Travel Resources
All my favorite
Travel Resources
As an avid world traveler, outdoor adventurer, and all-around-explorer, I’ve tried and tested just about everything in the travel & outdoors world. Here I’m sharing some of my absolute favorite resources, from flights to accommodation, insurance, and more to help make your own travels as seamless as possible.
Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you click the link and make a purchase – at no extra cost to you! I only share things I genuinely love and think my audience would love too! This is one of the ways I’m able to keep making these free resources and guides for you. Thank you so much for your continued support! Learn more about my affiliate policy here.
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Jump To:
| Flights | Accommodation | Transportation | Insurance | Tours & tour companies | Travel Apparel & Suitcases |
| Gear | Travel Planning | Travel Blogging | eSIMs | Other Travel (& Outdoor) Resources |
Flights
Thrifty Traveler
Thrifty Traveler has been my #1 cheap flight deal finder for my travels! When you sign up, an expert travel team will find deals and then send them directly to your inbox. You’ll get domestic & international flight deals including economy, premium economy, even points & miles deals (which is what sets this one apart!). You can get deals from almost every U.S. and Canadian airport too (!). Would highly recommend upgrading to premium too – if you book just ONE deal, it pays for itself! BONUS: you can use code “ROAMFREE” as a new subscriber to get $20 off your first year!
Skyscanner
If you have a SPECIFIC place in mind you’d like to visit, then I’d recommend Skyscanner – it’s my go-to tool to find cheap flights ANYWHERE. Search a specific destination or enter “everywhere”. Once you select your ideal cheap flights, Skyscanner takes you right to the airline booking page so you don’t have to worry about third-party booking issues down the road.
Going
When you sign up for Going (formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights), you get deals sent right to your inbox from your selected favorite airports. I’ve booked a TON of flights this way, both by being flexible with my destination and being willing to purchase right when the deals roll in. There is both a free and a premium option – of course premium gets you more deals but free version is a great starting point!
Accommodation
Booking.com
Booking.com is where I get ALL of my hotel reservations. You can also check out flights and rental cars here as well. I like to add in the filters I’m searching for, and then use the map tool to make sure my hotel is close by to all the notable landmarks I’ll be visiting or it’s close to the transportation I’m using.
AirBnB
I find I use AirBnb less now that the fees have become more expensive, HOWEVER, I still love AirBnb for finding unique stays and cabins. If you are looking for a different experience than a traditional hotel, AirBnb definitely has some great benefits.
HostelWorld
If you’re looking for a budget stay, look no further than HostelWorld. Hostel stays are especially great for solo travel because you’re almost guarenteed to meet new people! It’s definitely a fun way to incorporate more community into your travels. Highly recommended for the U.S. and Europe.
VRBO
VRBO is the world’s leading marketplace for vacation rentals – with over 2 million listings (!), so you’re sure to find an amazing place that is comfy and cozy. I love VRBO for longer stays, luxury stays, and family and/or friend travel – it’s just nice to feel like you’re in a home away from home.
WorldPackers
If you want to save on accommodation, you HAVE to try WorldPackers – in exchange for free accommodation, you can volunteer, do a work exchange, and even take a full gap year (!). It’s one of the most unique and memorable ways to travel, so if you want to have life-changing experiences, and make a positive impact on the world, definitely check this out. BONUS: use code “ROAMFREE” for $10 off your membership!
Trusted Housesitters
Looking for more free accommodation options? Discover free & unique homestays around the world, in exchange for caring for adorable pets – UMM yes please! Accommodation costs (other than flights) are the MOST expensive part of traveling, so this is a great way to both save and have an unforgettable stay! Pet lovers, this is for you! BONUS: use code “12TRUST” for 12% off NEW annual memberships !
Transportation
DiscoverCars.com
Easily compare and search for rental cars on this on Discovercars.com. The best part: most rentals have free cancellation so if you need to change plans later or get a different vehicle, there’s no fee to change your mind. I’m all about flexibility in travel these days so this is perfect for me! Rental cars allow you to have tons of flexibility and ability to get to locations early, faster, and do a custom road trip – SUCH a fun way to explore a destination!
