Welcome to our Travel Resources Hub
Since 2018, our family of five has been living the travel life, full-time, remote, worldschooling, and always exploring. Over thousands of flights, dozens of countries, and hundreds of nights away from “home,” we’ve discovered what really works (and what doesn’t) when you’re traveling with kids, suitcases, and a “go anywhere” mindset.

Here you’ll find the tools, apps, services, and gear we personally use, have tried, tested, and trusted. Whether you’re planning a two-week vacation or building a long-term travel lifestyle, pick and choose what fits you best.

If you have questions or want help selecting the right resources for your family, feel free to reach out at the5worldexplorers@gmail.com.

Let’s simplify travel. Let’s make it fun. Let’s make it work for your whole crew. And who knows, through these tools, you may find something that works perfectly for you, too!

(Some links also include special discounts when you use our codes.)

Flights & Travel Planning

✈️ Flights

After years of traveling full-time, we’ve learned a lot about booking flights efficiently and avoiding a few costly mistakes along the way!

When we first began our adventure, we relied on Airtreks, a company that specializes in finding great deals for multi-stop or round-the-world tickets. It was perfect for us in the beginning because we had a clear, year-long plan for where and when we wanted to travel. We’d tell them our destinations and dates, and they’d piece everything together at the best possible price.

However, as our journey evolved, so did our travel style. We didn’t want to be tied to fixed dates or rigid itineraries anymore; we wanted the freedom to slow down, stay longer when we loved a place, and move on when we were ready. That’s when we began developing our own flight booking strategy.

Our Personal Flight-Booking Process

Over time, we’ve found a simple method that helps us stay flexible, save money, and make smart choices when booking flights:

1. Start with Google Flights
   We always begin our search on Google Flights. It’s the best tool for getting a quick overview of flight options, dates, and price changes.
   • You can compare prices across multiple days and see which dates are cheaper to fly.
   • If you’re flexible, shifting your departure or return by just one day can make a big difference!
2. Check Routes and Stopovers Carefully
   Once we have a few good options, we examine the routes, airlines, and layovers closely.
   • Be cautious with low-cost airlines; their prices often don’t include luggage, which can add up quickly when traveling with a family and full-size suitcases.
   • Always check how long your stopovers are. A short layover might risk a missed connection, while a long one can make for an exhausting travel day.
3. Book Directly Through the Airline
   After finding our preferred flight, we always go directly to the airline’s website to book. While we sometimes use third-party platforms, we’ve found that airlines now often offer the best rates directly, plus it’s easier to make changes if needed.
4. Compare Fare Options
   Most airlines now offer basic, standard, and premium fares. We usually pick the middle option, which includes checked luggage and seat selection, the best value for a family of five traveling long-term.
5. Join Airline Alliances & Reward Programs
   It’s worth signing up for frequent flyer programs or airline alliances, such as Star Alliance, OneWorld, or SkyTeam. Many airlines are interconnected, allowing you to earn miles across multiple carriers.
   Over time, these points have saved us money and even scored us discounts or free flights!

🛂 Visas & Entry Requirements

One of the less glamorous parts of full-time travel is keeping up with visa rules and entry requirements, but it’s also one of the most important. Every country has its own policies, and those rules can change frequently.

When we started traveling full-time, we quickly learned that visa research is just as important as booking flights. Some destinations are easy and allow you to stay for months, while others require advance applications or specific entry permits. More than once we changed our destination due to visa costs or limitations.

We usually start by checking the official government websites of the countries we plan to visit to confirm requirements for both our U.S. and Italian passports (we have both). This helps us make sure we don’t overstay or miss a necessary document.

We’ve experienced a wide range of entry scenarios, from straightforward visa-free arrivals to those requiring special travel authorizations. Sometimes, we’ve had to adjust our routes because one country required more paperwork than expected.

What we’ve realized is that preparation makes all the difference. A little research ahead of time can save hours at immigration counters and prevent expensive last-minute changes.

👉 Learn more about Visas here

🧳 Travel Insurance

We’ve met many travelers with varying opinions about insurance; some never leave home without it, while others prefer to travel without coverage and deal with situations as they arise.

