Travel Resources
Hello there! Welcome to my little travel wonderland! I’m Lofton, a passionate traveler, storyteller, and the heart behind this blog. Traveling has been my happy place for as long as I can remember, and here I love sharing all the little things that make exploring the world easier and way more fun. From finding hidden gems that aren’t in the guidebooks, to scoring the best flight deals, to putting together itineraries that actually make sense (no stress, promise!), I’ve collected a bunch of tools, tips, and hacks from my own adventures. Some of these I’ve learned the hard way, so I hope my experiences save you a few bumps along the road. So grab a coffee, scroll around, and let’s make your next trip unforgettable, because travel should always feel exciting, effortless, and just a little magical. Happy adventures!
Flights
Google Flights
I honestly love using Google Flights whenever I’m planning a trip. It makes it so easy to search and compare flights without feeling overwhelmed. I can quickly see the best prices, different routes, and play around with the filters until I find something that works perfectly for me. It’s kind of my go-to tool for travel planning, and it saves me so much time (and stress) when I’m trying to book a flight.
Skyscanner
I personally love using Skyscanner, it’s my go-to for finding amazing deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals. I like that it compares prices across different providers, so I know I’m getting the best deal without having to hop between sites. It really makes planning trips so much easier because I can search, compare, and book everything I need all in one place.
Going
Going is one of those platforms I genuinely wish I’d found sooner. It sends flight deals straight to your inbox based on where you want to go and where you’re flying from, so you’re not spending hours refreshing Google Flights like it’s your job. I’ve used it to spot ridiculously good fares I never would’ve caught on my own, especially for big moves and long-haul trips.
Accommodation
Airbnb
I’ve always loved traveling, and Airbnb has honestly become my favorite way to stay anywhere I go. I love that each place feels unique; it’s not just a room, it’s an experience. It’s affordable, there’s so much variety, and I can always find something that fits my vibe. Plus, connecting with local hosts has been amazing, they give tips and recommendations that make the trip feel way more authentic. Every stay feels a little different, and that’s what makes traveling so exciting for me.
Booking.com
Booking.com is my absolute go-to when I’m planning a trip. I love how easy it is to find everything from cute little B&Bs to fancy resorts, all without breaking the bank. I can book in just a few clicks, make changes if I need to, and it just makes traveling feel so much less stressful. Honestly, I don’t know how I ever traveled without it!
Hotels.com
If you’re looking for a place to stay while traveling, I’d definitely recommend checking out Hotels.com. I’ve used it myself and love that it has so many options for all kinds of budgets and styles, whether you want a cozy hotel, a fancy resort, or a cute vacation rental. The app and website are super easy to use, so finding and booking the right spot is stress-free. Plus, their rewards program is a nice bonus; you can earn free nights after a few stays, which makes your trips even sweeter.
Hostelworld
Hostelworld is a super handy app for finding affordable places to stay around the world, especially if you want a more social and budget-friendly experience. It’s great for booking hostels, guesthouses, and even budget hotels, with reviews and ratings from other travelers so you know what you’re walking into. Every trip I’ve taken in Europe, I’ve relied on Hostelworld to lock in my accommodations. It makes the process quick, easy, and stress-free.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance Master
I’ve been using Travel Insurance Master, and I have to say it makes traveling a lot less stressful. They offer a variety of coverage options that protect you from unexpected things that can happen on a trip, so you can relax and enjoy your travels without worrying. I’ve found their service really reliable, and it’s nice knowing that if anything comes up, they’ve got your back.
Safety Wing
I’ve been using SafetyWing for my travels, and honestly, it’s been a lifesaver. It’s a travel insurance made for nomads and long-term travelers like me, so it covers things like medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost baggage, and other unexpected stuff that can pop up while you’re on the move. Knowing I have SafetyWing gives me real peace of mind; I can focus on exploring and enjoying my adventures without stressing about what could go wrong.
Feather Insurance makes health, travel, and liability insurance simple for expats living in Europe. Whether you’re moving abroad, studying, or freelancing, Feather helps you find the right coverage, all in English, 100% online, and with transparent pricing. It’s perfect for anyone who wants peace of mind without the paperwork.