12Go
12Go is ESSENTIAL for your Asia trip – this was what I used throughout Thailand, the Philippines, and more. 12Go helps you find and book ground transport (bus, shuttle, taxi, etc) and water transport (ferrys & more!) and what’s better, it will help you connect and book multiple transportation options to seamlessly get to your destination, so no more booking buses/ferries/etc separately.
Rail Europe
If you’re traveling in Europe, you need to check out Rail Europe – for both single and multi-country Europe trips (for multi-country, get a Eurail pass to save BIG!). Anytime I’m in Europe I use trains to get around & skip the hopper flights – for me I find it actually faster & MUCH cheaper. Rail Europe makes searching and booking your train tickets SO easy, and it has over a THOUSAND destination options & even includes buses – you NEED this for your European summer trip!
Travellers Autobarn
If you are looking to try out vanlife for your next trip or are already a fan, I can’t recommend Traveller’s Autobarn enough for a road trip! They offer van rentals in the west of the U.S. (with expanding locations) and all across Australia as well. Read about my 9-day California coast road trip with Traveller’s Autobarn here.
Outdoorsy
Outdoorsy is your one-stop-shop for all kinds of RV rentals all across the U.S. Outdoorsy has vintage Airstreams, toy haulers, fifth wheelers, Class A, B, and C of RVs, as well as a variety of trailers and motorhomes, so you can find exactly what you need for your road trip!
Big Bus Tours
Big Bus Tours is the easiest way to get your bearings in a new city, especially on a quick trip. Hop on and off at major landmarks, learn local history through guided commentary, and cover more ground without the stress. It’s a fun, flexible intro to any destination.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads
World Nomads is a very affordable travel insurance option that I recommend to pretty much everyone. It covers emergency medical, trip cancellation, 24/7 emergency assistance, baggage coverage, adventure activities, and more. Trust me, travel insurance is WORTH THE PEACE OF MIND! Read more about World Nomads AND why you need travel insurance here.
SafetyWing
SafetyWing is specifically built for digital nomads – if you’re embarking on a longer trip away from home or doing a study abroad, I definitely recommend signing up with SafetyWing to have your medical and travel needs covered. Anytime I have longer travel plans than just a few weeks and I know I’ll be working on the road I use SafetyWing. Read my in-depth comparison & review of SafetyWing HERE (and WHY it’s BEST for solo female travelers!).
Travel Insurance Master
Travel Insurance Master has a variety of plans designed for single trips or multiple trips if you are traveling from country to country without returning home. The benefits can cover much more from Hurricane and Weather, Trip Cancellation, Lost or Delayed Luggage, Employment Layoff, and much more than other plans so depending on your chosen destination this could be the ideal insurance for you. Read more about why you need travel insurance here.
Tours & Tour Companies
GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide where I book ALL of tours and excursions! Their 24-hour cancellation policy is truly elite. You can even book tours & access your tickets right from your phone – it definitely makes travel SO easy because it takes the long planning process out of the equation, & having a local guide is always a huge bonus! GetYourGuide is my favorite way to start a trip, with a little guided tour that gets me quickly familiarized with my destination.
Intrepid
Intrepid offers longer, small group tours hosted by a local guide. Intrepid is also a certified B Corp and specializes in ethical, responsible, & sustainable travel. I have absolutely LOVED every trip I’ve embarked on with Intrepid and would highly highly recommend joining a tour, especially for solo or couple travelers looking to meet new people and not have to worry about planning and handling all the details of travel.
Tinggly
I LOVE Tinggly because they are all about gifting experiences over giving gifts to your loved ones. You purchase an experience kit and select from the available activities /hotels /and more depending on your location. I have tried quite a few experiences (some self-guided some guided) and I have enjoyed every single one so far!
Viator
Viator is similar to GetYourGuide – it is an online marketplace for tours, tour guides, and excursions. You can also book tours through their app and search out tours for pretty much any destination in the world – USA included! It defintiely has the largest and best selection of tours. It’s been my go-to for many years and I’ve always enjoyed my Viator tours immensely!
My Viator Shop
As part of my solo world travels I did a TON of tours from all around the world. I created a personalized Viator shop with all of the tours I personally did or would recommend from the 20+ countries I visited. Tap the link and you can see which tours I enjoyed, organized by country and in the order I visited.
