Travel resources
After six years of full-time travel adventures across 60+ countries (with a fair few misadventures thrown in too), these are all of my go-to websites, tools and gear that help me travel smarter, save money and keep the chaos to a minimum while on the road.
I’ve also shared some cheeky discount codes from brands I genuinely love, so you can save extra $$$ on your next trip.
Flights
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is always my starting point for flight searches, I use the Everywhere tool to find cheap places to go to and the Flexible Dates tool to find the cheapest days to fly. Once I find the flights I want, I’ll book direct with the airline.
ITA Matrix
ITA Matrix is the backend software that runs Google Flights, and it’s what I use for complex routes, like if I’m flying into one city and out of another or want to avoid certain airlines or stopovers. You can’t book through ITA Matrix, but it shows flights and prices that a travel agent can often book for you, even if they’re not showing on airline websites.
Google Flights
I personally prefer Skyscanner for most flight searches, but if I’m heading to Europe and flexible with where I land, I’ll use Google Flights purely for the map feature. Being able to see the options in a visual format is super handy!
SeatGuru
I’ll always check SeatGuru before booking long-haul flights to make sure I’m not stuck in a seat that doesn’t recline, or that has limited legroom, or is a window seat without a window.
Why I book direct
I always book flights direct with the airline. Third-party OTAs (online travel agencies) might be cheaper, but they’re often a nightmare if something goes wrong, with sneaky T&Cs, impossible-to-reach customer service, and the airline will prioritise their own direct customers over third party bookings. Not worth the risk.
Where to stay
Booking.com
I book 90% of my accommodation through booking.com, purely because I find their user experience the smoothest and I like having all my bookings in one place.
Airbnb
I avoid Airbnb as much as possible for many reasons, but if I’m staying somewhere for an extended period or if I want to find a unique stay like glamping spots or cabins then I’ll search on Airbnb, and see if I can find the place on another platform to book.
Things to do
Klook
Klook is one of my go-to platforms for booking travel experiences, transport passes and attraction tickets, they have a best price guarantee and you can skip queues with instant confirmation. They’re huge in Asia but they also sell most Europe and Switzerland travel passes.
💰 Use my code FINDINGALEXXKLOOK for 10% off your first booking, just hit the button below and it’ll be added to your Klook wallet automatically!
GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is great for booking tours, activities and skip-the-line tickets too, they’re bigger in Europe but have experiences all over the world.
💰 You can get 5% off your first booking on the GetYourGuide app using the promocode FINDINGALEXX5 (but it’s only available on the app, not on the website!).
Viator
Another option to check for things to do, Viator is an American company so is particularly strong there, but also has tours and experiences in Asia, Europe and more.
Bookme
If you’re travelling in New Zealand or Australia, Bookme is a must-check for last minute deals on activities and attractions. I’ve scored discounts of up to 50% off big ticket experiences like heli hikes, ziplining and more.
KKDay
Popular across Asia (especially Taiwan, Korea and Japan), KKDay is similar to Klook and is worth checking for local experiences, guided tours and attraction tickets.
💰 Use my code FINDINGALEXX for 10% off your first booking!
Getting around
Eurail Global Pass
If you’re planning a multi-country Europe adventure, the Eurail Global Pass (or Interrail Pass if you’re a European resident) can be incredible value. It gives you flexible access to most trains across the continent!
FlixBus
FlixBus is your ticket to exploring Europe as cheaply as possible, if you don’t mind long travel days (and I mean longggg). I typically travel by train wherever possible, but for the Balkans or anywhere else with limited/non-existent train infrastructure then FlixBus often saves the day.
Rail Europe
Rail Europe is a one-stop shop for booking train tickets right across Europe, they do charge a small booking fee but it’s clear from the initial search page so you know what you’re getting. You can also book Eurail/Interrail seat reservations on many routes through them with no additional booking fee, which saves you from paying the €2 booking fee for reservations via Eurail’s website.