To be completely honest, we usually travel without insurance. Over the years, we’ve found that medical care in many countries is surprisingly affordable and accessible, especially for smaller issues. From doctor visits to checkups and minor treatments, the costs have often been reasonable, sometimes even cheaper than what we’d pay back home with insurance. We have also had to deal with a broken leg, and it was still more affordable to handle in Mongolia, where it happened, rather than in the US.

That said, there have also been situations where having travel insurance was essential, not necessarily because of emergencies, but because certain activities or destinations required proof of coverage. For example, joining specific tours, applying for visas, or entering certain countries sometimes required us to show an active insurance policy.

While we don’t personally rely on it full-time, we know that for many travelers, especially those just starting out or taking short-term trips, having insurance offers peace of mind and flexibility when unexpected situations arise.

If you prefer to have coverage while traveling, we recommend SafetyWing. It’s flexible, affordable, and designed specifically for travelers and digital nomads from 174 countries. They offer two main options:

🩺 Nomad Insurance Essential

This is the simpler plan that covers:

• Emergency medical expenses (like accidents or sudden illness)
• Evacuation and trip interruption
• Lost luggage and travel delays

It’s ideal for those who want basic travel-medical protection without committing to a full health insurance plan.

🌍 Nomad Insurance Complete

This plan includes everything in the Essential plan, plus:

• Comprehensive health coverage (checkups, specialist visits, chronic conditions)
• Mental health care and preventive treatments
• Worldwide coverage, including your home country for short visits

It’s best suited for long-term travelers, expats, and families who want ongoing medical support while abroad.

Both plans can be purchased before or during your trip, and you can pause or restart coverage anytime, perfect for flexible travel lifestyles like ours.

👉 Learn more about SafetyWing Nomad Insurance here

Phone & Connectivity on the Road

📱 Phone

Staying connected while traveling full-time is essential, not just for sharing our adventures, but also for receiving bank verification texts and staying in touch with family. Over time, we’ve tried many options and finally found a setup that works perfectly for our nomadic lifestyle.

Our U.S. Number — Mint Mobile

We still keep one of our U.S. phone numbers active, primarily for essential matters such as bank accounts, credit cards, and two-factor authentication. We use Mint Mobile, which has been an excellent solution for long-term travelers. It’s affordable, flexible, and doesn’t require a contract. We’ve set it up as a prepaid plan, so we only pay for what we need and can keep our number active even while abroad.

Mint works through T-Mobile’s network, and we’ve found it to be reliable in the U.S. We’ve also used their international pass more than once, and it has been great. When we travel internationally, we turn off Mint’s data and rely on Wi-Fi or eSIMs for internet access.

👉 Join Mint Mobile here with this link to get a special discount on your plan!

Local SIM Cards (for Calls & Data)

Whenever we arrive in a new country, one of the first things we do is buy a local SIM card. It’s often the easiest and most cost-effective way to obtain reliable data and make local calls.

Many countries now offer tourist SIM packages with ample data for 15–30 days, which are ideal for shorter stays. You can usually find them at airports, convenience stores, or official carrier shops.

Tip: Before buying, always ask about coverage in the area you’re staying, especially if you’ll be in the countryside or remote regions. At times we ask locals or look it up online, so when we arrive we are prepared for the prices they ask us.

Airalo: Instant Global Connectivity (Our Go-To eSIM!)

Airalo is a digital eSIM platform that lets you buy and activate local, regional, or global data plans directly from your phone, no need to swap SIM cards!

Here’s how it works:

1. Download the Airalo app.
2. Choose your country, regional, or global plan.
3. Install the eSIM right on your device.
4. Connect to a local network the moment you land!

You can keep your Mint Mobile number active for messages and calls while using Airalo for affordable data almost anywhere in the world. Plans can be topped up in seconds from the app, making it perfect for digital nomads, long-term travelers, and families on the go.

👉 Use my referral code SARAH17618 to get USD $3 off your first eSIM, or click this link to start: https://airalo.go.link/kCP2X

🔒 VPN & Online Security

Surfshark VPN: Staying Secure While Traveling

When traveling full-time, we connect to many different Wi-Fi networks in airports, hotels, cafés, and rental homes. We use Surfshark VPN to add an extra layer of privacy and security when browsing, checking emails, or accessing important accounts while using shared or public Wi-Fi.

