Hello! Welcome to my voyage – hopefully it will help you along your voyage as well! Traveling and exploring the world is my jam. I daresay it is my bread, chocolate, and everything else that is good in this world. This list is a conglomerate of all my FAVORITE TRAVEL TOOLS & RESOURCES that I have used while venturing away from home. I hope that some of them are useful to you as well! This page is always under construction. Whenever I find new things, I will make sure to share here!
Note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I trust! You can read my full disclosure by clicking here.
Travel Apps
Units Plus – the one app that will save your American bacon again and again no matter where you travel. Since the rest of the world is using the metric system, this will help with converting money, weight, speed, and tons more.
SKYROAM – hotspot so you can always stay connected. The app allows you to manage the devices attached to your Skyroam Solis, check the charge, and manage your subscriptions. They have daily and monthly subscription options, + the ability to rent the device if you are taking a single trip and don’t want to own the hotspot.
AirBnB – Join AirBnb now and find your next stay + get 15% off (up to $400 dollars!) off your first reservation using my link.
Google Translate – this speaks for itself. Going to a foreign country can be stressful if you have no idea how to communicate in their language. Download the languages you need AHEAD OF TIME and then you can use the app with or without WiFi!
Duolingo – such a fun way to learn and practice your language skills! Association through images, written, and actionable games make sure to help all learning types get information they can retain and use.
WhatsApp – such a good messaging app you can use and connect to anyone! Meet a friend on the road and stay in touch without international phone charges, no matter what country they are from!
Spotify Premium – download for on the go listening with no wifi needed.
All of these apps are on my phone RIGHT NOW!!
Gear
Current suitcase – I currently have a CALPAK suitcase that is a gorgeous rose gold hardcase. I love it because it is an extra layer of protection against damage that could happen to my things. Have you watched airline employees throwing bags around out on the tarmak? Trust me, you want something that will protect your belongings.
Depending on the type of trip you plan to go on, a few other trusted brands I enjoy include:
Nomatic – one-stop shop for all sorts of travel and adventure gear – whether you need a gorgeous leather notebook, a suitcase, duffel bag, or so many other options, Nomatic is taking you places this year. The high quality materials will last for adventure after adventure and become your main go-to for finding new places.
Pakt – A gorgeous weekender bags for the shorter adventures and business trips that life sends you on. They have tons of sleek colors and a place for everything you will need to take with you. Plus, the Pakt Coffee Travel Kit is just on a whole other level completely. I don’t personally drink coffee, but my friends that do are adamant about having quality even while on the go. Pakt is on a mission to make your trips enjoyable and organized.
ROAM – another hard suitcase brand that is made super well, from water-proof zippers to the best wheels and technology, let ROAM take you on your next adventure. Because you shouldn’t have to skimp on style when you are exploring.
Boundary Supply – camera gear bag – for the hardcore photography junkies out there.
Packing Cubes – I am a big advocate for Marie Kondo-ing the crap out of your life. That includes staying organized and making sure everything has a place. These packing cubes have been perfect for short and long trips to keep everything right where it belongs so my tendency to dig through and mess my whole bag up isn’t possible anymore 😂
Power bank – I generally go off the grid without WiFi when I travel, so all I use is Google Maps. You can see how roads connect and follow which direction you are heading without any internet connection, but it does drain your battery. Having a good power bank to charge your phone on the go is a huge blessing! There were a few times my phone died when I was finding my way home and I am just lucky I am good at figuring things out because otherwise I would have been SO lost. Here are a bunch of options depending on what you are looking for.
The best deodorant – NATIVE DEODORANT – because let’s be honest, travel can be gross. You spend 12+ hours on a flight, wander around the villages and towns of countless cities for days, and get down and dirty with your adventures. Native Deodorant is my go-to because it is not only filled with safe, natural ingredients, but it also smells flipping good. I currently have the Coconut & Vanilla scent and it is super great, long-lasting, and perfect for a warm day of wandering.
Booking Accommodation
AirBnB (You’ll get a discount by using this link to join)
Booking Transportation
Google Flights – my number one secret love. Play around with departure location and flexible date calendar to find the best deals!!
Transportation – avis/budget, EuropCar, public transport – especially in Europe!