Roam Free Retreats
Roam Free Retreats
I am excited to share that I will be hosting small group photography tours around the world! Right now I am in the pre-launch stage and am getting all the details finalized for the innagural trip so it can be the best it can be – sign up for my newsletter (link below!) to be the FIRST to sign-up when the trip launches!
Travel Apparel & Suitcases
Unbound Merino
If you want the PERFECT travel clothing I CANNOT stop raving about – you NEEd to make sure it’s made from merino wool! I started out with a few pieces from Unbound Merino until slowly my ENTIRE travel wardrobe became almost exclusively from Unbound Merino. Why is it so AMAZING for travel?? Merino wool clothing resists odor and wrinkles, draws sweat away from your body, and they’re super soft and breathable as well – i.e. the ideal travel apparel.
Woolly
Woolly is my latest Merino Wool find, and what I love about them is that they use Australian Merino wool—renowned as the world’s softest and most luxurious wool — AND their wool meets the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), ensuring that their wool is ethically sourced & that the sheep & the land they graze on are treated with care (we LOVE sustainability!). BONUS: shopping with the link below (tap the button!) will get you 15% off your entire order!
Away Travel
My current suitcase? Away Travel! It has quickly become my favorite suitcase brand and I use my Away suitcase on literally every trip I go on now. I have the bigger carry-on size and the medium size as my checked bag. Features I love: the luggage locks, the pop-out laundry bag, the ease of organization, and the quality of the suitcase itself.
BONUS: all my fav travel bags in one place ⬇⬇⬇
Outdoor Gear
Backcountry.com
Backcountry.com is an online specialty retailer that sells clothing and outdoor recreation gear for hiking, camping, road biking, and more. Since a lot of my travel falls under adventure travel and I do a lot of hiking, I find I’m shopping most often at Backcountry to get both apparel and all the gear I need for my trips.
REI
REI is a retail and outdoor recreation store. REI sells camping gear, hiking, climbing, cycling, water, running, fitness, snow, travel equipment, clothing, and more. While it primarily advertised as an outdoors store, I have actually found and purchased so many of my favorite travel gear items like my GoTubb small containers that makes packing down liquids sooo much easier.
RockPorch
RockPorch is a great site to see a ton of outdoor and adventure gear (along with some travel gear) and read reviews from real people who have used the gear. Below I’ve linked my own page that I’ve created on RockPorch that has all of my camera, hiking, car camping, and travel gear guides so you can see my personalized recommendations.
Jackery
Jackery offers portable power supply solutions, including solar generators, portable power stations & solar panels. I use my Jackery power station mostly on road trips, and it’s quickly become INVALUABLE. Being able to charge my laptop, camera gear, and even bring an electric blanket or get crazy and pack a waffle maker – it truly makes camping and road tripping so much more fantastic.
Travel Planning
Pinterest has been one of the top ways I’ve found inspiration and ideas for trips, photographs, & more. Below I’ve linked my own Pinterest page to get you started; I’ve curated a ton of boards to help get you inspired! Just save pins you enjoy and want to find again to your own boards.
Rexby
By popular demand I started creating my own, highly detailed guides on Rexby for popular countries and places I’ve visited.
What’s different from this blog: interactive maps, multiple itinerary options (including a CUSTOM option), 100-250+ things to do per location, key travel tips for the specific locations, AND services like personalized itineraries by yours truly, an itinerary review from me, and/or a video call with me to go over your trip, itinerary, and questions in detail.
Travel Blogging
SiteGround
SiteGround is the very web hosting that I am using on this blog! I did a lot of research into different hosting services and I’m so glad I went with SiteGround. I actually have a few different websites hosted with them, and their tools are easy to use and I’ve had a very seamless overall experience.
NordVPN
NordVPN is the VPN I use when traveling to make sure my connection is safe – you never know with wifi! This way I am sure all of my bank info, credit cards, logins, & more are protected, and I can avoid travel restrictions by setting my location to home (insead of browsing in the country I’m in!). I installed it on both my computer AND my phone and they run pretty much 24/7 to keep my info secure.
