RESOURCES
What you will find here
My Top Travel Resources
As a travel enthusiast, I build my trips from scratch, and I am quite the nerd when it comes to discovering new things! Whether it is a new piece of gear, a new booking website, or a camping app, I am always on the hunt to find the best solution. As a result, I have compiled a list of my favorite general travel resources here for you to discover! This is a great place to stop before you plan any trip! This list will continue to grow and change as I travel more myself. I hope you find these resources as helpful and easy to use as I do! Every resource I list is one I have used personally!
Let me plan your dream trip!
I offer a comprehensive itinerary-planning (no booking) service — perfect for travelers who can make their own reservations but want an expert to craft a seamless, customized trip. I handle all the research and planning for you, so you can focus on what truly matters: creating unforgettable memories and exploring your bucket-list destination.
Booking a Flight!
Google Flights
Google Flights is super easy to use! I use their “notification system” to my advantage and have been able to find flights as much at 50% off their normal price!
Flights from Home (Utah Only)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Here’s a Tip!
Give your readers a quick tip to help them prepare for their trip!
Multi-faceted platforms
Expedia
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
DiscoverCars
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Prefer having Amenities?
Airbnb
While some say the golden age of Airbnb is behind us, I still find Airbnb as a useful resource! I use Airbnb in combination with several other platforms when planning my trips. If you love to travel with a group and like having a larger space, Airbnb is still your best friend!
OneKey: VRBO, Expedia and Hotels.com
I use OneKey rewards and the associated platforms to find the best deals! While Airbnb is my go-to for looking up stays, and Booking.com is my go-to for Hotels, I like using the OneKey platforms to compare deals to find the best rate. As an example, I recently took a trip where I booked stays on 4 different platforms as I found the best deals this way and managed to save over $100!
Google has it’s own built-in search features that allows you to look at accommodations across multiple booking platforms! While not always accurate, it is a great way to compare deals across multiple platforms.
Yurt near Denali NP, Alaska – Booked via Airbnb
Or are you okay roughing it?
The Dyrt (U.S Only)
The Dyrt my go-to source for free and off-the-beaten-path campgrounds, and it has saved me a ton of money! In fact, my partner and I used it to find multiple free campsites within driving distance from popular U.S National Parks and ended up saving nearly $1,000 in 2025! If you want to stretch your travel budget without sacrificing incredible locations, The Dyrt is a game-changer.
Free Campsite Near Grand Teton NP – Found Via the Dyrt
Recreation.Gov (U.S Only)
Now, perhaps you want more comfort, I know I love my comfort as well, and that’s totally okay! Developed campgrounds are still far cheaper than Hotels or Airbnbs, and Recreation.gov is my go-to for finding them! Having a coffee shop within walking distance from your campsite is always a treat!
Hipcamp (U.S Only)
I am new to Hipcamp as of 2025, and I’m already hooked!! You can find a plethora of “unique” campgrounds here! Perhaps you want to stay in a small yurt by a creek or a tiny dome room under the stars. Hipcamp is a great resource and I often find myself discovering something new each time I browse!
Outdoor Gear Brands
Columbia
When I first wandered into my local Columbia outlet and bought my first pair of hiking shoes, I knew that Columbia was the one! Years later, it’s still my go-to for hiking shoes, pants, shirts, rain jackets, etc.. They are experts at balancing comfort, style, reliability, and cost. While I do buy other brands, I’ve only worn Columbia hiking shoes since 2019!
Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer makes fantastic rain jackets, and my favorite rain jacket purchases is Eddie Bauer! Their inventory isn’t limited to rain jackets.
Pro Tip: You can always score great deals on their clothing at outlet stores, off-price retailers, or second-hand stores like Sierra!
Osprey
After trying many, many brands over the last decade, I have found Osprey makes the best backpacks! This is my current backpack for day hiking that I have been using since 2020. It fits incredibly well, and it’s incrdible design allows perfect weight distribution, so much that you’d forget you were carrying it!
LowePro
Are you a photographer, amateur, hobbyist, or somewhere in between? Have you struggled to find a backpack that can hold your camera and hiking essentials? Well look no further! I’ve had my LowePro camera bag since 2019, and it has served me incredibly well! It’s durable, comfortable, and keep my gear safe!
SmartWool
While I have been gifted Smartwool socks a handful of times, admittedly, I have never actually shopped for them myself. But I love the pairs I do own! They combine functionality, comfort, and style perfectly for both men and women! My partner is a big fan of Smartwool, and she swears she won’t wear any other brand when it comes to hiking socks!
Merril
While Columbia is my go-to for hiking shoes, Merrills come in at a close second! Their waterproof shoes are still some of my favorites, and I usually keep a pair of Merril’s as backups! They’re reliable, comfortable, and great for a variety of trails.
Patagonia
Patagonia may be expensive, but their gear is tried and true; it’s durable, reliable, and backed by a great warranty. They also do amazing work for the planet, so no outdoor adventure list is complete without at least one piece of Patagonia gear!
Kathoola
Kahtoola specializes in one thing: traction devices — and boy do they do an amazing job! I’ve owned the same Kahtoola Microspikes since 2017, and I can’t imagine ever needing to look elsewhere. And if you are hiking in the winter, these handy devices are an absolute must!
Outdoor Gear Stores
Sierra Trading Post (U.S Only)
Sierra is an off-price retailer that sells overstock and closeout gear from major brands like Columbia, The North Face, Eddie Bauer, and so many more! It’s my go-to spot for finding some of the best deals on outdoor clothing and equipment! I have saved well over 50% on brand named clothing, such as my Eddie Bauer rain jacket!
REI
REI is probably the most famous outdoor retailer, a co-op owned by it’s members, selling just about every brand you can think of! Sure, REI is expensive but it has its perks are hard to beat, including their lifetime guarantee and customer service. Ever break a zipper on a otherwise perfect tent? If you buy from REI, they can fix it for you!
Outlet Stores
Every town, every city has local outlets you can find! In my experience, these outlets can provide great beginner-friendly budget gear. However, when it comes to hiking backpacks and shoes, I will always chose the brands I trust over the cheaper alternative.
Costco
Costco as an Outdoor and Travel Resource? Yes! Costco can carry bigger brands like Columbia and cheaper brands like Gerry. I also bought both my cooler and roadbike from Costco!
Steep and Cheap
Steep and Cheap is essentially backcountry.com’s outlet and I have found great deals here before! Watch out for their flash sales, where you can really find amazing deals.
My trusty Osprey Stratos 24L daypack!
What Trail Should I hike?
Hiking
Check out my FREE Hiking guides!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Best resources for hiking
AllTrails
The Outbound
OnX
Here’s where I book my tours!
Viator
Viator is a great way to look up and book tours. I often use Viator to book ours but somtimes, I will book directly through the tour guide (when possible). Though Viator has great customer service, certain tour guides benefit througha direct booking.
Get Your Guide
Sign up to get your guide on how to find the best destination specific tour booking companies!
Travel Insurance and Credit Cards
GeoBlue
GeoBlue is
Amex
I use the Amex Every Day Card
U.S. Bank
I use the Amex Every Day Card
Start packing!
Packing Tips
Check out my FREE Packing guides!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.