Travel Essentials
Plan, book, connect, and travel with confidence
We’ve tried it all, from SIM cards that failed at the worst moments to ATMs that swallowed our cards. Some services left us stranded, while others became non-negotiable essentials. This page shares the tools that stuck; the booking sites, apps, and services we rely on to plan, connect, and move around the world with fewer headaches.
How We Manage Travel Finances
Simple, secure, and built for life abroad
Banking abroad used to mean constant stress — cards blocked without warning, surprise fees at ATMs, and hours wasted on calls to banks back home.
Over the years, we’ve built a system that works: a mix of travel-friendly cards, travel nous, and digital security. Together, this means we can pay confidently, move money easily, and protect our accounts wherever we are.
💡 Good to know: Always carry a backup card in a separate place, just in case one gets lost or blocked.
AFFILIATE PROMOTION
Tools We Use
Booking, transport, and connectivity made easy
From our first flight searches to the final airport ride, these are the platforms that simplify travel planning and execution.
Trusted Housesitters
Stay in homes worldwide while caring for pets
✓ Free accommodation for house/pet sitting.
✓ Thousands of listings in the US, UK & more.
✓ Annual membership unlocks unlimited sits.
✓ A budget-friendly way to travel long-term.
Sign up to THS with our link and get 25% off your annual membership
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals)
Find unique stays for your next trip
✓ Wide range of vacation homes and rentals.
✓ Great for families, groups, or long stays.
✓ Verified hosts and secure booking process.
✓ Better value than hotels for extended trips.
Over 2 million bookable vacation rentals across an array of rental property types
Klook
Tours, tickets, and activities made simple
✓ Great for hard-to-DIY trips
✓ Licensed guides and vetted operators
✓ Frequent promo codes
✓ Huge coverage across Asia and beyond
Get 5% off of your first booking on the Klook app with code: BetterOnApp | Get 5% off of your first Hotel booking on the Klook app with code: HotelOnApp
Holafly (eSIM + Subscription Plans)
Unlimited data with simple subscriptions
✓ Coverage in 200+ countries with one eSIM
✓ Choose monthly or yearly unlimited data plans
✓ Use hotspot sharing for laptops and tablets
✓ Cancel anytime, no long-term commitment
SAVE 5% on your first order using code: CLOSERLIVES5
Hotels.com
Stay anywhere, earn rewards along the way
✓ Thousands of hotels and resorts worldwide.
✓ Collect nights & earn free stays with Rewards.
✓ Flash deals and last-minute discounts.
✓ Simple booking and cancellation policies.
A one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities and availability
SafetyWing (Nomad Insurance)
Affordable health insurance for travelers
✓ Covers medical care in 180+ countries.
✓ Flexible monthly subscription, cancel anytime.
✓ Includes COVID-19 and emergency coverage.
✓ Built for nomads and remote workers.
Global medical and travel coverage for when you get sick or injured abroad, for nomads and remote workers
Find Hotels for Your Next Trip
Book smarter with our interactive hotel maps
We’ve partnered with Stay22 to bring you hotel and apartment options close to the places you actually want to be. Our maps compare prices across platforms so you can find the right stay at the right price — without endless searching.
Helpful Reads From Our Blog
How we plan, book, and connect on the road
We’ve written extensively about connectivity and planning. These posts share our real experiences, from SIM card struggles to the apps we now consider travel staples.
Explore More Travel Resources
Four categories, all built from tools we trust
Stay Connected
Tools, tips, and inspiration direct to your inbox
Our fortnightly newsletter shares travel resources, deals, and the products we use to make life on the road easier. Join us for behind-the-scenes updates and curated finds.
AFFILIATE PROMOTION
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
We only recommend resources we’ve personally used or genuinely believe will add value to your travels. These partnerships help us keep Closer Lives running, so thank you for supporting our journey.
Jenn & Leon at Closer Lives
Closer Lives was created to bring people, places, and stories closer together. Through travel, culture, history, poetry, and personal experience, we share the moments that shape how we see the world, and ourselves.
If you enjoy thoughtful travel guides, real experiences, and creative storytelling, you’re in the right place. You can also explore our Travel & Lifestyle Emporium, featuring inspirational travel pieces designed by us and shipped worldwide.