Hertz – fine print is important – need a specific kind of card to pick up vehicle – hard time in rome getting car
Remote Work Options
Teaching English Abroad or Online
Electronics
- SKYROAM Portable Hotspot – Whether you want to stay connected to friends and family on the go, or work remotely, the SKYROAM portable hotspot provides top-rated wifi connections in 130+ countries. They have both monthly and daily connection options, and you can even rent the device if you plan to use it only for a short trip away from home. Use my exclusive coupon code: AVOYAGEOFGREYS for the best deal and stay connected no matter where you go. This one has dual functionality as a charger as well so if you are looking for 2in1 this guy is your game changer!
- Portable charger for travel For a complete list of the best options out there, visit TOP 5 Portable Chargers for Travel.
- MacBook Air or MacBook Pro – Depending on your chosen remote job, either of these computers are a great option for your travel! I use mine for running this blog, listening to tunes, planning my travel, and staying in touch with family. On top of that, whether you are using contracted work to pay your bills or working remotely for a brand, staying in the loop on your responsibilities on a great computer is key to this life of freedom.
- Beats by Dre – music is everything to me. I need it in my life like I need water. No matter what I am doing, I always seem to have a song playing. Music inspires me to live fully. It changes the way you see things, and creates emotional connection in so many different ways and situations. Always be connected to what inspires you. Get your wireless Beats HERE.
- My camera is a Canon 77D. I researched for weeks to find the one that was perfect as a starter/base model but was not skimping on any of the capabilities. While traveling, you can get good photos on your cellphone, but my personal choice while improving my camera skills is using my Canon 77D. Looking for something a little more fancy or higher grade? KEH is my personal photography GODSEND. It has all of the best deals on cameras, gear, and more with understandable ratings, KILLER PRICES, etc. My camera was apparently used before I got it, but it is so freaking perfect without a scratch I couldn’t tell it wasn’t brand new. I saved a crap ton of money by buying with KEH.COM.
Editing Photos & Videos
- I have definitely been convinced over the last few years that Adobe Lightroom is the best out there. I have the phone version for editing on the go, and it is so handy and user-friendly, too!
- Canva Premium has been my secret weapon in growing my blog as well as creating so many other things while I have grown my business and presence! This tool is so easy to use, and literally gives you so many ideas. From creating your own logo, designing pins that will drive a buttload of traffic to your site, and so much more, Canva Premium is where it is at.
- 8mm camera app – film your trips in the most gorgeous app and get cool footage for super cheap!
Blogging
- What hosting do I use? I will probably always love BLUEHOST for my blog platform. They have been phenomenal to work with, are so supportive of my questions and needs, and continue to deliver unparalleled support. This allows me to own my blog content without worrying that anyone can take it, provides free use of a premium WordPress site, and does so much more. I definitely recommend them if you are considering starting a blog. Buy hosting HERE.
- Starting a blog? You will need a killer name – My go-to sources for the best prices are GoDaddy and NameCheap. Make sure to check both and compare prices, because they can vary.
- Stock Photos – Because your graphics will make or break your blog – I use a few different resources!
- Learn a new skill and grow your blog, photography expertise, and SO MUCH MORE
For a full list of my favorite blogging tools, visit my BLOGGING TOOLS & RESOURCES
Ready to start your own blog?? Learn How to Start a Blog HERE
Books
Let’s be real. I am a book JUNKIE. I have a degree in literature, so to list all of the books that I love would be insane. These mentioned below are just a few I love that can help you live your dreams and travel more often – or even full-time!
- The 4-Hour Work Week
- The Power of Starting Something Stupid
- Daring Greatly
- A Year Off
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Documenting the Memories
Blurb – gorgeous picture books to keep your memories all in one, digestible, sharable place.
Snapfish – One of my long-time favorites for creating so many different things! Preserve your memories with mugs, blankets, photo books, and so much more.
Mixbook – another great tool to take your memories and photos from camera to coffee table show-stopper
As you may see, I am still constantly researching the best options out there for travel, blogging, and other resources. I will keep updating these lists as I adventure, find more great travel tools and resources and tips, and more. You will find a complete collection of tools, products, and resources on my TOP FAVES page. This will be your complete guide to all things that are flipping awesome, tried and tested by yours truly.