Surfshark also lets us connect through servers in different countries, which can be useful when websites and online services work differently depending on our location. One subscription can be used on unlimited devices, making it especially practical for our family’s phones, tablets, and computers.

👉 Join Surfshark using our referral link and receive up to three months free

This is a referral link. If you subscribe and remain a member for 31 days, we may receive a referral reward at no additional cost to you.

📱 Travel Apps

We rely on a handful of travel apps that make life on the road much smoother, from converting currencies to communicating in new languages and getting around unfamiliar cities. These are the ones we use the most and genuinely recommend.

💱 XE Currency Converter

XE is our go-to app for converting money anywhere in the world. You can load up to 10 currencies at once, set your main one on top, and instantly see conversions as you type in amounts.

It’s especially handy when grocery shopping in a new country, no more guessing what that fruit or loaf of bread really costs! The app updates rates in real-time when you’re online, but it also works offline with your last synced rates, a lifesaver when traveling without Wi-Fi.

🗣️ Google Translate

Google Translate is our go-to app for overcoming language barriers. You can type or speak directly into the app, and it translates instantly into your chosen language.

We’ve used it countless times to communicate with hosts, drivers, and restaurant staff, even in remote areas where English isn’t widely spoken. You can also download languages for offline use, and the camera feature translates signs or menus instantly, perfect when you’re trying to figure out what you’re ordering for dinner!

🚗 Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber & Grab)

When we don’t have a rental car, these apps make getting around so much easier, especially as a family of five.

• Uber operates in many cities around the world and lets you easily request rides or food deliveries right from your phone.
• In Southeast Asia, Grab is the main ride-share app. It works just like Uber and can also be used to order food or packages.

Not every country has these services, but when available, they save time, reduce stress, and often cost less than taxis.

🗺️ Google Maps & Maps.me

• Google Maps is essential for directions, restaurant reviews, and neighborhood exploration. We also download offline maps before heading to rural or low-signal areas.
• Maps.me is another great tool that works completely offline and often shows smaller trails or paths not visible on Google Maps — perfect for hikes or countryside travel.

🧳 TripIt (for Organizing Travel Plans)

If you like keeping all your travel details in one place, TripIt is a lifesaver. It automatically pulls booking confirmations from your email, flights, hotels, and car rentals and creates an organized itinerary you can access anytime, even offline.

It’s especially useful for long-term travelers juggling multiple destinations or family trips with lots of moving parts.

Accommodation & Local Stays

Finding the right place to stay is one of the most important parts of our travel planning. Whenever we visit a new destination, we consider a few key questions before booking:

• How long are we staying?
• Is it an expensive area?
• What are our plans for exploring the location?

If we’re visiting a big city for just a few days, we usually stay in a centrally located hotel or somewhere near good public transportation. When we plan to stay longer, an apartment often turns out to be a better and more affordable option. In the countryside, we love finding a house where we can enjoy space, nature, and a homey atmosphere.

Below are our favorite accommodation platforms, all tried and tested during years of family travel. Keep in mind that some websites work better in specific regions, so it’s always worth comparing prices before booking.

Airbnb

After traveling full-time for years, we often prefer staying in a real home with a kitchen and bedrooms, especially for more extended stays. It gives us more comfort and helps us stick to a routine, even on the road. We’ve found that Airbnb is more popular in certain countries, which can affect prices and availability. A tip: booking for a full week often gives you a better deal!

👉 Join Airbnb with our discount link and get up to $50 off a stay and $15 toward an Airbnb Experience of $50 or more.

VRBO

Lately, we’ve been checking VRBO more often, and it has quickly become one of our favorite alternatives to Airbnb. Many homes and apartments that aren’t listed on Airbnb can be found on VRBO, and at times, prices are even better. It’s especially great for families, since most listings are entire homes with space to cook, relax, and enjoy a comfortable stay. If you’re booking longer stays or looking for something more unique, be sure to compare both platforms before making a decision.

Booking.com

This is our go-to site for the broadest range of options worldwide, from hotels to apartments and family stays. We especially love the map view, which lets us explore neighborhoods and compare prices visually.
Our tip: search your destination, enter your dates, and then switch to the map to see where each property is located. It’s a great way to find the perfect area when visiting a city for the first time.

