Dayvee Sutton

Dayvee's Ultimate Travel Resources Guide

Hi friends. You’re probably here from seeing me on TV. I’ve been traveling since age 11 and professionally since 2015. Over the years, I’ve learned so many hacks and I study the latest tips and trends for a living. I’ve created this guide to lay out my favorite travel resources. I continually update this with the best and most reliable resources to improve your travel experience. Please feel free to share your favorites; I will check them out to share with the community users of this guide.

 Enjoy.

I independently research, test, review, and recommend the items listed on this page, which contains some affiliate links. If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission. Some affiliate links will also offer a discount just for you just for clicking through using my link. So thanks for supporting my work by simply shopping for the things you like.

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Trip Planning

 

Planning a trip can be overwhelming, with so many details to consider, from flights and accommodations to activities and sightseeing. Check out these tools for a hassle-free and organized travel experience.

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wanderlog wanderlogpage

One of the most robust and easy-to-use trip planning apps, and the best part is that it is  completely free. Plan any kind of trip, from solo road trips to group travel. You can create your  itinerary, organize flight, hotel, and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with your travel partners.

Not interested in an app, use my Trip Planning Quick List.

You can print it, save it to your tablet or camera roll

  1. Right-click and save this image. 
  2. Keep it in your favorites. 
  3. Reference this list to stay organized when planning your trips!
Dayvee Sutton's Trip Planning Quick List

Google Travel Dayvee Sutton

There are plenty of search engines out there to find a cheap flight. But one option is better than all the rest: Google Travel.

It’s really a one-stop shop for all things travel and the most robust option to plan where you want to go, when you want to go, and how much you want to spend.

Check out this video on how to use it.

giphyUse a Travel Advisor to elevate your experience.

If DIY travel is overwhelming, the good news is that there are professionals out there who are waiting to help you plan your dream trip. We can thank the online travel agencies for making travel more accessible, but a travel advisor can do it better than you can on your own. 

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  • They have the connections and access to deals that you don’t.

  • They save you time on planning.

  • You have a real person looking out for your best interests.

  • They will handle the inevitable travel challenges.

  • They are more affordable than you think. (Sometimes free! Depending on the situation.)

I’m often asked how to find a travel advisor, and the truth is that you need to find one that gets you. I get that you may not know where to start, so I’ve partnered with Fora Travel.
Fora Travel is a modern travel agency built by travelers. With their massive database of travel advisors, each one with their own specialty, you can find the perfect partner to co-plan your dream trips.

It’s a game changer, and you’ll never go back once you start using an advisor.

How would you best use a travel advisor?

How to Score Travel Deals

 

The best way to score travel deals is to be flexible. Flexible on when and where you can go. Most of us can’t be so flexible on when we can go (because of our jobs), but if we open up the possibilities of where we are willing to go, then that’s when you can score the best deals.

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If you really want to go to a destination, then track your airfare. (See “Book on Your Own)

If you want to travel during peak season, the best strategy is to book in advance.

going Besides Google Travel to track the destinations you already know you want to go to (see Trip Planning), Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) uniquely monitors the best flight deals from your home airport. So instead of choosing a specific flight to follow, you’ll select your home airport. The site will also recommend nearby and hub airports to follow for even more deals!

Glitch/Error/Mistake Fares

Mistake airfares, also known as error fares or airline price glitches, occur when either an airline or an online travel agency accidentally lists the wrong price for a flight, selling the ticket for much less than it is worth.

Usually, you can snag hundreds of dollars of savings on these tickets—sometimes 90% or more. The key is to act quickly, since when the airline or online travel agency notices, the ticket price will be discontinued. 

Here’s the tried and true OG’s in the game. These sites are famous for finding glitch/error/mistake fare.

secretflying logoSecret Flying is probably the most popular site to find cheap flight deals and mistake fares. It sends out cheap deals via daily email newsletters, mobile app alerts, and social media account updates.

AND…it’s free!

airfarewatchdog.com logo

Airfare Watchdog is a free flight search engine that helps you find the lowest flight prices, along with email alerts and flexible options.

Check this site for last-minute flights and flexible travel dates.

pricelinePriceline is one of the largest US platforms on which to book hotels, airline tickets, rental cars, cruises, tours, and other travel services.

