Welcome, my friend. Why the heck am I lying here in my bed? Because sex sells. No bullshit. Because that's where I spent approximately the last 100 hours to write this list for you. What list you might ask? You have no idea how many emails I receive every week, asking me about where to find cheap flights and accommodations, which camera I use, what's the best travel insurance, how to get visas, and so much more...
So I wrote my list down once and for all, a list of all the things that I love, and find useful and great. Things that I recommend to the people out there, because I'm convinced they make your life better, too.
MY TRAVEL GEAR |
I'm not a Mac girl and I'll never be. The XPS 13 is one of the most powerful laptops I've come across, I've been using this Dell laptop for the past 5 years. This is the longest I have ever used a laptop and it still works like on day 01. Outstanding customer support. When my charger died in Cebu, Philippines, Dell customer service send me a brand new charger to my hotel, within 24 hours! Free of charge. Go for Dell, you won't regret!
The drone was our favorite gadget this year and there is no better way to get extraordinary photos and videos from different perspectives. We traveled two months across the Philippines with the drone, no problems with flying (cabin) at all! The Mavic Pro shoots in 4K, is easy to navigate and offers brilliant video and image quality. Here is one of our videos that we created with the drone and the Osmo (see below).
The Osmo is the perfect addition to the drone, you can combine aerial shots with footage from the ground. The Osmo shoots as well in 4K and 12 Megapixel, plus the camera is fully stabilized. You can create the most amazing videos without any shaking and wobbling, this will take your filming skills to the next level!
Everyone loves the GoPro, it's the best investment if you're into adventurous activities, over and under the sea. Plus it's so much fun, the GoPro is small, light, waterproof (with the case) and goes everywhere you go. I totally ditched my DSLR! Here is one of our favorite videos we made with the GoPro. Go for it and get one! You won't regret!!
CHEAP FLIGHTS |
Skyscanner is the best flight search engine out there, hands down! One of their best features is the option to search any destination. For example, if you're not sure where to go, and just looking for the cheapest fares, then Skyscanner is your tool! Click in the tab Flights, type your current location, and then put as destination "Everywhere" and you'll get the best deals from your nearest airport!
You can't go wrong with them, I've been using Skyscanner for more than a decade!
Momondo is my second favorite tool when looking for flights! I love their interface and the design, it makes it more fun to search for cheap flights. Momondo has been around for many years as well and it's a trustworthy site to buy your flights.
FANCY FLYING |
If you fly more than 10 times per year, I suggest you get the Priority Pass! The pass will give you access to over 1300 Airport lounges across the world, meaning you can sit comfortably in a fancy lounge, enjoy free food and drinks, free WiFi and a place to work, while waiting to board your flight.
I used the Priority Pass for several years (read my experience here) and it helped me to never miss a flight anymore, because... Lounge and free food? YES please! I was always going early to the airport to enjoy all of this! Priority Pass makes your flying experience soooo much better! Sign up now and get 20% off!
BUS, BOAT AND TRAIN |
FIND A PLACE TO SLEEP |
Agoda is excellent if you're looking for hotels from budget to luxury! It's one of the largest hotel booking websites in the world. Plenty of options to book now and pay later, or even pay at the hotel. Risk-free booking, many with free cancellation.
I use Agoda all the time and highly recommend them!
Airbnb is a fantastic option if you prefer staying like a local, and looking for a unique accommodation! From cool city flats, to romantic country houses, extraordinary penthouses and more... Airbnb has everything you're dreaming of!
I'm using it for years and got amazing places through it. If you're new to Airbnb, sign up now and get up to $45 off on your first booking!
Trusted HouseSitters is the largest house & pet sitting website in the world. Stay for free in exchange for pet care! Read more here about my experience with house sitting. You can find anything from renovated farmhouses in Tuscany to cozy townhouses in London, apartments in New York and Sydney to fantastic beach homes in Hawaii. There are thousands of house sitting opportunities worldwide! Check it out! Get 25% off with the code JUSTONEWAYTICKET or just click here.
If you want a unique and authentic experience staying with a local and learning bout their culture, check out Homestay.com. I tried it in Tokyo and absolutely loved it! Read here about my Homestay experience in Japan...
FUN TOURS AND ACTIVITIES |
GetYourGuide is a fantastic platform to find tour guides, activities and excursions. From cooking classes to romantic sailing cruises, you can literally find anything you're dreaming of to keep yourself busy during your vacation. There is no risk in using GetYourGuide, they offer 24/7 support, and you can cancel for free, up to 24 hours before.
Airbnb is not only for finding a place to stay. Recently, they introduced Airbnb Experiences, these are activities, hosted by locals and experts. You can expect some unique things to do, i.e. during the Covid-19 pandemic they offered plenty of online experiences. Well worth to check it out!
