Here are my best travel resources on experiences and staying fit, accommodation, transportation, and more!
✈ I personally use these resources below to travel smarter, cheaper, and more comfortably. And I’m always adding more to the list to share!
More Money, More Travels, More Adventure!
In summer 2023, I de-employed myself and have been traveling on a budget utilizing my savings.
Whether you’re a seasoned nomad or booking your first big trip, it’s all about saving smart, learning from others, and making the most of every dollar.
Travel Tip: Scroll to the bottom for details on getting cash back (**) while making your other bookings 💰
Tours, Fitness, & Adventure Gear
Local Tours and Experiences
- GetYourGuide – Book tours and activities**
- Viator.com – Book tours and activities**
- Airbnb Experiences – Book tours and activities
Walking Tours
- Voicemap – Audio walking tours
Gym & Adventure Equipment
- Class Pass – Access top fitness classes, gyms, and wellness spots worldwide with one app. Train in-studio, outdoors, or online in 2,500+ cities!
- TrainAway – Gym locator in the USA and abroad. Access 1,500+ gyms worldwide and book instantly—perfect for cashless day passes
- R.E.I. – High-quality gear, apparel, and expert advice for hiking, camping, fitness, and adventure travel
Flights & Transportation
Flights
- Kiwi.com – Budget flights, stays, and cars**
- Skyscanner – Flight search engine
- Google flights – Flight search engine
Buses & Trains
- Flixbus – Be sure to try paying in a different currency since paying in USD adds a service fee. Sometimes you’ll find this might link you to the “local” Flixbus website (like in Turkey).
- 12Go – This is a great service for traveling around Asia, in particular
General Navigation
- Rome2Rio– How to travel (fly, bus, train, taxi, drive) from point A to point B
Accommodation
Hostels & Hotels
- Hostelworld – Cheap lodging with other travelers**
- Booking.com – Book flights, stays, and cars**
- Expedia. com – Book flights, stays, and cars**
Free Accommodation
- Couchsurfing – Staying with locals for free, but it’s social 🙂
- WorldPackers– Volunteer work exchange (get free accommodation!)
- Trusted HouseSitters – House/pet sitting (get free accommodation!)
Travel Insurance
- Safety Wing– Travel insurance covering medical and non-medical expenses
Internet & Data Abroad
- Airalo – Digital SIM card (aka an “eSIM”) so you don’t need to immediately stop at a store upon arrival to your destination. Use code HEIDI8880 to get $3 off!
- Saily – Another eSIM option for you to consider! I’ve used both and both are good. Use code: INSTRU8882 for $5 off!
✈ Want Free Flights and Hotels?✈
➡ ➡ Click HERE for my Beginners Guide on Earning FREE Travel! ⬅ ⬅
**Earn Cash Back While Booking Travel**
While spending money on travel, you should be strategic when you book so you can earn cash back.
Start your booking on a platform like Rakuten or TopCashback (or add their popup to your browser) so you’ll see opportunities you can use them on booking platforms.
Before making any purchase (again, like Viator.com), visit these sites first and activate the offer. These sites even offer browser extensions that notify you when a cashback deal is available.
Travel Tip: Do you have an “education” email from a university (as a student or faculty/staff)? Check out StudentBeans.com for more savings.