We have been traveling full-time now for over 3 years, and have tried and tested a number of apps and websites along the way. Traveling can be a a challenge even with the best preparation, so we have put together this list of essentials to help you make your journey easier.

Unveiling our Ultimate Travel Toolkit: 3 Years of Full-Time Travel Hacks in Must-Have Apps & Websites

After three incredible years of globetrotting adventures, we have amassed a treasure trove of travel knowledge. And we want to share it with you! We've navigated bustling megacities from Tokyo to Rome, chilled on secluded beaches like Isla de Pasion in Mexico, and traversed breathtaking mountain ranges like the epic Rockies in Canada. All with the help of some incredible travel apps and websites that we want to share with you in this post.

With the sheer volume of travel resources available online, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We certainly felt like this when we began our full-time travel journey all those years ago. But fear not, our fellow wanderlusters! This post is your one-stop shop for the creme de la creme of travel apps and websites we've relied on throughout our full-time travel journey.

With this list in your arsenal, you will have a diverse mix of tools to plan, book, navigate, document, and connect with your travel experiences, whether you're a first time traveler or seasoned explorer. So, grab your passport (metaphorically, for now!), buckle up, and get ready to dive into our ultimate travel toolkit – a compilation of the apps and websites that have been instrumental in making our full-time travel dreams a reality!

Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. Tap here for more information.

1. Google Flights

Google Flights is a comprehensive online flight search engine developed by Google. It allows users to search for and compare flights from various airlines and booking sites to find the best deals on airfare. With its user-friendly interface, travelers can easily input their travel details, such as destinations, dates, and preferred airlines, to quickly access a list of available flight options. Google Flights also offers features like price tracking, flexible date searches, and insights on when to book to help users make informed decisions when planning their trips. Overall, Google Flights simplifies the process of finding and booking flights, making it a valuable tool for travelers seeking convenience and savings.

⪢ Why we recommend Google Flights

One of our favorite features of Google Flights is how easy it is to compare prices, in particular being able to see prices on the date calendar 6 months in advance. We tend to use it to do our initial research, and then go on to compare with other booking sites that we use. It is super easy to navigate, and if you are like us and like to plan ahead, it can really help to make this process smoother and more manageable.

2. Booking.com

Booking.com is a popular online platform that allows users to search and book accommodations, flights, rental cars, and other travel services worldwide. With a user-friendly interface and a wide range of options, Booking.com provides travelers with the convenience of finding and booking their desired travel arrangements quickly and easily. The platform also offers reviews, ratings, and helpful information to assist users in making informed decisions about their travel plans. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly hostel or a luxury resort, Booking.com is a go-to website for all your travel booking needs.

⪢ Why we recommend Booking.com

You can usually find a host of last minute deals on hotels on Booking.com, and it also has a ton of unique experiences, for example staying the night in a docked cruise ship room. We particularly like its reward system where you can go up levels, gain points, and get money, discounts and perks. While this is not our exclusive travel site, it is definitely one we use frequently when planning and booking our adventures.

RETURN TO CONTENTS

3. Expedia

Expedia is a global travel company that operates an online travel booking platform. It offers a wide range of services including booking flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages, and activities. Expedia provides travelers with a convenient way to plan and book their trips all in one place. The company aims to make travel planning easier and more accessible for people around the world.

⪢ Why we recommend Expedia

Tried and true, we have been using Expedia since before we started traveling full-time. It is generally our go to website / app, as it offers a bit of everything. We really love Expedia's reward scheme, which offers bonus points on cars, hotels, flights and package deals. Plus, when you reach gold status like us, you can get first picks, amazing discounts, room upgrades and often special treatment such as welcome drinks and late check outs. Expedia also offers excellent customer service, and is a long standing, reputable company.

Book your first trip with Expedia as a NEW USER, be it for a hotel, car rental or flight, and get a $30 discount, no strings attached!

4. Airbnb

Airbnb is a popular online marketplace that connects people looking to rent out their homes or properties with travelers seeking accommodations. Founded in 2008, Airbnb has revolutionized the hospitality industry by offering a wide range of lodging options, from private rooms to entire homes, in various destinations around the world. Users can easily list their properties or search for unique and affordable accommodations through the platform, providing a more personalized and authentic travel experience compared to traditional hotels.

⪢ Why we recommend Airbnb

We have used this platform almost exclusively in the last 3 years, with over 30 bookings, and have had fantastic experiences almost every time. We highly recommend the safety and security that Airbnb offers, with protection for renters that you will not get with private rentals. We also enjoy the choice on offer, and the fact that they offer substantial discounts for monthly bookings.