But that is what a lot of sites claim.

I previously worked with Priceline for a media campaign and I learned some game-changing hacks which I have used time after time. 

These are the hacks you want to use for booking last minute getaways.

Check out the tutorials –>.

WayAway Logo 1024x508 1 Flights are typically the most expensive part of your trip, which is why using WayAway offers a brilliant incentive to use their platform. WayAway is a flight aggregator that claims to give travelers the best rates on airline tickets and other travel deals. But the best part is that when you book through the platform you get cash back immediately! 

Users who sign up to WayAway’s membership plan get additional cash back on bookings of flights, hotels, rentals, and more.

Priceline flight hack

Priceline hotel hack

Points & Miles

 

Social media travel accounts have you drooling over a life of luxury travel from first class airline seats to dreamy rendezvous at overwater villas. These posh dreams can be a reality and done at no extra cost to your regular lifestyle when you maximize Credit Card points with Airline and Hotel loyalty programs.

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In my wallet

Here’s a look at the favorite travel cards of a professional traveler. Keep in mind, these cards suit my travel-work lifestyle and all are considered quite expensive. But don’t worry, click the link at the bottom to see more great offers from the top travel credit cards. 

MORE GREAT OFFERS

With so many travel credit cards to choose from, where do you start? Whether you’re looking for travel rewards, cash back, or 0% intro APR, take a look at these top cards from our partners.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card®from American Express

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. 

Annual fee: $695

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ThumbnailDelta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express 

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex is a good choice for Delta loyalists who need a little help reaching their elite status goals. This card offers some useful perks including an annual companion pass and your first checked bag free on Delta flights.

Annual fee: $250

Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.

Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.

Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One Venture X Rewards 

 

2X miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

10X miles per dollar when you book on Turo through May 16, 2023

5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel

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Clickable card art links to Marriott Bonvoy Boundless(Registered Trademark) credit card product pageMarriott Bonvoy Boundless®

Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.

Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.

Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

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Let Me Upgrade You

For years it was quite daunting for me to even conceptulize that I could play the points and rewards game. The barrier was becaues I thought you needed (a lot of) money to play the game. But, that’s a fallacy.

Check out my guide where I break it all down in the most simplest way. 

Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to start earning at every turn.

Places to Stay

 

Finding good and affordable accommodations can make or break your trip. You want to stay in clean, comfortable, and well-located hotel or vacation rental. And if you can find that at a bargain, then you’re winning!

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Find the best place to stay at the best budget comparing all the best hotel sites RIGHT HERE!

Compare both rentals and hotels on the same map, I can show you the largest inventory of available rooms RIGHT NOW, offering the best rates on over 35 million bookable listings in over 220 countries and territories.

At the Airport

 

Some people hate this part of the journey. But here’s some tools to ease your stress and make for a better experience before boarding your flight.

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TSA Precheck logo.svg

TSA Precheck

TSA Precheck is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that gives low-risk members access to an expedited security lane and screening process at selected airports in the US.

Once enrolled, your membership will last five years.

Some credit cards will cover or discount the fee.

GE Logo BlackBlue

Global Entry

Global Entry, another U.S. Customs and Border Protection program, gives the same benefits as TSA Precheck, plus expedited customs screening for when international travelers re-enter the U.S.

An unofficial benefit with this program is that you will also be granted TSA Precheck when approved for Global Entry. So, it’s like 2-for-1!

Once enrolled, your membership will last five years.

Some credit cards will cover or discount the fee.

1200px NEXUS program logo.svg

Nexus

This is a joint-venture program created by the Canadian Border Services Agency and the US Customers and Border Control to allow pre-approved, low-risk travelers to use their NEXUS card instead of a passport at self-service kiosks at selected airports in Canada and the US.

clear

CLEAR

CLEAR is a program that allows its members to fast-track airport security, using biometrics for identification, in the U.S. through an exclusive ‘CLEAR’ lane at select airports.

You can compound your benefits by having TSA Precheck and Clear. Some credit cards will cover or discount the annual fee.

