Travel Smarter Tips & Tricks
Traveling to a new destination is always an adventure, and a little preparation can go a long way! From must-know local customs to money-saving hacks and packing essentials, these tips & tricks will help you make the most of your journey.
Whether you're navigating bustling cities, exploring remote jungles, or indulging in delicious street food, these insights will ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and hassle-free experience. Let’s get you travel-ready! 🌍✈️
Our favorite tools, tips & affiliates to help you save money
At WanderersPlaces, we believe in traveling better, not just more. That means stretching your budget, earning rewards, and using smart tools that make the journey smoother. Below are some of our trusted travel affiliates and money-saving tips — things we personally use and recommend.
Every time you book through our links, you're supporting the blog (at no extra cost to you!) — so thank you for helping us keep the adventures going 🌍💛
💳 American Express – Travel Rewards & Perks
Why we love it:
Earn reward points on everyday spending (perfect for flights, hotels, or experiences)
Access to luxury airport lounges around the world (with select cards)
Comprehensive travel insurance and purchase protection
Exclusive perks like room upgrades, concierge services, and discounts with partner brands
Access to the Global Lounge Collection for a comfortable travel experience
👉 Tip: Use your Amex card for booking flights or hotels to rack up points and enjoy premium perks like upgrades, lounge access, and more. Be sure to check out limited-time sign-up bonuses for extra rewards.
Why it’s perfect for travelers:
American Express is a game-changer for anyone who wants to make travel feel more luxurious, while still earning rewards. The points system allows you to earn back your travel costs, and the premium benefits enhance your travel experience, whether you're staying in a high-end hotel or catching a flight for a weekend getaway.
Apply for Amex → https://americanexpress.com/nl-nl/referral/green?ref=sANDEAESUg&CPID=999999548
🛏️ Booking.com – Stays for Every Budget
Why we love it:
Offers a huge variety of accommodations – from hotels to hostels to vacation homes
Free cancellation on most bookings (ideal for flexible travelers)
Genius Loyalty Program for extra discounts, free breakfasts, and priority customer support
Detailed reviews from real guests to help you pick the best place for your stay
👉 Tip: Make sure you sign up for a Genius account to unlock extra discounts and hidden deals. Plus, get free breakfast at select hotels just for being a Genius member!
Why it’s perfect for travelers:
Whether you're staying in a 5-star resort or a budget hostel. It’s perfect for booking a last-minute stay or planning your accommodations weeks in advance. You can also save extra by checking for discounts and staying in properties that offer free cancellations or special offers for Genius members.
Book Your Stay → www.booking.com
🛫 Momondo – Find the Best Flight (and Hotel) Deals
Why we love it:
Compares prices from dozens of airlines & travel sites
Super flexible search features (like “Anywhere” destination)
Visual calendar to spot the cheapest travel dates
Great for flights, hotels, and even car rentals
👉 Tip: Use the “Whole Month” view to find the cheapest day to fly. And try the “Anywhere” search if you’re feeling spontaneous.
Search Flights on Momondo → https://www.momondo.nl/?ispredir=true
If you're like us and love finding the best deal without spending hours hunting. It’s easy to use and perfect for both flexible travelers and meticulous planners.
Whether you’re booking a quick escape or a round-the-world trip, Momondo helps you fly smarter and spend less — which means more budget for food, fun, and unforgettable experiences. 🌎✈️
🚗 Discover Cars – Rent a Car Anywhere
Why we love it:
Compares prices from major rental companies and local agencies
Free cancellation on most bookings
Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and no surprise charges
Find rental cars everywhere, from major cities to remote destinations
👉 Tip: Book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or in tourist-heavy areas, to score the best deals.
Why it’s perfect for travelers:
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. With Discover Cars, you’ll always get the best possible deal, whether you’re road-tripping through Europe, driving the coastlines of Australia, or exploring the back roads of Southeast Asia. The platform is perfect for travelers who want to get out of the tourist spots and really see a country.
