Travel has been a core part of my life for decades. By fall 2025, I’ll have visited 70 countries, with plenty more on my list. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a long-term adventure, having the right resources can make all the difference.
Over time, I’ve tested countless travel tools—from booking sites to must-have gadgets—and compiled this comprehensive guide of the best travel resources for 2025. These recommendations come from my own experiences and trusted traveler friends.
Let’s dive into the ultimate travel toolkit—from keeping in touch to finding the best flights, rentals, and accommodations.
🌍 Staying Connected: eSIMs & Travel Apps
In a world of digital nomadism and global connectivity, staying online while traveling is essential.
Best eSIMs for International Travel
✔ Airalo – The go-to eSIM for Canadians traveling abroad. Many of my friends swear by it in Europe.
✔ UBIGI – Reliable global eSIM with affordable plans.
✔ Nomad eSIM – A popular choice among frequent travelers.
✔ GePanda – Great for flexible data plans.
💡 Pro Tip: Think about how much data you’ll need and how long you’ll travel, as this affects pricing.
Travel Communication Apps
✔ Numero eSIM – Get a second phone number while traveling, ideal for keeping your main number private.
🎒 Travel Gear & Must-Have Items
🏕️ Packing & Organization
✔ Packing Cubes – Game-changer for staying organized. I love different sizes but avoid extra-small ones.
✔ Noise-Canceling Headphones – A lifesaver on planes and noisy hotels.
✔ 30L Backpack – Perfect for day trips & carry-ons. The Mountain Warehouse option comes with a built-in rain cover.
👡 Shoes & Accessories
✔ Chaco Sandals – My go-to travel sandals—great arch support, excellent traction, and odor-free.
✔ Kipling Women’s Travel Purse – Slim profile, multiple zip pockets, and adjustable strap—perfect for city travel.
🛅 Luggage
✔ Expandable Carry-On – I’ve used TUMI for 20 years, but the latest models aren’t as roomy. Samsonite Freeform with double spinner wheels is a great alternative.
📖 Travel Tech & Gadgets
✔ Kindle Paperwhite – Compact, glare-free, and long battery life—a must for avid readers.
✔ Universal Travel Adapter – Supports 210+ countries, multiple USB ports, and fast-charging Type-C.
🚑 Travel Insurance: Protecting Your Trip
✔ Safety Wing – Affordable travel insurance starting at $38 per month (cost varies by age & duration).
✔ World Nomads – A popular choice for adventurers & backpackers.
💡 Always carry travel insurance when going abroad—it’s worth the peace of mind!
✈️ Finding the Best Flights
I typically book directly with airlines, but these tools help me find the best deals and route options:
✔ SeatGuru – Check seat maps & avoid bad seats before booking.
✔ Kayak – One of the largest airfare search engines.
✔ Skyscanner – Best for European flights and tracking price drops.
💡 Pro Tip: Watch out for hidden baggage fees & cancellation policies when booking through third-party sites.
🚗 Car Rentals: Best Booking Platforms
✔ Expedia – Easy-to-use and upfront about prepaid vs. pay-at-pickup options.
✔ Enterprise – No extra fee for adding a spouse as a second driver.
✔ Discover Cars – Great for last-minute rentals (but most are prepaid).
🏕️ Camping & House-Sitting Resources
✔ Schnerp & Campnab – Monitor campsite cancellations for national & provincial parks.
✔ Trusted Housesitters – House & pet sitting platform with trusted hosts.
✔ Nomador – House-sitting platform with a rating system for added trust.
✔ Kindred – A members-only home swap network for affordable stays.
🏨 Best Hotel & Accommodation Booking Sites
✔ Booking.com – My go-to hotel booking site with great discounts & clear cancellation policies.
✔ Expedia – Occasionally finds hotels not listed elsewhere.
✔ Airbnb – Ideal for unique stays & long-term rentals.
✔ Agoda – Best for Asia travel deals.
✔ Hostelworld – If you’re budget-conscious or looking to meet travelers.
🚙 Getting Around: Transport & Currency Tips
✔ Rome2Rio – Plan routes between cities—shows all transport options.
✔ International Driver’s License – Needed for renting cars in many countries (apply via CAA or AMA Travel in Canada).
✔ Wise – Best way to send/receive money abroad with low fees & great exchange rates.
✔ Calforex – Best foreign exchange rates in Canada.
📌 Miscellaneous Travel Resources
📌 Maximizing Travel Rewards & Points
✔ The Points Guy – Learn how to maximize travel points & airline miles.
📌 Fitness on the Go
✔ Free Walking Tours – Budget-friendly tours with local guides.
✔ Nike Training Club – The best free fitness app for travelers.
✔ Centr (Chris Hemsworth’s App) – Top-rated for strength training, HIIT & cardio ($29.99/month).
✨ Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter in 2025
The right travel resources can make your trip smoother, cheaper, and more enjoyable. From booking flights & accommodations to packing smart & staying connected, these tools have helped me travel more efficiently over the years.
No matter where you’re headed next, having the right resources at your fingertips can make all the difference.
🌍 Need a reliable eSIM or VPN for your next trip?
🔹 Stay connected anywhere with GePanda’s instant eSIMs.
🔹 Protect your data with a secure ZoogVPN while traveling.
👉 Visit GePanda.com to prepare for your next adventure! 🚀