MPC

Mobile Passport Control 

Mobile Passport Control is one my favorite travel secrets that is hiding in plain sight. MPC is a U.S. Customers and Border Protection approved mobile app that gives travelers an electronic version of their passport. The key is that rarely anyone uses it, even though it is free (no application or approval required). Which means, often there is no one in the line. I find the line faster than Global Entry!

Just download the app to your phone and upload your travel documents.

PP

A Priority Pass membership allows all passengers, regardless of class, to use the airport lounges and other airport facilities. The membership allows entry at more than 1,300 eligible locations in more than 600 airports in over 150 countries. It’s especially handy when traveling internationally, when not every airport has lounges connected to American carriers.

Some top travel credit cards have the benefit of a Priority Pass membership, which can help offset the costs of the fees for those cards.

aiport parking

Booking your parking space in advance checks one more thing off your list. Especially during high-season travel, you don’t want to search aimlessly for an available parking spot. This website searches available spaces, including surrounding lots and hotels near all the major airports in the U.S. and Canada. And offers a discount to you, as well.

roadtrippers

Roadtrippers is one of the most practical and popular road trip planning apps out there. You can plan your journey right in the app, adding up to seven waypoints for free or 150 with a Roadtrippers Plus account. You can collaborate with friends or family and discover all the best stops along your route. The app features lodging, sights, outdoorsy destinations, restaurants, activities, shopping, fuel, and more all around the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

The app is free, but to enjoy all the bells and whistles, you’ll want to upgrade to premium for $29.99 a year. It’s available on iOS and Android.

Use my link and get $5 off Roadtrippers Plus just for you!

waze logo

I recommend using Waze, even when you know the route. Waze stands out (over Google Maps) because it can tell you about obstacles, police traps, potholes and more. Because it relies on  community-reported incidents, the app is able to help you navigate the best route in real time. (Google Maps relies on officially reported incidents.) Waze is free! 

GoCity logo landscape Logo

Go City is an attractions and experiences app where you can save up to 60% on tickets and admissions to things you already want to do when visiting big cities. That includes must-see museums, observation decks, cruises, tours, restaurants, and theme parks, as well as the hidden gems of a city, all hand-selected by local experts. Go City is currently in more than 30 major cities across four continents, so it’s definitely worth checking out when planning the things to do on your trips. Available at a single, prepaid price, passes allow customers in more than 30 destinations across four continents. 

Rights, Safety & Emergencies

 

Flight disruptions are one of the most frustrating issues faced by travelers. Whether it is your fault or not, you should always be proactive and have things in place for emergency situations. While most of the time you will not need them, you will always be grateful to know exactly what to do when things aren’t going your way when you are away from home.

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This is for U.S. passengers. Other countries have different rules.

Know your rights

If your flight is canceled...

If your flight has been canceled, federal law entitles you to a full refund for the cost of your airfare should you choose not to fly or a new flight other the airline’s choosing. Refunds are given in the same form as the ticket was purchased - cash, credit or miles.

If your flight is delayed...

If your flight is delayed, you may still be compensated. Most airlines say if the flight is “significantly” delayed, which is intentionally vague. Check the airline’s contract of carriage for their delayed flight policy.

Canceled & don't want to travel...

If your flight is canceled and you choose to cancel your trip as a result, you are entitled to a refund for the unused transportation – even for non-refundable tickets.  You are also entitled to a refund for any bag fee that you paid, and any extras you may have purchased, such as a seat assignment.

If you need to get there ASAP

If your flight is canceled, an airline can put you on another airline’s flight if they have available seats. (But, they are not required to do so. So kindness and patience goes a long way.)

Canceled until the next day

If your flight is canceled and you've been alerted that flights won't be available until the next day, ask the airline staff if they will pay for meals or a hotel room.  While some airlines offer these amenities to passengers, others do not and they are not required to, either.

Note: (1) airlines do not guarantee schedules, and (2) airlines are never responsible for losses you might suffer because you don’t arrive at your destination on time or at all.

For that reason, I highly recommend using Travel Insurance, which can be found in the Travel Emergencies tab in this section.

A handy dandy list of U.S. airline’s cancelation policies

The key is to plan ahead for the worst case scenarios.