Pro Tip: Be sure to use the refined search options, read house rules, and check about sections and cancellation policies as they can vary. You do want to make sure there are no surprises! Check out our top Airbnb Safety Recommendations blog for more tips.

RETURN TO CONTENTS

5. Kiwi.com

Kiwi.com is an innovative online travel agency that offers unique flight itineraries by combining flights from various airlines to create the most cost-effective and efficient routes for travelers. With a user-friendly interface, Kiwi.com allows users to seamlessly book flights, accommodations, and transportation all in one place. The platform also provides a range of travel services such as virtual interlining, price alerts, and 24/7 customer support to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience for its customers.

⪢ Why we recommend Kiwi.com

Known for unique flight search features, Kiwi is a great follow-up to Google Flights. It is super easy to use and navigate, and more often than not, we find that Kiwi offers better prices on shorter flights in particular. That being said, be aware that prices do bump up a little if you choose to opt-in to insurance and upgrade options, which they do push fairly aggressively. If you are a budget traveler looking for the most affordable flight options however, Kiwi is the place to be.

6. Grab / Bolt / Uber

Car sharing apps have revolutionized the way people commute, offering a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional transportation methods. Grab, Bolt, and Uber are three popular car sharing apps that provide users with on-demand transportation services. Here is a brief overview of each:

⪢ Grab

Grab is a Southeast Asian ride-hailing app that offers a wide range of services, including car rides, motorbike rides, and food delivery. It operates in several countries across Asia, providing users with a reliable and safe transportation option. Grab is known for its user-friendly interface, multiple payment options, and various promotional offers.

⪢ Bolt

Bolt, formerly known as Taxify, is a European ride-hailing app that has expanded its services to other regions, including Africa and Australia. Bolt focuses on providing affordable transportation options with transparent pricing. The app is popular for its quick response times, professional drivers, and environmentally friendly initiatives, such as carbon offset programs.

⪢ Uber

Uber is one of the pioneers of the ride-hailing industry and operates in numerous countries worldwide. Known for its extensive network of drivers, Uber offers a variety of services, including UberX, UberPool, and UberBlack. The app is recognized for its user customization options, real-time tracking features, and integration with public transportation services in some cities.

⪢ Why we recommend ride-sharing apps

Whenever we land anywhere, pretty much our first go-to is any one of the above, depending on which is available. Often you will find that local taxi services charge more, are less secure, and also less-reliable. Using ride-sharing apps provide us with the safety and security that we can track where we are going, are covered by a major brand, and also by licenced drivers.

7. Turo

Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental company that allows car owners to rent out their personal vehicles to others. Founded in 2009, Turo provides a platform where users can list their cars for rent, setting their own prices and availability. This gives renters a wide variety of vehicle options to choose from, ranging from economy cars to luxury vehicles. Turo offers a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional car rental services, allowing users to book cars for short-term use directly from local car owners.

⪢ Why we recommend Turo

Turo is a much more affordable option than traditional car rental companies, with a vast array of vehicle options. You can find luxury or economy vehicles, along with great meet-up / pick up spot flexibility. Sometimes you can even pick up the your ride without even having to see anyone! Another benefit is that with traditional car rental companies you are not allowed to book a car for more than 30 days, whereas with Turo you can rent for up to 6 months at a time. This is a game changer if you are looking for long term rentals and can definitely save you money and time!

Sign up and save 30% off your first private car hire booking with Turo.

RETURN TO CONTENTS

8. Klook

Klook is a popular online platform that offers a wide range of travel activities, tours, and experiences for travelers around the world. With Klook, users can easily discover and book unique experiences such as sightseeing tours, attraction tickets, food tours, outdoor adventures, and more in various destinations. The platform provides convenient access to a diverse selection of activities, making it easier for travelers to plan and enhance their trips. Klook is known for its user-friendly interface, competitive prices, and reliable customer service, making it a go-to choice for travelers looking to explore and make the most of their travel experiences.

⪢ Why we recommend Klook

When it comes to booking activities and experiences, Klook has been a complete game changer for us! While we are not typically been big fans of tours in general, we do find that in many cases they are the only solid option to explore places, such as Korea's DMZ or Thailand's islands. Klook offers safety, security and efficiency, giving us peace of mind that not only will everything be organized, but that we have their excellent customer service to fall back on if things do not work out. They help to eliminate language barriers, offer licenced and knowledgeable guides, and operate in pretty much every country we have visited. They do offer plenty of other handy essentials such as rentals, hotels and even sim cards too, making them a valuable must-have travel tool.

Get 5% off of your first booking on anything on the Klook app with our special promo code BetterOnApp. Plus, get 5% off of your first hotel booking with our special promo code HotelOnApp.

