Travel Resources

Skyscanner*

My first stop for lesser known destinations and routes. Skyscanner searches budget and local airlines that would be more difficult to find on your own and may not be listed on other larger search engines. The "search everywhere" and flexible dates features are genuinely useful for finding the cheapest options. I also love that you can set it to search an entire month at once, so you can see at a glance which dates are cheapest for a given route. If you have any flexibility in your travel dates at all, that feature alone can save you a significant amount of money.

Kayak

Kayak is where I go for deeper research. The price prediction feature tells you whether fares are likely to rise or drop, so you can time your purchase better. The price alert tool is super useful. Set it for a route you're watching and it will notify you when fares change. I also love the Explore map feature that shows you flight prices from your home airport to destinations around the world, which is great for when you know you want to go somewhere but haven't decided where yet.

United Airlines

With my home airport being a major United Airlines hub (Newark International Airport), this is my personal preferred airline for international travel. I’ve had a rewards membership since I was seven years old (when it was Continental Airlines), and their MileagePlus Explorer credit card is my primary card. Not saying you should fly United if that doesn’t work for you, but the point is if you fly regularly, having a primary loyalty airline that you can rack up miles with makes a meaningful difference over time.

Co-livings

If you're traveling long-term, co-livings are one of the best-kept secrets of digital nomad life. Depending on the location, you get your own room, shared common spaces, fast wifi, and a built-in community of people who get this lifestyle. I stay in co-livings whenever possible. Search platforms like Coliving.com, Map Melon, or Outsite to find options by destination. Or just do a search with “coliving” + location, as there are many that aren’t listed on aggregate sites.

Kindred*

A members-only home swapping network where you stay in vetted members' homes using credits, then host in return. It's an incredible option for long-term travelers who want to live more like a local without paying full accommodation prices. All homes and members are vetted, and since everyone using the network is also a host, they genuinely respect each other's spaces. I've used it in Amsterdam and Bologna and paid only a small app and cleaning fee. Use my code meg.ken3 to get 5 free credits as a new verified member, so you can travel before you ever have to host.

Booking.com

My go-to for hotels and guesthouses. The filters are excellent, the reviews are real and reliable, and the free cancellation options give you flexibility when plans change. I use this all the time. It's usually my first search when I need a hotel anywhere in the world, and I almost always find something that fits my criteria.

Airbnb / VRBO

Great for longer stays where you want more space and a kitchen, or when you want to feel like a local rather than a tourist. I tend to use Airbnb for stays of a week or more. It's especially useful since I'm working remotely and need a proper setup rather than just a place to sleep.

TrustedHousesitters

One of the best-kept secrets in travel. You house sit (and often pet sit) in exchange for free accommodation. Requires a membership but pays for itself quickly, especially for longer trips. Keep in mind, that it is a bit competitive. A strong profile with references and quick responses make a big difference when applying for sits.

Welcome Pickups*

Pre-booked airport transfers with vetted, English-speaking drivers. Especially useful when you're arriving somewhere new late at night or after a long flight and just want a stress-free ride to your accommodation. Much better than figuring out taxis or rideshare at the airport. And the price is set upfront so there are no surprises.

Rome2Rio

Type in any two places in the world and Rome2Rio shows you every possible way to get between them (flights, trains, buses, ferries, driving) with estimated times and costs. Incredibly useful for planning routes in less-traveled destinations where Google Maps won't give you the full picture.

Google Maps

Download your destination city before you arrive and have offline access no matter where you are. You will lose signal at the worst possible moment, and having offline maps has saved me more times than I can count. Go to your profile in Google Maps, tap Offline Maps, and download before you board your flight.

Maps.me

Maps.me is a free offline maps app that works without any data connection at all, which makes it a solid backup to Google Maps, especially in remote areas or countries where Google Maps coverage is weaker. Download the full map for any country or region before you go and you're set. I use it as a secondary option when I'm off the grid or in places where Google Maps lets me down.

XE.com

The most reliable currency converter I've found. I use the app constantly to quickly check exchange rates before making purchases or withdrawing cash. Knowing the real rate protects you from bad exchanges.

iPhone Calculator

Your iPhone calculator app has a built in currency converter! Just click the calculator icon in the top right, choose Convert, and then you’ll see two sets of numbers above the calculator. To the right of each of the numbers, it’ll have the initials for a currency (USD, MXN, etc), and you just have to click those initials and choose the currencies you want to convert. Now you can do math in two currencies at the same time! Great for restaurant bills and shopping.

Splitwise

Essential if you're sharing costs with others so you can easily split costs for accommodations, meals, transportation, etc. You can easily track shared expenses, split costs, and automatically convert currencies (that last one is a paid feature). You can determine how things are split (50/50, percentage, enter your own numbers) and when you have more than 2 people in the group, it nets out the costs among the group to the least number of payments that are needed. Keeps everything clean and avoids awkward money conversations.

Travel Rewards Credit Card

If you're traveling frequently, a rewards credit card that earns miles or points and has no foreign transaction fees is non-negotiable. The right card pays for itself within one or two trips. The best options right now are the Chase Sapphire Preferred (best all-around starter card with flexible points), the Capital One Venture X (best premium card for lounge access without a massive annual fee), and the American Express Gold (best if you spend heavily on dining and want to earn points fast). The best card for you depends on your spending habits and your preferred airline or hotel program. But any of these three is a strong starting point.

SafetyWing Travel Insurance*

I don't go anywhere without travel insurance. SafetyWing is affordable, flexible travel insurance built specifically for long-term and independent travelers. It covers medical emergencies, evacuation, trip interruption, and more. Especially important if you don't have coverage through an employer. Without coverage, one unexpected hospital visit abroad can cost more than years of premiums.

Airalo eSIM*

The single best travel tech purchase I've made. Airalo lets you buy a local data plan for almost any country before you even land, delivered directly to your phone as an eSIM. No hunting for SIM cards at the airport, no roaming charges, no arriving somewhere without service. I use it on every trip.

Google Translate

Get the app! (not just the webpage) The camera feature is unbelievably useful. Point your phone at a menu, a sign, or anything written in another language and it translates in real time. Download language packs offline before you go so it works without data. I use this almost every single day on the road.

Viator*

One of the largest booking platforms for tours and experiences worldwide. Good for finding everything from city walking tours to multi-day adventures. You can read reviews carefully and look for highly-rated local operators.

GetYourGuide*

Similar to Viator with a clean, easy-to-navigate interface. Great selection of experiences across Europe, Latin America, and beyond. I've booked some of my favorite tours through here.

Local Tour Companies

Whenever possible, I try to book directly with local operators rather than through large platforms. It often means a better experience, a more authentic perspective, and more of your money going directly to the local community. Ask your accommodation for recommendations.

NomadHer

A community app specifically for solo female travelers. Connect with other women traveling to the same destination, find travel buddies, and get recommendations from people who have actually been there. I've met some of my closest travel friends through this app.

Pangea App

A great way to connect with fellow travelers, share your plans and itineraries, and meet up around the world. Think of it as a social layer on top of travel. You can see who else is heading to the same destination and make plans before you even arrive.

Facebook Groups

Search for nomad or traveler groups for any destination you're visiting. Groups like "Expats in [City]" or "[City] Digital Nomads" are goldmines for recommendations, meetups, and finding community fast.

Local Social Events

Look for Meetup.com events, Eventbrite listings, or community boards at co-livings and hostels. Even one social event in a new city can completely change the experience of being there alone. Some of my best travel memories started with showing up to something where I didn't know a single person.