As someone who has been traveling the majority of my life and solo for the last 17 years, I have lots of tips to share with you! There are certain travel tools, travel gear, travel gadgets, and travel apps I recommend that you need for your trip. In this list you’ll find everything I use to prepare for a trip and during the trip. Some things are more geared towards travel bloggers and/or creators as that is part of what I do and others mainly for travelers as that is still the core of who I am and what I do.
I hope you find this list of travel tools and gear useful. Please feel free to share with anyone who may need it too.
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Preparing for the trip
Planning and preparing for a trip can sometimes be stressful and exhausting. I’ve gathered some helpful resources and travel tools to make this an easier process for you!
Flights
Google Flights – If you are able to chase the deal instead of the destination, then using Google flights is the way to go. Type in ‘Anywhere’ for the destination and see what flights come up. If you’re able to be flexible with the dates you’ll come across an amazing deal!
Skyscanner – If you are going to a specific destination, but don’t want to check every airline to find the best deal then Skyscanner is the best way to go. Use the widget below to find the best deal for your next trip!
Accommodation
Once you’ve got your flight and destination, it’s time to figure out where you’re going to stay! There are my favorite travel tools and apps that I use to book my stay that you can use to book yours too.
Booking – Booking lets you search via city for hotels, apartments, resorts, villas, and more. It puts all of them in one place to be able to search easily and find what works best for you.
Hostel World – If you’re looking for a more economical alternative, then Hostel World may be for you. Hostels usually get a bad rep by people who have never stayed in one. They have both dorms and private rooms available all over the world.
Activities
GetYourGuide – After getting your stay figured out, the next thing on your list should be booking your activities. GetYourGuide has multiple options for tours in lots of countries around the world. It’s one of my favorite platforms to use as you can find so many.
Viator – If you’re looking for even more activities that may not be on other platforms, then check out Viator. I put together lists of my favorite activities separated into different counties, check it out here.
Money
Credit Card – Having a travel credit card is one of the best ways to save on travel. This card is one of my favorites and I have an amazing deal for you! If you sign up through my link you’ll be able to get 60,000 points as long as you meet the initial 3 month sign up period.
Ally – A High Yield Savings Account (HYSA) is the place to have your travel money so that your money can work for you. Ally Bank is a great HYSA with an average of 4+% interest rate. I put my money in here so that when I’m ready to book a trip, it has usually accumulated additional money that you’ll be able to use.
XE exchange – When traveling you need to know the exchange rates especially when needing to change money. This way you know what the rate should be and you don’t go somewhere with a bad rate exchange.
During the trip
Transportation
Rome2Rio – This is my preferred app to get all the details on how to get from point A to point B when traveling. I love that Rome2Rio will give you all the different bus, train, etc options plus a combo of them if there are any.
BusBud – Another super helpful option for finding transportation options is BusBud. You can find and book flights, hotels, and other modes of transportation.
Travel Tools and Gear
Sleep mask. I love feeling like it’s pitch dark when I sleep, that I sometimes cover my eyes with my arm. A sleep mask is a better way to keep you relaxed no matter where in the world you may be, especially when on the plane.
AirFly Bluetooth Audio Transmitter. Ever been on the plane and wanted to watch a movie but either didn’t have headphones or didn’t want to use the ones they gave you? I have the best solution for you! This audio transmitter lets you connect your airpods or other cordless headphones to watch the plane’s tv.
Microfiber towel. Most hotels and guest stays tend to come with hotels, but many hostels may not. Either way, it’s just to have an extra towel especially if you’re heading to a beach, lake or river. It’s better to have a thin, light weight towel like this microfiber one.
Tripod. Using a tripod is a lifesaver especially as a solo traveler. Sometimes I don’t have someone to take photos/videos, or there’s no one around who I feel could take the photo the way I want. That’s when a tripod comes in clutch to avoid being without any photos. This is currently my favorite tripod that comes with a bluetooth remote control.
Travel adaptor. Not every country has the same outlets as your country, that is where a travel adaptor comes in handy. This one is my favorite because you can plug something directly into it along with 4 USB cords and one USC one.
Portable Charger. I don’t know about you, but my phone doesn’t last as long as it used to when I first got it. That’s why I always carry around a portable charger on my travels to make sure I’m always connected.
Neck pillow. This can be a hit or miss for some. A neck pillow can be a bit bulky to travel once the transportation part is through with, but helpful during it. This neck pillow is my favorite because you can take out the inside part and add in clothes as part of a travel hack I shared.
Travel locks. There may be times whether at a hostel or a luggage store where a lock may come in handy. It’s good to have an extra one around just in case.
DJI Mini 2 Drone. Being able to see a city or landscape from above is sometimes unmatched. A bird’s eye view is something most people don’t get to enjoy, but a drone lets you be the one to take it in! This is the one I currently have.
Miscellaneous
Flush App – I drink lots of water so I’m constantly looking for a bathroom. Sometimes it’s not so easy to find one though and that’s where flush comes in. It’s an app that shows you all public restrooms in the surrounding area. Download on IOS and Android.
Radical Storage. If you are only visiting a city for a day, but you have luggage then you need some storage. You can save your spot on the app beforehand to make sure they will be able to accommodate you and leave it somewhere safe during your stay.
Reusable makeup remover pads. Instead of constantly buying a product you use often that needs to be thrown away, buy one that can be washed and reused. These reusable remover pads are convenient and will last you for years to come.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these travel tools and use them on your next trip! Let me know which you enjoy the most.
Related Posts
- 14 Sustainable Travel Products You Need to Pack
- 11 Must Have Travel Essentials for Women
- 9 Skills Solo Travel Can Teach You
- How to Take Good Photos of Yourself as a Solo Traveler
- Solo Female Traveler Safety Tips (New and Experienced)
- How to Fund your Travels (7 Ways to Start Today)
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