Agoda

Similar to Booking.com, but particularly strong in Asia and Australia. We often find better prices here for the same properties listed elsewhere. Agoda continues to grow globally and is becoming one of our favorite sites to check before finalizing a booking.

Hotels.com

We like to use Hotels.com as a final comparison tool. Sometimes it surprises us with exclusive discounts or loyalty rewards that make it worth choosing over other sites. Always compare at least two or three options before booking!

TrustedHousesitters

If you want to travel more affordably, or even for free, this is an incredible option. TrustedHousesitters connects you with homeowners around the world looking for responsible people to care for their pets and homes while they’re away.
We’ve applied a few times (though dates didn’t align), but we know many travelers who use this platform as their main way of seeing the world.

It’s important to remember that every sit comes with specific dates, conditions, and responsibilities, so it’s not always ideal if you want to spend full days sightseeing. However, it offers a unique, local experience and often a deeper connection with the community.

👉  Join TrustedHousesitters here to get 25% off your membership, a win-win for travelers and pet lovers alike!

Transportation (Car Rentals & Local Travel)

🚗 Car Rentals

In many of the countries we’ve visited, renting a car has given us the freedom to explore at our own pace, especially when public transportation didn’t reach the hidden corners we wanted to see.

Over time, we’ve learned that the best rental experience depends on where you are, how long you’ll stay, and how flexible you’re willing to be.

Our Approach to Renting Cars

We no longer rely on just one company. Instead, we compare all available options to find the best deal, especially for longer rentals, where discounts can add up significantly.

That’s why we love using DiscoverCars. It’s one of the most reliable platforms we’ve found for comparing offers from both local and international rental agencies. It shows prices transparently, includes customer reviews, and lets you easily add Full Coverage for peace of mind.

👉 Reserve your rental with DiscoverCars

Whenever possible, we still check a company’s official website directly too, since some offer loyalty programs or points that can lead to extra discounts and faster pickups (sometimes you can even skip the desk entirely!).

Local vs. International Companies

While big international brands can be convenient, we’ve often found that local rental companies offer better prices and more flexible terms, especially outside major cities.

In countries like Guatemala and Costa Rica, we walked up to local agencies after arriving and secured better deals on the spot than we had found online. In smaller or more remote destinations, this direct approach can save you time, money, and paperwork.

Every destination is different, and the key is to stay flexible and compare your options; sometimes spontaneity really does pay off!

Why We Always Get Full Coverage

One thing we never skip anymore is full coverage insurance.
After a few too many close calls, we learned our lesson the hard way:

• Once, another driver hit our parked car and left without leaving a note.
• Another time, a car crashed into us, even though it wasn’t our fault.
• And in Australia, a rental company tried to claim we had scratched the entire car exterior and wanted to charge us for a full repaint!

Having full coverage in each of those cases saved us from big financial headaches. It might feel like an extra cost upfront, but it’s one of those things you’ll be grateful for when something unexpected happens.

🪪 The Importance of an International Driver’s License

If you plan to drive abroad, always check whether you need an International Driver’s License (IDL) in addition to your home license. Some countries require it to rent a car legally, while others may only ask for it if you’re stopped by police. However, we’ve learned it’s best to always have one, even in places where it’s not mandatory, it can help avoid language barriers and simplify insurance claims in case of accidents.

You can easily apply for an IDL before you travel through organizations like AAA (in the U.S.) or your local automotive association. It’s inexpensive, valid for one year, and recognized in most countries. Having it in hand has saved us from a few stressful moments at rental counters and checkpoints!

Money, Banks & Logistics

💳 Credit Cards

Choosing the right credit card can make a huge difference when you travel full-time. After years on the road, we’ve found one that truly fits our lifestyle, and we’ve stuck with it ever since!

Our Go-To: Capital One Venture Rewards

We’ve had our Capital One Venture Rewards card for years, and we absolutely love it. It’s simple, flexible, and perfect for travelers who want to earn rewards without complicated point systems.

Why we love it:

• ✈️ Unlimited miles on every purchase, every day — no categories or limits.
• 🌍 Easy redemptions — use your miles toward any travel expense, from flights and hotels to Airbnb stays, car rentals, or even travel tours.
• 💸 Flexible payback — you can also use your rewards to pay off your balance, giving you total control over how you use your points.
• 🚫 No foreign transaction fees, which is a huge plus for international travel.