Trainline
I actually find Trainline’s user experience to be superior to Rail Europe, but on my last Europe trip I found their fees to usually be a bit higher + less transparent, only showing up on the final checkout page.
Ferryhopper
If you’re island hopping in the Mediterranean, Ferryhopper is an absolute gamechanger. The multi-destination search tool is very intuitive and I looove the map feature, so you can piece together the perfect trip and maximise connections to nearby ports.
The Man in Seat 61
This is the holy grail of train travel websites, all practical info and no fluff. If you need the nitty-gritty details on specific train journeys or route options, this is where you should start.
Omio
Omio compares trains, buses, flights and ferries, so you can quickly see your transport options and costs at a glance. Very handy for figuring out the best way to get between two cities!
RentalCars.com
No major reason why I use them vs. competitors, just that I find their website more user-friendly.
Research & planning
Google Maps
Google Maps is where I pin all the places I want to visit in a destination, so I can easily check what’s nearby while I’m exploring.
Google MyMaps
Google My Maps is a totally different platform to Google Maps, the app is terrible but the desktop version is great for building customised colour-coded maps or for pinning places without cluttering your everyday Maps.
TripAdvisor & Google Reviews
Old-school but still useful, TripAdvisor and Google Reviews are where I’ll check hotels, tours or restaurant reviews. I’ll sort by most recent reviews first, then I’ll check negative reviews specifically to see if there are any running themes, and then I’ll search ‘solo’ as the keyword to make sure there aren’t any solo female traveller horror stories.
Facebook groups
Some of the best travel tips I’ve ever gotten have come from Facebook groups. There are too many to list here, but I’ve got a ‘Best travel Facebook groups’ blog coming soon!
Airtable
I swear I have tried every itinerary tool and platform under the sun (TripIt, Wanderlog etc.) but I just haven’t found one that aligns with my weirdo brain, so I just stick with my basic Airtable itinerary that I’ve been using for six years now!
Staying safe & connected
Wise
I use Wise for all my daily spending on the road, I’ve been with them for six years and have never had an issue. Low fees, transparent pricing and super simple to use.
MobiMatter
I use eSIMs everywhere I go these days, I’ll compare the best option for whatever country I’m visiting but the eSIM provider that comes out on top the most often (by farrrrr) is MobiMatter.
💰 Use my code FINDINGALEXX for extra cashback on your first eSIM!
Other eSIMs
There is no absolute ‘best eSIM’ overall, because each country is different and ‘best’ to you might mean best value, to someone else might mean cheaper, to someone else might mean highest data.
That’s why I’ve started sharing ultra-comprehensive eSIM guides that compare and rank dozens of eSIM options, showing you exactly what ones are best for your trip.
Cover-More Travel Insurance
I’ve partnered with Cover-More Travel Insurance for four years now, they’ve been brilliant for the few small claims I’ve had to make, with clear communication and quick reimbursements.
How to choose a travel insurance policy
Travel insurance options depend on where you’re based. Cover-More operates in New Zealand and Australia, but if you’re from another country then you can read my guide on choosing a travel insurance policy to help you compare plans and choose the right one for you.
Group tours
One Life Adventures
If you’re in your 20s or 30s and want a small group social tour that covers the bucket list highlights as well as unique cultural experiences you’d struggle to organise on your own, One Life are brilliant. I’ve visited Sri Lanka and Japan with them, and India and Nepal are booked for early next year.
💰 Use my code FINDINGALEXX for 15% off your One Life Adventures tour!
MedSailors
My go-to for an epic week of sailing and sunshine! MedSailors runs flotilla-style island hopping trips in Greece and Croatia, where you get an expert skipper, breakfast supplies, a new port each night and plenty of chances to swim, sunbathe, feast on local food or hit the dance floor.
💰 Use my code FINDINGALEXX24 for 5% off your first MedSailors trip!
