Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. If you click one of them I will earn a small commission, it won’t cost you anything extra.
Over the years of running around the world (occasionally getting lost, mostly on purpose), I’ve tried a lot of travel apps, gear and services. Most of them were forgettable. A few of them I now genuinely can’t travel without — and those are the only ones that made it onto this page.
No 50-item lists, no stuff I’ve never actually used. Just the handful of things I personally rely on, trip after trip, organised so you can find what you need and get back to planning.
Where to Stay
I book almost all my accommodation through Booking.com — free cancellation on most rooms, good prices, and it’s what I use for every single one of my city guides on this blog.
I also compare prices on Trip.com, especially for destinations in Asia where it sometimes turns up better deals than Booking.com.
Want my personal hotel recommendation for a specific destination? Most of my blog posts include a place I’ve stayed at and genuinely recommend, so check the “Before You Go” section near the top of the post
Staying Connected
I used to be that person who sorted out a SIM card only after arriving, which sometimes meant spending the first few hours without internet. Not anymore! Now, the first thing I sort out before any trip is my eSIM. I use Saily because it’s quick to set up before the flight, and I have internet as soon as I land – no searching for a SIM card at the airport.
Money & Payments
I pay for basically everything abroad with Wise. Real exchange rates, no ridiculous bank fees, and I can hold and spend in multiple currencies from one card. It’s the one thing on this list I’d genuinely say every traveller should have.
Travel Insurance
Don’t skip this one. I use SafetyWing – it’s simple, affordable, and built for people who travel often or for long stretches. Just make sure you sort it out before your trip, so you’re covered from the start.
Protect your trip with SafetyWing
Staying Safe Online
Airport Wi-Fi, hotel Wi-Fi, café Wi-Fi – I connect to all of it while travelling, so I’d rather not take any chances with my personal data. I use NordVPN to keep my connection private and secure, especially when I’m working, checking my bank account or booking the next part of my trip on public Wi-Fi
Eco-Friendly Travel Gear
Sustainable travel is something very close to my heart, so I couldn’t leave this section out. My number one recommendation: a proper filtered water bottle. II’ve been using my WaterWell filtered water bottle for years while travelling around Europe, Asia, Australia and beyond and I genuinely swear by it. It means I don’t have to think twice about drinking tap water wherever it’s safe to do so, and it cuts out a stupid amount of single-use plastic over a trip.
For more on travelling lighter on the planet, check out my eco-friendly packing guide and 7 travel essentials posts.
Getting Around
For getting around once I’ve landed, it depends on where I am. In Europe, I mostly use Bolt, or Uber when Bolt isn’t available. In Southeast Asia, Grab is an absolute must-have. In China, I use DiDi through Alipay – another app you definitely need there. And in Australia, it’s usually Uber or DiDi. Download whichever app works at your destination before you go, so you’re not fumbling around with it at 11 pm while trying to find a ride.
A Couple of Honest Notes
I only recommend things I’ve actually used myself – nothing on this page is here because a brand paid for placement. If I stop using something, it comes off this list.
I’m far from a perfect traveller, but I try to make better choices whenever I can – from cutting down on single-use plastic to being careful about which tours and wildlife experiences I support. That also affects what makes it onto this page. If something feels harmful, wasteful or simply doesn’t sit right with me, I won’t recommend it – affiliate commission or not.
This page will keep growing as I find (and test) new things worth sharing. If there’s something you swear by that isn’t here, tell me in the comments – I’m always looking for a reason to try new gear.
