Travel Resources
Everything you need to travel slower, deeper, and more intentionally—even with a limited budget or a “weak” passport.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links—that means that at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you book through these links, and that helps me keep this blog running.
Browse My Favorite Tools
01.
How to Travel for Free
Traveling doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, with the right mindset, courage and a little creativity, you can exchange your time, skills, or care for accommodation, food, and incredible experiences. It’s one of the most fulfilling ways to travel long-term and deeply connect with local communities.
Worldpackers
My go-to for volunteering and work exchange. I love the honest reviews and their guarantees—like refunds if no one replies and insurance if a host cancels. I’ve used it to travel for free in the U.S., Turkey, and Jordan. Check my honest review about them.
🤩 Use my code HAPPINESSONTHEWAY for $10 off your membership.
Workaway
This is my second go-to for finding hosts, especially in remote places. They have one of the biggest host networks worldwide. I’ve used Workaway to volunteer in Alaska, Arizona, and Athens.
🤩 Sign up with my link and get 1 extra month added to your membership for free!
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is completely free and great if you’re on a tight budget, but it does take a bit of courage and thorough vetting of your host. I used it in Alaska and stayed on a local’s couch for three nights, and we ended up cooking Filipino food together!
TrustedHousesitters
TrustedHousesitters lets you stay in beautiful homes for free in exchange for taking care of pets—usually dogs or cats. I love that it gives me way more freedom with my time compared to volunteering and perfect if you miss your dog while traveling like I do.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking lets you get free rides from strangers. It takes courage, patience, and intuition, but it can lead to the most unforgettable connections. I’ve done it in Alaska, Sri Lanka, and Cyprus, and always met kind, generous people.
02.
Find Cheap Flights
Flight prices can make or break your travel budget, but with the right tools, you can score some unbelievable deals. Flexibility with dates, routes, and even airports can save you thousands. This section will help you book smart so you can fly farther for less.
Skyscanner
My go-to for finding cheap flights. Its flexible filters make it easy to find the cheapest places and best times to travel from wherever you are.
Google Flights
I use this to track prices and get email alerts for places I want to visit. It’s great if your dates are flexible or your trip is still far ahead—it helps you book at the right time.
Kiwi.com
I usually book with Kiwi when I’ve finalized my plans and don’t need check-in baggage. Their routes are often cheaper and creative—just double-check layovers and policies before booking.
03.
Find the Best Accommodation
I’ve already covered how to score free stays through volunteering and house-sitting in #1—but if you’re looking to have more flexibile time, this section is for you.
Where you stay affects not only your budget—but your entire travel experience. Whether you’re into social hostels, cozy homestays, or boutique hotels, I’ve stayed in dozens of unique places and will show you how to find the best ones for your travel style.
Hostelworld
If I’m not volunteering, I’m usually stay in a hostel. It’s the best way to meet other travelers, share rides, and get local tips. Hostelworld specializes in hostels—including ones you won’t find on other booking sites.
Booking.com
If I’m traveling with my partner or just want a comfy place to recharge, I usually check Booking.com. Almost everything is listed here—and the free cancellation makes planning super flexible.
Agoda
I usually check Agoda for stays in Southeast Asia. They often have cheaper rates than other platforms, especially for hotels and budget accommodations.
VRBO
I use VRBO for longer stays with my partner or friends. It’s my go-to over Airbnb because the service fees are lower, and you can get entire homes without the high price tag.
04.
Join Unique Tours Around the World
One of the best parts of travel is discovering what makes a place truly special. Local tours, walking tours, and cultural experiences bring destinations to life in a way guidebooks never could. These platforms help you connect with locals and dive deeper wherever you go.
GetYourGuide
My favorite platform for booking unique local experiences. I’ve joined local cooking classes, walking tours, and even hidden-gem day trips—and everything has been smooth and memorable. Great if you want something beyond the typical tourist checklist.
Klook
My go-to for tours and tickets across Asia. It often has the cheapest prices—especially in the Philippines, Japan, and other parts of Southeast Asia—and they frequently offer seaonal sales and discounts.
🤩 Get 5% off by using the code GLADISKLOOK on tours and hotels.
Viator
Best for day tours in the U.S.—especially if you’re short on time and want something reliable and well-reviewed. I use it for museum passes, city tours, and day trips and It’s very reliable.
05.
Get Around on a Budget
Transportation doesn’t have to be expensive—especially if you travel slowly. From scenic trains to budget buses and even rental cars, there are plenty of ways to save while still exploring fully. The trick is knowing where to look (and when to book).
12Go (Asia)
My go-to for booking buses, trains, and ferries across Asia. It’s super helpful for countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka—where schedules can be tricky to figure out on your own. Everything’s in one place and easy to book.
Trainline (Europe)
I use it when I want a fast, no-fuss way to compare routes and prices in Europe—especially for cross-border trips. It’s reliable, user-friendly, and often cheaper than booking last minute at the station.
FlixBus (US)
FlixBus was a lifesaver during my U.S. backpacking trip—I wasn’t confident driving there. It’s cheap, includes free Wi-Fi and baggage, and makes getting around super easy.
Discover Cars
My partner and I found Discover Cars to be the best option for renting cars worldwide. It consistently has lower prices, includes local companies, and is more transparent with fees and insurance.
06.
Best Travel Insurance
No one likes to think about what could go wrong—but travel insurance makes all the difference when it does. Whether it’s a canceled flight, a hospital visit, or a stolen backpack, the peace of mind is priceless.
Travel insurance is something I never skip—I don’t try to save money here. I always make sure I’m covered when traveling long-term.
SafetyWing (Long-term Trips)
I personally use this travel insurance, especially for long-term trips. It’s affordable, made for digital nomads, and covers both travel and health emergencies. You’re covered in 180+ countries—all starting at just $5 a day!
Klook (Short Trips)
Klook offers the cheapest travel insurance for basic coverage. I use it whenever I take short trips. It’s also easy to add during checkout when I’m booking tours or transport through them.
🤩 Get 5% off on your travel insurance by using the code GLADISKLOOK
07.
How To Save on ATM Fees Abroad
I hate paying high withdrawal fees and getting ripped off with bad exchange rates abroad. After testing a few options over the years, I finally found a travel card I’ve trusted for more than 7 years. It lets me withdraw cash in most countries with zero fees and gives me near the real exchange rate—saving me hundreds while traveling long-term.
Wise
I don’t travel abroad without my Wise card. It lets me hold multiple currencies and offers super low fees for transfers and ATM withdrawals in over 170 countries. Plus, their exchange rates are almost the same as the real market rate—no hidden markups.
08.
Best Travel eSIM
I’ve switched to eSIMs for all my travels because I hate the hassle of landing late at night and scrambling to find a SIM card booth. No more guessing if I’m being overcharged or trying to haggle in a new language. With an eSIM, I can connect instantly, top up easily, and start exploring right away.
Airalo
I’ve switched to eSIMs for all my travels, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. Airalo offers affordable data in 200+ countries, with local, regional, and global eSIM options. It’s super easy to set up, top up, and stay connected wherever you are.
🤩 Get US$3 off your first purchase with the code: GLADIS1238, or 10% off as an existing user using this link.