Institute of Code
A few years back I did a Social Media & Marketing bootcamp with the Institute of Code and it really kickstarted my career in the social media realm. One of the mentors was a successful blogger and I learned a TON from her on how to get my first blog up and running so I could share my adventures with my audience. You can read more about my experience at IOC here.
eSIMs
Airalo
Want to stay connected while you travel? Then you definitely NEED an eSIM! An eSIM is a digital version of a physical SIM card – meaning all you need is an app to connect to local phone towers. I use Airalo so I can use data and text (with Whatsapp) the ENTIRE time I’m abroad and avoid paying my home cell phone’s outrageous travel prices. It’s my go-to on EVERY trip, I can’t recommend it enough, especially for solo travelers! BONUS: use code “REBECCA3” for $3 off your next eSIM!
HolaFly
HolaFly is one of those apps where once you experience HolaFly, you won’t want to return to a competing eSIM app; as HolaFly offers UNLIMITED data. Obviously, this means plans are more expensive than competing apps, but you never have to worry about topping off – from the moment you land to the moment you leave your eSIM will probably be the last thing on your mind. BONUS: Use code “ROAMFREEREBECCA” for 5% off any plan!
Other Travel (& Outdoor) Resources
Priority Pass
Priority Pass is a must-have travel perk that unlocks airport lounges worldwide, offering a quiet, comfortable escape from crowded terminals. Enjoy complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and charging stations. It’s a game-changer for long layovers, delays, or simply upgrading your airport experience without flying business class.
EatWith
Eatwith is a game-changer for solo travelers craving connection. Book unique meals hosted by locals—from home dinners to food tours—and instantly turn dining into a social experience. It’s a safe, welcoming way to meet people, taste authentic cuisine, and feel less alone while exploring a new destination.
RapidPure
Rosetta Stone is a must-have for travelers who want to connect beyond the surface. Learn key phrases before your trip so you can navigate confidently, order like a local, and spark real conversations. It makes destinations feel more immersive, meaningful, and way less intimidating—especially when traveling solo.
AllTrails
AllTrails is my GO-TO app for hiking anywhere – all around the world! On this app, you can search for specific hikes, hikes nearby you, save favorite hikes, track the hike as you’re on it, & more. You’ll get essential trail information such as: the trail map, length, elevation gain, photos of the trail, directions, conditions, & reviews – which is SO helpful to see what people who have done the hike have said. The app is free BUT my favorite feature is on the paid plan (VERY worth it, imo), which allows you to download trail maps offline.
My Amazon Shop
My Amazon shop is your go-to hub for tried-and-true travel favorites, from gear and outfits to everyday essentials I actually use on the road. Everything is thoughtfully curated to make packing easier, traveling smoother, and help you feel confident, prepared, and adventure-ready—without endless scrolling or second-guessing.
My Camera Gear
As a full-time professional travel photographer and travel content creator of 10+ years, I often get asked about what’s in my camera bag. Here are my top (and personal favorite) lenses and camera bodies, drones, action cameras, tripods, and more. I’ve also included some important camera accessories and other necessary pieces of equipment like hard drives, lens cloths, and more.
My Travel Essentials
I’ve compiled the ultimate collection of travel essentials for your carry-on bag. From my favorite noise-cancelling headphones to small essentials, this list of 20+ items are my GO-TO always pack items I bring on every trip, whether it’s domestic or international.
My Favorite Outdoor Adventure Essentials
I created a collection of my absolute favorite outdoor adventure essentials, which are especially perfect for summer adventures. From biking to paddle boarding, these items will help you chase all of the epic outdoor adventures!
Ultimate Day Hiking Essentials (for Women)
I created a list of my favorite gear recommendations for day hiking for a variety of seasons! These are mostly geared toward female hikers, but there are also some gender-neutral essentials on this list as well. Featuring essential gear, clothing recommendations, and more, these are my go-to items for my day hikes.
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Have more questions?
Below you’ll find some of my most frequently asked questions. To stay up to date on new posts, giveaways, and exclusive deals, be sure to sign up for my newsletter here or below. Happy exploring!
What camera gear do you shoot with?
I currently shoot with Sony cameras, although I’ve shot with both Nikon and Canon in the past. My camera body is Sony a7Riii and my go-to lenses are Sony 24-70mm f/2.8, 16-35mm f/2.8, and 70-200mm f/2.8. I also have a DJI Mini 3 Pro. See more gear recommendations here.
How do you edit your photographs?
I edit my photographs with Adobe Lightroom primarily and for more advanced edits I use Adobe Photoshop. I edit images on my desktop, but if you prefer editing on your phone, I recommend Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, or VSCO. Want to edit like me? Buy my presets here.
