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After 10+ years of business and solo female travel, I’ve learned a thing or two about travel hacking, as well as products and services that help you travel with ease. Below are some of my favorites.
Briggs & Riley– I have had this luggage for a least 7 years. I love their lifetime guarantee, which is needed with how often I travel. Plus, it’s expandable and comes with a built-in tri-fold garment holder. I must say it’s not the most trendy luggage, but it’s super efficient.
Eagle Creek Compression Cubes– Not just your regular packing cube, but compression packing cubes. Compression packing cubes take the excess air and space out of your luggage, allowing you to pack more.
Vacuum Storage Bags– Another way to get the excess air out of your luggage and carry more, if needed, is by using a vacuum storage bag. This kit comes with a small manual pump and is the one I have. There is also a USB-powered option.
Cincha Travel Belt– Sick of your bag falling off of your luggage as you roll through the airport? The Cincha Travel Belt keeps your bag in place, plus they’re super cute!
Shop My Vacation Look– Just because you’re a mom, doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable. Shop my favorite vacation looks.
Packing/What to Wear Blog Posts
Aruba Packing List
What to Wear in Jordan
Best Swimming Ear Plugs for Kids
FLIGHTS
Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)- Get flight deals from your specified airports delivered to your inbox, daily. I personally recommend joining the premium membership which gives top-tier deals. We found flights from Houston to Hawaii for about $400, round trip. The savings you get from the flight deals will pay for the membership.
CheapOair– The jack of all travel trades. Use this resource to book excellent flight and hotel prices.
LODGING
Expedia– I love Expedia for flights, but their hotel options are top-tier. The map feature is my favorite part. It allows you to search along the map. As you move around the map, the hotel options populate, along with the neighboring restaurants and attractions.
Booking.com– Another fave when it comes to finding hotels, especially unique and boutique options. Plus, their database is filled with recent reviews.
HOSTELS
Hostelworld– As a mama and wife, sharing space with another person while traveling alone, isn’t at the top of my “to-do” list. But I do love a hostel that offers a private room and bathroom. Hostelworld offers various filters that help you find the perfect hostel for you.
RENTAL CARS
Discover Cars– Why pay more for a rental car than necessary? Discover Cars has some of the best deals from over 500 rental car companies, globally.
AIRPORT PARKING
Park ‘N Fly– Need to park your car at the airport without breaking the bank? Park ‘N Fly is an awesome option. Not only are their prices competitive, especially compared to the airport, but it’s also super convenient. You park at their place and they drop you off at your terminal. No need to lug your luggage from the car to the airport terminal.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SafetyWing Travel Insurance– Please, do not travel abroad without travel insurance. It’s a MUST! SafetyWing offers very reasonable rates with excellent customer service. Plus you can get up to 2 kids covered for free per paying adult.
ACTIVITIES/TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Tripadvisor– Tripadvisor is one of the most robust travel websites- including flights, lodging, activities, restaurants, and more. This is a great first-stop tool when trying to get a “lay of the land” and understand the various offerings a particular destination may have. From here, I go to the next listed tools to find potentially more unique or smaller tours
Viator– Viator is the largest database for tours, activities, and attractions. If you know specifically looking for things to do in a particular location, Viator is your resource. I personally always go to Viator to see if they have anything different than Tripadvisor, which they normally do.
Get Your Guide– Personally, I LOVE a unique experience, especially one that is run by a local. This gives me the opportunity to not only do the experience but to get a local’s perspective and learn more about the destination, like the best places to eat.
Go City– Want to get the most out of a city without breaking the bank? Go City offers all-inclusive passes that for one price, get you access to the city’s key attractions; thus, saving you both time and money.
Finding Travel Deals Blog Posts
How to Find the Best Hotel Deals
First Hostel Experience as a 36-Year-Old Mom
American Express Business Platinum– This is the card of all cards. It gives you access to the amazing Centurion Lounge (the food is delish) and the Delta Lounge when you travel on Delta. Learn more and get 120,000 Membership Rewards Points using the link.
Hilton Honors Card– This is a great entry card to travel hacking as it does not have an annual fee. The card gives you silver status with Hilton, multiple points per dollar spent at grocery stores and restaurants, and more. Learn more and get 80K points when using this link.
Delta Skymiles– Get a free annual companion pass, free baggage, and more on Delta with this card. Use this link to receive 75K Skymiles.