Have you decided to go on a trip but don’t know where to start planning? No worries, that’s why I decided to gather all my favorite tools on this page.
After many years of travel, I have tested quite a few travel companies. Some have been amazing, and others have been nightmares. To avoid dreadful situations, I have listed below my favorite tools and resources that I use to plan all my travels.
All of the brands listed here have been tested firsthand.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. I use all the companies listed here and recommend them because they made travel easier and helped me to save loads of money.
If you have any questions about the listed companies, just write me!
Table of Contents
Free Resources
Travel Discounts & Coupons
Who doesn’t like to save a little money when planning a trip?
That’s why I teamed up with some of the best travel brands to create discount codes. They’ll help you to save tons of money!
As a thank you for checking out my website, I’d like to offer you these amazing coupons.
Travel Insurance
HeyMondo offers 24/7 worldwide assistance for travelers.
No out-of-pocket expenses.
The best is their app, which has a 24/7 online doctor chat and free assistance calls.
No code needed
eSim Holafly
eSim Holafly is a hassle-free and cost-effective way to stay connected while traveling.
With instant activation and competitive rates in over 200 countries, it’s an excellent option for frequent travelers like me.
Code automatically applied
RentalCars
Who else loves road trips? As I don’t own a car, I prefer to rent one if I can’t reach my destination by public transportation.
Don’t you think that renting a car occasionally is another way of sustainable travel? Instead of owning one?
Click here to get up to -20% off
No code needed
Sundried
Sundried sells eco-friendly sports and activewear. Indeed, their workout clothes are made with the only biodegradable polyamide yarn on the planet.
Clothing made from this fabric will take only 3 years to be eliminated from the planet.
Code: “PAULINA”
Conscious Step
I love the stylish, ethically made socks of Conscious Step. But the best part is: For every pair of socks purchased, a donation goes directly to a non-profit.
Shop by the cause you want to support: protect wildlife, children’s education…
Code: “MYFIRSTSTEP”
Flights
Skyscanner
When looking for flight deals, Skyscanner is where I head first. They include almost every airline worldwide, even island flights in Cape Verde.
My favorite part is to leave the destination slot empty and see that it is the current cheapest destination
WayAway
If I want to compare flight deals, I head over to WayAway. On top, WayAway comes with a cash-back option!
Accommodation
Booking.com
I admit that I am a HUGE fan of Booking.com. Why? First, their numerous filters help you to find the best accommodation.
Second, they give away amazing loyalty bonuses.
Their customer service was fabulous when I had problems with a canceled stay!
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is your go-to site if you are looking for the best hotel deals.
They compare hotel prices of other platforms and only propose to you the best prices.
I also love the abundance of reviews for every hotel!
Hostelworld
If you are traveling on a budget and don’t want to drain your budget on accommodation, you’ll love Hostelworld.
Hostelworld features only the best hostels worldwide. Often, you can only find them on this site and nowhere else!
Travel Insurance & Visa
HeyMondo
I used HeyMondo on my last trip to Cape Verde and I couldn’t be happier.
My favorite part is the free assistance calls and their intuitive app.
When at the hospital, there are no out-of-pocket expenses.
SafetyWing
SafetyWing is perfect for long-time travelers and digital nomads.
The best part is that you can buy your insurance while you are already abroad!
Visits to the home country are covered, too!
Travel Gear
REI.com
I am a huge fan of all outdoor gear from REI.com. I love that you can only browse products according to sustainability and vegan material.
Their outdoor gear ranges from kayaks to hiking boots, swimwear and cozy fleece jackets. Browse their outlet for the best discounted outdoor gear.
TourRadar
TourRadar is my go-to place for multi-day tours in Europe, the Middle East and the US.
Whether I am looking for a scenic Rhine River cruise or a trip to the best Christmas Markets in Europe, TourRadar offers the best rates and impeccable customer service.
Patagonia
I love Patagonia when looking for sustainable backpacks. Whether you are looking for backpacks made from recycled material or vegan backpacks, Patagonia has a large choice.
The sustainable backpacks from Patagonia come in all kinds of sizes and are suitable also for small budgets.
