Whether you’re planning your first getaway or your fiftieth, having the right resources on hand can make all the difference. We’ve rounded up our favorite travel tools, packing essentials, apps, local experts, and planning tips to help you travel smarter, save time, and make the most of every adventure.
Which Apps Are Worth the Download
Currency
A must-have converter to calculate prices, easily switch between currencies, and help stay within your trip budget.
TrainLine
If you’re traveling around Europe, this is a great app to research train and bus tickets. It’s very user and traveler-friendly, and the site is in English. While pricing may be a bit higher, the convenience is a nice tradeoff.
Packpoint
Tell the app where you’re going and for how long, and it’ll build a curated checklist based on your trip activities. Items are categorized by topic (ex: hiking, baby, etc.) and can be added or deleted.
CityMapper
For the directionally-challenged traveler taking on a major city, this is your secret weapon! Standout features include comparing all transportation options (metro vs. taxi vs. walking, giving step-by-step directions to tack on public transportation, and using saved maps offline so you don’t have to drain your data usage.
Viator / GetYourGuide
Both are great hubs to find excursions and unique experiences worldwide. Speaking from personal experience, the traveler reviews provide a lot of insight and comfort that we’re booking with trusted companies. The app makes it easy to cancel and sometimes change dates, and all of your ticket confirmations are digital.
Travel Influencers
Looking for a little travel inspo? These are some of our favorite travel influencers, sharing everything from bucket-list adventures and practical planning tips to hidden gems and unforgettable experiences that will have you dreaming about your next trip.
Kara & Nate
One of the most well-known travel couples, they’ve traveled to over 100 countries and a mix of incredible cinematography, fun story-telling and great travel guides.
Drew Binsky
Another OG travel YouTuber who has documented his travel to every country. He’s an incredible storyteller and emphasizes the human side of travel and the connections you can make along the way.
FieldsandHeels
Jamie Ward is a local, Midwest creator who we’ve been following for a few years now. She shares her experiences traveling around the U.S.
Planning Tips
Every good trip starts with a good plan. Here are a few of the things we make sure to do before we head off on an adventure, so there’s no surprises or last-minute issues.
- Book the Big Things First – You’ve found your destination and spent your evenings scrolling Pinterest identifying every cafe you want to visit and making a list of instagrammable spots. That’s great, but it stinks if your plans are derailed because things are sold out, too expensive or you’re stuck staying an hour outside of the city and commuting to everything. Make sure your first priority is booking flights, accommodations, rental cars, etc. Lock in the essentials first, then fill in the details later.
- Build a Flexible Itinerary – It’s easy to feel like there’s so many things you want to do/see on your trip that you need to schedule every minute of your day, but resist the urge to overschedule. Plan one or two must-do activities each day, but leave time to wander, relax, or take a recommendation from a local. In our experience, those are the most fun parts of the trip.
- Save Everything in One Place – Keep your confirmation emails, reservations, tickets, and travel documents organized in a single folder or app so they’re easy to access when you need them and bring paper copies with you if you’re traveling internationally because you may struggle to connect to Wi-Fi when you’re trying to answer customs questions.
- Research Local Customs – Google a few local phrases (things like please, thank you, where are the bathrooms),research tipping etiquette and familiarize yourself with cultural norms. The locals will appreciate the effort, and you’re sure to save yourself a few awkward moments.
- Check Entry Requirements Early – Before you book your flights, take a few minutes to research your destination’s entry requirements. Will you need a visa? Are there arrival forms to complete before you land? Is your passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, and does it have enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps? Passport renewals and visa applications can take weeks, or even months, so don’t wait until the last minute.
- Leave Room for the Unexpected – Some of our favorite travel memories happened because our plans changed. Whether it’s discovering a hidden café, joining a last-minute tour, or taking a scenic detour, don’t be afraid to embrace a little spontaneity.
Whether you’re dreaming up an international adventure or planning a quick weekend getaway, the right resources can make your trip smoother, more affordable, and even more memorable. We hope these tools, tips, and recommendations help you plan with confidence and spend less time stressing over the details. Happy travels!
About Sippin’ Sangria
Caroline and Lexa are a traveling duo who have visited several local, U.S., and international destinations together. Through these adventures, they’ve learned the ins and outs of traveling with friends and love connecting with other female travelers. When they’re not booking their next flight, Lexa and Caroline plan trips – honeymoons, girlfriend getaways, weekend trips, etc. Find them at www.sippinsangria.com.
Support Local Journalism
Get the good stuff. Stay in the loop. to our weekly newsletter and join 5,500+ savvy locals getting event recs, insider tips, and exclusive content—like our must-have guide to Indy’s summer hidden gems. Sign up here.