Be Informed

Learn about the country, including visa requirements, local laws, customs, and medical care in the countries where you will be. 

Check the destination’s website for required visas for your passport.

Check the U.S. Department of State for any Travel Advisories for your destination.

Consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important safety and security messages and make it easier for us to locate and assist you in an emergency.

Know the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate with you. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, D.C. 

888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

Be prepared

Digital copies of your passports, travel documents, itineraries and emergency numbers stored online where you can access by logging into any computer, anywhere (i.e. emailed to self or emergency contact, Google drive).

Mad money, have cash on hand in local currency, enough to cover your for at least five days.

If you take medication, make sure to have at least five days’ worth at any given time.

Always have a fully charged extra battery pack. Recommended minimum 10000mAh.

Travel insurance will help to protect you by giving you resources and save you thousands during emergency situations. 

Always have an exit stratgy. If something were to go down, know how you can escape harm’s way.

Be connected

Keep a hard copy of emergency contacts.

Have at least one place on social media where you are active. 

Phone lines are usually affected during a crisis. 

Many U.S. embassies and consulates, along with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, use social media to provide information. 

allianz

When looking for good travel insurance plans, you want to find coverage that suits your particular trip needs. I’ve been using Allianz for years! (P.S. So do so many of the major airlines.) Allianz offers comprehensive travel insurance with many benefits, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, baggage delay and loss and coverage for medical expenses. 

Allianz travel insurance offers:

  • Single-trip travel insurance plans
  • Multi-trip plans
  • Annual travel insurance plans

If you travel more than 4 times a year, it’s well worth the investment getting an annual insurance plan. 

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential in my book. It can help protect your budget and your travel experience during travel emergencies. If you have travel insurance, you can be compensated for losses from canceled and delayed flights, if you need to cancel or stop your trip, in addition to covering needed accommodation if you need to stay overnight. It can also help with medical emergencies.

It’s recommended to purchase travel insurance from a travel insurance company – instead of what is offered at the bottom of your ticket purchases for flights, hotels and car rentals.

Travel insurance is more affordable than you think. 

A comprehensive travel insurance plan should be 4-10% of your total trip cost and you can buy travel insurance anytime before your depart for your trip. 

If you’re on the fence, consider how much you can be out of pocket in an emergency situation. 

Most of the time you will not need to use your travel insurance but you will be glad to have it when you need it! 

Passports: Apply several months in advance of actually needing a passport. If you already have one, it should be valid for at least six months after you return home and have two or more blank pages; otherwise, many countries may not let you enter.

    • Children’s passports: Passports issued for children under age 16 are valid for only five years, not 10 years like adult passports. Check passport expiration dates carefully and renew early.

Visas: You may need to get a visa before you travel to a foreign destination. Contact the embassy of the countries you will be visiting for more information. 

Medications: Some prescription drugs, including narcotics and some U.S. over-the-counter medications, are illegal in other countries. Check with the embassy of your destination(s) about regulations and documentation before you travel.

Consent for Travel with Minors: If you are traveling alone with children, foreign border officials may require custody documents or notarized written consent from the other parent. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of their birthcertificate, which you can store digitally..

Travel Companies

 

As a professional traveler I have had a lot of really special travel experiences. But some just stand out from the crowd.

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The following are companies I have had actual travel experiences with. These businesses come highly recommended from me to you!

Use the links and tell them Dayvee sent you!

UnCruise Logo Traditional White 1287x

UnCruise Adventures

I describe it as summer camp for grownups who love outdoor adventures.

Learn More
AMA Gold Logo notag

AmaWaterways

High-end river cruise line that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt.

Learn More
austin adventures

Austin Adventures

Family-owned small group tour company that offers 5-star wilderness adventure experiences in National Parks in the U.S. and around the world.

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rocky mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

A dreamy luxury train experience that takes you through the Canadian and American rocky mountains.

Learn More
rei adventures

REI Adventures

Put all your adventure gear to work on one these experiences. You can choose a level according to your skill, and enjoy an epic outdoor adventure.

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nature tours

Nature Tours

A small riverboat cruise that takes you through the Brazilian side of the Amazon Rainforest. A science boat for those who want an intrepid and authentic journey.

