Travel Resources and Sites, You Need to Know About
Here are my favourite travel companies to help you get started with your trip preparations and to aid you on your travels. I recommend these because I have tried, tested and loved every website, service or product listed here.
Spending Money Abroad
Always bring multiple cards with you when you travel abroad. Your card could get lost, stolen, or eaten by an ATM. It could also be cancelled or blocked by your bank. Having a backup card will save you a lot of trouble in these situations.
Wise
Wise is a great way to manage your money when you travel. Store money in multiple currencies, use your Wise Card for contactless payments, QR payments, and ATM withdrawals with low fees.
- Best exchange rates for travellers
- Free ATM withdrawals and card payments abroad
- QR payments supported in some countries
- Track your spending and budget from the app
Trading 212
Entrepreneurs can earn money while travelling by investing in the stock market. Open an account with Trading 212 and keep your savings there, earning monthly payments on your investments.
- Invest while you travel
- Earn passive income from your savings
Prepare For a Trip
Make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible with these top picks. Check visa requirements, prepare proof of onward travel, and get set up with data ready to use when you arrive.
iVisa
Check visa requirements for free based on your passport and destination. Apply for tourist visas in advance through their streamlined application process.
- Check visa requirements for free
- Apply for a tourist visa online
Onward Ticket
Some countries require a return ticket to enter. Get a legitimate flight reservation valid for 48 hours for less than $20 — perfect for one-way travellers.
- 'Rent' a flight ticket for 48 hours
- Travel to countries requiring return tickets
- Peace of mind when flying one-way
Airalo
Download an eSIM card to your phone before you arrive. You’ll be connected with a local data plan the moment you land.
- Download an eSIM before you travel
- Have data as soon as you arrive
- Avoid expensive roaming charges
Find a Place to Stay
Compare prices across all the major booking sites including Booking.com, Agoda, Hostelworld, and Trip.com to find the lowest price for your accommodation.
Trip.com
The Skyscanner spin-off consistently has the lowest prices for hotel rooms and short-haul flights.
- Often has the lowest hotel rates
- Owned by Skyscanner, a trusted brand
- Bundle flights, hotels and tours together
- Good cancellation policies
Booking.com
Over 90% of hotels worldwide list on Booking.com. Book without a credit card and earn Genius rewards discounts.
- Simple booking with great customer support
- Genius rewards program for repeat travellers
- Book without a credit card, pay at the property
Hostelworld
The best platform for solo travellers. Reserve for just £1 and connect with like-minded people through social booking.
- Best platform for solo travellers
- Social booking feature to connect with others
- Best selection of hostels and budget stays
Agoda
One of the biggest hotel platforms with cashback on reservations. Great selection across Asia.
- Biggest selection of hotels in Asia
- Earn cashback on reservations
VRBO
Vacation Rentals by Owner — find apartments and condos, often cheaper than Airbnb. Great for groups.
- Great for apartments and condominiums
- Good for larger groups
- Often cheaper than Airbnb
Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for any trip. I wouldn’t consider setting foot on a plane without it. It’s not expensive and can save you a fortune in an emergency.
World Nomads
Great for longer trips lasting 3–12 months. Buy a one-year policy covering almost every country in the world.
- Great for longer trips (3–12 months)
- Valid in almost all countries on one policy
- Can be extended or purchased while travelling
SafetyWing
Founded by digital nomads from Norway. Highest coverage for the lowest price, with customisable policies for shorter trips.
- Low-cost and simple travel insurance
- Perfect for shorter trips (under 3 months)
- Covers electronics, theft, and missed connections
Tours & Activities
Tours are a great way to learn about a new destination, see the sights, and meet other travellers. Take as many tours and excursions as you can — these are some of my favourites.
GetYourGuide
Connects travellers with local tour guides worldwide. Over 60,000 activities listed at all price points.
- Connect with local tour guides
- Over 60,000 tours to choose from
- Tours at all price points
Klook
Great for booking activities in Southeast Asia — popular in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. Best for attraction tickets.
- Reserve tickets for top attractions
- Book low-cost tours and events
- Find activities in new destinations
Viator
TripAdvisor spin-off with thoroughly vetted listings. Best for premium excursions and multi-day local trips.