We’ve used our Venture Rewards miles to cover everything from flights across continents to spontaneous weekend stays — it’s been one of the best financial tools for our travels.

👉 Apply for your Capital One Venture Rewards Card here and start earning miles toward your next adventure!

🏦 Banks

Charles Schwab: The Best for ATM Withdrawals Abroad

When it comes to cash, we rely on our Charles Schwab checking account, which has truly been a game-changer for international travel. Schwab refunds all ATM fees worldwide, no matter where you withdraw, and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. This means we can get local currency anywhere without worrying about hidden costs or finding a “partner bank.” It’s especially useful in cash-based countries or local markets where credit cards aren’t accepted. (This bank account is for US based travelers)

Between these two, we cover nearly all our financial needs while traveling full-time: one for points and purchases, the other for cash and flexibility.

🌍 Wise — The Smart Way to Send and Receive Money

We also use Wise to send and receive money internationally. It’s one of the easiest, most transparent ways to handle global payments, and perfect for long-term travelers, digital nomads, and families abroad.

Why we love Wise:
💱 Low fees and real exchange rates — no hidden markups.
💳 Multi-currency account — hold and spend in 40+ currencies.
⚡ Fast, reliable transfers — ideal for paying rentals, tours, or freelancers abroad.
📈 Great app interface — track balances, conversions, and transfer times in real time.

🎁 Wise is better with friends:
When you join using our referral link, you can send your first transfer of up to £500 (or equivalent) without any fees!
And once three of your friends each make a transfer over £200 or spend £200 with their Wise card, you’ll receive a £50 reward to use however you like, maybe toward your next trip!

👉 Join Wise and get your first transfer fee-free

Mail

One of the biggest questions we get as full-time travelers is: “What do you do about your mail when you don’t have a permanent home?”

Even though we’ve made most of our lives paperless, there are still moments, like tax season, when we need access to important mail. Since we’re still U.S. residents, we needed a way to receive and manage our mail no matter where we are in the world.

That’s when we discovered Traveling Mailbox, and it has been a total game-changer! It provides a virtual mail service that allows you to view and manage all your postal mail online from anywhere in the world.

Here’s how it works:

1. They assign you a unique physical street address in the U.S. (not just a P.O. box).
2. When your mail arrives, they scan the outside of each envelope.
3. You log in to your account and decide what to do:
   • ✉️ Have them open and scan the contents
   • 📦 Forward the mail or package anywhere
   • 🗑️ Shred what you don’t need
   • 📬 Hold it for later pickup or review

Everything is handled securely and efficiently, no matter where in the world you’re traveling.

We’ve relied on this service for years, and it’s made our life so much easier — especially when it comes to managing official documents or handling taxes remotely!

👉 Check out Traveling Mailbox here and enjoy stress-free mail management from anywhere in the world.

Family Learning & Reading

🎒 Learning Resources

One of the most rewarding parts of traveling full-time has been watching our kids learn from the world around them. Education for us doesn’t just happen in front of a screen or a book; it happens through daily experiences, cultural immersion, and curiosity.

When we first started worldschooling, we wrote two blog posts about our approach to learning:

• ✏️ How Our Kids Learn… What Learning Tools We Use
• 🌍 How Our Kids Learn… Our Worldschooling Experience

Those posts were written a few years ago when we were just starting this journey, and since then, things have shifted quite a bit. Our kids have grown, their interests have evolved, and we’ve adapted our learning tools to meet their current needs.

Even though the tools have changed, one thing remains the same: we believe that learning happens every day, everywhere. Whether it’s visiting museums, exploring nature, or living for a while in a new culture, every experience is a chance to learn something new.

Our Online Learning Tools

Each of our kids learns differently, so we use a mix of structured programs and self-directed learning platforms that give them freedom while keeping consistency.

🐘 Elephant Learning (for Luca)

Luca currently uses Elephant Learning — an adaptive learning platform that covers both math and reading. It adjusts to each child’s level and focuses on true understanding rather than memorization. The lessons are short, engaging, and concept-based, helping kids build a strong foundation while making learning fun and interactive.

