✈️
Flights
★★★★★
I always check all three. Skyscanner for flexibility, Google for routes, Momondo for deals.
🏠
Accommodation
★★★★★
Airbnb for longer stays, Booking for hotels, Hostelworld for meeting people, Agoda for Asia.
🎒
Essential Gear
★★★★★
Peak Design 45L Backpack
$280
Patagonia Black Hole 32L
$149
Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh
$65
Sony WH-1000XM4
$350
These have survived 47+ countries. Quality over quantity, always.
🛡️
Insurance & Safety
★★★★★
SafetyWing for nomads, World Nomads for short trips. VPN for security and accessing home content.
💳
Money & Banking
★★★★★
Charles Schwab Debit
Free
Chase Sapphire Preferred
$95/yr
No foreign transaction fees, travel points, and cheap international transfers.
📱
Planning Apps
★★★★☆
Google Maps
Free
TripIt
$49/yr
XE Currency
Free
Google Translate
Free
The basics that work everywhere. Download offline maps before you go.
🏡
Free & Budget Stays
★★★★☆
For the adventurous and budget-conscious. House-sitting = free accommodation + pet therapy. Be smart, be safe.
💡
Budget Travel Hacks
★★★★★
Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going)
Hostel kitchen cooking
Free walking tours (tip-based)
Student discounts (ISIC card)
Real ways to cut costs without sacrificing experience. I’ve done all of these extensively.