Transportation
Rentcars.com
I’ve been using Rentcars.com whenever I need a car, and it’s honestly super convenient. The platform connects you with rental companies all over the world, so you can easily compare prices and find something that fits your budget. I love that you can book your rental and manage everything straight from the website or the app, no stress, no surprises. It’s made traveling so much easier for me!
Discover Cars
I’ve been using Discover Cars whenever I need to rent a car while traveling, and it’s made the whole process super easy. The platform lets you compare prices from different rental companies, so you know you’re getting a good deal. I’ve booked cars in multiple countries through them, and it’s been smooth every time. The website is really user-friendly, and if you ever have questions, their customer support is there to help. Definitely a go-to if you’re planning to drive around while traveling!
12Go
I personally rely on 12Go whenever I’m booking travel in Asia. It’s been a total lifesaver for me because it handles trains, buses, ferries, and flights all in one place. The app is super easy to use, and I love that it takes the stress out of planning trips; everything’s just there, simple and reliable. Honestly, it’s made traveling so much smoother for me, and I don’t know how I managed without it!
Rome2Rio
If you’re like me and hate the stress of figuring out how to get from one place to another, Rome2rio is a total game-changer. It’s this super handy platform where you can type in any starting point and destination, and it’ll show you every possible way to get there, planes, trains, buses, ferries, and even driving options. I love how it pulls all the options together in one place, so you can compare travel times, costs, and routes without jumping from site to site. Basically, it’s perfect for planning trips, whether you’re exploring a new city or trying to navigate between countries. It takes all the guesswork out of travel and makes it way easier to map out your adventure.
Trainline
Trainline is a super handy app for anyone traveling around Spain (or Europe, really). It lets you search, compare, and book train and bus tickets all in one place, so no more juggling multiple websites or waiting in long lines. I use it to plan trips between cities, find the best prices, and even check schedules on the go. It makes getting around Spain way less stressful and way more convenient.
Google Maps
I always keep both Google Maps and Apple Maps on my phone, but when it comes to exploring Europe or other parts of the world, Google Maps can be useful. It’s often more accurate for public transport, small streets, and walking routes, and it’s got all the extra details like business hours, reviews, and crowdedness info that Apple Maps sometimes misses. Apple Maps is great too, but for real-time updates and exploring like a local.
Omio
This is an app where you can check and compare trains, buses, flights, and even ferries all in one place, so you always know you’re getting the best price. Once you’ve found your perfect route, you can book directly through their app or website. Use this code at checkout: loftoe9k0u1v, to claim your €10!
Travel Planning
Trip.com
I’ve personally used Trip.com and honestly, it’s been a lifesaver for planning my trips. They offer pretty much everything, flights, hotels, even full vacation packages, so I can handle all my travel plans in one place. I love how easy it makes booking and how reliable it’s been, no matter where I’m going. For me, it’s made traveling less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
Travefy
I’ve got to say, Travefy has been a total game-changer for me when planning trips. I love how easy it is to use, you can organize all your flights, hotels, and plans in one place without feeling overwhelmed. And if you’re traveling with friends, the collaborative features make coordinating everyone’s plans so much smoother. Honestly, it’s made my trips way more fun and stress-free, and I think you’ll love it too!
I seriously love using Wanderlog for planning my trips, it keeps everything I need in one place. From itineraries and maps to reservations and little notes, it just makes organizing travel so much less stressful. I also love that I can plan with friends in real-time, which is super fun. And the best part? It works offline, so even if I’m wandering around without internet, I can still see all my plans.
Tour Companies
Viator
I’ve always trusted Viator for planning my trips. They’re a well-known tour company that makes it so easy to find and book guided tours and activities all over the world. I love that through their platform, I can connect with local experts and discover experiences I might never find on my own. It’s made traveling so much more convenient and always memorable!
Culture Trip
I’m honestly obsessed with Culture Trip! I love how it’s full of diverse, interesting content that constantly sparks my wanderlust. Whether I’m looking for travel tips, cultural insights, or those hidden gems you don’t find in guidebooks, Culture Trip always has something amazing. It’s definitely my go-to when I want to make my travel experiences richer and more exciting.
