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 reliable, and the free cancellation options give you flexibility when plans change. I use this constantly.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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

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Splitwise

Essential if you're traveling with others or meeting up with fellow travelers. Track shared expenses, split costs, and automatically convert currencies. 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. Research options based on your home country and preferred airline.

SafetyWing Travel Insurance*

I don't get on a plane without it. 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.

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.

Viator*

One of the largest booking platforms for tours and experiences worldwide. Good for finding everything from city walking tours to multi-day adventures. 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

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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.