime members, the Kindle Unlimited feature allows users to borrow books for free and return them when finished. Thanks to the Kindle app, I sped through 28 books in my 8 months of traveling!
STUFF
TECH
iPad Mini
On my eight-month backpacking trip, I knew I wanted a way to read without having to lug around heavy books.
I debated between the Amazon Kindle and the iPad Mini, ultimately choosing the latter due to its greater versatility.
Since trading in my original iPad, I haven’t put my Mini down.
GoPro
Easy to use and fits in the palm of your hand, the GoPro series is a must-have for any adventurer.
I bought a GoPro Hero 12 in Thailand. Even underwater, videos were clean and sharp, emphasizing colors and details you may not see with the naked eye.
Ceptics Universal Travel Adapter Kit
I purchased one of these before my first solo trip, and I’ve brought it on every trip since!
It features two plugs and two USB ports so that you can charge multiple items at once—and quickly, too! Ceptics also offers a 6-in-1 adapter with additional USB-C ports if you prefer a universal adapter in one place.
Newbealer Mini Travel Iron
I cannot recommend getting a mini iron enough; it’s super tiny and has saved my life on many occasions! I used this exact one while backpacking around Asia in peak heat.
The iron is dual-voltage and compatible for use worldwide. It includes a silicone mat and a spray bottle to help ensure optimal smoothing.
HYDRATION
LifeStraw Water Filter
While traveling in less-developed countries, the LifeStraw keeps you safe from dirty, contaminated water. Though you can experiment with different water sources to see how it works, you should only use the LifeStraw in an emergency, so make sure not to waste the filter.
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle, 24 oz
The insulated Owala bottle allows you to sip or gulp at your leisure.
Portable and leak-proof with an easy-to-hold strap, it makes the perfect companion for hiking and long travel days.
SAFETY
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
AirTags fit virtually anywhere, even inside a thin wallet. Just attach them to your checked bag and carry-on, and you’ll be able to track your stuff using the Find My app.
They track long distances as well. I lost an AirTag somewhere in Thailand, and I could still see where it was from Sydney, Australia (over 4000 miles away!).
Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
As a female traveler, safety is always top priority. Thankfully, we have the Birdie Safety Alarm.
When activated, the alarm emits a loud siren and flashing strobe light, catching aggressors off guard. Its durable chain attaches to your keys or bags, ensuring it is always within your reach in sticky situations.
SERVICES
SERVICES
Hostelworld
Hostelworld is my number one source for inexpensive and social lodging. With options in every country, guests can share their experiences through reviews.
When you book a hostel, you enter a hostel AND city group chat on the app. Here, people meet up for dining, exploring, and more. If you like to go solo, introverts can find quiet hostels as well.
Booking.com
If I’m reserving a hotel room, I’ll do it through Booking.com. After all, the more bookings you make, the closer you get to Level 3 for life.
In this tier, you receive up to 20% discounts on certain hotels, as well as free upgrades and breakfast. I see it as an incentive to travel more!
Trip.com
When you choose a flight on Skyscanner, you’ll see a few options for booking sites, and Trip.com is usually the most recommended.
Though the prices vary a few dollars depending on the website, going with the cheapest option often fails to provide the best results. While Trip.com may not always be the most affordable choice, the price usually includes a checked bag and additional special services.
Airbnb
Everyone knows Airbnb, so I don’t have to reintroduce you. When I am itching to stay somewhere cozy and familiar, Airbnb comes to the rescue with hundreds of local options no matter where I am in the world. I
I love learning more about my hosts and the local lives they lead, from Liechtenstein to Sri Lanka.
BANKING
Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
There is no better travel credit card than the Chase Sapphire Preferred! With an annual fee of $90, the perks are unbeatable, including 3x points on dining, 2x on travel purchases, and so on.
I paid for my flight from Sydney to New York with points gained from my spending!
Revolut
This financial app helps you spend, save, and invest money, but I use it for the reduced transaction fees when I’m abroad and the ability to transfer between currencies.
When an ATM swallowed my debit card the second week of my eight-month trip, Revolut served as a prepaid debit card.
VOLUNTEERING
Worldpackers
Looking for a volunteer position abroad? Worldpackers features opportunities worldwide in several fields, like hospitality, art, and animal care.
Here, you can search for roles and market yourself to hosts, describing why you’d be the perfect fit for the job. Volunteering is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local culture and make a difference.
AuPairWorld
If you are between the ages of 18 and 30 and want to try au pairing, this is the website for you. Maybe you want to work in France or perhaps Australia.
AuPairWorld lets you completely customize your preferences to connect you with potential families. I used it to find the family I worked with in Rome, which worked out wonderfully!