How do you afford to travel?
I currently work as a content creator, freelance travel photographer, & blogger, so my job involves a lot of traveling and working for brands, hotels, & tourism boards. Most of the trips you see me on are for work and are not vacations.
You might have also noticed a little disclaimer in certain blog posts about affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you click the link and make a purchase – at no extra cost to you! I only share things I geninuely love and think my audience would love too! This is one of the ways I’m able to keep making these free resources and guides for you. Thank you so much for your continued support!
For the trips that are not sponsored or primarily work related, I fund my own travels by saving as much money as I can, booking off-season travel, traveling as cheaply as possible, leveraging brand work, and utilizing other strategies. I will be writing blog posts on this topic soon, so stay posted by signing up for my newsletter here or below.
Do you travel solo?
Most of the times, yes. But I also travel with friends, my partner, and family when my schedule allows for it! If you want to learn more about how you can solo travel too, check out the post I wrote here on tips for your first solo trip!
Who takes your photographs?
I take my own self portraits by using a tripod and either the camera’s timer or by using a remote control. I start by setting up the shot beforehand, getting the focus right, and then I go pose or move around in front of the camera. I then return to the camera and check the settings, pose, and focus, and adjust as neccessary. Check out this guide I wrote here for more tips on taking self-portraits!
Do you sell presets?
Yes I do! Grab a set here.
Do you sell prints?
Yes I do! Purchase a print from me here.
Do you offer coaching calls?
Yes I do! Sign up for my newsletter here or below to be notified of when I open up my calendar for coaching calls.
How do I build out my car to be a camper like yours?
I wrote a detailed guide here about how I built out my Subaru Forester into a car camper, complete with a material list, cost, car camping necessities, and more
I have a question I don't see answered here.
Use the contact form above to get in contact with me or email me at becca@roamfreerebecca.com with your question and I’ll be happy to answer.
I'm a beginner, what camera should I buy?
While I shoot with Sony currently, I have shot with Nikon and Canon cameras and I’m a firm believer in the best camera you have is the one with you. There are pros and cons to choosing one camera brand over another, but honestly you can’t go wrong with any of the main camera manufacturers. See more gear recommendations here!
If you’re moving from your phone to an entry-level camera, I recommend any of Sony a6000 series, the Nikon 5000 series, or the Canon EOS Rebel series.
Can you help me improve my photography?
ABSOLUTELY. To get started, check out all the photography blogs I’ve written here for tips. For immediate, highly detailed, & actionable tips, check out the ebook I wrote, The Ultimate Guide to Travel Photography.
Want to learn from me virtually or in person? Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to hear about when I open up my 1:1 coaching calls and launch group trips.
How do you plan your trips?
A whole lot of research, and a few favorite travel tools – I’ll write up a blog post on this topic soon, so stay posted by signing up for the newsletter here or sign up down below.
How do you make money traveling?
Making money while traveling and in the travel industry is a challenge and involves having a variety of income streams. I make money doing content creation for brands, having sponsored social media and/or blog posts, via affiliate links, hosting workshops, leading group tours, and with products in my online shop.
Can I travel with you?
ABSOLUTELY YES! I am excited to share that I am now leading group tours (in both the US and abroad) and will be teaching photography workshops as well. To be the first to hear about group trip signups, join my email newsletter here or sign up below.
Do you speak at conferences?
Yes I do! Sign up for my newsletter here or down below to be notified of the next conference or event I’ll be speaking at.
I last spoke at WITS in Puerto Rico in May 2023, giving a workshop entitled “Ready, Set Shoot: How to Take Impactful Travel Photos That Stop the Scroll and Tell a Story”.
Can you help me plan my trip?
Right now I am not offering custom itinerary building, but sign up for my newsletter to be notified of when I do offer this service! In the meantime, feel free to check out the various free guides on the blog here or purchase more detailed itineraries here.
Do you accept guest posts on your blog?
I am not currently accepting applications for guest posts on my blog.
I want a certain photograph printed but I don't see it in your shop.
Email me at becca@roamfreerebecca.com with a screenshot of what photograph you would like printed and I will either add it to the shop or you can let me know what medium and size you would like and we can get it ordered that way.