Recommendations
Below is a list of places I go to make our reservations as well as a list of the things we pack with that we love.
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Additional resources:
How I plan an entire trip, including cheap airfare! • How I book things for FREE! • How we pack for 2 weeks in only a backpack!
Accommodations
Rental Cars
Attraction Tickets
Airport Parking
Packing- Electronics
Packing- Luggage and Accessories
Packing- Clothing and Accessories
ACCOMMODATIONS
Chase Travel Portal
I use the Chase travel portal often to make our hotel or apartment reservations because I accumulate a lot of Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, so I get them for free. Click here if you want to know how I do that. I book hotels here sometimes if it’s just Jay and I, but if all four of us are traveling we get an apartment so we can have more space with a kitchen, washer and dryer, etc.
Hotwire.com
When we want a hotel, Hotwire is one of my go-to’s because they have really good prices. I use their Hot Rate deals. As long as you check the area, the minimum number of stars, and the review score, it’s good!
Hotels.com
Hotels.com is a favorite because I can usually find a good price there, and you can earn a free night after every ten nights purchased.
Agoda.com
Booking.com
RENTAL CARS
Hotwire.com and Priceline.com
I like using these sites for car rentals in the United States and abroad. They have usually have the best prices, and you can rent from the same car rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise, etc all around the world. I like using companies that I am familiar with when we’re on the other side of the globe.
ATTRACTION TICKETS
GetYourGuide.com
Tiqets.com
CityPass.com
I have used CityPass in several cities around the world like New York City, London, and Paris. If you are planning to visit the main tourist sites in that city, it will almost always save money. Just be sure to check the things you want to see, and compare the prices each way to be certain.
Directly on the attraction’s website
AIRPORT PARKING
Way.com
We almost never park at airport parking lots any more. I use way.com to search for parking lots near the airports. They are much less expensive, and they have free shuttles to and from the airports. I read the reviews, and I’ve always felt safe leaving our vehicles there.
PACKING – ELECTRONICS
Bose Headphones
These wireless bluetooth headphones sound great and shut out all the noise around you. They are a bit bulky (compared to ear buds of course), but if you prefer headphones these are the best.
Bose Earbuds
These bluetooth earbuds sound great, cancel out all the noise around you, and take up almost no room in your bag.
Camera Lens for iPhone
This lens attaches easily to an iPhone or Galaxy and gives you super sharp photos.
International Travel Adaptor
This all-in-one adapter works worldwide. It’s compact and can charge up to 6 devices at once.
iPhone Tripod
This is nice to have when you want to take a photo of your group but don’t want to take a selfie. It also functions as a shorter selfie stick.
Portable Phone Charger
A portable phone charger is a must when walking all over a city for the day and evening. This one has four charges, will charge two devices at once, and it fits easily in my small shoulder bag. It works with iPhone and Android.
PACKING – LUGGAGE AND ACCESSORIES
Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack
This is one of the nicest, most durable travel backpacks made. It is “carry-on” size. It holds a lot and is comfortable to carry. It also has a lifetime guarantee, so it can be repaired or replaced if it is damaged for any reason.
Carry-On Luggage
This is a great compact carry-on that is lightweight, durable, spins easily 360 degrees, and can lock. We only use a carry-on when traveling domestically on flights that allow carry-on luggage with no extra fees. Otherwise we pack a backpack only.
Embark Backpack
This is a good backpack to use when you need something that will qualify as a “personal item” that will fit under the airplane seat in front of you. That is the case with most low-cost airlines in Europe, so we use it mostly. It’s a great price, and has held up very well for several years.
Luggage Scale
We use this to weigh our bags to make sure they don’t go over the weight limits for the airlines. This is especially important for the low-cost carriers in Europe. They will charge a ridiculously high fee if it is too heavy.
Packing Cube – Large
This is my newest favorite packing cube. I use it alone now. It holds all of my clothes for a two-week trip. It will expand if needed, but I never do. It holds just the right amount for me without expanding.
Compression Packing Cubes – Set of 3
These are great packing cubes. I can pack all the clothes I need for two weeks in these three zippered compression cubes, and they fit perfectly in my backpack or carry-on.
Shoe Bags
These zippered bags come in two sizes and keep shoes separated from other clothes so nothing gets dirty. They can be used to store other things as well like dirty clothes. They can hang on the outside of a backpack if needed.
Travel Bottles for Liquids, 3oz and 2oz
These refillable bottles are soft, silicone, leak-proof and perfectly-sized to meet TSA liquids guidelines. I mostly use 3 oz bottles, but I like the 2oz bottles for things that I need less of to save valuable space in my liquids bag.
Travel Wallet
I’m kind of obsessed with tiny items that function big. This small leather wallet holds everything I need to travel in a small amount of space. It fits perfectly in my small shoulder bag that goes with me everywhere. I use this wallet daily, not just when traveling.
Travel Pillow
I’ve tried a few travel pillows, and this one is the most comfortable one for me so far. I don’t sleep well sitting up at all, but this pillow does keep my head up well enough to get some sleep on the plane.
Dual Voltage Curling Iron
This 1.5 inch curling iron is dual voltage, so it can choose the voltage necessary depending on the outlet. This means it can be used for international travel.
Laundry Detergent Sheets
These are great for washing clothes on the road! We always stay in an apartment with a washing machine or a hotel with laundry facilities or service. They are easy to pack, don’t take up liquid space, and keep us from having to find detergent at our destination.
PACKING – CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Merrell Hiking Shoes for Men
These shoes are very comfortable for hiking or walking on flat ground. My husband and son both have a pair.
Merrell Hiking Shoes for Women
I have these shoes, and they are very comfortable for hiking or for walking on flat ground.
Light Scarf for Women
I take this scarf to places that will be cool but not cold. It warms you just enough when it gets chilly at night even with just a light jacket. I have the taupe color, which is neutral and matches most things.
Earmuffs, Unisex
Earmuffs are a lifesaver in cold weather. Even with a layers and a warm jacket, if it’s really cold and my ears aren’t covered, I’m miserable. Earmuffs (and a scarf) make all the difference. Good for men or women, these earmuffs are soft, warm, neutral and fold up easily to pack.