Travel Recommendations
I’ve been a few places.
Which translates to I know a few things—regarding travel at the very least. Here are a few of my favorites that you can add onto my trips, or you can use to plan your own trip.
Hotels + Flights
Hotels
Booking is a great go-to for finding amazing accommodations worldwide! From cozy B&Bs to luxury resorts, they've got it all. Love the free cancellation options and honest guest reviews. Plus, their Genius loyalty program gives you sweet perks and discounts. Book with confidence and explore the world!
Flights
Sign up for a free Going account (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) to get flight deal alerts in your area. Save money for what matters most - hotels, activities, or amazing meals!
Just create your free account and start receiving flight deals instantly. Want more? Going Premium is $49/year with a 14-day free trial. One deal per year easily pays for itself and then some!
Travel Insurance
"Do I really have to buy travel insurance?"
Honestly, I would have said no three years ago. But the pandemic changed everything. While travel is booming again, the industry is struggling with staffing shortages, unpredictable weather, and operational challenges that make trip disruptions more likely than ever.
Credit card trip protection only covers some costs. Real travel insurance covers trip cancellation, interruption, delays, baggage loss, medical emergencies, and provides 24/7 assistance abroad.
My rule of thumb: If I can't afford to lose the trip cost or pay for an unexpected medical emergency out of pocket, I buy insurance. I've seen too many travelers have to cancel last-minute—those with insurance got reimbursed, those without didn't.
So where do you start looking for travel insurance?
There are hundreds of insurance providers out there, and I know that sifting through them can be incredibly overwhelming. That's why I formed a partnership with a company called Wanderwell--so that my clients and friends can trust they're being insured by a reputable company who I've personally vetted.
Wanderwell, based out of Portland, Oregon, is committed to environmental conservation and sustainable, regenerative business and travel practices. Most importantly, they aim to contribute 5% of annual gross revenue to established non-profits supported by 1% for the Planet and to organizations that promote sustainable travel.
“I purchased travel insurance, at Laura’s recommendation, for the first time and wow! Thank goodness! I’ve been an avid international traveler for many years and have never purchased the travel insurance. For this particular trip I did, and I had to use it. The process was all online and quite simple after I provided the appropriate documentation. There was a wait to get reimbursed, but I did! I will never book a large trip without travel insurance again.” - Angel D
Travel Tools
VPN
Using a VPN, a virtual private network, makes your internet connection secure by encrypting your data as you use the internet. A VPN will keep you safe from potential hackers, phishing, and other internet threats and privacy concerns.
In addition, it is one of the easiest and effective ways to access content while traveling. It is especially important in countries that have restrictions on internet usage, like Russia or Cuba.
I recommend ExpressVPN.
eSIM
GigSky provides fast, reliable data in 190+ countries with no roaming fees or SIM swaps. Plans are data-only (no regular calls/texts) but offer full internet access for apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Messenger. Get $3 off your first plan using code THEL141 when signing up for a GigSky account.
Luggage Storage
Radical Storage is a global luggage storage network offering convenient bag storage in 1000+ cities worldwide. Book online to store bags at vetted local businesses ("Angels") like hotels, cafes, and shops for just $5.25/bag/day. Each booking includes $3,150 insurance coverage. Simply drop off your luggage at designated locations and explore hands-free. Perfect for travelers between flights, hotel check-ins, or sightseeing without heavy bags.
Transportation + Rentals
Transfers
Welcome Pickups is a service that provides personalized airport and port transfers in over 350 cities worldwide. They offer a fixed price, hand-picked drivers who speak English, and provide travel extras like meet-and-greet services, personalized recommendations, and even mini-city tours. They also offer a mobile app for easy booking and management of transfers.
Bike Rentals
BikesBooking is your go-to for two-wheeled adventures worldwide! Rent motorcycles, scooters, or bikes with guaranteed best prices and zero booking hassles. Your ride will be waiting when you arrive - just show up and explore! All rentals include insurance, plus you get free cancellation and support in multiple languages. Perfect for discovering destinations like a local!
Tours
Viator
Viator is easy for booking tours and activities worldwide. 300,000+ experiences from skip-the-line museum passes to epic food tours, they make exploring so easy. Love their real traveler reviews and flexible cancellation policies. Part of TripAdvisor, so you know it's legit! Perfect for spontaneous adventures.
EatWith
EatWith is pure magic for foodie travelers. Dine with locals in their homes across 130+ countries - from pasta-making in Rome to rooftop brunches in Barcelona. It's like having friends everywhere who cook incredible meals! These intimate dinner parties create the most authentic travel memories. Absolutely love it!
Get Your Guide
Discover unique experiences with Get Your Guide. From cooking classes in Tokyo to Harry Potter tours in London, they've got 100,000+ activities that'll make your trip unforgettable. Their app is super user-friendly and the instant booking confirmations give me peace of mind. Adventure awaits!
Big Bus Tours
Okay, this one isn't totally my group travel style, BUT if hop-on hop-off bus tours are your thing, Big Bus is fantastic! Their open-top double-deckers give you amazing city views and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Great for families or first-time visitors who want to see all the highlights!
Credit Cards
I am often asked about my favorite credit cards or what card a person should get next, and my answer is always the same.
It depends. Every person has unique needs and unique spending habits, and depending on your credit score, you will likely qualify for different cards than your friends or family.
That being said, one of the best ways I know to score cheap or free flights is by taking advantage of credit card points and miles. If you use a credit card to purchase everyday items (groceries, dining out, gas, etc.), you can earn enough points to redeem for a free flight. Many credit cards offer intro bonuses, rewards, and perks to make this strategy easier, but there’s also a learning curve to fully understanding how to make the most of points and miles while also being financially responsible and not damaging your credit score.*
A few of my favorite travel cards with no annual fee are Bank of America Travel Rewards and Chase Freedom Unlimited. My favorite cards with an annual fee are the Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve and the Capital One Venture X. For Business cards, I love the Chase Ink Business Unlimited and Preferred.
*This is a topic that has so much information and should be used with discretion.
The following referral links are to some of my favorite cards. By using my link, I receive a small commission at no cost to you, which helps me continue to deliver free content like this to my readers.
The Chase Sapphire cards are hands down some of the best travel rewards cards available. Whether you choose the Preferred ($95 annual fee) or Reserve ($550 annual fee), you'll earn incredible value on travel and dining purchases.
Chase Sapphire
The Capital One Venture is one of my favorite premium travel cards. It has a fairly low annual fee ($95), 2x miles on every purchase, and a free TSA precheck or global entry credit every 5 years.
Get a 75,000 point bonus with Capital One Venture.
Capital One Venture
Overwhelmed by options?
No fear—we’re travel planners and can make custom recommendations tailored to your specific travel needs.