The following collection of resources are websites, brands, and products that we at HPL use on a regular basis when we travel. Many of the items on this list have been talked about before on Her Packing List!
*Please note that some resources are affiliates, and if you make a purchase after clicking those links, we will get a commission at no extra cost to you. It helps to keep this site running.
Booking Airfare
- Dollar Flight Club – Get flight deal alerts for your preferred departure airport sent directly to you by email. Definitely worth it! There is both a free and premium version (recommended for more sweet deals), and members save on average $500 USD per flight!
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is our preferred site for searching flights. They offer unbiased search results and are free from hidden fees. You can also book your hotels and rental cars.
- Google Flights – Use Google Flights to quickly search for cheap flights across the web. Set up fare alerts to track flight prices over time, or check the map view to see varying flight prices to an entire region (say different cities in Europe).
Train Travel Resources
- The Man in Seat 61 – A resource for train travel across the world. Great place to see timetables, trips and inside a train’s different classes in advance.
- Ultimate Guide to Train Travel – The HPL produced resource guide to train travel, including insight from our team as well as booking and travel tips.
Accommodation
- Airbnb – Want something more private than a hostel and something a bit more home-like than a hotel? Airbnb is the best place to book out apartments around the world, and if you sign up using this link, you’ll get $37 USD off your first stay booking + $14 USD towards an experience booking!
- Booking.com – Search for hotels, hostels, and apartments using this one resource. Use it for flights, car rentals, and airport taxis as well.
- Hostelworld – For hostels, Hostelworld remains our number one source for booking stays. Choose from straight up hostels, budget hotels and bed and breakfasts.
- Trusted Housesitters – Save money on travel accommodation by becoming a housesitter. Housesitters often have extra duties, like caring for pets and gardens.
- Couchsurfing – A great way to meet locals and save a buck! Couchsurfing is a place where people offer their couches (or spare rooms, etc.) to travelers for free. It’s a community, so get and give is the motto.
Tours
- Viator – Viator is the place to book local tours and travel experiences across the globe. Also great for searching for private tour guides.
- Intrepid Travel – Small group tours to the far reaches of the world. Book in from a few days to a few months.
Gear We Use
Organization
- Eagle Creek Packing Cubes – Packing cubes help you organize your luggage. We highly recommend the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cubes – they’re super lightweight, durable, and can offer extra compression for your clothes.
- Baggu – Baggu makes extremely durable and lightweight ripstop nylon pouches and bags. Try the 3D Zip Set or Go Pouch Set (heavier duty) for organizing luggage. Check out the stuffable shopping bags for an extra travel bag that takes up little space or weight.
Backpacks + Daypacks
- Pacsafe – We love Pacsafe bags. Since they come with extra theft-resisting features, they make you a more confident traveler. This bag, especially, has been highly recommended by both Brooke and HPL’s Caroline.
- Sea to Summit – Of all the Sea to Summit products, my favorite and most recommended is the super packable Traveling Light Daypack, also known as the Ultra-Sil Daypack.
- Tom Bihn – American made backpack company, Tom Bihn, crafts high-quality gear- like the Tom Bihn Smart Alec backpack. At just 26L, it’s a minimalist traveler’s dream, and one that Brooke loves.
- Osprey – If you’re in the market for a high-quality backpack with an awesome frame, check out Osprey. We have plenty of reviews on the site for many of their models. Brooke’s first backpack was an Osprey, and Caroline downsized to an Osprey Sirrus 36.
Personal Care
- Nalgene Toiletry Bottles – Worry about toiletry leaks no more. Nalgene make travel toiletry bottles and tubs in all sizes – even super tiny, helping minimalists have everything they need without bulk. Brooke has used them for a decade without spills or leaks in her luggage.
- Humangear GoToobs+ – If you prefer a squeeze tube for your toiletries, GoToobs+ silicone bottles work extremely well for shampoos and lotions.
- Aroamas – Aroamas are solid perfume sticks designed for travelers, handmade by Brooke. Coming in conveniently sized tubes, these fragrant body balms take up no space on packing lists and won’t spill or leak in luggage. Relaunching soon!
- Turkish Towels – They’re thinner than most travel towels, and they actually cover your body! We can’t get enough of Turkish towels for travel.
- Diva Cup – Menstrual cups are better for the environment and they help you avoid packing tons of tampons when traveling.
Clothing
- Speakeasy Supply Co. – They make the awesome hidden pocket infinity scarves that we use and love. They’re perfect for stashing secret cash, credit cards, lip balms, your passport, and even a flask if you’re so inclined.
- Exofficio – Our love of Exofficio started with their quick-dry underwear and has continued on to their other products with technical specifications. Choose from insect-repellent, UPF protecting, moisture-wicking and odor-absorbing features in their clothing.
- Icebreaker – High quality travel clothing composed of merino wool. Merino wool is body temperature regulating, odor-resistant, breathable, and natural. See how Icebreaker merino wool benefitted an ultralight packing list.
- Anatomie – Anatomie’s luxury line of travel clothing might come with luxury prices, but there is no denying that a pair of their travel pants can have heaps of value on a packing list. Check out our review of the famous Skyler pants to learn more.
Travel Insurance
- World Nomads – Our favorite travel insurance brand. They make it so easy to get the travel health coverage you need, but do read all the terms. Remember: You can still purchase travel insurance if you have already left on a trip!
Meeting Other Travelers
- HPLWorld – Her Packing List’s own community where you can connect with other female travelers, ask questions about gear, packing and travel in general. Join and connect!
- Meetup.com – Find people with similar interests to you in different places around the world, and then meet up!
- Travel Massive – A meetup for people in the travel world, whether you’re a blogger or a business owner. Chapters exist worldwide with regular meetups.