travel essentials

Rachel’s Travel Resources Guide

DISCLAIMER

Disclosure: On this resource page, you will encounter affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Below I’ve included all the products that I’ve used for taking trips, as well as services I’ve used for creating this awesome travel blog. I hope these resources help you. I can absolutely vouch for all of them. 

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

Happy planning!

ACCOMMODATION

1. Trip Advisor

Trip Advisor has been in the travel game foreeeeever. I remember I used to read about the top hotels in dream destinations on this platform, long before I had ever stepped foot out of the country. I still refer to Trip Advisor when I’m planning my vacations. 

2. AirBNB 

AirBNB is the way to go if you want to stay in an apartment in a funky local neighborhood. Or perhaps you want to do a homestay with a family! Book using my AirBNB link to receive $40 off your first qualifying stay! 

PLAN YOUR TRIP

1. Airfarewatchdog 

I man, let’s be perfectly real here. Who doesn’t like cheaper fares on flights?! Keep an eye on your dream flight using Airfarewatchdog. Don’t let a deal slip past you! 

2. Lonely Planet Guidebooks

Lonely Planet is my favorite guidebook publisher. I own a ton of their books and read them just for fun, haha. As of 2011, Lonely Planet has sold over 120 million books, proving their authority in the travel space.  

3. Expedia, Inc

Without a doubt, Expedia is a great place to go if you want to bundle your hotel and airfare costs for great savings. Read Expedia’s reviews to ensure the trip of your dreams. 

GUIDED TOURS & PASSES

1. G Adventures

G Adventures provides small group sustainable tours to more than 100 countries. They’re a fabulous company. I took a G Adventures camping trip in Western Canada and had an amazing time. Use my G Adventures link to see their current promotions and specials.

2. CityPASS

CityPASS helps you save both time and money with its prepaid tickets to the best attractions in your destination city. CityPASS is available in 13 locations. You can save up to 50% off by purchasing their passes! Awesome, huh?

3. Viator

Book tours all over the world using Viator. Simply search for your destination and see what day trips and guided walks are available for booking. I use Viator all the time on the road. I’ve even booked a cab service in Lithuania with them! 

SAFETY ON THE ROAD

1. World Nomads Travel Insurance 

In my opinion, if you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel. I use World Nomads for all of my trips. Their policies are reasonably priced, and you can opt for standard insurance or an adventure policy. Book with World Nomads using the widget below: 

 

 

FOR READERS & TRAVELERS

1. Audible Subscription

Sign up for Audible and listen to the latest audiobooks on your devices. Audiobooks are an excellent way to pass the time on a lengthy plane or bus ride. Use this link to sign up for your Audible membership and receive 2 free audiobooks. Pretty cool, huh?

2. Kindle Oasis

The all new Kindle Oasis is the latest and greatest Kindle product. It reads like real paper so your eyes won’t hurt from staring at the screen. Not to mention, the Kindle Oasis is waterproof and has a nice adjustable light. Perfect for literary travelers.

3. Kindle Unlimited

Kindle Unlimited lets you read as many kindle books as you want for a small monthly fee. Over 1 million ebooks are part of this plan. For example, I’ve noticed tons of great guidebooks, including Lonely Planet, are part of this program. Sign up for Kindle Unlimited to get started. 

CREATE A TRAVEL BLOG

Are you ready to create a travel blog? Awesome! We need more incredible websites in the space. Here are my top resources for creating your shiny new internet business. 

1. Siteground

For a building a travel business, you’ll want to have your own hosting services. I use Siteground’s services, and I cannot say enough good things about them. Siteground’s customer support is so responsive and nice! Siteground also has three different planning options for all sorts of budgets. 

2. Keysearch.co 

I credit Keysearch with my drastic increase in traffic. Keysearch allows you to research keywords ahead of time, and study your chances of ranking on Google for those keywords. A total game changer! Get Keysearch Starter using my link and start increasing traffic on your blog. 

3. Superstar Blogging Course

Nomadic Matt’s course Superstar Blogging will help you start your blog on the “right foot.” I’ve learned so much in the Superstar Blogging course, and definitely appreciate all the kindness and support in the Facebook group! Learn absolutely everything you need to know about building your blog into a successful business. 

4. Tailwind 

Pinterest is another way I grow traffic on my blog. However, I can’t sit around and pin all day. Tailwind allows me to schedule my pins at optimal times. I also love Tailwind’s ability to connect creators with “tribes” in their niche, ensuring even more growth. 

5. Canva 

Want to make beautiful on brand designs, but you aren’t a graphic designer? Canva is a wonderful free tool that will help you make banners and icons for your travel brand! They look gorgeous! And who doesn’t love free services?

6. SmugMug

SmugMug is a paid image hosting site where you can store all your gorgeous photos AND sell them. I’ve used SmugMug for years, and I adore their gorgeous galleries. The platform helps me keep my photos organized and safe. Earn 15% off SmugMug using my link to get started!

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