- Book multi-day tours
- Book unique experiences
- Real reviews from TripAdvisor users
Five Star Thailand Tours
Bespoke private excursions and boat tours across Thailand’s Andaman Islands, including Phi Phi Island.
- Private tours in southern Thailand
- Private guide on every tour
- Locally run from Phi Phi Island
Contiki
Multi-country 18–30 package tours with transport, accommodation, activities, and meals all included.
- Multi-country package trips in Asia
- Meet like-minded travellers
- One fixed price for everything
Find Flight Deals
For long-haul flights, I always book directly with the airline. For finding the best routes and prices, I use comparison tools. Here are my go-to sites for booking flights like a pro.
Skyscanner
The best price comparison tool for finding the cheapest flights. Search prices for an entire month to find the cheapest date.
- The #1 flight booking site
- Search an entire month for the cheapest date
- Flight tracking for lower ticket fares
Google Flights
A powerful free tool for searching flight routes and comparing prices across airlines.
- Free to use with no booking fees
- Track prices and get alerts
- Explore destinations on a map
Kiwi
Price comparison tool for flights plus hotels, tours, and car rentals all in one place.
- Compare flights and travel services
- Find unique multi-city routes
- Bundle deals available
Singapore Airlines
The best airline for long-haul flights to and from Southeast Asia. Skytrax World’s Best Airline.
- Direct Singapore to London flights
- Long-haul routes to Southeast Asia
- Skytrax World’s Best Airline Award
Qatar Airways
Sleek, quiet, comfortable A380 aircraft. All flights connect at Hamad International Airport.
- Luxurious economy class
- Complimentary meals and drinks
- Convenient global routes via Doha
Emirates
A world leader in airlines with affordable economy tickets and a vast network via Dubai.
- World-class business class
- Affordable economy tickets
- Fly globally via Dubai
Pack Your Bags
Go as lightweight as possible. I recommend a 28–30 litre travel pack and essential gear. Here’s what I pack for an indefinite trip.
Osprey
The highest-quality travel backpacks. My Osprey Porter 30 has lasted almost ten years and is still going strong.
- Reputable, long-established brand
- Popular Farpoint 40 and Porter 30 packs
- High-quality materials and durability
Cotopaxi
Unique, colourful backpacks with a lifetime guarantee. Great for minimalistic travellers.
- Unique style of backpacks
- Lifetime guarantee on products
- Small packs for minimalist travellers
Anker
Reduce pack weight with a single USB-C charging brick for all your devices. Trusted manufacturer of cables and power banks.
- One charger for all your devices
- High-quality cables and power banks
- Essential for keeping devices charged on the go
Patagonia
Lightweight cotton t-shirts perfect for travelling to hot climates.
- Lightweight and breathable fabrics
- Sustainable and ethical brand
The North Face
Durable outdoor clothing. The convertible pants that zip into shorts are a travel favourite.
- Convertible pants (trousers to shorts)
- Durable outdoor gear
Getting Around
Whether you’re taking a long-distance bus across Asia, a speedboat to an island, or just need a cab from the airport, you’ll find everything you need here.
12Go Asia
The number one booking site for getting from A to B in Asia. Train, bus, boat, and flight tickets at low prices.
- Book bus, boat, and train tickets
- Search travel routes online
- Lowest prices for Asia transport
Grab
Essential e-hailing app across Southeast Asia. Fixed prices mean you’ll never get ripped off by a taxi scam.
- Book low-cost taxis in Southeast Asia
- Avoid taxi scams with fixed prices
- Available across most of Asia
Bolt
Another e-hailing app with lower costs than Grab, popular in Thailand and parts of Europe.
- Often cheaper than Grab
- Available in Thailand and Europe
- Easy-to-use app
Google Maps
Download maps for offline use — get directions, see your location, and explore new places without a data connection.
- Download maps for offline use
- Real-time navigation worldwide
- Free to download and use
Get Rent a Car
Full insurance and partnerships with local rental companies around the globe.
- Full insurance included
- Works with local rental companies
- Available worldwide