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Welcome to my ultimate list of travel resources! These are all of the travel tools, products, and websites I use to make my travels as smooth as possible.
Anything you see here are items or sites that I use personally and recommend, but it’s also a way for you to support me and get great resources at the same time!
Shev’s Travel Resources
What are you looking for?
Hotels and Tours
Shev’s booking philosophy: I am personally not an AirBnb fan.
🥇First Choice: Booking.Com because I have status there, the cancellation policies & communication is clear, and you can find locally owned hotels and even vacation rentals there.
Hotels.com – if I don’t find anything on Booking.com, Hotels.com is next! They have a great loyalty program.
Hostelworld.com After Booking.com, I use Hostelworld the most! I love staying in hostels to meet people, and often book a private room if I need to have space to work.
VRBO.com This is a great alternative to Aribnb. Best for finding homestays.
TrustedHousesitters This is great for travellers who have or love pets! Hosts get free pet and house-sitters for when they are travelling, and travellers get free accommodations and puppy cuddles. Use my link for a discount when you sign up for either!
Workaway.info Workaway is an awesome way to travel on a budget. Search for hosts around the world, and receive free room and board in exchange for help in the house or on local projects.
Tours & Activities
Shev’s Philosophy: I don’t generally book big tours, but I do enjoy finding cool ones! I will do a quick search for a free walking tour in my destination, then go from there. But I also like to peruse:
Viator – my top pick for finding activities. I find it the most reliable.
Get Your Guide – similar to Viator, but more popular in Europe. If you don’t find what you like on Viator, check GYG!
Transportation
There is no good way to find flights, in my experience. I sometimes use Hopper to keep me updated on price changes, but I always book flights direct. If you’re in the US, check out my friend FlightsToFins for travel hacking tips.
Discover Cars – this site compares local and international car rental companies so you get the best price. I book all my rental cars here.
For Mexico, I have had the best experience with Localiza (through Discover Cars).
Travel Insurance
I have a few different types of insurance because of my diving activities, but I recommend everyone always carries two types of insurance: travel insurance and travel health insurance.
It’s possible to find policies that cover both, but you want to be sure! Travel insurance covers your travel logistics like cancellations and lost luggage, while health insurance helps cover medical and other fees if you have an incident away from home.
Safety Wing – This is who I use for travel health insurance. They have awesome customer service and affordable monthly plans for frequent travellers like me!
Travel Insurance Master – use these guys for everything else! Travel Insurance Master helps you compare dozens of insurance plans based on your requirements.
Divers Alert Network – This is a travel health policy specifically for diving and other “extreme sports”. Many policies don’t cover those kinds of activities, so if you want to dive on holiday be sure you’re covered!
Other Hacks
Wise – This is the absolute best way to spend money abroad. I use it to spend, exchange, receive, and send money while travelling, or just for work! Learn all about my Wise hacks!
Pimsleur– an amazing app I used to learn Spanish in less than a year! Lessons are audio based so you learn to speak before learning to read. In less than a month I was able to shop and order in restaurants comfortably!
JetPack (Use code SHEAT4H4 for discount) – The best eSim option I have found (and I have tried a lot!). You only install once, then buy your package for wherever in the world you are. I find it cheaper than others, the customer service is great, and they have data and voice options!
Stream2Sea – (Use code SHEV_STROLLS for discount) my favourite toiletry and skincare brand. Reef safe and biodegradable, and work great! Favs are the sunscreen, shampoo bar, gear wash, and leave-in conditioner.
Packs
COR Backpacks – I now travel exclusively with my COR bags. They were designed for surfers but work just as great for divers! I use the 25L Drybag Backpack for the beach and boat, and the 28L Island Hopper is my personal item on planes.