Travel Talk Tours
If you’re after an affordable group tour to cover a lot of ground in a short period, Travel Talk Tours offers excellent value for money. Their tour groups are bigger (typically 20-40 people) and they’re pretty fast-paced, but I really enjoyed my trips with them in Turkiye, Jordan and the Balkans.
TourRadar
TourRadar is like the Skyscanner of tours, it pulls together trips from thousands of operators around the globe so you can easily compare your options all in one place.
💰 Use my code ALEXX100 for $100 off any tour over $1250!
Things I won’t travel without
Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones
I barely even leave my hotel without having these headphones on, they absolutely save my life from the sensory overload of loud streets, busy markets or hectic airports. The XM5s are newer (obviously) but they don’t fold down so they’re not as good for travel.
Samsonite suitcases
My trusty Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases have survived six years of intense travel, being dragged across cobblestones in 50+ countries. When I got them they were the lightest hard-case suitcases in the world (1.8kgs for the 55cm, 2.6kgs for the 75cm), they’ve since been pipped by Samsonite’s Lite-Shock range by 100g in both sizes, but they’re still wayyyy lighter than every other brand out there.
Brevite day bag
The perfect day bag if you’re often carrying a camera, with easy side, top and front access, plus internal separators to organise your stuff.
OneWorld135 travel adapter
This little thing is my lifeline, with the ability to charge five devices at once using 3 x USB-C ports (two fast-charging), 1 x USB-A port and a universal AC outlet. I had the 100W charger for three years with no issues, and I’ve just upgraded to the new 135W.
💰 Use my code FINDINGALEXX for 10% off your adapter!
Allbirds Tree Runners
The best travel shoes I’ve ever found! Super comfy, breathable and lightweight, and they’re machine washable with replaceable insoles. They aren’t that long-lasting, I find that I need a new pair every 18 months or so, but I do wear them pretty much every day so that’s not a bad run.
Jeuneora Beauty Sleep
I’ve had sleep issues my entire life so have tried every sleep supplement under the sun, and this sleepy hot chocolate is the only non-prescription thing that helps!
AirTags
A non-negotiable for travel these days, I have one in each bag plus my wallet, hard drive organiser and passport holder. They won’t stop things from going missing but if something gets left behind, stolen or delayed, AirTags will make it way easier to track down.
Tech gear
LUMIX G9
My main workhorse for years. The LUMIX G9 is a Micro Four Thirds camera with excellent stabilisation, fantastic image quality and it’s lightweight enough to carry around all day. I have a bunch of lenses for it but the ones I travel with are the Panasonic Leica 8-18mm f/2.8-4 and the Panasonic Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4.
LUMIX S9
My newest addition! This is the perfect camera for travel content creators, it’s a full-frame mirrorless that’s compact, powerful and has brilliant videos specs. The real-time LUTs feature is a gamechanger, you can fully customise LUTs in the app and load them onto your camera to use while shooting.
GoPro HERO10
Admittedly my GoPro is neglected most of the time these days, but I’ll still get it out of the bottom of my tech bag when I’m scuba diving or snorkelling.
DJI Mini 4 Pro
Hands down the best drone for travellers. It’s got pro-level features, 4K60 video and weighs just 249g, which means it’s exempt from registration and licensing in many countries. Just make sure to check local drone laws before you fly.
Manfrotto Compact Action tripod
This affordable sturdy tripod is perfect for mirrorless cameras and small DSLRs, weighing in at only 1.2kgs for less than $100USD.
Logitech MX range mouse & keyboard
These make working on the road way less painful! The MX Keys Mini is small enough to fit in my laptop case but still feels amazing to type on, and the MX Master 3 mouse is ergonomic with customisable buttons to speed up content creation workflow.
Nexstand K1 Carbon Fibre laptop stand
I had a Nexstand K2 laptop stand for a few years and loved it, before upgrading to their K1 carbon fibre option that’s ultra-lightweight and folds up to nothing. It’s only 150g and can support laptops up to 8kg, there’s no better laptop stand out there for travel.