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space camp

Space Camp

Mixes education and fun. But, not it is not just for kids,; there are adult programs, too. You don't have to be a space nerd to go. Anyone can join the fun.

Learn More
UnCruise Logo Traditional White 1287x

UnCruise Adventures

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Check it Out

Packing Guides

 

Learn how to pack in a way that makes your travel experience better. These tips with teach you how to pack lighter, smarter, and faster.

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Whether you’re someone who starts packing a week ahead of time or waits until the last minute, these hacks will help you pack faster and smarter.

Make a packing list

Do a brainstorm and create a list of things you’ll need for your upcoming trip. Avoid trying to pack on the fly and prevent over- and under-packing.

Use the packing lists in the Lists tab.

Outfits only for the itinerary

Pull out your planned schedule and pack outfits based on the activities you will do. This saves you from overpacking, instead of winging it.

Pro tip: Pack clothing you can wear for multiple occasions, and mix and match pieces.

Keep a pre-packed toiletry kit

Having a grab-and-go travel-only bag with all of your essentials is one less thing to worry about when it’s time to pack; especially when you’re in a rush.

Pro tip: When you return from a trip, make sure to restock your toiletries so it’s always ready.

Check out my favorite toiletry bag.

Travel emergency kit

Having some basic with bandages, cold medicine, pain relievers, etc is helpful to keep peace of mind, even if you never use it. Just keep it in your suitcase.

Check out this fully stocked travel emergency kit

Spare foldable bag

Whether you think you’re going to shop or disater strikes and your main luggage falls apart, if you keep a foldable bag in your luggage you’ll always have it for emergencies. It can also be used as a day or beach bag. 

Pro tip: Keep a spare foldable bag for emergencies and also pack a foldable daypack for exploring.

Check out my favorite spare bag.
Here’s my favorite foldable daypack.

Packing cubes

They work great for organizing your suitcase, but take care to fold your clothes efficiently within the cube. Getting a set that also compresses clothing will help you get the most out of your luggage space.

Check out my favorite packing cubes.

Wrap shoes in shower caps

The weirdest and grossest thing is having to pack the shoes you took your adventure with in the your suitcase at the end of your trip. (Even if you have time to clean the bottoms, it still seems unsanitary to me.) Collect the shower caps, often found in your hotel’s bathroom, and use them to cover the bottom of your shoes.

Pack wine, olive oil in your checked luggage

Don’t waste the wine! The most vulnerable part of the wine bottle is the neck and that’s the part that will snap. So grab the extra toilet paper roll (from your hotel room) and place it over the top of the bottle, then place the bottle in the center of your checked luggage and build a barrier around it with your clothes. It works! I promise.

Pack a hat and not crush it

Stuff socks and underwear in the cap and then place in the center of your luggage. Package the rest of your items around the hat.

Prevent spills in your liquids

Take a piece of plastic (which can be found everywhere, unfortunately), then place it over the mouth of your bottles. Then screw the top back on.

Avoid tangled jewelry

If you don’t want to buy a jewerly case, use a small towel or cloth, then add your earrings by piercing the towel and adding the backs on the other side. For necklaces, lay it flat on the towel, then fold over, then repeat.

Reduce the size of bulky jackets

When you don’t need to wear your bulky jacket or coat, lay the coat with the back down. Then fold the arms in. Next, fold in half the long way. Now from the bottom, use compression to tightly roll the coat until you reach the hood. Now, push the rolled coat in the hood.

You will now have a compressed bundle, which can double as a pillow!

Pack first clothes on top, heavy items at the base

When loading your clothes in your packing cube or luggage, stay organized by placing the clothes in chronological order for how you will wear them. That way in cases where you are bopping around and sleeping in different places, you can don’t have to unpack everything to get what you need.  

Carry a reusable water bottle.

It’s not only more sustainable, but will save you from spending way too much on a bottle at the airport. Once on the other side of security fill it up. If you’re at an airport without a fill up station, be kind and ask one of the bars or restaurants.

Here’s my favorite travel water bottle.

Pick the right suit case

What is the right bag for you? Well, it can vary depending on the trip. I tend to go for soft-sided carry-ons because they are more flexible to shape shift, especially when I’m overpackged. I was also told by some airline staff that they can’t really tell the size of soft luggage - so you’re more likely to get away with being a little oversized and a little overweight.

