These are the companies and products that we recommend to use when planning and booking your trip. If you have any questions about any of these companies, don’t hesitate to contact us!
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Accommodation
Booking.com – Our go-to site for booking hotels, guesthouses or other accommodation around the world. A lot of places have the advantage of being fully refundable up to a certain date.
Hostelworld – The best site to use if you are booking hostels around the world as they have the largest selection and an easy booking interface.
VRBO – A great option if you’re looking for private accommodation such as apartments or holiday homes.
Worldpackers – A work exchange platform that allows you to volunteer your time in exchange for accommodation. Use the code WORLDHEREFIRST to get a $10 discount on an annual membership and check out our full Worldpackers review.
Getting Around
Rentalcars.com – A price comparison website for renting cars anywhere in the world. Many major companies are available here and it lets you easily see what the cheapest option is. Click here to read our detailed review of Rentalcars.com
Outdoorsy – A marketplace for renting campervans, RVs and motorhomes
Omio – An easy-to-use website to book train and bus tickets in Western Europe and the UK in advance and get great savings! Click here to read our detailed review of Omio
Busbud – A good option for booking bus tickets in a lot of countries in Europe, including the Balkans.
Insurance
World Nomads – Offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.
SafetyWing – A travel medical insurance provider that offers affordable and flexible policies for travellers and digital nomads. Click here to read our detailed review of SafetyWing
iCarHireInsurance – They offer third-party excess insurance for car rentals which is typically significantly cheaper than what is offered by car rental companies. Click here to read our detailed review of iCarHireInsurance
Day Tours
GetYourGuide and Viator – Tour aggregators that offer a huge selection of organised day tours in many different travel destinations. Click here to read our detailed review of GetYourGuide
Luggage
LEVEL8 Suitcases – Our choice for wheeled carry-on luggage which is ideal if travelling for a short trip. Use our discount code WORLD10 to get a 10% discount on your order. Click here to read our dedicated LEVEL8 review.
Osprey Farpoint Backpack (also available on REI here) – Our favourite backpack to travel with and one that we’ve used extensively across a number of trips. It’s lightweight, versatile and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pacsafe – A large selection of anti-theft products including daypacks and purses such as the Citysafe Convertible.
Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes – By compressing your items, these are a lifesaver for keeping your luggage organised and space-efficient. These ones are very lightweight and durable!
Clothing
Bluffworks – One of our favourite brands for stylish yet practical travel clothes. They have several choices for pants, tops and formal clothing for both men and women. Click here to read our dedicated Bluffworks review.
Ultra-Light Down Jacket (for women’s click here) – A versatile jacket that packs down easily, is affordable and can be worn in a range of different climates.
North Face Rain Jacket (for women’s click here) – There is nothing worse than walking around a city while wet, so always make sure to pack a quality rain jacket.
Stay Connected
SimOptions – Buy SIM cards for a variety of international destinations and have them delivered to you before you leave on your trip. Check out the Orange 20GB SIM if going to Europe!
ExpressVPN – Stay secure while using public WiFI networks and watch your favourite shows from back home.
Flights
Skyscanner – Flight aggregator that we find is best to use if you have flexible travel dates or haven’t decided on your final destination.
ClaimCompass – If your flight to or from any EU country is cancelled or delayed, you can claim compensation for up to €600 per passenger. Click here to read our detailed ClaimCompass review
Photography
Sony A6400 Camera – Michael’s camera of choice, this is a great entry-level mirrorless camera if you want to start taking your travel photography more seriously.
Joby GorillaKit Tripod (also available on REI here) – A fantastic lightweight tripod that has flexible legs, meaning it can be used in a wide range of different environments
Extra SD Cards – Whatever camera you use, make sure to never forget to pack a few extra SD cards so you have plenty of space for your photos.