Phrases That Matter
A printable language cheat sheet for basic greetings, directions, food, emergencies, and everyday travel moments.
Open the PDFSolo Travel Companion Resources
Travel Resources
A curated list of sites, apps, and downloads I actually use when planning solo trips.
Tools Mentioned Throughout the Book
These are the websites and apps I personally use when researching destinations, booking accommodation, navigating cities, managing money, and staying connected on the road.
Free Downloads
Accommodation
Start with reputable platforms, then read the details carefully. For hostels, I look for strong recent reviews, a central location, and a good solo-traveler vibe.
Hostelworld HOSCAR Awards
When I'm researching a new destination, this is often my first stop. It's one of the easiest ways to find hostels that consistently earn great reviews.
Visit Hostelworld HOSCARSHostelworld
When I'm researching a new destination, this is often my first stop. The annual HOSCAR Awards highlight hostels that consistently earn excellent traveler reviews and can be a great shortcut when you're overwhelmed by choices.
What I look for:
- 8.5+ overall rating
- Strong Solo Traveler reviews
- 4–6 bed dorms when available
- Central location
- Positive recent reviews
Booking.com
Helpful for hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and backup options when hostels are not the right fit.
Compare staysFlights
Google Flights
This is where I start nearly every trip. The calendar view makes it easy to spot cheaper travel dates, and it's great for comparing direct flights versus connections.
Search flightsSkyscanner
Especially useful when your dates or destination are flexible.
Explore flight dealsTrains & Ground Transportation
The Man in Seat 61
One of the best resources for figuring out train travel, especially in Europe.
Plan train travelRome2Rio
Great for seeing whether a route makes more sense by train, bus, ferry, flight, or car.
Compare routesCitymapper
Useful for public transit directions in major cities.
Get around citiesMoney
Wise
A practical option for international spending, transfers, and avoiding ugly exchange-rate surprises.
Visit WiseRevolut
Popular among travelers for budgeting and foreign spending. Availability and features vary by country.
Visit RevolutXE Currency
Fast currency conversions when you need a reality check before paying.
Convert currencyPlanning
TripIt
Keeps flights, hotels, and bookings organized in one itinerary.
Organize a tripWanderlog
Helpful for building itineraries, mapping stops, and keeping plans flexible. Better for planning and visualizing an itinerary.
Build an itineraryGoogle Maps Offline
Download maps before you arrive so you are not helpless without data.
Learn howSafety & Communication
Airalo
Useful for buying an eSIM before or during a trip so you can get online quickly.
Browse eSIMsEssential in many countries for messaging guides, hosts, drivers, and new travel friends.
Get WhatsAppLife360
An easy way to share your location with family while still traveling independently.
Visit Life360How I Use These Resources
I treat tools as starting points, not final answers. I compare a few options, check recent reviews, verify the location, and keep backup plans simple. The goal is not to over-plan every minute. The goal is to arrive prepared enough to relax.