Tours & Activities
GetYourGuide
Whether you are looking for food tours or skip-the-line tickets, you can get it all at GetYourGuide.
I love them for their affordable rates, great customer service, and easy-to-use entrance tickets. You get them sent straight to your phone!
The best site for all tours in European cities.
Viator
Viator has the best offers and prices for tours and activities in USA.
It’s my site to go to when booking activities in Cape Verde or Wisconsin.
I love the fact that you get extensive reviews.
BajaBikes
Who else love bike tours? Baja Bikes offers the best bike tours in Europe and in many US cities too!
Besides bike tours, you can also rent bikes or do mountain bike tours with them.
A great way to explore new places.
Click&Boat
My favorite place to be is on the sea! I love to charter boats with Click&Boat to spend a great time with friends.
On top of that, you often get the best views of a destination while sailing! Do something unique and charter a boat!
Lonely Planet
If you want to explore a destination like a local and find the best-hidden places that no other guidebook tells you about, get yourself a Lonely Planet Guide.
I particularly love their sections about history and culture.
They have a great shop with countless travel gifts, too!
G Adventures
G Adventures is a great choice for adventure travelers. It’s particularly significant for solo travelers since their adventure tours are all in small groups.
Whether you are looking to hike the Inca trail or explore the highlights of Spain with top-notch tours,
Ground Transportation
Omio
Omio is the best place to buy your train tickets or bus tickets.
They offer up-to-date public transport schedules in US and Europe.
It’s so easy to book. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and travel dates. Omio will suggest the best way to reach your destination by train, bus, or ferry.
KiwiTaxi
If there’s one thing I hate, it’s arriving late at the airport and waiting for the next bus.
That’s why I book my airport transfers with KiwiTaxi. It makes travel much easier when booking your transfer in advance… at unbeatable prices!
Discover Cars
To find the best car hire deal, check out Discover Cars.
They browse thousands of companies, allowing you to compare and save up to 70% on car rentals in Europe and the US.
On top they offer free cancellation and 24/7 support!
Ethical Travel Fashion Brands
KOTN
I love to pack pieces by KOTN when traveling since they work with the softest cotton out there: Egyptian cotton.
On top, it’s stronger than any other cotton in the world.
Every purchase at KOTN directly supports the lives of our cotton farmers and their children.
Outerknown
When looking for colorful dresses or sustainable swimwear, Outerknown is my go-to site.
90% of their fibers are sourced organic, recycled, or regenerated.
Vivo Barefoot
Once you wear Vivo Barefoot shoes, you will never go back! They create the lightest shoes possible with minimal interference to natural movement.
I love their Primus Lite II since it’s vegan and made of recycled material.
Conscious Step
CONSCIOUS STEP produces GOTS and vegan-certified socks and donates every pair of socks purchased directly to a non-profit.
You can browse socks according to the cause you want to support.
Code: “MYFIRSTSTEP”
Now in Rio
Now in Rio is not only made with the best eco-fabrics but it stays put, looks flawless, and fits like a glove all the while being sustainably and ethically manufactured.
Code: “ONTHEROAD20”
REI.com
Whether you are looking for sustainable backpacks, organic underlayers for your next camping trip, or vegan hiking shoes, REI.COM has you covered.
Have a look at their outlet store to get top brands at discounted prices.
Girlfriend Collective
Looking for sustainable and ethically made activewear? Have a look at Girlfriend Collective.
They turn plastic bottles, fishing nets, and other waste into bras, leggings, and shorts.
Sizes from XXS-6XL
Reformation
I am a big fan of the dreamy dresses and feminine silhouettes by Reformation.
They source the most beautiful and sustainable fabrics possible to bring the latest fashion designs to life quickly.
8000Kicks
8000Kicks offers shoes made from premium industrial hemp.
Its name is inspired by the period when hemp fabric was initially used, i.e. 8000 BC.
Code: “PAULINEWEIS”
Karativa
Karativa makes gorgeous customized jewelry for every occasion.
They come in sustainable jewelry boxes.
Code: PAULINA15