But, when I have to check a bag, it I will go for a hard case, which will be more durable to protect my things.

Whatever you choose, don’t go cheap. This is the case where you’ll want to invest in something that is battle tested and offers some warranty. The worst is traveling and then your luggage fails!.

Pack your essentials and a pair of safety underwear and socks

You’ll hear other experts recommend a safety outfit, but the truth is if you are without luggage due to the fault of your airline, you now have an excuse to get a few things, including clothing, to carry you over on your tip on the tab of the airline.

*Be sure to check with the airline on their policy and your spending limit.

But, what can be the most frustrating is not having a change of undergarments, which can be a little more challenging to find. 

Additionally, I recommend that you keep the most valuable and essential items in your carry-on to guarantee that it is always in your possession.

Leave items your accommodation will have

A way to pack light is think about the things your hotel will have and leave them at home. Pack travel-sized products, and if you need more ask hotel or buy more. Its often not worth bringing full-sized items with you.

Travel Insurance

Worth it! Just like having that emergency kit, you may not need to use it. But when you need it and have it, then you’ll be grateful. The investment in insurance is small, but can save your pockets thousands.

Dirty laundry

Fold and store in your luggage an extra and unused packing cube (or foldable bag), and as you continue your trip, load it with your dirty clothes to keep the clean ones separated and fresh. 

Keep luggage fresh with dryer sheets

This hack is the easiest to execute. Grab a few fragrant dryer sheets and lay them between your clothes and in the mesh pockets of the luggage, and your things will smell fresh out of the wash your entire trip!

Did I miss any of your favorite suitcase packing tips?

Please let me know, and we’ll add them!

I created these lists that will be free for you to use…forever.

But, if you’d like to show support for my work in the form of $tip$, it really does help the mission.

For those who like to physically check things off lists.

The Ultimate Travel Packing List

This is your list of all the things you’d ever want to bring on any trip. 

  1. Print out one or a dozen to have on hand.
  2. Customize for each trip by using a marker to black out what you don’t need or highlight what you need.
  3. Share with your travel partners, family and friends.
Dayvee Sutton's Trip Planning Quick List

For those who prefer a digital list.

Here’s my recommended Packing List App

packpoint

PackPoint is the most popular free packing list organizer and for a reason. It will help you organize what you need to pack in your luggage and suitcase based on length of travel, weather at your destination, and any activities planned during your trip. My favorite thing about this app is the ability to pack light by checking the boxes for ‘repeat basics’ and ‘laundry’.

For the ladies.

The Essential Clothing Packing List

Every trip will be different. This guide will help you streamline your luggage so you don’t forget key items base on the theme of your trip.

Pro tip: Instead of packing a new outfit for each event, every day, bring 1 or 2 items from the list (you are referencing), then mix and match items. 

Dayvee Sutton's Trip Planning Quick List

Toiletries Packing List

Dayvee Sutton's Trip Planning Quick List

In-flight packing list

Dayvee Sutton's Trip Planning Quick List

Travel Gear

 

As a professional traveler I have researched, tried and used countless products. Here's a few of my favorite things.

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Curated for you on my Amazon Storefront

Thanks for supporting my work by using my links if you see something you like.

Do you have a must-have travel essential? Let me know and I’ll test it out.

Responsible Travel

 

Looking to make sustainable and responsible travel choices, here’s some guides, resources and tools.

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Travel Better: Responsible Travel Guide

about guide

Responsible Travel Checklist

Carbon checker…

Native Land

Rise Travel Institute

Impact travel Alliance

Other Resources

 

Here’s my recommendation for other bits and bobs and useful tools to help enhance your travel experiences.

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Xe Currency Converter

This is one of the first travel apps I’ve ever installed and probably my most used when traveling internationally. When conversion rates aren’t easy to do the math in your head (i.e. for a long while the Mexican Peso was 20 to 1 U.S. Dollar), I just tap the app and quickly calculate how much an item or service will really cost me.

