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travel & remote work essentials
I've tested all the travel gadgets, compared credit card points like it's my side hustle, and figured out which services are worth the investment. Here's everything that's actually helped me travel more for less.
for finding flights
Skyscanner is my go-to for comparing routes across airlines and booking sites, especially when I want to see the cheapest dates to fly or find alternative airports that could save me extra money.
Google Flights is the easiest way to track prices and explore flexible dates. If you’re open to going wherever the deals are, you can even use the map view to discover all the destinations that fit your budget.
Kayak is solid for setting price alerts, and you can filter results by what matters most to you—like direct flights or short layovers. Plus, their Hacker Fares occasionally find deal combinations other sites miss.
Expedia works best for booking flights and hotels together since they offer package deals that can be cheaper than booking everything separately. I always compare and confirm every ticket just to be safe.
for places to stay
Booking.com is my default for hotels and apartments around the world. I love that most properties offer free cancellation and allow you to book with no money down—plus their customer service is actually helpful when things go wrong!
Hostelworld is still the most reliable way to find vetted hostels. These budget accommodations with shared rooms and common spaces are perfect for solo travelers who want to save money and meet others without sacrificing safety.
Trusted Housesitters connects travelers with homeowners who need someone to watch their pets and home while they’re away. In exchange for pet sitting, you get free accommodation, making it great for longer stays and living like a local abroad.
VRBO is my preference over Airbnb, especially for longer stays where I need a kitchen or workspace. I appreciate VRBO’s clearer fee structure, and their Reserve Now, Pay Later option locks in prices when planning months ahead.
for tours & experiences
GetYourGuide is my pick for skip-the-line tickets in Europe because they’re often official partners. No more showing up just to discover your “ticket” is actually a voucher you have to exchange! They also offer every type of tour, food experience, and day trip you could possibly imagine.
Klook is best for tickets to attractions and tours in Asia, with their platform often offering cheaper prices than if you were to book directly with tour operators. You can even earn points on every booking that stack up for discounts on future activities via their Klook Credits rewards program.
Viator has the most comprehensive tour and activity inventory I’ve found across every destination worldwide. Whether you need a food tour, a helicopter ride, or a beach day, they’ve got it covered. When in doubt, read the reviews first to know what to expect before booking anything.
Airbnb Experiences connect you with locals hosting activities they’re genuinely passionate about—from cooking classes in a grandmother’s kitchen to hikes with photographers who know all the secret spots. I’ve booked some of my favorite photoshoots as a solo traveler this way.
for getting around
Omio makes it easy to compare and book buses, trains, and flights across Europe. It’s especially great for finding budget bus options that cost a fraction of train prices.
Rail Europe lets you buy train tickets for multiple European countries in one transaction instead of navigating each country’s railway website separately.
Rome2Rio shows every transport option between two places—bus, train, plane, ferry—with rough times and costs, revealing routes Google Maps misses.
BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing service for long drives across Europe. You split gas costs with people heading the same direction and meet verified locals along the way.
for peace of mind
My top recommendation for digital nomads and long trips, SafetyWing is a subscription travel insurance that covers you continuously as you move between countries, rather than having to buy separate insurance for each individual trip.
WorldNomads offers travel insurance for more active trips—hiking, riding motorcycles, adventure sports—instead of just covering medical emergencies and lost luggage, so your coverage doesn’t disappear when your plans get interesting.
Airalo offers prepaid eSIM data in hundreds of countries, giving you mobile internet without paying your carrier’s expensive international rates. It’s a top pick of mine for its rewards program that earns credits on every purchase.
Saily also sells eSIM data for countries worldwide, offering plans that tend to be more flexible and affordable. I find their app and overall setup process to be much more user-friendly than their competitors. Get $5 off with the code JENZIA2371.
For anyone traveling internationally from the US, Global Entry gets you through customs quickly when returning from your trip. It also includes TSA PreCheck, which lets you go through a faster security line at US airports. Both programs save tons of time if you fly even a few times a year.
Clear speeds you through security at major US airports and venues in minutes. I recommend it if traditional trusted traveler programs like Global Entry aren’t an option for you due to citizenship status, certain background issues, etc. It’s a great alternative, but you don’t need both!
