The travel toolkit

This is a roundup of travel tools, gear, and resources that will make your travel planning less of a headache.

(I’m putting this list together as much for you as it is for me because I’m forever forgetting things and it’s neat to have everything in one place for once.)

Some of the things here are exactly what I use and love. Some are things I wish I had. And some are the closest Amazon equivalent to what I own because mine is the bargain-bin version and either isn’t sold anymore or probably shouldn’t be recommended to other people.

How to use this page

Start at the top and work your way down. Or check the table of contents and jump straight to the sections you need. Skim it, save what’s useful, and come back when you’re planning your next trip.

Most importantly, remember that you don’t need to have everything to get started.

Affiliate disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I only recommend things I genuinely use, like, or would suggest to a friend. Using these links helps support this site and allows me to keep writing. You’re never obligated to use them, but I appreciate if you do.

Planning & booking

These are the tools I use when I’m trying to turn “maybe someday” into an actual trip.

Flights & transport

  • Skyscanner — This is where I go for inspiration. I love their “Explore Everywhere” feature when I’m not sure where I want to go yet.
  • Kiwi & CheapOair — Once I know my destination, I use these to compare prices and route options alongside Skyscanner.
  • Trip.com & Booking.com — I compare these with airline websites because third-party platforms sometimes have better promos. I also use Trip.com to book buses and trains, especially in China.
  • 12Go — Great for booking buses, trains, ferries, and transfers. It saves you from juggling multiple local websites.

Accommodation

  • Booking.com — Usually my first stop for hotels. Reliable, straightforward, and easy to compare options.
  • Agoda — Helpful for price-checking against Booking.com to see which platform offers the better deal for the same stay.
  • Trip.com — Especially useful in China. Often cheaper and includes many local guesthouses that don’t show up on larger platforms.
  • Airbnb — I occasionally use this if I find a unique stay that isn’t available on regular hotel booking sites.

Tours & experiences

  • Klook — Great for booking attractions, transport passes, and tours (especially in Asia), often at discounted prices.

→ Read my full Klook review if you want to know when it’s worth booking through them

  • GetYourGuide — Wide range of tours and skip-the-line tickets in major cities, with solid reviews to compare options.
  • Viator — Similar to GetYourGuide, with a large selection of day tours and activities worldwide.
  • Trip.com — Besides transport and hotels, it also lists local tours and attraction tickets, especially useful in China.
  • Airbnb Experiences — More intimate, host-led activities that can feel less commercial and more personal.

Travel insurance

I usually use Etiqa (Maybank) because I already bank with them and it’s easy to purchase through the app. I’ve made a claim with them before and the process was smooth and straightforward.

I’ve also used Generali, though I haven’t had to file a claim with them. Other top-rated international options include:

  • SafetyWing — Flexible and popular with digital nomads and long-term travelers.
  • World Nomads — Known for covering adventure activities and more “active” trips.
  • Allianz Travel Insurance — Established provider with broad global coverage.
  • Compensair & AirHelp help passengers file claims for flight delays and cancellations in the EU.

I’ll be writing a more detailed breakdown of travel insurance and compensation soon, but this is a good place to start.

SIM cards & internet

I used to rawdog it and just go without any internet, but eSIMs have been a game changer. They’re easy to set up before I land, and I don’t have to hunt for a SIM card counter at the airport.

I only switch to a local physical SIM if I’m staying longer and need a local phone number for things like:

  • Opening a bank account
  • Signing up for delivery apps
  • Government or visa-related services

For eSIMs, Klook offers country-specific plans as well as regional options like Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America.

Airalo is another solid option.

Packing & gear

Bags & organization

  • Carry-on backpack (25L) — I’m a hardcore light packer and only travel with a 25L backpack no matter how long the trip. If you prefer a bit more breathing room, 30L to 40L is a practical range for carry-on only travel.
  • Packing cubes — Some people pack everything into cubes with military precision. I’m not that person. I mainly use them for smaller items I don’t want disappearing into the abyss, like cables, makeup, and undergarments.
  • Daypack or foldable tote — For everyday exploring, groceries, or spontaneous purchases. A lightweight one that folds small is ideal.
  • Crossbody bag or money belt — Good for crowded areas and travel days when you want essentials close to you.

→ Here’s why packing light is my number one trick for travelling cheap.

Clothing & basics

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals or flip flops
  • Lightweight jacket or layer
  • Quick-dry towel

Camera & content gear

  • Insta360 — Great for immersive, wide-angle shots and capturing moments without worrying too much about framing.
  • DJI Osmo Pocket — Small, lightweight, and stabilized. Easy to carry around all day.
  • Memory cards — Always carry extras. Running out of storage mid-trip is avoidable suffering.
  • Small tripod — For solo photos, stable video, and not having to balance your camera on questionable surfaces.

Other tech stuff

  • Universal travel adapter — One adapter that works in multiple countries. Saves you from packing five different plugs or panic-buying one at the airport.
  • Power bank — Gone are the days when phones lasted for days. Essential for long travel days, delayed flights, and Google Maps emergencies.
  • Noise-canceling earphones — For flights, buses, hostels, or just tuning out the world when you need a quiet moment.

Small things that make a difference

  • Reusable water bottle — Saves money, reduces plastic, and means you’re not constantly hunting for a convenience store.
  • Basic first-aid & meds pouch — Painkillers, plasters, stomach meds. Incredibly useful when you need them in a jiffy.
  • Ear plugs — Essential for sleeping on planes, buses, or in shared accommodation.
  • Eye mask — For overnight transport, bright hostel rooms, or when your body clock has completely given up.
  • Travel locks — good for when I’m staying in hostels or for the days when I’m feeling extra paranoid.

Money & admin

  • Wise card — What I use for spending, transfers, and not getting bankrupted by exchange rates.
  • Backup bank card
  • Digital and physical copies of documents — Passport, insurance, bookings.

Want practical travel skills?

Gear and apps are helpful, but some things you only learn by doing (or reading, if you haven’t had a chance to do them yet).

I’m currently putting together a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to plan your first solo trip, even if you’re chronically unorganized or have never traveled anywhere before.

So, watch this space for updates, but in the meantime, you can browse all my practical guides here:

👉Browse all travel tips

If you still can’t decide…

If you’re on this page because you want to travel but feel unsure, undecided, or underqualified, this might just be the little nudge that you need:

And if this isn’t your season to travel yet, start here instead → Traveling from Home: How to Beat the Wanderlust Blues When You Can’t Travel.

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