3. Travel Insurance - Get Your Quote:

No adventure is complete without the safety net of travel insurance.

Trusted by globetrotters worldwide, CoverForYou Insurance provides customizable multi-trip travel insurance plans that offer coverage for emergencies, trip cancellations, and more.

‍Protect your journeys and travel with peace of mind. I've been a satisfied user of CoverForYou, and I must say their prices are remarkably affordable, especially when compared to other insurance companies with similar Defaqto ratings (5 stars). Secure your deal now and you won't have to fret about your coverage while you're hopping between islands or countries.

Of course, you also have the option to search the internet for more deals on your own, or if you prefer to compare the top deals conveniently in one location, Travel Supermarket is the ideal place. This comparison site will locate the best deals tailored to your travel requirements.

‍4. TripAdvisor - Unlocking the Wisdom of Fellow Travelers:

When in doubt, turn to TripAdvisor for honest reviews and valuable insights from fellow travellers. Uncover hidden gems, must-visit attractions, and the best local eateries with this community-driven platform.

I will say that TripAdvisor usually pushes the more commercial and popular attractions to the top of the page but that doesn't mean they are not worth going to. It just means in shorter stays you may miss the more hidden of hidden gems.

However, if you're looking for that Nile tour in Egypt or hiking buddies in Machu Picchu then TripAdvisor is sure to have it.  

There's also Viator.com, part of the TripAdvisor group, so it's packed with information, tours, and everything in between. For me, this is the best place to go to hire transfers to and from the airport.

7. Google Translate

Saved my life in my solo travels to Vietnam, by saving my life I mean I was finally able to eat by reading the menu that was otherwise, well... Vietnamese to me.

I suspect a translator will come along in the near future that is essentially an earpiece that will translate foreign languages in real-time. This will be a game-changer. For now, Google Translator does the job, as long as you have an internet connection.

In order to ensure you have connection I suggest getting a sim that can provide service anywhere in the world. DrimSim is a universal SIM card with a free app. For more information on DrimSim check it out here. Otherwise you can get an e-sim or pick up a local sim card when you land in the country. The airports may be slightly more but the service will be ideally set up from the beginning of your trip.

Related: How to Pack Like a Pro.

8. Rome2rio - Your Route Planner Extraordinaire:

Planning a multi-stop journey? Rome2rio is the ultimate route planner, presenting you with a myriad of transportation options, including flights, trains, buses, and ferries.

With detailed schedules, duration, and pricing information, navigating between destinations has never been smoother.

When I know I am getting the bus for a longer journey I usually use FlixBus, nothing that special from Rome2rio to be honest, maybe it's just because I've gotten familiar with it. Regardless it's a great alternative.

9. Radical Storage - Secure Luggage Storage Solution:

Keep your luggage safe while you see the city.

I've only recently found this out and I have desperately needed a service like this in the past.

Radical Storage allows you to search areas near you and leave your bag or luggage in one of their locations while you have a look around a city. A sort of mini self-storage that can allow you to explore the city, go on a hike, or just have a chilled drink at the local bar without having to worry about lugging around your whole life! Go hike in peace. Check out Radical Storage here.

10. Rover - Look After a Pet and Stay for FREE:

A glorified couch-surfing site that allows you to stay in people's homes if you return the favour by walking and looking after their dogs or looking after the property in general. Often times these types of exchanges are free. That's right you can stay in a random property for free.

A great option if you are looking to save on some spending and don't mind the odd chore or two. Check out Rover here.

An alternative is Couchsurfing.com, a similar concept except you won't need to walk anyone’s dogs but you'll likely be sharing the place with the owner/occupants.

Worth a mention:

TripIt – I have never used this but it has been recommended to me and I have come across it a few times. TripIt is a travel organizing app that simplifies your journeys by consolidating all your trip details, such as flights, accommodations, and activities, into a single itinerary.

Trello – If you're super keen on organising and planning and your phone notes and calendar just isn't cutting it. Trello can help keep everything organised and neat for whatever you happen to be planning. Like anything, it requires you to become familiar with the interface, which shouldn't take long and then you can customise your 'boards' with some fantastic-looking background and easy-to-use 'cards'.

Air Miles and Points - I use a credit card that allows me to add points that eventually lead to free flights. You don't need to use a credit card to get these points most airlines have a 'club' that you join that allows the same concept, you would just need to buy the tickets through them. This usually means a slightly higher price than budget flights but in the long run, it can be worth it. If you check out British Airways Executive Club for example, you can do most of your shopping through them, everything you spend will go towards air miles/points.

Monzo - This is the travel credit/debit card I use and with good reason. It is interest-free on transactions made abroad with some exceptions like when you have to pull money out of an ATM - fees will usually apply. With most places in the world accepting cashless transactions, this has to be one of the best investments I have made recently. Whichever travel card you use, it's better than not having one at all.

Don't forget to check what to pack on your globetrotting journeys. I have a post on the list of the essentials to bring with you. Make the most of your opportunity to effectively plan a journey.