G Adventures
If you’re thinking about booking a trip, I’d definitely recommend checking out G Adventures. I’ve found their experiences to be really authentic and immersive, thanks to the amazing local guides who bring each place to life. I love that their small group sizes make it easy to connect with other travelers, it almost feels like traveling with friends. Plus, they really care about sustainability, so you know your trip is making a positive impact on both the environment and the communities you visit. With so many destinations and activities to choose from, there’s honestly something for every type of traveler, and the memories you make stick with you long after the trip is over.
Book Retreats
Book Retreats is an easy-to-use platform that helps you discover and book wellness retreats, workshops, and transformational experiences all over the world. Whether you’re looking for yoga, meditation, fitness, or holistic wellness getaways, the site allows you to filter by location, type of retreat, and dates, making it simple to find the perfect escape. With retreats available in destinations across every continent, Book Retreats is perfect for travelers who want to combine adventure with personal growth and wellness. It’s a go-to resource for planning your next mindful getaway, no matter where in the world you want to go.
Cookly
Cookly is a super handy platform for anyone who loves food and wants to dive into cooking experiences while traveling. I love it because it makes finding cooking classes, food tours, and hands-on culinary workshops around the world so easy and stress-free. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make traditional pasta in Italy, whip up sushi in Japan, or master a local dish somewhere off the beaten path, Cookly connects you with authentic experiences led by local chefs. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just eating out; they want to actually cook, taste, and experience the culture through its food.
Get Connected
Solis Wifi
Solis WiFi has honestly been a total game-changer for me. I can get super fast internet wherever I am, which is a lifesaver whether I’m working, streaming, or just scrolling. It’s small, easy to use, and fits perfectly in my bag when I’m on the go. And I love that I don’t have to stress about security, knowing my connection is safe on public networks just gives me peace of mind.
Deeper Network VPN
I’ve been using Deeper Network VPN, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite options out there. What I love is that it’s decentralized, so it feels way more secure and private than the usual VPNs. Because it uses blockchain technology, you don’t have to blindly trust a central company with your data; everything is more in your control. Plus, since there’s no single point of failure, it’s super reliable, keeps me safe from surveillance, and I never have to worry about losing internet access.
Surfshark VPN
If you’re looking for a VPN, I’d definitely recommend checking out Surfshark. I love that it’s super easy to use and lets you connect unlimited devices at the same time, so you can protect your phone, laptop, tablet, or anything else without having to pick and choose. It also has strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and tons of servers around the world, which makes it really reliable. Plus, their customer support is solid if you ever need help. For the price, it’s honestly hard to beat.
Airalo eSIM
Airalo is a global eSIM app that makes staying connected abroad ridiculously easy. Instead of stressing over SIM cards at the airport, you just download a plan straight to your phone, and you’re good to go. It gives me just the right amount of data at a super low cost, which is all I really need to stay connected while I’m on the go. Use my referral code LOFTON8724 to get USD $3.00 off your first eSIM
Saily eSIM
Saily is another great international eSIM app that I recommend checking out. It’s super easy to use and works well for frequent travelers. I also really like Airalo, though I know some people have run into issues with it, so I wanted to share another solid alternative. Having a couple of eSIM options in your back pocket is always smart; you never know when one app might not cover the country you’re in, or when you’ll need a backup in case of tech hiccups.
Travel Apps
Timeshifter
For me, Timeshifter is an absolute lifesaver when I travel; it’s my go-to for beating jet lag. It gives me personalized tips on when to sleep, get sunlight, or take melatonin based on my schedule and time zones. Honestly, I don’t know how I traveled without it before, it keeps me energized and ready to go, no matter how many time zones I cross.
I love using PackPoint because it takes all the stress out of packing. I just put in my destination, travel dates, and what I’m planning to do, and it creates a customized packing list for me. It even factors in the weather and how long I’ll be gone, so I never forget the essentials. Honestly, it keeps me organized and makes getting ready for a trip so much easier. Packing actually feels kind of fun now!
I honestly love using Priority Pass, it’s been a total game-changer for my travels. Instead of being stuck at crowded airport gates, I get to kick back in over 1,300 lounges worldwide with free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. It just makes traveling so much more comfortable and relaxing. And some lounges even have little extras like spa treatments and showers, which honestly make those long layovers way more bearable. I don’t know how I ever traveled without it!