Find Car Rentals → https://www.rentalcars.com
💸 Wise – Best Exchange Rates for Travelers
Why we love it:
Real exchange rates (the same you see on Google) with low fees
Multi-currency accounts with borderless banking
Easy international transfers with no hidden costs
Travel card that allows you to spend in multiple currencies without conversion fees
👉 Tip: Use the Wise card to spend abroad like a local – without worrying about high exchange rates or bank fees.
Why it’s perfect for travelers:
Wise is great for travelers who want to manage their money efficiently while abroad. You’ll save a ton on exchange rates and avoid the high fees that typically come with bank transfers or ATM withdrawals. Plus, you can set up a multi-currency account, which allows you to easily hold, send, and receive funds in different currencies.
Sign Up for Wise → https://wise.com/
📶 Airalo – Stay Connected with eSIMs Anywhere
Why we love it:
Buy eSIMs for over 200+ countries and regions instantly
No need to swap physical SIM cards or look for local SIM shops
Affordable data plans for staying connected while traveling
Works on most modern smartphones and tablets
Immediate activation via the Airalo app
👉 Tip: Get your Airalo eSIM before you travel to avoid roaming charges and stay connected from the moment you land.
Why it’s perfect for travelers:
Airalo offers a simple, affordable solution to keep you connected wherever you go. Whether you're navigating through foreign cities or uploading photos for your blog, Airalo makes it possible to have internet access anywhere in the world without expensive roaming fees. It’s especially handy for those who travel to multiple countries and want to avoid switching SIM cards.
Get Your eSIM → https://www.airalo.com/
Would you like alternative routes, high end or budget options?✈️
Get your personalized travel Itineraries here
💳 Revolut – Your All-in-One Travel Money App
Why we love it:
Multi-currency accounts with real exchange rates
Instant budgeting + spending insights
Virtual cards, ATM withdrawals & global transfers
Travel insurance, lounge access, and more (with paid plans)
👉 Tip: Use Revolut to spend abroad without hidden fees, split bills with travel buddies, and keep track of your expenses in real-time.
Whether you're hopping between countries or booking experiences on the go, Revolut is one of the smartest ways to manage money while traveling. It’s like carrying a mini bank in your pocket — but way more flexible and traveler-friendly.
Get your online credit card here → https://www.revolut.com/
🌐 Skyscanner & Google Flights – Find the Cheapest Flights
Why we love it:
Price alerts that notify you when flight prices drop
Easy-to-use search engine with flexible date options
Great for comparing budget airlines, long-haul options, and more
Google Flights offers quick views of price trends, airlines, and flexible travel dates
Skyscanner gives you a complete search across airlines, agencies, and travel sites
👉 Tip: Be flexible with your travel dates and destinations to find the cheapest tickets. Try flying on weekdays or in off-peak seasons for the best deals.
Why it’s perfect for travelers:
Skyscanner and Google Flights are perfect for savvy budget travelers. They allow you to see the lowest fares across the board and track changes in prices, ensuring you never miss out on a deal. Whether you’re booking a last-minute getaway or planning a big adventure, these search engines offer flexibility and the ability to choose the best flight for your budget.
Search Flights Now → https://www.skyscanner.nl/
🎒 Travel Tips to Save Even More
Pack light – avoid checked bag fees
Use eSIMs (like Airalo) for cheap mobile data
Travel with reusable gear (cut costs + reduce waste)
Stay in hostels or shared accommodations for social + budget-friendly options
Use reward points for flights & hotels whenever possible
🌍Final Note
With the right tools and resources, your travel dreams can become a reality without breaking the bank. Whether it's saving on flights, car rentals, or staying connected, these affiliates and services make it easier for you to see the world smartly and affordably.
Every time you book through our links, you help support WanderersPlaces at no extra cost to you — and we’re grateful to have you as part of our travel family! 💛
🎫 GetYourGuide – Book Tours, Experiences & Activities Anywhere
Why we love it:
Book unique tours and activities with local guides
Skip the long lines with skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions
Wide variety of experiences: from cooking classes to scuba diving to cultural tours
Customer reviews to help you pick the best experiences
Instant booking confirmations via the app
Effortless booking: You can find and book activities in minutes with instant booking confirmation.
