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Welcome to my Travel Resource page. I’ve traveled to 26 countries and lived abroad for 4 years. These are actual travel tools I am using or have used in the past. These items help ease the stress of travel. Yes, getting to your destination can be stressful. Therefore, preparation is key, allowing you to focus on creating memories of a lifetime.
If you’re planning your first international trip and feeling overwhelmed by flights, hotels, transportation, activities, visas, travel insurance, or budgeting, I can help. Personalized travel planning from an experienced globetrotter—26 countries (and counting), 4 years abroad. Stress-free itineraries tailored just for you. Even if you require help planning your next trip (family reunion, girl/guy trip, bridal shower, high school reunion, etc), I’ll be happy to assist.
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International Travel Cards
American Express Credit Card. In the words of American Express, “Don’t live life without it.” The card has so many perks and benefits, especially for travel. I intentionally signed up for the Platinum card for the travel perks: access to travel lounges worldwide with Priority Pass, a $200 Airline Fee Credit, a Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre-check, and no foreign transaction fees. There are so many perks associated with this card. I have since transitioned to the AmEx Green Card. and the AmEx Gold Delta Skymiles Card. I love that I’m rewarded 3X points for every dollar I spend on hotels, car rentals, restaurants, excursions, and all things travel.
Charles Schwab Bank Card. Schwab wants you to “Own Your Tomorrow.” They do a good job of helping you by refunding local, international, and foreign transaction fees.
Flights & Airport
Hopper App. Hopper uses big data to predict flight prices and will notify you when it’s the best time to book. I use Hopper to track prices and compare them with those on other sites.
Google Flight. Surprisingly, there is no app. You can start your flight search to compare prices. There is no middleman. You book directly with the airlines.
Transportation
International Driving Permit. Before you leave the USA, go to your neighborhood AAA store and apply. It’s cheap, quick, and easy. AAA associates can take your passport picture in-store and the permit will be issued the same day in no time. The process is simple, affordable, and quick.
Google Maps App. Make sure to add the Google Maps app to your phone and save all points of interest as “starred places,” making hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions easy to locate on your mobile.
Uber. Uber is a multinational company. It’s a great app to have on your phone while traveling. I’ve used Uber in Ghana, South Africa, and France, to name a few. Use my code (zevsb) and get $2 off each of your first 3 rides.
Hotels & Accommodations
Expedia. I’ve made enough travel mistakes for both of us. One lesson I’ve learned after visiting 26+ countries is that booking the right hotel can save time, money, and stress. Let me help you take the guesswork out of your hotel search. Browse my recommended accommodations and find the perfect stay for your next adventure.
One Key. Formerly Hotels.com and now a combination of Expedia, Hotels, VRBO & others. You can book hotels, flights, packages, cars, activities, and cruises. They offer hotels and private residences. You can even list your own property and get paid. In addition, they have their own rewards program. You get OneKeyCash, a rewards currency, to use on Expedia, Hotels.com, and VRBO when you book select hotels, car rentals, activities, and more!
Hilton Honors. There are so many perks to being a Hilton Honors (HH) member. First, it’s free and you get a HH discounted rate. For each stay, you receive points toward free nights. You can choose your room, digital check-in, and check out. For every $1 spent, you receive 10 points. Tru & Home2 stays earn 5 points per $1. May vary by region. If you haven’t tried the free cookies at DoubleTree hotels, you don’t know what you are missing. The Embassy Suites has the best omelets for breakfast.
IHG Rewards Club. This rewards program is also free. There are no blackout dates. You get the IHG rate when you book directly with the hotel. You can redeem points for free nights.
Tours & Activities
Viator. Similar to Groupon, Viator offers an endless array of activities. You can reserve now and pay later. There are a lot of last-minute deals. In addition, the reviews are helpful to verify if you will have a good or bad experience. I always organize them by the most recent reviews.
Travel Essentials
Saily eSIM. I’m late to the eSIM party, but better late than never! I discovered Saily just in time for my birthday trip to Brazil. Staying connected while traveling internationally has never been easier. I’ll be testing it throughout my trip and will report back with my findings.
DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels. I purchased this bag in November 2017 for my first international solo trip to the United Arab Emirates. Two years and twelve countries plus (and some domestic trips) later, it is still in good condition. I recommend this luggage for travel. It’s 2026, and the DESLEY is still hanging.
Memory foam travel pillow. This is not the exact brand I have, but the specs are similar. I use this pillow for any long journey, not just airplane rides. A girl has to get her beauty rest. I use the TravelBlue memory foam pillow.
Eye mask. Once again, this is not the exact brand, but it has similar specifications. I use this mask at home and during travel. Daniel and I keep separate sleep schedules. Sleep does not come easily for him. I, on the other hand, can be awake one minute and snoring the next. He envies my sleep ease. Also, I used it during my visa run fun, and made great catnaps. I also use the TravelBlue brand. I use it so much, it’s falling apart.
Compressions Socks. During my international trip to Italy, I didn’t have compression socks, and my feet were extremely swollen. As the saying goes, you live, and you learn. I’ve been wearing compression socks on all international flights since then. The socks help prevent blood clots when sitting for extended periods during long flights.
RainLeaf Anti-bacterial Microfiber Towel, Large. I purchased this towel for my birthday trip to Thailand in 2018. It absorbs water easily, dries quickly, and does not take up much space in luggage. Perfect for beach trips.
CamelBak Chute Water Bottle, 1-Liter. Another 2018 Thailand purchase. It’s essential to stay hydrated wherever you are in the world. Daniel has claimed my water bottle as his own and uses it to mix his protein drinks.
Sawyer Products SP128 MINI Water Filtration System. I purchased this filtration system in 2018 for my trip to Thailand. It was handy in Ghana and India. It’s a big help to the environment. It helped me reduce my purchases of bottled water. I observed the impact of bottled water consumption on the people living on the beaches in Ghana over a three-month period. Let’s save our Earth, one bottle at a time.
Travel Visa
Ghana e-Visa. I remember when obtaining a Ghana visa required mailing documents and hoping everything arrived on time. The e-Visa process makes things much easier for eligible travelers by allowing you to apply online before your trip. I always recommend reviewing the requirements early and submitting your application well before departure. A little preparation goes a long way toward creating a stress-free travel experience.
Done-for-You Travel Planning
Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Let me take the guesswork out of planning. From destination research to daily activities, I’ll create a customized itinerary tailored to your travel style, budget, and goals.