TRAVEL RESOURCES
STAYING CONNECTED
Holafly Esim
I always stay connected wherever I go on my phone by using an E-SIM from Holafly. When traveling, I download an E-SIM for any country/region I’m visiting, choose a data package, and turn it on as soon as I land. It’s inexpensive, super easy, and I don’t need to worry about international plans or getting local SIM cards. (Discount: Use code WANDERINGEARL for 5% off any Holafly purchase!)
TRAVEL GEAR
Dakine Status Roller 42L+
I love this suitcase. It’s super sturdy, looks great and it can expand to give you a few more liters of space without losing its compact/carry-on size.
Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller
If 42L of space is all you need, it’s almost impossible to find a better suitcase than this one. It’s very well designed and strong.
Kelty Redwing 44 Backpack
I’ve been using Redwing backpacks since I started traveling in 1999. Best I’ve ever come across. Great value, they last forever and it’s a carry-on size.
Qipi Messenger Bag
Comfortable and solid messenger bag that I use to carry my electronics and important items while traveling. Well worth the low $30 price tag.
Macbook Pro
The debate goes on but for me, my Mac has helped me work more efficiently everywhere I go. Well worth the money in my opinion.
Kindle Paperwhite
If you read and travel, the Kindle is a must. Long journeys, relaxing days…when you need those books, they’re all there waiting for you!
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM3
When working or when I really need to tune out, these Sony noise-cancelling headphones have been worth every penny. Incredible.
Haozi Universal Plug Adapter
The best I’ve found. Small, it has both plug and USB sockets and it’s strong. I’ve been using it for 8 months non-stop and it’s as sturdy as it was on day one.
Aviator Travel Jeans
The perfect travel clothes! High-quality, super comfortable, great-looking travel jeans with a couple of very useful hidden pockets for travelers.
Crocs Modi Flip
It’s my sandal of choice by far. Super comfy, waterproof and durable, they handle long-term travel with ease and they’re inexpensive.
Huskk Slim Wallet
I finally found the ideal men’s travel wallet! Super slim, even with 8 cards and a wad of cash inside, durable, looks quite good and only costs around $16.
Sea to Summit DryLite Travel Towel
Absorbent, fast-drying and it doesn’t take up much space. That’s what I need. I use the medium size and that has worked well for a long time.
Chandrika Soap
Random, I know. But I love this naturally aromatic Indian soap made from a variety of herbs and oils. I try to have a bar on me as often as possible.
HEALTH
Reliefband
This neuromodulation wearable device helps eliminate nausea when dealing with air, car and train sickness, ensuring a smooth trip wherever you may be traveling.
Manduka Ekolite Yoga Mat
For yoga and stretching on the road, this excellent, lightweight and comfortable mat rolls up or folds up, easily fitting into my small luggage.
Asana Rebel
Easy to use app that offers a great variety of workouts – from yoga to HIIT routines and more – that you can follow along with even in a hotel room.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Safety Wing
Great option for very affordable travel insurance with quite a few unique benefits. As low as $38 per month!
Travel Guard
Well-priced insurance for shorter trips and vacations around the world. Some options for longer trips as well. Good overall value.
FLIGHTS
Kiwi.com
Consistently shows the lowest airfares of any website. Also offers free trip protection for connecting flights. Definitely my favorite booking site.
Kayak
One of the biggest and most popular airfare search tools for a reason. Always worth checking out. Make sure you click on the show all button to see all fares.
SkyScanner
Another major flight tool that should be checked, especially for flights from or within Europe. Every now and then they have the best deal.
Scott’s Cheap Flights
The team at SCF constantly searches for the absolute best deals from your home airport. When they find one, they send it straight to your inbox.
Seat Guru
Before you take a flight, check this website to find out which seats on your plane are the best to sit in and which ones you should avoid.
PLACES TO STAY
Booking.com
This has become my favorite hotel booking site for most of the world. It’s just easy to use and usually has the cheapest deals wherever I’m going.
Agoda
If I’m headed to Asia, I always check Agoda as they frequently offer the lowest prices for hotels here. They have a good reward system too.