9. 12go

12Go is a platform that provides online booking services for transportation and travel options across various countries. Whether you are looking to book flights, trains, buses, ferries, or other modes of transportation, 12Go offers a convenient way to compare schedules, prices, and availability all in one place.

⪢ Why we recommend 12go

While 12go specialise in Asia, they are rapidly expanding their reach across the globe, and operate in over 12,000 destinations. With a super easy to use website, we are using 12go more and more to find the best flights, and in particular, inter-city transport options for coaches, trains and transfers. We really like the ticketing system which exclusively uses QR codes, and the members area which keeps track of all of our bookings. So much so that we have partnered with 12go to offer bookings directly through our website here at Closer Lives!

10. Trusted Housesitters

Trusted Housesitters is a platform that connects homeowners with trustworthy individuals who are willing to look after their homes and pets while they are away. Homeowners can find reliable house sitters to take care of their property, plants, and pets, providing peace of mind during their absence. House sitters, on the other hand, get the opportunity to stay in unique locations around the world for free in exchange for their services. Trusted Housesitters offers a safe and secure way for both parties to connect and build mutually beneficial relationships.

⪢ Why we recommend Trusted Housesitters

Trusted Housesitters is a great accommodation option, especially for countries such as Canada, the U.S, Australia and the U.K. This is mainly because there are so many options available, and these are typically quite expensive countries to visit if you are looking on Airbnb. It makes countries that seem out of reach more affordable, but do keep in mind that there is an annual sign up fee, and it can be a challenge to align the dates and times to match what you are looking for.

Sometimes the locations can be quite remote, and may need a vehicle (which sometimes can be offered by homeowners), but with the proper research and some good luck, this can be a way to make your monthly accommodation cost be similar to the likes of South East Asia if you average out flight and food costs, given that there is no rent to pay. Most options do include pets, so this may be something to consider if you are not comfortable looking after animals.

Sign up to Trusted Housesitters and receive 25% off your annual membership!

RETURN TO CONTENTS

11. Wanderlog

Wanderlog is a versatile travel planning tool designed to help users organize and manage their trips with ease. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, Wanderlog offers a user-friendly platform to create itineraries, save important information such as flights and accommodations, and discover new places to explore. With features like interactive maps, collaboration options, and the ability to access your plans offline, Wanderlog is the perfect companion for travelers looking to make the most out of their journeys.

⪢ Why we recommend Wanderlog

Wanderlog has been a game-changer for us and we really do enjoy using this platform! With Wanderlog's all-in-one hotel search, you never need to switch tabs again. You can compare results from trusted booking sites like Airbnb, Google, Expedia, Hotels.com, Booking.com, and more all in one place, and we are yet to find anything that works as good.

As an added bonus, Wanderlog will notify you when hotel prices drop, and easily synchronizes with your google calendar to keep you organized. It can even detect bookings directly from your email! Aside from all that, you can create guides, plan routes offline, check reviews and even create an interactive map of where you have been around the world. Absolutely brilliant!

12. Wise

Wise is a digital banking platform that offers a range of financial services designed to make managing money easier and more efficient. With Wise, users can open a bank account, send and receive money internationally, get a debit card, and access other banking features all from their mobile device or computer. One of the key features of Wise is its low fees for international money transfers, making it a popular choice for people who need to send money across borders frequently. The platform also prides itself on transparency, providing users with real-time exchange rates and showing exactly how much money will be received by the recipient.

⪢ Why we recommend Wise

An essential tool for us, we have found Wise to be a great tool for avoiding international fees and transferring money. Wise is free from hidden fees and exchange rate markups, and has made moving our money around so much easier. We never thought moving money between our British and Canadian banks would be such a hassle, but it really is, and Wise has helped eliminate all of that stress. The app is super easy to use and has never failed us, and is definitely an essential part of our toolkit!

Get a fee-free transfer of up to $800 CAD! You can always transfer more, but Wise will waive the fee on that first amount!

13. Curve (Samsung)

Curve is a fintech company providing a banking app and a Curve Card. Through the Curve Banking app, users can conveniently oversee all their bank accounts, conduct transactions, monitor expenses, and more. The Curve Card is a tangible debit card that can be associated with various bank cards, enabling users to alternate between them for payments. The Curve Card is designed to work seamlessly with Samsung devices, allowing users to make contactless payments via Samsung Pay. This collaboration offers enhanced convenience and adaptability for Samsung users seeking to simplify their payment options.

