Travel Recommendations
we’ve been a
few places.
Which translates to we know a thing or two when it comes to travel.
Here are a few of our favorites that you can add onto our trips or you can use to plan your own trip.
Travel Insurance
"Do I really have to buy travel insurance?"
Five years ago, we would have said no. But post-pandemic travel has changed. Staffing shortages, unpredictable weather, and operational challenges make trip disruptions more common than ever.
Credit card protection only covers basics. Real travel insurance covers cancellation, interruption, delays, baggage loss, medical emergencies, and 24/7 assistance abroad.
Our rule: If we can't afford to lose the trip cost or cover an unexpected medical emergency, we buy insurance. We’ve watched travelers cancel last-minute—those with insurance got reimbursed, those without lost everything.
Please note: You don't need to be traveling with us to purchase insurance through us. Use it on any trip.
Where to start?
With hundreds of providers out there, we partnered with Wanderwell—a company I've personally vetted.
Wanderwell is Certified B Corporation committed to environmental conservation and sustainable, regenerative business and travel practices. Each year, they donate a percentage of their profits to Environmental Partners of 1% for the Planet and to organizations that promote sustainable travel.
“I purchased travel insurance, at Laura’s recommendation, for the first time and wow! Thank goodness! I’ve been an avid international traveler for many years and have never purchased the travel insurance. For this particular trip I did, and I had to use it. The process was all online and quite simple after I provided the appropriate documentation. There was a wait to get reimbursed, but I did! I will never book a large trip without travel insurance again.”
- Angel D
Hotels + Flights
Hotels
Booking is a great go-to for finding amazing accommodations worldwide! From cozy B&Bs to luxury resorts, they've got it all. Love the free cancellation options and honest guest reviews. Plus, their Genius loyalty program gives you sweet perks and discounts. Book with confidence and explore the world!
Flights
Sign up for a free Going account (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) to get flight deal alerts in your area. Save money for what matters most - hotels, activities, or amazing meals! Just create your free account and start receiving flight deals instantly. Want more? Going Premium is $49/year with a 14-day free trial. One deal per year easily pays for itself and then some!
Travel Tools
VPN
Using a VPN, a virtual private network, makes your internet connection secure by encrypting your data as you use the internet. A VPN will keep you safe from potential hackers, phishing, and other internet threats and privacy concerns.
In addition, it is one of the easiest and effective ways to access content while traveling. It is especially important in countries that have restrictions on internet usage, like Russia or Cuba.
eSIM
We've been using GigSky for years, and it's one of those things we don't overthink anymore—it just works. No hunting down SIM cards in foreign airports, no surprise data charges, and setup takes two minutes.
If you're bouncing between countries or traveling extensively, grab their GigSky One plan. It's affordable and easy. Over a million travelers use it for a reason—because nobody has time for complicated travel tech when there's a world to explore.
Use code LAURAE10 for 10% off your first data purchase.
Luggage Storage
Radical Storage is a global luggage storage network offering convenient bag storage in 1000+ cities worldwide. Book online to store bags at vetted local businesses ("Angels") like hotels, cafes, and shops for just $5.25/bag/day. Each booking includes $3,150 insurance coverage. Simply drop off your luggage at designated locations and explore hands-free. Perfect for travelers between flights, hotel check-ins, or sightseeing without heavy bags.
Rides + Rentals
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Welcome Pickups is a service that provides personalized airport and port transfers in over 350 cities worldwide. They offer a fixed price, hand-picked drivers who speak English, and provide travel extras like meet-and-greet services, personalized recommendations, and even mini-city tours. They also offer a mobile app for easy booking and management of transfers.
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BikesBooking is your go-to for two-wheeled adventures worldwide! Rent motorcycles, scooters, or bikes with guaranteed best prices and zero booking hassles. Your ride will be waiting when you arrive - just show up and explore! All rentals include insurance, plus you get free cancellation and support in multiple languages. Perfect for discovering destinations like a local!
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DiscoverCars is a leader in online car rental bookings; they compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip.
Many other websites hide fees and extra costs from you. DiscoverCars includes all mandatory fees, taxes, and extras in the quoted price so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises when you arrive at the rental desk.
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RVshare is the largest RV rental marketplace in the country. Rent directly from local owners, whether you're after a cozy travel trailer or a camper van for your next adventure. Every booking includes industry-first rental protection and 24/7 roadside assistance for total peace of mind on the road. Perfect for an epic cross-country road trip or spending the night under the stars, wherever the road takes you.
Tours
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Viator is easy for booking tours and activities worldwide. 300,000+ experiences from skip-the-line museum passes to epic food tours, they make exploring so easy. Love their real traveler reviews and flexible cancellation policies. Part of TripAdvisor, so you know it's legit! Perfect for spontaneous adventures.
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Discover unique experiences with Get Your Guide. From cooking classes in Tokyo to Harry Potter tours in London, they've got 100,000+ activities that'll make your trip unforgettable. Their app is super user-friendly and the instant booking confirmations give me peace of mind. Adventure awaits!
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EatWith is pure magic for foodie travelers. Dine with locals in their homes across 130+ countries - from pasta-making in Rome to rooftop brunches in Barcelona. It's like having friends everywhere who cook incredible meals! These intimate dinner parties create the most authentic travel memories. Absolutely love it!
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Okay, this one isn't totally my group travel style, BUT if hop-on hop-off bus tours are your thing, Big Bus is fantastic! Their open-top double-deckers give you amazing city views and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Great for families or first-time visitors who want to see all the highlights!
Credit Cards
We’re often asked about our favorite credit cards or what card a person should get next, and our answer is always the same.
It depends. Every person has unique needs and unique spending habits, and depending on your credit score, you will likely qualify for different cards than your friends or family.
That being said, one of the best ways we know to score cheap or free flights is by taking advantage of credit card points and miles. If you use a credit card to purchase everyday items (groceries, dining out, gas, etc.), you can earn enough points to redeem for a free flight. Many credit cards offer intro bonuses, rewards, and perks to make this strategy easier, but there’s also a learning curve to fully understanding how to make the most of points and miles while also being financially responsible and not damaging your credit score.*
A few our favorite travel cards with no annual fee are Bank of America Travel Rewards and Chase Freedom Unlimited. Our favorite cards with an annual fee are the Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve and the Capital One Venture X. For Business cards, we love the Chase Ink Business Unlimited and Preferred.
*This is a topic that has so much information and should be used with discretion.
The following referral links are to some of our favorite cards. By using our links, we receive a small commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue to deliver free content like this to our readers.
Chase Sapphire
The Chase Sapphire cards are hands down some of the best travel rewards cards available. Whether you choose the Preferred ($95 annual fee) or Reserve ($795 annual fee), you'll earn incredible value on travel and dining purchases.
Capital One Venture
The Capital One Venture is one of our favorite premium travel cards. It has a fairly low annual fee ($95), 2x miles on every purchase, and a free TSA precheck or global entry credit every 5 years.
Get a 75,000 point bonus with Capital One Venture.
Overwhelmed by options?
No fear—we’re travel planners and can make custom recommendations tailored to your specific travel needs.