Airbnb
Book a room or an entire home almost anywhere in the world. I use Airbnb often, especially for longer stays. (Receive up to $40 credit with this link.)
Hostelworld
Hostels all over the world. This is the only resource you need for low-cost accommodation such as dorm rooms or budget private rooms.
Couchsurfing
People around the world offering travelers a place to crash. Always an interesting, and inexpensive, option. You can also use the site just to meet locals.
Housesitting
Two expert housesitters offer advice, listings and a detailed eBook to help you become a house-sitter too. This is a great way to see the world.
GETTING AROUND
International Driving Permit
The International Drivers Association offers a quick, straightforward, and cost-effective solution for obtaining International Driving Permits. These permits, valid in 150+ countries and translated into 12 languages, are an indispensable travel companion for anyone planning to drive internationally. Enjoy peace of mind with their instant approval and global express delivery.
FerryGoGo
The go-to website for finding and booking the most convenient ferry crossings between destinations all over the world.
Rome2Rio
An excellent resource for discovering all of your transportation options between any two locations.
WORK AND TRAVEL
Work on a Cruise Ship
If you want to save money, travel, gain some great work experience and meet people from all over the world, definitely look at working on a cruise ship!
How to Live a Life of Travel
All the advice and info you need to start traveling can be found in this extensive guide I created. Dozens of topics covered to help you achieve your goals.
HelpX
Find opportunities around the world to work in exchange for room and board. A great way to travel without spending much money at all.
Workaway
Similar to to HelpX, this is another popular option to find work exchange opportunities of all types, in almost every corner of the globe.
Ways to Earn Money
This blog post I wrote details 42 different ways you can earn money while traveling and/or living overseas. There’s always options out there!
Working Holiday Visas
A full list of working holiday visas that allow travelers to legally work in a new country. There are probably some options that you never considered.
Clickbank
This platform allows you to either create and sell digital products to a huge network or promote other people’s products in exchange for a commission.
Upwork
Offer your skills directly to the people and businesses that need them today. It can take some time but this platform can definitely help get you started.
BLOGGING & DIGITAL NOMAD RESOURCES
Superstar Blogging
Created by blogger Nomadic Matt, this is the most comprehensive course for anyone interested in blogging. It will boost your chances of success instantly.
Bluehost
Inexpensive, reliable and user-friendly web hosting service (as low as $5.95 per month). I’ve used them for almost 10 years without any issues.
SiteGround
This is a more comprehensive hosting platform that I’ve also used for many years. My main sites that receive the most traffic are hosted with them.
Aweber
By far the most robust and user-friendly email marketing platform out there, with excellent customer support. I use it myself for my newsletters!
Backblaze
Backblaze constantly backs up everything on my laptop. If anything happens, I can easily retrieve all files without missing a beat. Such backup is vital.
Prototypo Design
If you need awesome value web design services, send Prototypo a message. They’re the team that created the design of this blog!
MONEY TOOLS
Transferwise
The best way to send or receive money to/from overseas. Extremely low fees, great exchange rates and transfers happen very quickly. Highly recommended.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
For US citizens, this credit card is ideal. Huge sign up bonus, $300 yearly credit, free Priority Pass, travel insurance, 3 points per dollar and much more.
Xero
My accounting software of choice. It’s easy to track expenses, I can quickly upload receipts and the interface is user-friendly. Only costs $35 per month.
OTHER USEFUL STUFF
Miles App
This cool app rewards you every time you travel, on any mode of ground transportation. You can then redeem your points for free stuff.
TripIt
Keep all of your travel bookings in one place – accommodation, transportation, activities, etc. It’s my essential app for staying organized!
Travelsites.com
With over 40 travel-related categories, it’s a complete resources for finding cheap flight sites, hotel booking sites, trip planner sites, translation tools and more.
The Points Guy
Learn how to maximize all your points and miles programs – airlines, hotels, credit cards and more. Always some useful information to be found here.
Fitness Blender
Hundreds of free, easy-to-follow exercise and workout videos that are perfect for travelers. Stretching, cardio, strength training and more. I use it every day!