These are a few of my favorite Travel Resources that can help you schedule, book, and insure your travel plans.
If you’re traveling Internationally I highly suggest reading the benefits of booking travel with a travel credit card. You essentially earn more travel experiences the more you book.
Be sure to take a look at my Travel Tips below, especially if you are traveling internationally. You won’t want to forget any of these items while packing and preparing for your trip abroad.
I hope these travel resources help! xx
Travel Tips
Things to Consider Before International Travel
- If wanted, sign up for Travel Credit Card
- Notify Banks of your travel plans
- Save US Embassy Number and Emergency Number in your phone (each country is different)
- Update Passports
- Buy International Driver’s License
- Buy International Health Insurance
- Update phone service plan (or buy service card in the country you’re visiting)
- If needed, get up-to-date on vaccinations required for the country you’re visiting
- If you’re bringing medication, keep it in its prescription bottle with your name on it
Recommended Apps for International Travel
- Apple Wallet (used everywhere in Europe)
- CheapOAir (book cheap last minute flights)
- Citymapper (shows best direction routes and options)
- Currency Converter
- Duolingo (learn the language)
- Google Maps
- Google Translate
- Hopper (track and compare flight options)
- Rome2Rio (transportation options)
- SkyScanner (browse cheap flights anywhere, anytime)
- Splitwise (money tracking for group travel)
- Trainline (buy train tickets easily)
- Tripadvisor / The Fork (restaurant reviews & reservations)
- Uber (only available in some cities)
- Whatapp (messaging and calling)
Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Utilizing a travel credit card either for business travel or personal vacations is one of the best ways to gift yourself more travel experiences. The Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards are my favorites because of their benefits, ability to earn points, rewards, and travel perks.
*The card I would never recommend to someone traveling within Europe is American Express. It is RARELY taken at restaurants and hotels (especially small family shops), and it is known for many unsuccessful transactions on various transportation booking platforms.
Capital One Venture X
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening (we booked a 5-day vacation with our bonus points)
- Earn $300 in statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn 2X miles on all other purchases
- Earn 10,000 bonus miles every year, after your first anniversary
- Enjoy unlimited complimentary access for you and 2 guests to Capital One Lounges and to Plaza Premium Lounges while traveling
- By booking resorts from the Premier Collection earn a $100 experience credit, daily breakfast for 2, and complimentary WiFi on every booking, plus other premium benefits like room upgrades, early check-in, and late checkout when available
- Unmatched customer service (personal opinion – fast answering, always positive service)
- Annual fee: $395
Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening (we booked a 5-day vacation with our bonus points)
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3x points on dining at restaurants worldwide, streaming services, and online grocery purchases
- Earn 2x points on travel purchases, from airfare and hotels to taxis and trains
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- $0 foreign transaction fees
- 10% bonus Anniversary points based on last year’s purchases
- Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance and Extended Warranty Protection.
- Annual fee: $95
Packing Checklist
These are a few of my personal recommendations when it comes to packing a carry on or traveling internationally. Please discuss your medical questions and legal concerns with a medical or legal professional.
Carry on must haves:
International Travel Essentials:
- Airplane Foot Rest
- Chapstick
- Compression Socks
- Eye Mask
- Hand Sanitizer Gel & Wipes
- Hydration Spray
- Medications
- Mini Travel Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Phone Holder Mount
- Water Bottle
- Airtags for Checked Baggage
- Clear Toiletry Bag or Plastic Bags (esp through UK)
- European Plug Adapter
- Heating Pad / Ice Pack
- Jewelry Organizer
- Packing Cubes
- Passport & Passport Holder
- Portable Handheld Fan
- Portable Phone Charger
- Prescription Organizer w Prescription Info
- Sunscreen
Link for more Travel Essentials (As an Amazon Influencer, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases).