This is your one-stop-shop for all the booking platforms, gear, tour services, and resources I recommend. I’ve personally used and tested all of these items and services and feel confident in recommending them to you.


This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.


Recommended Travel Resources

  • Airalo – eSIM so you have internet as soon as you land
  • Seats.aero – finding flights to book with points, free tier works for 30 days out only, pro tier is worth it for a month or two as needed
  • Going Premium – actually good flight deals for your airport(s), not just a price alert
  • Booking – finding hotels, rentals, or cars in the US or Europe
  • Expedia – finding hotels or rentals in the US or Europe
  • VRBO – finding rentals in the US
  • GuruWalk – free walking tours, great intro to any city, but understand that “free” means bring a good tip
  • GoCity – save money with a sightseeing pass to multiple attractions
  • Viator and GetYourGuide – amazing tours of all shapes and sizes
  • RailEurope – trains are an easy and scenic way to get around Europe

For more specific product recommendations, click on the pictures or the buttons below each resource. Both will get you where you need to go!

Skip to whichever section you need by clicking the title here, or browse them all!

My Products

Camera Gear

Beach Gear

Hiking Gear

🗺️ My Products 📋

Sightseeing Pass Cost Analyzer Spreadsheet

Page from the Sightseeing Pass Cost Analyzer spreadsheet

Figure out if that sightseeing pass is ACTUALLY worth the cost for you!

Trip Budget Tracker Spreadsheet

Page from the Trip Budget Spreadsheet

Create a trip budget and stick to it as you go! Real time updates help you stay on track.

Complete Trip Planner Spreadsheet

Pages from the Trip Planner Spreadsheet

Track reservations, expenses, and your itinerary from your phone.


📷 Camera Gear & Accessories 🎬

Nikon D3400

Our beginner DSLR, great for learning without spending a fortune.

Wide Angle Lens

100% worth it for architecture and landscape fanatics. Gets the WHOLE building or mountain in the shot.

Zoom Lens

You can often find this zoom lens in a starter bundle with the base.

External SSD Hard Drive

Often on sale for Prime Day & Black Friday

We’ve had externals that died, but our Samsungs are still going strong.

Extra SD Cards

Always have one or two extra SD cards so you never run out of storage while you’re out exploring.

DSLR Extra Batteries & Charger

Always charge overnight and bring a couple extra batteries with you when you go out to explore.

GoPro Hero 11

Upgrade your camera! Most of the Hero 9 or 10 accessories will still work with the Hero 11.

GoPro Hero 11 (Bundle)

A bundle worth your money should include extra batteries and a hard storage case, minimum.

GoPro Floating Handle

Our #1 recommended accessory

Save your GoPro from drowning.

GoPro Underwater Housing

Your GoPro will be fine on its own when you snorkel, but this housing lets you dive and attach filters so your pictures turn out with colors and not just blue.

GoPro Underwater Red Filters

You need a red filter to see anything besides blue when you take underwater photos. Pink is for snorkel, red is for diving, & magenta is for freshwater depths that look green.

Housing & Filters Dupe Bundle

These aren’t GoPro official merch, but they’re significantly cheaper if you’re willing to risk it. We haven’t tried these ourselves, but understand getting gear on a budget.


🌴 Beach Gear & Water Activities 🤿

Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Our Full Review Here!

Full-face snorkel masks are a game changer when you use them correctly. Plus, no reusing snorkel mouthpieces. Gross.

Snorkel Fins

You move around in the water so much easier with fins. A must-have if you like to swim out to snorkel spots from shore.

Water Shoes

Super handy for exploring rocky beaches, tide pools, or near slippery river banks or waterfalls.


🥾 Hiking Gear ⛰️

Hiking Boots (Women’s)

Rachel hasn’t used anything but these Keens and hasn’t had any issues yet. Definitely get the mid-height for the ankle support!

Hiking Boots (Men’s)

Zack wasn’t crazy about the look of these at first but the feel was perfect, so he got these. They’re trail running shoes rather than hiking boots and they work fine.

Trekking Poles

The older we get, the more we need and use these! Also ideal for rocky and steep terrain.

Dry-Feel Bug Spray

This dry-touch bug spray keeps the bugs at bay without making you all oily/sticky.

Small Items Day Pack

We have the 20L, but this 30L has a mesh water bottle holder on both sides.

Wide-Brimmed Hat

Save your neck from a painful sunburn! Get one with a bendable/packable brim, like this one.