Not sure how to start planning your trip?
After 15 years of full-time travel, I’ve curated some of my favorite resources for everything from prepping to packing, booking, and more.
The ones listed below are a combination of my go-to choices or highly recommended by those I trust. I return to them again and again because they consistently provide great deals, reliable service, and outstanding experiences. They’re the first places I turn to when planning my trips, and I highly recommend them for yours too!
Transparency notice: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—when you book through them. This helps me keep my content fresh, create new travel guides, and grow this community. I only recommend companies I personally use and trust.
Apps
Happy Cow
An OG vegan foodie travel resource! The Happy Cow app and website have long been a reliable resource for finding vegan food wherever you are in the world. The user-generated reviews also include vegan-friendly hotels, destinations, and animal sanctuaries to support and visit.
For better or worse, I’ve noticed that more and more businesses abroad are using WhatsApp to communicate with their customers. From confirming restaurant reservations to car rental services and dentist appointments. Even if you don’t use it for regular communication, it’s helpful to have set up before your trip.
Google Maps
I mostly use Google Maps for food spotting. Enter the word “vegan” in the search bar and it’ll pull up restaurants that have “vegan” in their description or in the customer reviews. Important note: It pulls up any instance of the word. So, if someone writes in a review “not many vegan options” it’ll show up in your search results. So be sure to read the context before making plans to go there. Can be used offline.
Find Me Gluten Free
Great resource for finding gluten-free restaurants, cafes, and grocers. You can cross-reference vegan spots in this app too.
Google Translate
The camera feature allows you to hold it over whatever text you need to be translated, and it’ll translate in real-time. Up to 94 languages. And you don’t have to be connected to the internet to use it, which is handy.
Ride-Share & Public Transit
Check out local ride-sharing and public transit apps before you go! Many destinations have their own versions of Uber or Lyft, so be sure to download the right app to support local businesses. The same goes for public transportation—major cities often have apps with real-time train and bus schedules to help you navigate with ease.
Gear
Delsey Luggage
I own the Dune hardshell carry-on suitcase and the Shadow hardshell expandable spinner checked suitcase. I’ve dragged both of these suitcases over the unforgiving cobblestones of Lisbon and they’re sturdy as ever. Super durable. Love them!
Solgaard Backpacks
This is the most expensive backpack I’ve ever purchased and it was so worth it—the Venture Backpack with an expansion and compression feature. It includes their signature ‘FlowCloset’ system. The quality is top-notch. I often pair it with my Delsey Dune carry-on for trips lasting up to three months!
Thule Compression Packing Cubes
Compression packing cubes are what make traveling with a carry-on possible. I purchased some inexpensive ones from a big box store and after one trip, the zippers broke. So, this is one of those items that’s worth investing in a higher-quality version.
Bombas Compression Socks
In recent years—as I’ve gotten older—I’ve become a big fan of compression socks. They improve circulation, reduce swelling, and lower the risk of blood clots on long flights. They help prevent fluid buildup, minimize fatigue, and promote faster recovery after travel.
Trtle Travel Pillow
After experimenting with a few different travel pillows, Trtle has come out on top. It’s easily adjustable to what’s comfy for you, isn’t as bulky as traditional travel pillows, and stores easily in my carry-on backpack.
Manduka Travel Yoga Mat
This may fall into the unnecessary/luxury category of travel items but I know my days are improved when I can start with a solid yoga practice. So, I finally went for it and purchased this foldable yoga mat, which fits in my carry-on and is thicker than most travel mats. Super happy with this purchase!
Tech
Airalo eSIM
eSIMs mean we don’t have to buy a physical SIM card after landing in a new country. Yay! I like Airalo because it’s easy to set up and use. And they have flexible payment options. Get USD $3.00 off your first eSIM package from Airalo. Use code KRISTI5562 when you sign up or check out.
Portable Chargers
Having a portable charger is a must when I travel. Never worry about running out of battery power if you go overboard with food photos or wildlife videos. LOL.. I’m not tied to any one charger, but these are the highest ranked (I have the Anker):
Outlet Adaptors
Don’t leave home without an outlet adaptor or else you won’t be able to charge your devices (or your portable charger). I have both the Epicka universal adaptor and the Ceptics power adaptor set. I purchased the set first in my early travel days then moved to the block adaptor. But I travel with both now to have a backup.
Airfare
Going
Previously known as Scott’s Cheap Flights, Going uncovers great flight deals. If you have flexibility with your travel dates and destinations, you can take advantage of incredible savings, often cutting costs by hundreds of dollars. It’s the leading flight deal subscription service in the U.S.
Google Flights
Google Flights allows you to input your departure airport and explore a map of flight options worldwide, helping you identify the most affordable destinations. It’s a useful tool for comparing routes, connections, and fares at a glance.
SkyScanner
SkyScanner consistently finds the best deals. The calendar view makes it easy to spot the cheapest travel dates, and I love that it scans smaller booking sites that others overlook, ensuring you don’t miss any hidden bargains. This should be your first stop for flight searches.
Accommodations
HostelWorld
This is the top site for booking hostel accommodations, offering the largest selection, the most user-friendly search features, and the highest availability. I rely on it for all my hostel stays, as few other platforms match its scale and options.
Booking.com
Offering some of the most extensive range of budget accommodations worldwide, Booking.com consistently finds the lowest prices. It also has a user-friendly interface and a flexible booking policy with no upfront payment.
