Plan Your Trip

START HERE

• Start with the best travel advice according to a reader.
• How to Get US Passports, Travel Visas, and Immunizations.
• Wondering whether to travel solo, with friends, or with a group of friends you haven’t met yet? Let us help you decide.

CHOOSE A DESTINATION

• 3 Easy and Affordable Destinations for Beginner Travelers.
• Find inspiration in our favorite travel books and travel movies.

Explore Our City Guides to Destinations Around the World

FLIGHTS + TRANSPORTATION

• Learn how to research flights and get our strategies to find cheap flights.
• Learn how to use budget airlines to get around Europe cheaply.
• We can help you prepare for a long flight and fight off motion sickness.
• Consider a hop-on hop-off bus system in Europe.
• When to use a Eurail pass (and when not to).
• Consider alternate means of travel, like cycling, vanlife, or motorcycle.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

• Why You Need Travel Insurance and Where You Can Buy It.
• Many travel credit cards offer insurance benefits. Check your favorite travel credit card or apply for one to get those awesome extras!
• We’ve used: month-to-month protection including global medical coverage from SafetyWing, annual plans from Allianz, short-term plans from World Nomads, and InsureMyTrip where you can compare many plans and providers at once.

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Tips for Finding Cheap Accommodations Overseas.
• Consider Couch Surfing and hostels to save money.
• Work for your accommodations with Workaway, Helpx, or WWOOF.
• Housesitting or petsitting is another way to score cheap accommodations.
• We have all the hostel safety tips for female travelers.
• We recommend hostels for travelers of all ages.

MONEY

• Avoid ATM fees while you travel with a Charles Schwab checking account.
• Learn how to avoid fees overseas using credit cards and how to access your money overseas.
• 21 Budget Tips That WILL Save You Money On the Road.
• Let us help you choose the best travel credit card for your needs.

SMART TRAVEL TIPS

• All Americans should know these 12 things before traveling overseas.
• Learn these travel adapter basics and be ahead of the curve.
• What to wear traveling the world – dress codes around the world.
• Learn the best ways to meet people as a solo traveler.
• What to do when an airline loses your luggage.
• 10 things to do as you prepare for long-term travel.
• Why you should learn another language – and how!
• How to say “I’m hungry” in 10 different languages.
• Work your way around the world – find a job, volunteer, or join the Peace Corps.
• Use education as a way to see the world! There are so many study abroad options available.

PACKING

• The Ultimate Travel Packing List: A Year in a Carry On Backpack.
• We can help you choose the best travel shoes, backpack, or crossbody bag for your trip.
• Need help picking the best travel-friendly hair products? We can help.
• Men, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a men’s carry-on packing list just for you!
• What to pack to survive a long flight.
• Planning a bike tour? We’ve got an all-weather packing list for you.
• We share all the tips for packing for long-term travel in a carry-on.
• How to choose the perfect travel backpack.
• Backpack reviews: Osprey Farpoint 55L, Osprey Meridian 60L Wheeled Carry On, Gregory Jade 50L.
• How to pack for Europe in a 30L backpack.
• The best things to pack to help you stay healthy and to help you sleep while traveling.

CELL PHONES

• Compare cell phone plans for travelers and choose the best one for you.
• How to Get a Foreign Prepaid SIM Card Before You Travel.
• Plus, learn how I Switched to T-Mobile and will never turn back.
• Learn how to keep your US cell phone number while you travel long-term.
• See our list of must-have travel apps.
• Itching to get on the open road? Add these helpful road trip apps before you go!
• Make sure to download our travel and adventure playlist!

GROUP TRAVEL TIPS

• Read about the benefits of traveling with a group and the different ways to do it.
• We’ll help you stick to your budget when traveling with friends.
• 5 Tips For Traveling with a Friend (or Family or Partner).
• Get rich travel experiences at affordable prices with Busabout.
• To travel solo – but not alone – try Busabout! Read about driving through the Balkans and sailing from Split to Dubrovnik in Croatia and back.

COMING HOME

• Culture shock can be just as hard to adjust to when you return home as it was when you left. Let us help you.
• Read our best tips for in-between travels.
• Watch movies or read books set in distant places to keep that travel buzz going.