Travel Tips, Hacks & Apps for 2025 ✈️

Insights from the Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show

Last weekend, I attended the Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show in Santa Clara, CA—one of the best places to geek out over travel. When I saw Rick Steves (one of my favorite travel gurus) speaking, I knew I had to attend.

Rick opened his almost 2-hour talk by saying, “My goal is to equip and inspire Americans to travel beyond Orlando as travel can be a transformative experience that makes us all better citizens of the world.” Amen, Rick! He also talked about the importance of researching before traveling to a destination, as the more information and context you bring, the more you get out of it. He stressed the importance of learning to be a “cultural chameleon” wherever you go, such as eating, drinking, and walking wherever the locals go (and avoiding tourist traps at all costs!). Finally, I learned that all of Rick’s TV shows, guides, and resources about traveling to Europe are available for free on his website, RickSteves.com.

The show was packed with travel experts such as Russell Hannon and Angel Castellanos, destination specialists, and new innovations designed to make travel easier, smarter, and more fun. I walked away with tons of useful tips, must-know travel hacks, and apps/websites that every traveler should have in their toolkit for 2025.

✈️ Travel Websites for Booking & Planning

These are the sites that industry insiders use—whether you’re looking for cheap flights, unique accommodations, or cool experiences.

• WizzAir.com – For the spontaneous flyer! This budget airline has some of the best last-minute flight deals across Europe.

• SkyLuxTravel.com – Looking for cheap business or first-class flights? This site specializes in scoring discounted premium seats.

• Google Flights – One of the best tools for comparing flights across multiple airlines, tracking prices, and finding the cheapest dates to travel.

• RedWeek.com – A hidden gem for finding timeshare rentals at a fraction of the cost of hotels.

• HostelGeeks.com – Not your average hostel list! This site features the world’s “coolest” and most stylish hostels.

• Turo.com – Think of it as Airbnb for cars—rent unique or luxury vehicles from locals instead of traditional rental agencies.

• Outdoorsy.com – If van life is calling, this site lets you rent RVs and camper vans for your next adventure.

• HarvestHosts.com – Love road trips? Stay overnight at wineries, farms, and breweries for free with this membership-based program.

• FreeCampsites.net – For budget-conscious travelers, this site helps you find free and low-cost camping spots across the U.S.

• Viator.com and Kayak.com – Still go-to sites for booking excursions and comparing flights/hotels.

📱Essential Travel Apps You Need in 2025

These apps will save you time, money, and headaches while traveling.

• GreetHer – A game-changer for women travelers! This app connects you with verified local women at your destination who can offer guidance, safety tips, and cultural insights.

• ExpressVPN – Protect your data when using public WiFi and access region-restricted content while abroad.

• MyPassportControl – Skip long passport control lines when re-entering the U.S. This app streamlines your customs process and saves time.

• Hopper– Predicts the best time to book flights to get the cheapest fare.

• Kiwi.com – Great for booking complex itineraries and hidden-city flights.

• Rome2Rio – Easily compare different transport options (planes, trains, buses, ferries) between destinations worldwide.

• GasBuddy – Find the cheapest gas nearby if you're road-tripping.

• WifiMap – Instantly find free WiFi anywhere in the world.

• Google Translate & Google Maps – Still unbeatable for navigating and overcoming language barriers.

🌍 Travel Communities Providing Inspiration & Support for Women

Want to connect with like-minded female travelers? These communities offer advice, meet-ups, and real-time travel updates.

• Wanderful– A global network for female travelers that includes local meetups, group trips, and travel resources.

• JourneyWoman – One of the best online communities for women over 40 who love independent travel.

💡 Top Travel Tips I Picked Up

• Avoid sketchy ATMs! Never withdraw cash from non-bank ATMs (the ones you see in convenience stores, hotels, or tourist areas). They have insane fees. Always use bank-affiliated ATMs outside customs or baggage claim at the airport.

• Decline the currency conversion option. When paying abroad, always choose to be charged in the local currency (e.g., Euros instead of USD). This avoids hidden markups.

• Eat like a local: Choose Michelin-rated, not just Michelin-starred restaurants. Many travelers seek out Michelin-starred restaurants, but some of the best and most authentic meals can be found at Michelin-rated "Bib Gourmand" spots, which highlight exceptional food at great value. These restaurants are often more affordable, welcoming, and deeply rooted in local culture. It’s the perfect way to experience high-quality dining without the formal setting or sky-high prices.

• City Passes are worth it. In major cities, investing in a City Pass can save you money on transportation and attractions.

• Packing cubes = game-changer. If you haven’t tried packing cubes yet, start now. They maximize space and keep your luggage organized.

• Mobility is key—pack light! Traveling with only carry-on luggage makes you more flexible and avoids baggage delays. Checked bags are more prone to being lost or delayed (more than 2 million bags a year are lost!), and lugging around excess weight can be a hassle. Stick to a carry-on and a personal item, and use packing cubes to maximize space. If you must check a bag, put an AirTag inside so you can track it.

Final Thoughts

This year’s Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show confirmed what I’ve always believed—there are always new ways to travel smarter, save money, and make travel more rewarding. Whether you’re booking flights, looking for unique stays, or just trying to stay organized, these tools and tips will elevate your travel game in 2025.

💬 What’s your favorite travel website, hack or must-have app? Drop it in the comments. And if you enjoyed this post and learned a few new things, please give it a quick ♥️.