Tourradar has an extensive selection of more than 40.000 tours across 160 countries. What makes them unique is that they offer a payment plan where you can pay over time. Additional, you will earn travel credits for any activity that you've booked and can use these credits for future trips.
With Klook you can discover amazing things to do at exclusive prices. Many of the experiences are unique and hand picked. Besides tours and activities, Klook also offers local SIM cards, train tickets, hotels and more, making this a fantastic platform to plan your entire trip.
Tourscanner is perfect if you travel to some lesser known destinations. The platform calls itself the world's largest collection of tours & travel activities. You can find plenty of attractions, city tours, guided visits, sport and outdoor activities, day trips, excursions, cooking classes, food tours, shows and so much more.
KKday is a platform to book tours and activities, but also local SIM cards, transportation to and from the airport, accommodation, dining experiences and so much more. Although they include Europe and North America in their search, the largest variety of offers are clearly in Asia.
SIM CARDS AND WIFI |
Klook has more than just tours and activities. They also sell local SIM cards from all around the world, offering a reliable Internet connection while you travel.
Besides tours and activities, KKday also sells portable WiFi and SIM cards, delivered to your home, or available for pick up at the Airport once you have arrived.
SkyRoam is the ultimate WiFi hotspot, it works in over 130 countries with super fast 4G LTE data! Prices start from US$3 per GB, making this an affordable device to bring on all your travels!
No more worries about expensive roaming fees! Just bring your RoamingMan - a fast WiFi device that works without SIM cards or cables in more than 130 countries! You can read my review here.
TRAVEL INSURANCE |
Don't be silly and go away without a travel insurance! Make sure you're covered for all the crazy activities you might want to try, from surfing to skydiving, etc... Travel insurance is a necessity, and often cheaper than your regular health care plan. If something goes wrong, or if you end up sick or injured while overseas, insurance can be a lifesaver for you.
If you're traveling on a budget, the Nomad Insurance by SafetyWing is perfect for you! It's made by nomads, for nomads, and one of the most affordable Travel Medical Insurance out there, starting from only $40 per 4 weeks. And yes, you're covered for Covid-19!
In an emergency, you will get financial help when you need it the most – like if you have to see a doctor, if you lose checked luggage, or even if there’s an emergency and you need to go back home. Don't go traveling without a travel insurance!
If you're an expat living abroad, check out their other product called Remote Health. It offers additional coverage, such as cancer and dental treatments.
World Nomads is another reliable travel insurance, although a more expensive one. It's recommended by Lonely Planet and many others. I don't personally use it, but many of my friends do. They cover plenty of activities, from bungee jumping to white-water rafting, and many more...
A great advantage is that you can buy it, even if you’ve already left home. You can claim and extend your insurance online while traveling. There is a 24/7 phone assistance.
World
Nomads Travel Insurance is designed for adventurous and independent travelers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage and other expenses.
EXPAT HEALTH INSURANCE |
In case you're wondering what's the difference between the travel insurance above and this one, let me explain. I'm glad you're asking. Basically the difference is traveling and living abroad. Foyer Global Health is an International Health Insurance for expats, students, families who are planning to abroad for a while or going on a sabbatical. I wrote a detailed blog post about Foyer Global Health, you can read it here.
Foyer Global Health is a specialist for expats, offering first-class coverage in combination with comprehensive medical assistance services. In accordance with your individual needs you can add more services to get covered for all the things you want.
TRAVEL VISAS |
iVisa are a reputable company with visa specialists that are available 24/7 to help you getting your visas! They're reliable and affordable. You can check every country in the world on iVisa.com and see whether you need a visa or not. And if you do, they will do their best to help you to get one.
VPN, DATA BACKUP & PASSWORDS |
NordVPN is - hands down - the fastest and most reliable VPN provider worldwide. I used them when I traveled to China. Prices start from US$3,49/month.
I recently switched to SurfShark as they offer VPN for as little as US$1,99/month. Works great so far, I use it mainly to access Netflix in other countries.
CHEAP TRAVELING & WORKING ABROAD |
This book is a top seller. Derek Earl Baron has been traveling the world for more than 20 years. This book is for everyone who wants to turn traveling into a lifestyle.
Derek Earl Baron wrote a fantastic guide on how to land a well-paid job on a cruise ship. The book lists job descriptions, salaries and tips on how to avoid the scams.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP |
The 4-Hour Workweek is one of those books that had a huge impact on my life and my career. This bestseller was sold 2 million times and has been translated into 40 languages!
The $100 Startup is a wonderful and inspiring book about creating a business around something that you truly love to do, without breaking the bank.