Social & Community
Meetup
Meetup is my go-to app for finding fun things to do and meeting new people in Europe or all over the world. You can join groups based on your interests and discover events happening right around you, anything from free salsa nights to bingo, hiking trips, or language exchanges. It’s perfect if you’re exploring a new town or just want to expand your circle while trying something different.
If you’ve moved abroad or traveling abroad, Girl Gone International is a great way to stay connected with other women living the expat life. In bigger cities, they even host local events, meetups, and networking opportunities, but even if you’re somewhere smaller, it’s an amazing community to share experiences, swap tips, and make friends who truly get what it’s like to start fresh in a new country. Simply search Girl Gone International [insert your new city] and find out if there is a local chapter.
This women-only community is such a gem for anyone who loves to travel and connect with other women around the world. It’s all about cultural exchange, host a sister in your city or stay with one while traveling, and yes, it’s a great way to score free accommodation! Whether you want to explore new places, make lifelong friends, or just share stories over coffee, this community makes it easy to meet sisters anywhere in the world.
If you’re looking to meet new people and practice languages all over the world, Mundolingo is such a fun way to do so. It’s basically a global language exchange community that helps you find meetups where locals and expats come together to chat, connect, and swap languages in a relaxed social setting (usually over drinks). I love that it’s not just about practicing languages, it’s about making real friends and feeling part of a community. They are based in different parts of the world so you’ll always have a spot to mingle and meet people.
NomadTable is basically the group chat you always wanted while traveling, but never had. It links solo travelers in the same city who actually want to meet up, grab food, and explore. The magic is in how simple it is. You open the app, pick a plan or join someone else’s, and boom… you’ve got people to hang with. No awkward “hey… uh… are you also alone?” energy. No pressure. Just humans who are also wandering around a new city, trying to figure out where the cheap coffee is.
Travel Ladies is a community-focused travel app designed for women who love exploring the world confidently and safely. It connects you with other female travelers, helps you discover travel tips and recommendations, and offers a space to share experiences, advice, and inspiration. Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or looking for like-minded travel buddies, Travel Ladies makes the journey feel supportive, social, and fun.
Miscellaneous
Travel Arrow Extension
I absolutely love using Travel Arrow! It’s this super handy Chrome extension that pops up flight prices and travel details while I’m just browsing the web. It makes planning trips so much easier because I get up-to-the-minute info exactly when I need it. Plus, it helps me find hidden deals and discounts I might’ve missed otherwise, so I end up saving money and making my trips even better. Honestly, I don’t know how I traveled without it
Traveling Mailbox
I absolutely love using Traveling Mailbox! It’s been such a lifesaver for me because I can manage my mail no matter where I am, which makes staying organized so much easier. I don’t have to worry about missing anything important, and it’s been a total game-changer for my business. I can access everything online and handle it from anywhere. Honestly, it just takes so much stress off my plate and lets me focus on the things that really matter. For someone like me who’s always on the move, it’s become an essential tool. I can travel worry-free knowing my mail is safe and just a click away.
You should definitely use Vacations To Go for planning your next trip. I wanted to keep this amazing platform a bit of a secret because it offers unbeatable discounts on cruises and fantastic last-minute deals. It’s my go-to for affordable, high-quality cruises.
Treecard is a walking step tracker that lets you turn your everyday steps into real trees planted around the world. By simply walking, you earn points that fund reforestation projects, helping the planet while staying active. Download Treecard to make your steps count for something bigger! Even better, if you live in Europe, you’re racking up steps daily, which means you’ll reach your rewards even faster! Use code lofton-gsn to get started!
Honey is a free browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout, so you don’t have to waste time hunting for deals. It’s perfect for saving money on everything from clothes to travel bookings, and it even tracks price drops to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Traveling with friends in Europe (or anywhere, really) usually means a lot of group dinners, train tickets, and weekend getaways, and let’s be real, splitting the bill isn’t always smooth. Tricount makes it easy: one person can grab the tab, pop the expense into the app, and it keeps track of who owes what. At the end of the trip, no one’s stuck with a messy group chat and calculator, just a clear, fair breakdown of expenses.