Local and authentic: Get a deeper, more authentic experience of your destination by booking with local guides and small operators.
👉 Tip: Always check for special offers or combo deals (like museum + tour packages) to save even more on your experiences.
Why it’s perfect for travelers:
No matter where you go, GetYourGuide offers an easy, reliable way to book everything from skip-the-line tickets to off-the-beaten-path experiences. It's your go-to for finding and booking tours, activities, and experiences that will enhance your trip. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, riding a hot air balloon at sunrise, or tasting the best local foods, GetYourGuide connects you with the best experiences at great prices.
Explore GetYourGuide Experiences → https://www.getyourguide.com/
✅ Must-Haves (Don’t Skip These)
Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Regular sunscreen damages coral reefs. Go reef-safe (and it actually works in the humidity). This one’s great https://amzn.to/426EeAr
Universal Travel Adapter – A universal adapter is a lifesaver if you’re bouncing to other countries.
Grab a good one here: https://amzn.to/3HKZ6GH
Portable Power Bank – Keep your phone alive during long bus rides or power cuts.
Reliable option here: https://amzn.to/45Gsw1S
Reusable Water Bottle (with filter if possible) – Stay hydrated without buying endless plastic bottles.
Larq is a great pick: https://amzn.to/4mznZnP
Bug Repellent – Jungle + dusk = mosquitos. Go DEET-free or natural if you prefer.
This spray works: https://amzn.to/45NrOyo
Sturdy Footwear (Hiking Sandals or Trail Shoes) – Flip-flops will betray you on muddy trails or rough terrain.
Check these out: https://amzn.to/4p06rCW
Microfiber Towel – Sand, sweat, waterfalls… you’ll use this daily. This one dries fast: https://amzn.to/45Whe8x
Dry Bag / Waterproof Backpack – Protect your stuff during rainstorms, waterfalls, or boat rides.
Nice one here: https://amzn.to/47q02e5
Essential Packing For Your Upcoming Adventures 🎒
✨ Nice-to-Haves (Make Your Trip Way Easier)
Waterproof Camera (GoPro) – For underwater snorkeling, surf footage, and waterfalls.
Order your Gopro here: https://amzn.to/3HMH86I
📸Why it’s worth it: If you're all about waterfalls, snorkeling, and surfing — aka places you don’t want to risk a regular camera. A GoPro is waterproof, durable, and perfect for capturing underwater adventures or strapping onto your surfboard. The newer models also have killer stabilization, so even jungle hikes look smooth on video.
Camera (Good but Affordable) – If you want better photos without going pro-level, something like the Canon EOS R50 or Sony a6400 with a kit lens is a solid travel pick: https://amzn.to/3HAU67w
📷Why it’s worth it: Not everyone wants a bulky DSLR. If you want high-quality photos without spending thousands, something like the Canon EOS R50 or Sony a6400 is a great balance. Both are lightweight, great in low light (hello, jungle sunsets), and come with decent kit lenses for beginners.
DJI Mini Drone – Capture epic coastlines and jungle views without carrying a giant drone.
This one is travel-friendly: https://amzn.to/45FeY6O
✈️Why it’s worth it: Imagine flying over the jungle canopy or filming a sunset on the Pacific coast — a drone completely changes how you capture your trip. The DJI Mini series is lightweight (under 250g, so no license hassle), packs easily in a day bag, and gets amazing shots without pro-level skills.
Headlamp / Compact Flashlight – Jungle nights get dark fast.
This compact one is perfect: https://amzn.to/3VnMFUd
Earplugs – Between howler monkeys and surf towns with late-night music, you’ll want them.
These block noise very well: https://amzn.to/4npqzNp
Travel Hammock (lightweight packable) – Perfect for chilling on the beach or jungle stays.
Popular one here: https://amzn.to/4p328qG
Sun Hat/Cap – Foldable ones pack easily. This one works well: https://amzn.to/4pfaAmP
By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost.
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