Travel has been my life for the past 19 years. I left for my first trip in 1999 and I’ve been traveling nonstop ever since, to over 100 countries around the world.
How do I make it all happen?
The below is a list of all the resources, websites, tools, gear, companies, work opportunities and more that I personally use and rely upon. It’s everything that has worked for me and that I would highly recommend to other travelers (otherwise, they wouldn’t be on the list).
Please note: Many of the links below are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission (at no cost to you). As always, I only mention products and services that I use myself and genuinely recommend.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you have any questions, please let me know. And thank you for visiting!
STAYING CONNECTED
I always stay connected wherever I go on my phone by using an E-SIM from Holafly. When traveling, I download an E-SIM for any country/region I’m visiting, choose a data package, and turn it on as soon as I land. It’s inexpensive, super easy, and I don’t need to worry about international plans or getting local SIM cards. (Discount: Use code WANDERINGEARL for 5% off any Holafly purchase!)
TRAVEL GEAR
I love this suitcase. It’s super sturdy, looks great and it can expand to give you a few more liters of space without losing its compact/carry-on size.
If 42L of space is all you need, it’s almost impossible to find a better suitcase than this one. It’s very well designed and strong.
I’ve been using Redwing backpacks since I started traveling in 1999. Best I’ve ever come across. Great value, they last forever and it’s a carry-on size.
Comfortable and solid messenger bag that I use to carry my electronics and important items while traveling. Well worth the low $30 price tag.
The debate goes on but for me, my Mac has helped me work more efficiently everywhere I go. Well worth the money in my opinion.
If you read and travel, the Kindle is a must. Long journeys, relaxing days…when you need those books, they’re all there waiting for you!
Very impressive noise-isolating, high-quality earbuds for a budget price. Absolutely perfect for travel. Even on a loud plane they block out almost all noise.
When working or when I really need to tune out, these Sony noise-cancelling headphones have been worth every penny. Incredible.
The best I’ve found. Small, it has both plug and USB sockets and it’s strong. I’ve been using it for 8 months non-stop and it’s as sturdy as it was on day one.
The perfect travel clothes! High-quality, super comfortable, great-looking travel jeans with a couple of very useful hidden pockets for travelers.
It’s my sandal of choice by far. Super comfy, waterproof and durable, they handle long-term travel with ease and they’re inexpensive.
I finally found the ideal men’s travel wallet! Super slim, even with 8 cards and a wad of cash inside, durable, looks quite good and only costs around $16.
Absorbent, fast-drying and it doesn’t take up much space. That’s what I need. I use the medium size and that has worked well for a long time.
Random, I know. But I love this naturally aromatic Indian soap made from a variety of herbs and oils. I try to have a bar on me as often as possible.
HEALTH
This neuromodulation wearable device helps eliminate nausea when dealing with air, car and train sickness, ensuring a smooth trip wherever you may be traveling.
For yoga and stretching on the road, this excellent, lightweight and comfortable mat rolls up or folds up, easily fitting into my small luggage.
Easy to use app that offers a great variety of workouts – from yoga to HIIT routines and more – that you can follow along with even in a hotel room.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Great option for very affordable travel insurance with quite a few unique benefits. As low as $38 per month!
Well-priced insurance for shorter trips and vacations around the world. Some options for longer trips as well. Good overall value.
FLIGHTS
Another major flight tool that should be checked, especially for flights from or within Europe. Every now and then they have the best deal.
The team at SCF constantly searches for the absolute best deals from your home airport. When they find one, they send it straight to your inbox.
PLACES TO STAY
This has become my favorite hotel booking site for most of the world. It’s just easy to use and usually has the cheapest deals wherever I’m going.
Hostels all over the world. This is the only resource you need for low-cost accommodation such as dorm rooms or budget private rooms.
People around the world offering travelers a place to crash. Always an interesting, and inexpensive, option. You can also use the site just to meet locals.
Two expert housesitters offer advice, listings and a detailed eBook to help you become a house-sitter too. This is a great way to see the world.
WORK AND TRAVEL
If you want to save money, travel, gain some great work experience and meet people from all over the world, definitely look at working on a cruise ship!
All the advice and info you need to start traveling can be found in this extensive guide I created. Dozens of topics covered to help you achieve your goals.
This blog post I wrote details 42 different ways you can earn money while traveling and/or living overseas. There’s always options out there!
A full list of working holiday visas that allow travelers to legally work in a new country. There are probably some options that you never considered.
BLOGGING & DIGITAL NOMAD RESOURCES
Created by blogger Nomadic Matt, this is the most comprehensive course for anyone interested in blogging. It will boost your chances of success instantly.
This is a more comprehensive hosting platform that I’ve also used for many years. My main sites that receive the most traffic are hosted with them.
If you need awesome value web design services, send Prototypo a message. They’re the team that created the design of this blog!
MONEY TOOLS
The best way to send or receive money to/from overseas. Extremely low fees, great exchange rates and transfers happen very quickly. Highly recommended.
For US citizens, this credit card is ideal. Huge sign up bonus, $300 yearly credit, free Priority Pass, travel insurance, 3 points per dollar and much more.
OTHER USEFUL STUFF
With over 40 travel-related categories, it’s a complete resources for finding cheap flight sites, hotel booking sites, trip planner sites, translation tools and more.
Learn how to maximize all your points and miles programs – airlines, hotels, credit cards and more. Always some useful information to be found here.
Hundreds of free, easy-to-follow exercise and workout videos that are perfect for travelers. Stretching, cardio, strength training and more. I use it every day!
ARE YOU READY TO TRAVEL?
Check out these two guides I created to help you get started…