TrustedHousesitters
TH is a platform that connects you with homeowners seeking pet and house sitters. In return for caring for their pets or property, you’ll receive free accommodation. I’ve had some great experiences with TH but be sure to research your destination as some countries see this as a work exchange and may require a special visa.
Travel insurance
WorldNomads
This is my go-to travel insurance as it provides all-inclusive insurance plans. With coverage for over 200 activities, World Nomads is a great option for active or adventurous travelers. They were super helpful when I had emergency dental work done across two countries!
Faye
Faye Travel Insurance provides customizable coverage for health, trips, belongings, and pets, managed through an app. Key features include emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation, a “Cancel For Any Reason” add-on, and 24/7 global assistance with telemedicine access.
TravelInsurance.com
TravelInsurance.com makes it easy to compare and purchase travel insurance by providing quotes from multiple providers based on trip details. It offers a range of plans from major insurers, and users can buy policies directly, receiving documents via email.
Tour companies
Vegan Adventure Holidays
A woman-owned and operated vegan hiking and tour company, Vegan Adventure Holidays hosts small-group hiking tours in South America and Europe. ** One of Will Travel for Vegan Food’s tour partners **
World Vegan Travel
For luxury vegan travel experiences, World Vegan Travel is a must. I’ve met the founders in person—and even cat-sat for them in Bangkbk ages ago—and they’re lovely. Highly recommend!
VegNews Vacations
One of the OG travel providers, VegNews often partners with vegan professionals to bring their guests to highly desirable locations around the world.
Veggies Abroad
Veggies Abroad is a vegan travel company offering small-group tours and trip-planning services that blend adventure with a dedication to ethical practices.
Vegan Cruises
Vegan Cruises offers luxury all-vegan cruises, including Europe’s rivers and groundbreaking ocean cruises like the Norwegian Fjords (2017) and the Baltic Sea (2019).
Green Earth Travel
Green Earth Travel arranges sustainable, cruelty-free vacations, helping vegetarians and vegans travel while aligning with their values and protecting the planet.
Vegan Travel Asia
Vegan Travel Asia offers immersive cultural experiences with 100% local vegan cuisine. What started with three trips in India in 2004 has expanded to 27 tours annually across nine countries, including Bhutan, Cambodia, and Thailand, promoting cultural understanding and meaningful local experiences.
The Getaway Co
The Getaway Co. curates vegan travel experiences rooted in compassion, integrity, fun, community, and empowerment. They focus on cruelty-free choices, transparency, and joyful travel while connecting like-minded individuals and empowering conscious decisions for meaningful journeys.
G Adventures
While not exclusively vegan, G Adventures, does a great job catering to their vegan guests, offering small-group tours focused on culture, nature, and active experiences in over 100 countries.
Sandemans
I’ve taken at least a half dozen Sandemanns tours over the years and they’re always informative, fun, and interesting. These are free/donation-based walking tours, worldwide.
Walks
Walks provides detailed history, food, and cultural tours in cities worldwide, with a strong focus on Europe. Their small-group tours offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access.
EF Go Ahead Tours
EF Go Ahead Tours, part of EF Education First, offers guided group travel with a focus on cultural immersion and education. They provide solo, group, and private tours. ** One of Will Travel for Vegan Food’s tour partners **
TrovaTrip
TrovaTrip connects travelers with local operators for pre-planned group trips, focusing on safety, sustainability, and ethical practices. The platform handles bookings and support, offering community-driven travel experiences.
Intrepid
Intrepid Travel offers small group tours focused on authentic experiences and supporting local communities. With various trip styles across 100+ countries, they provide local transportation, accommodations, and opportunities for solo travelers to connect.
Viator
Viator, a Tripadvisor brand, is a major online platform for booking tours, activities, and experiences. It offers a wide range of options and operates on a commission-based model, taking a percentage of each sale made by tour operators.
Digital nomad resources
Nomad Soulmates
Nomad Soulmates is a community and platform, featuring a Facebook group and dating app, aimed at connecting digital nomads and remote workers. It offers opportunities to form romantic relationships and friendships, along with hosting events and workshops.
Outsite
Outsite is a network of coliving spaces tailored for digital nomads and remote workers, providing shared workspaces, private rooms, outdoor activities, and a supportive community to promote a balanced work-life experience in scenic locations.
WorkFrom
WorkFrom is a valuable resource for discovering laptop-friendly cafes and coworking spaces across the US and Europe. With over 16,000 locations contributed by members, it makes finding the perfect spot to work on the go easier than ever.
DIY guides and checklists
- Free travel guide to Lisbon (coming soon)
- Free essentials packing checklist (coming soon)
- Free guide to the most vegan-friendly cities in the world (coming soon)
Other essentials
- Tissues
- Vitamins
- Shoe bags
- First Aid kit
- Face masks
- Pen and paper
- Flushable wipes
- VPN (I use SurfShark)
- Travel-sized toothbrush
- Airtags (to track luggage)
- Small umbrella
- Printed itinerary
- Reusable water bottle
- Sanitizer (wipes and liquids)
- Printed emergency contacts
- Printed copies of ID/passport
- Sudafed, Advil, and/or Ibuprofen
- Snacks (protein bars and mixed nuts)
- Small/packable day pack/backpack
- Noise-canceling headphones/earbuds and/or earplugs
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