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Google Translate

Google Translate

This is another well used app. I recommend downloading the languages that you will need in advance of traveling so that you can access the service even when you are offline. Download the app from your app store or use the desktop.

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whatsapp png

WhatsApp

This is the most used communications app around the world. When you meet knew friends or even calling services, they will likely recommend that you contact them on Whatsapp. The best part of using the service is that when you communicate (i.e. send texts, calls or video chats), it won’t run up your cell phone bill. You can use it via mobile data or Wi-Fi. Donwload the app from your app store.

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Google Maps Logo

Google Maps

For a day exploring, especially around cities, I like to map out a few key targets that I want to hit in advance (i.e. shopping center, restaurant, and a historical site). I can plug them all in Google Maps and arrange the most logical and time-saving order to navigate the town. The best part for me is that I can download the area I am in order to use offline. Download the app from your app store or use the desktop.

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splitwise

Splitwise

This is the easiest way to share expenses with friends and family and stop stressing about “who owes who”. Millions of people around the world use Splitwise to organize group bills for households, trips, and more. It also will convert the currency for you, so all you have to do is enter exactly what was spent. At the end of the trip, it will do the math and you can pay each other is very clean way. You can even direct pay with Venmo. It’s also free to use.

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wise

Wise

Making a domestic money transfer has always been relatively simple, but an international money transfer can be more tricky and comes with more fees. Wise is an online platform that anyone can use to transfer money between two bank accounts, regardless of location. When I lived in Mexico, I was able to pay my landlord the rent in this way. It minimized so many fees it would normally take to process a money exchange. They claim it saves you 3x when sending money abroad.

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ivisa

iVisa

Know what country you want to visit but not sure what documents it requires? Hate going through the long arduous process of applying for a visa? iVisa is an online passport and visa service that does all the hard work for you! It’s a safe, fairly affordable, and reliable as a travel resource that processes your documents in a timely planner.

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recreation gov vector logo

Recreation.gov

I didn’t know this resource existed until 2022, when I met the director at a conference. But, Recreation.gov is a free travel planning platform and reservation system for 13 federal agencies. From campsite reservations to scheduling tours with park rangers, they cover so many things that you can do on Federal lands, waterways, and monuments.

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T Mobile New Logo

Free inflight Wi-Fi

T-Mobile customers get a special treat with free inflight Wi-Fi on select carriers. Depending on which plan you have, you may get an hour for free — or unlimited access for all flights (Magenta Plus, ONE Plus or ONE Plus International). *Delta is apart of this program but in 2023 they allowed free-wifi for all, powered by T-mobile.

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alltrails

AllTrails

AllTrails is a mobile app and website that helps you get outdoors. It has lists of trails for hiking and walking around the world with pictures, maps, and directions to trailheads. You can download trail maps offline if you sign up for the Pro version of the service for $29.99 per year. It's a great resource for quickly finding the best places to be outside when you're in an unfamiliar area.

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nord vpn

NordVPN

It’s highly recommended that you do not rely on public Wi-Fi while abroad, but your can protect yourself against scammers using a VPN (virtual private network). I’ve used NordVPN for years and a great benefit is that I can mask my location and direct it as if I am back in the U.S., which allows me to access the website and streaming services, that would otherwise be blocked in the destination I would be in.

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lingq

Language Learning

Language barriers and communication problems can be a challenge for travelers, especially when traveling to countries where English is not the primary language. If you want to take your language learning to the next level, I recommend LingQ. This is my favorite online resource for language learning. It was create by a professor who believes that the only way to learn a language is through immersion. LingQ has a huge library in different languages and you can create a plan that works with your own pace an goals.

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U.S. Passport:

Make sure to apply or renew your passport several months in advance of actually needing it.  If you already have one, make sure that it is valid for at least six months after you return home and you must have two or more blank pages, for most destinations. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

Children’s passports:

Passports issued for children under age 16 are valid for only five years, not 10 years like adult passports. Make sure to stay up on passport expiration dates carefully and renew early.  

Europe Travel via Canada and UK:

Europe’s 26 Schengen countries strictly enforce the six-month validity rule. If you are transiting through Canada or the UK : which do not have that requirement : your passport must be valid at least six months, or airlines may not let you board your onward flight to Europe.

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