I get asked constantly about what I use to plan trips, where I book accommodations, and what gear I pack. This is my honest, curated list of resources that have made travel easier, cheaper, or more enjoyable. Many of these links will become affiliate partnerships, meaning I earn a small commission if you book through them – but I only recommend what I genuinely use myself.
Booking Platforms
Where I actually book my accommodations, flights, and experiences
The Booking Sites I Trust
Not all booking platforms are created equal. These are the ones I turn to again and again, each for different reasons.
Booking.com
My go-to for European accommodations. Incredible selection, reliable reviews, and free cancellation on most properties.
- Best selection in Europe
- Accurate photos and descriptions
- Genius loyalty program with discounts
- Free cancellation policies
Airbnb
Perfect for longer stays or when you want a local experience. Great for apartments in residential neighborhoods.
- Unique properties and locations
- Kitchen facilities for budget travel
- Local host recommendations
- Experiences beyond accommodation
Skyscanner
The best flight comparison tool. I use it to find deals then often book direct with airlines for better customer service.
- Comprehensive airline comparison
- Flexible date searches
- "Everywhere" search feature
- Price alerts and predictions
Trainline
Essential for European train travel. Mobile tickets, real-time updates, and covers most European rail networks.
- Mobile tickets (no printing needed)
- Real-time delays and updates
- Covers 45+ European railways
- Seat reservations where needed
GetYourGuide
My preferred platform for skip-the-line tickets and unique experiences. Great for booking museum entries in advance.
- Skip-the-line museum tickets
- Small group tours
- Local experience providers
- Free cancellation options
Hostelworld
Not just for backpackers! Many European hostels have private rooms that are cheaper and more social than hotels.
- Private rooms in social environments
- Verified reviews from real travelers
- Free Wi-Fi and common areas
- Meet other travelers
🎯 Lucy's Pro Pick
Booking.com + Skyscanner combo: I search flights on Skyscanner but usually book direct with the airline for better customer service. For hotels, Booking.com's free cancellation policies give me flexibility to change plans or find better deals later.
Essential Travel Gear
The actual items in my suitcase that make travel smoother
Gear That Actually Gets Used
I'm not a gear obsessive, but these items have proven their worth over dozens of trips. Quality pieces that last and genuinely solve problems.
🌟 Budget Champions
Great value picks that don't compromise on functionality
💎 Worth The Splurge
Investment pieces that make travel significantly better
Luggage
- Away Carry-On (splurge) - Built-in battery, durable
- Samsonite Spinner (budget) - Reliable, good warranty
- Packing cubes - Essential for organization
- Compression socks - Long flight lifesaver
Tech Essentials
- Anker PowerCore battery pack
- Universal travel adapter with USB
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Portable WiFi hotspot for data
Comfort & Safety
- Allbirds Tree Runner shoes
- Packable down jacket
- Money belt or hidden pocket
- First aid kit basics
Photography
- iPhone with camera lens attachments
- Compact tripod for selfies/sunsets
- Extra battery pack for phone
- Waterproof phone case
Away Carry-On Suitcase
The suitcase that changed my packing game. Built-in battery, perfect size for European airline restrictions, and incredibly durable.
- Built-in USB battery for phone charging
- TSA-approved lock
- 360° spinner wheels
- Lifetime warranty
Allbirds Tree Runners
The most comfortable walking shoes I've ever owned. I've walked 20+ miles in these through European cities without any discomfort.
- Made from eucalyptus tree fiber
- Machine washable
- Incredibly lightweight
- No-break-in period needed
Anker PowerCore 10000
This battery pack has saved me countless times. Compact enough for daily carry, powerful enough to charge my phone 2-3 times.
- Charges iPhone 8+ times
- Fast charging technology
- Compact and lightweight
- 18-month warranty
🎯 My Desert Island Gear
If I could only bring three items: Allbirds shoes (comfort for endless walking), Anker battery pack (never lose power), and packing cubes (sanity-saving organization). Everything else is bonus, but these three are non-negotiable.
Travel Insurance
Protection that's actually useful when things go wrong
Insurance That Actually Works
I learned about travel insurance the hard way during a food poisoning incident in Prague. These providers have proven reliable when I've needed to make claims.
World Nomads
My go-to for comprehensive coverage. Designed for travelers, with excellent customer service and reasonable pricing.
- Covers adventure activities
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Can buy and claim online
- Covers pre-existing conditions
True Traveller
Great for frequent European travelers. Their annual multi-trip policies offer excellent value for regular city break travelers.
- Unlimited trips under 45 days
- Winter sports coverage included
- No upper age limit
- COVID-19 coverage
Revolut Premium
Not just insurance - includes travel insurance with their premium banking. Great if you want the financial benefits too.
- Travel insurance included
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel delay compensation
- Device insurance
🎯 What I Actually Use
World Nomads annual policy: £120/year for worldwide coverage including winter sports. I've claimed twice - once for medical treatment in Prague, once for delayed flights in Italy. Both times the process was straightforward and I was reimbursed quickly.
Essential Apps & Digital Tools
The apps that live permanently on my phone
My Digital Travel Arsenal
I've tried hundreds of travel apps. These are the ones that stayed on my phone because they solve real problems and work reliably offline.
Citymapper
Hands down the best public transport app for European cities. Real-time updates, multiple route options, and works in 40+ cities.
- Real-time transport updates
- Walking + transport combinations
- Offline city maps
- Departure boards for stations
Google Translate
The camera translation feature is pure magic. Point your phone at any menu or sign and get instant translation.
- Camera translation
- Works offline with downloaded languages
- Conversation mode
- Handwriting recognition
TripIt
Forward your booking confirmations and TripIt creates a beautiful itinerary. The Pro version adds real-time flight alerts.
- Automatic itinerary creation
- Works offline
- Sharable trip plans
- Pro: Real-time flight updates
XE Currency
Essential for non-Euro destinations. Works offline and updates rates automatically when you get WiFi.
- Works completely offline
- Historical rate charts
- Currency calculator
- 180+ currencies supported
Maps.me
Detailed offline maps with walking routes. Essential backup when Google Maps fails or you're conserving data.
- Completely offline maps
- Walking and driving directions
- Points of interest
- Bookmarks and notes
Rome2Rio
Shows every possible way to get from A to B - flights, trains, buses, ferries. Perfect for planning multi-city European trips.
- Multi-modal transport search
- Price comparisons
- Journey time estimates
- Direct booking links
🎯 My Essential Five
Can't-live-without apps: Citymapper (transport), Google Translate (communication), TripIt (organization), Maps.me (backup navigation), and my banking app with no foreign fees. These five solve 90% of travel challenges.
Money & Banking
Smart financial tools for European travel
Banking That Works Across Borders
Foreign transaction fees and poor exchange rates can add up quickly. These financial tools help you spend smart while traveling.
Revolut
My primary travel card. True interbank exchange rates, no foreign transaction fees, and works everywhere in Europe.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Real exchange rates
- Instant spending notifications
- Budget tracking and analytics
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Best for holding multiple currencies and making international transfers. Perfect if you're working remotely while traveling.
- Multi-currency account
- Local account details in 10+ currencies
- Low-cost international transfers
- Real exchange rates
Monzo
Great UK challenger bank with excellent travel features and spending insights. Plus customer service that actually helps.
- No fees in Europe
- Instant notifications
- Automatic categorization
- Excellent customer support
🎯 My Wallet Setup
Two-card strategy: Revolut as my primary card (no fees, great rates) and Monzo as backup (different network, excellent customer service). I always carry some cash for small vendors and tips, but these two cards handle 95% of my spending.