Priority Pass gives you access to airport lounges where you can work with reliable WiFi, eat free food, and relax during long layovers instead of paying restaurant prices at the gate. Definitely worthwhile if your credit card includes the membership or you’re constantly traveling.
SurfShark is a VPN (a service that makes your internet connection more secure and private) that’s affordable and lets me access geo-restricted apps like Netflix or my bank wherever I am in the world. Most importantly, it protects my information when using public WiFi during my travels.
for your wallet
As a traveler, my Charles Schwab account has been my favorite financial discovery to date! Their debit card refunds all ATM fees worldwide every month, so you can withdraw local currency at ATMs without ever worrying about withdrawal charges.
Chase Sapphire Preferred is my top travel credit card recommendation for the flexibility it offers. Points transfer to nearly all major airlines and hotel partners. It also includes solid trip protection, rental car insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
Discover it Miles was my first credit card, and I still recommend it to anyone building credit or new to travel rewards. With no annual fee and 1.5x miles on everything, it’s a solid starter card without minimum spends or confusing point transfers.
Wise is a must for anyone traveling long-term or working remotely abroad. It lets you hold money in different currencies and transfer without the high conversion fees that regular banks charge. Their exchange rates are always fair and transparent.
for every trip
My carry-on of choice is this one by Quince. It fits budget airline sizers both domestically and abroad, and has held up after over 50 flights without costing what Away charges. Read my full review here.
These packing cubes by Aerotrunk make it on every trip. Machine washable, sturdy fabric that looks the same after years of use, and zippers that hold up to my endless overpacking = worth the price!
This packable tote by VanFn is always the one I reach for. It comes with inner pockets for organization and wide comfortable straps. Throw it in your luggage and use it as your souvenir carrier on the way home.
These have helped me locate missing luggage at the airport more than once. I keep them in checked bags, day packs, my wallet—anywhere I’d panic if it went missing. Worth it for the peace of mind.
Most airlines cap carry-on power banks at 10,000mAh, and this one by Anker hits that limit. It charges my phone multiple times without getting flagged at security or taking up too much space.
TESSAN’s adapter works in over 200 countries, so you don’t need to play “guess which plug type” in every new place. With multiple ports, I also don’t have to choose between charging my phone or my laptop.
Works for rain and sun, which matters more than you’d think. Stop buying those overpriced tourist ponchos every time the weather turns—this fits in my purse and has paid for itself ten times over.
Flip flops are a must. Havaianas are cute enough to style out on the town and practical for hotel floors, hostel showers, and beach days without falling apart after a few days like cheaper pairs.
for going solo
Any TSA-approved lock will do, but I highly recommend one like this with a flexible cable. You can loop it through multiple zippers, tie bags together, or secure it to luggage racks when traveling by train.
This 62-inch tripod with a Bluetooth remote has saved me from asking strangers to take my photos. It extends tall enough for full-body shots, it’s sturdy on uneven ground, and folds to fit in my purse.
Birdie emits a 130-decibel alarm when you pull the top—loud enough to make anyone back off and alert others. No batteries needed, and attaches to keychains, bags, or belt loops so it’s always accessible.
Addalock is a portable lock that wedges into any door plate and stops it from opening, even if someone has a key. I use it in hotels and rentals, especially when I’m alone and want that extra peace of mind.
for working from anywhere
MOFT’s foldable laptop stand has saved my neck when working from cafés around the world. It adjusts to different heights and folds completely flat, taking up almost no space but making a huge difference.
I’ve had my Bose QC35 II headphones for years. They’re comfortable for extended wear, still have a long battery life, and the noise cancellation works like day one. Worth every penny for the longevity alone.
This multi charging cable has saved me so many times. One cable charges your phone, tablet, watch, and other devices, so you don’t need to pack a dozen chargers. The convenience factor is unmatched!
This SanDisk SSD is how I back up everything without relying on spotty WiFi or cloud storage subscriptions. It’s small enough to toss in any bag, water-resistant, and works quickly for both Mac and PC.