🎓 Acellus (for High School)

Our older kids — and sometimes Luca, too — use Acellus Academy, an accredited online program that offers courses from elementary to high school.
It combines structure and flexibility, allowing students to learn core subjects at their own pace while keeping them on track academically. The platform’s video lessons, interactive quizzes, and progress tracking make it easy to study from anywhere in the world, whether we’re in a city, on an island, or in the mountains.

🌟 Outschool (for Passion-Based Learning)

We still love Outschool for the freedom it gives our kids to explore topics they’re passionate about. There are live and recorded classes on almost anything you can think of — from art and science to travel, gaming, and global cultures.

Some courses are short and focused, while others run weekly or ongoing. It’s a wonderful way for kids to follow their curiosity and connect with teachers and students from around the world.

👉 Use our referral link to get $20 in Outschool credit so your child can try a class and see what sparks their interest: Outschool Referral Link

Learning Through the World

While online tools provide structure, the world remains our greatest classroom. Every new destination teaches our kids something, whether it’s history through a museum visit, geography through travel, or empathy through meeting people from different cultures.

We’ve seen them grow not only academically but also emotionally and socially as they adapt to new environments and experiences.

📚 Books

Books are a big part of our travels; they inspire us, teach us, and keep both us and the kids entertained wherever we are. Whether digital or paper, we always find a way to bring stories along for the journey.

Digital Book Options

📖 WELIB

One of our favorite discoveries is Welib. It offers thousands of free book PDFs that you can easily download and read offline, perfect when Wi-Fi is spotty or when you want to travel light without carrying heavy books. You’ll find everything from classic literature and travel guides to educational resources for kids.

🌟 Epic!

For our kids, Epic! has been a fantastic resource. It’s a digital library designed specifically for children, offering unlimited reading access for up to four kids for $7.99/month. There’s a huge selection of books, from picture books to chapter books, plus learning videos that make reading even more interactive.
We also love that parents get email updates showing what their kids are reading, a great way to stay connected to their learning even while traveling.

👉 Check out Epic! here if you’re looking for a fun, affordable way to keep young readers engaged on the road.

Physical Books & Exchanges

Even though we travel full-time, we still love holding a real book in our hands. Whenever possible, we:

• Buy used books from local shops or secondhand markets.
• Exchange books with other travelers or through local cafes and hostels.
• Buy new ones occasionally when we find a story we can’t resist.

Book exchanges have become one of our favorite little travel traditions — a fun way to connect with other travelers and discover unexpected stories.

You can read more about how we make it work in my post, “The Book Exchange Experience”, where I share how we’ve managed to always have books with us, even while moving from country to country.

Gear & Comfort

🍳 Kitchen Things We Travel With

One of the ways we make anywhere feel like home is through cooking. Whether we’re staying in an Airbnb, a house sit, or a hotel apartment, we love preparing meals together; it’s part of our family rhythm and helps us feel grounded no matter where we are in the world.

The truth is, not every kitchen we find on the road has what we need. Over time, we’ve learned to bring along a few small but essential items that make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

We made a short video sharing the kitchen things we travel with, showing what we pack to cook healthy, simple meals wherever we go.

🎒 Travel Gear

After years of full-time travel, we’ve realized that the right gear doesn’t just make life easier, it helps us feel at home anywhere. From organizing five suitcases to staying powered up on the go, the items we pack are chosen with intention.

We’ve tested plenty of products over the years (and replaced quite a few along the way!). Through trial and experience, we’ve found a handful of things that genuinely make a difference, from durable luggage and travel backpacks to adapters, reusable bottles, and compact essentials that keep us comfortable and organized wherever we land.

To make it easier to share what we actually use and love, we created an Amazon shop with our favorite travel gear. You’ll find a mix of practical tools, family-friendly items, and small comforts that make life on the road smoother and simpler.

🛍️ Visit Our Amazon Travel Gear Shop

(As always, these are products we personally use and recommend. Some links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you — if you decide to buy through them.)

Our Travel Philosophy

We believe that travel isn’t just about seeing places, it’s about growing, connecting, and learning through experience. Every resource here, from practical tools like apps and insurance to creative ones like books and learning platforms, supports that vision.

Remember, what works for one family might not be perfect for another. The beauty of this lifestyle is finding your own rhythm and discovering what makes travel meaningful for you.

✨ Our best advice: stay curious, stay flexible, and keep exploring, both the world and yourselves.