⪢ Why we recommend Curve

Curve has been a revelation for us in how we spend our money when we travel, with a whole raft of key benefits, including 1% cashback with many retailers. One of the biggest features is that Curve stops your debit and credit cards from charging you foreign exchange fees, saving you up to 3% on every transaction abroad. You can link all of your bank cards to ONE Mastercard, which you can easily interchange on the app. It is also the ONLY mobile wallet app that comes with a physical card.

Using your Curve card is also FREE from ALL ATMs, so you don't have to get out cash or convert currencies before you travel. You will always get the market-rate exchange rate, no matter what debit or credit card you use.

As if those features were not already enough, Curve is the only app on the planet that gives you the power to switch payments from one card to another, up to 120 days after you've made a purchase. We absolutely love this feature, which can make a huge difference to how you manage your finances, especially if you accidently charge the wrong card or account.

RETURN TO CONTENTS

14. GigSky eSIM

GigSky is an eSIM provider that offers a convenient and flexible solution for travelers looking to avoid the high costs and hassle associated with traditional SIM cards and roaming charges. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital alternative to physical SIM cards that allows users to download and activate mobile data plans directly on their devices. GigSky, one of the pioneering companies in the eSIM space, allows users to stay connected seamlessly across 190 countries and even on 200 cruise ships and 30 airlines. Unlike other eSIM providers, GigSky operates as a "heavy" Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), meaning it provisions its own SIMs, ensuring a stable and high-quality connection by partnering with multiple networks.

⪢ Why we recommend GigSky eSIM

GigSky stands out due to its ease of use, reliability, and extensive global coverage. You only need to download one eSIM from GigSky, which can be used across multiple plans without the need to constantly switch or download new eSIMs, a feature that sets it apart from competitors. The GigSky app is user-friendly, allowing you to download data packages before your trip so you're connected the moment you land. Additionally, the app remains accessible even if you run out of data, providing peace of mind. GigSky's network operator status, global partnerships, and unique offerings like offshore and inflight data plans make it a top choice for travelers. While not the cheapest, GigSky offers competitive pricing, superior service, and the added convenience of exclusive discounts and promotions.

Try GigSky for FREE! Get a FREE 100 MB plan to almost anywhere. No credit card required.

​Plus SAVE 10% on your first order over $4 with our special discount code CLOSERLIVES10

15. Cambly

Cambly is an online video teaching platform that connects English language learners with native English speakers for real-time conversation practice. Students can access Cambly's network of tutors 24/7, allowing for flexibility in scheduling study sessions. The platform offers personalized learning experiences, instant feedback, and a casual environment conducive to improving language skills through natural conversation. Cambly is a convenient and effective tool for individuals looking to enhance their English proficiency from anywhere in the world.

As a tutor, Cambly offers you the flexibility to set your own schedules and work as much or as little as you prefer. Tutors are compensated per minute of tutoring, with weekly payments made via PayPal. Unlike traditional teaching roles, as a Cambly tutor you do not need to prepare lesson plans, as the sessions are primarily conversation-based. The platform's diverse student base allows you to engage with learners of varying ages and backgrounds, enriching the teaching experience. Additionally, you will receive feedback and ratings from students, which helps you improve and attract more students.

⪢ Why we recommend Cambly

Not only can you earn money as you travel, with a flexible calendar and schedule that you can open and use anytime you like, but also as a couple you can double up and work simultaneously if you have the space. You can close your calendar and come back whenever you like, with no pressure from the platform at all. We took 11 months off last year!

With most classes conversations based as mentioned earlier, Cambly also offers great value to learn about different countries from students, and different places to visit as a traveler. It is a way to build friendships and connections, and even as a social outlet, when living in extremely remote locations. The pay rate may be low, but the perks are really high, and this has been one of our main sources of income over the last 3 years.

Sign up to Cambly, teach 10 hrs and receive a $30 USD CASH bonus!

RETURN TO CONTENTS

Check out our Comprehensive Guides for 20 + Countries

Looking for even more travel resources? Look no further than right here at Closer Lives! Enjoy access to our Country Guides for FREE, with everything from visa information to culture and customs, transportation to health and safety, must-see places and handy maps. We include helpful links, sim card info and even emergency numbers.

We have done the research to save you the time, compiling it all on neat and tidy pages that are easy to navigate, and use on the go if needed. As full-time travelers ourselves, we are constantly planning our trips and looking for the kind of information that can take hours to find. We hope that our guides can offer you the support you need to take the pressure off of planning for your travels!

RETURN TO CONTENTS

How to follow our blog

There are lots of ways for you to stay up to date with Jenn and Leon Travel. If you follow us on Instagram, you can join our broadcast channel for our latest updates and posts. You will also find us on YouTube of course, or you can simply subscribe to our blog, and we will drop our latest posts straight into your email inbox. It is that easy!