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A Collection of our Favourite Travel Recommendations
The most common question I get is, “what would you recommend when traveling…”
To help answer those questions, and a lot of other common travel questions I’ve collated a bunch of my favourite recommendations here. All the things I recommend here, have been personally tested. They are also the same things I recommend for my family and friends.
🇨🇳 Essential for Easy China Travel
China isn’t really a county where you can “just wing it“. If you follow some of my recommendations below, I promise you’ll have a much more enjoyable adventure. Spending a bit of time setting up, will save you a lot of stress and frustration when you land.
As well as the tools I recommend below, I have also included a shopping list of my favourite, essential items on Benable:
1. Internet Survival
China isn’t just famous for it’s Great Wall, it’s just as famous for it’s GREAT FIREWALL.
This means a lot of Western sites like Google, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook are blocked in China.
But here are our 2 recommended options for staying connected when traveling through China:
- VPN – If you are thinking about purchasing a local sim card, than you’ll want to sign up to a VPN
- E-SIM – If you just need data while on the go and are happy to forgo a phone number, than an international e-sim will save you money and give you access to your favourite apps
These are our favourite VPN and E-Sim recommendations:
Express VPN
In simple terms, VPN’s trick your phone or network into thinking you are logging in from somewhere else. You’ll need to us a VPN if you want to access blocked sites like Instagram or Facebook and are:
‘• Buying a local sim card (to get a local phone number)
• Logging into public or hotel WIFI.
Get 30-free days Express VPN using our link below.
Ubigi E-Sim
If you’re not worried about having a local phone number then an E-SIM is a great option for getting online. The sim connects as soon as you land and Ubigi has a range of data plans around the world.
Use my code: BU9A1VEU for 20% off your first plan and a free e-sim.
2. Hotels, Trains and Attractions
Trip.com
We strictly use trip.com for all our China travel. It is the only major platform that consistently shows which hotels accept foreign passports. It also makes booking high-speed trains incredibly easy (and in English).
Klook.com
We always use Klook.com to find the best priced tickets to attractions across China & Asia. This includes Disneyland (Shanghai & Tokyo) and Universal Studios (Beijing & Osaka). Get a discount by using my link.
3. Payment and Money Exchange (Wise Debit Card)
Traveling both internationally and within China, having access to easy and cheap money exchange is key. Banks and credit cards charge ridiculously high fees. Choose the option that keeps more of your money in your pocket.
Wise Debit Card
We use this debit card all over the world and here in China. It saves us hundreds of dollars on exchange and international ATM fees. The Wise card can also be linked to your AliPay account for easy payment through QR Code.
📸 Our Camera & Tech Gear
Capturing memories is a huge part of our journey. Here is what’s in our camera bag:
My Main Camera
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
This lightweight gimbal camera is the most recommended entry level vlog camera. Easily take professional quality videos, straight out of the box.
Universal Travel Adapter
Essential for moving around the globe. We recommend one with multiple USB-C ports and various plug prongs. This saves having to buy multiple plugs and carting around several adapters.
Portable Power Bank
Essential for moving around the globe. We recommend one with multiple USB-C ports and various plug prongs. This saves having to buy multiple plugs and carting around several adapters.
🧳 Family Travel & Moving Abroad
Traveling with kids or moving abroad with them, can be logistical nightmares. Here are the items that made both travel and transitioning to life abroad a lot easier:
Noise Canceling Headphones
ESSENTIAL for long-haul flights. Personally I have only ever used Bose Noise Canceling Headphones. They’ve long been a favorite of airline pilots too. They have elite noise canceling functions compared to similar Sony and Apple products.
Packing Cubes: If you are traveling with kids, these are non-negotiable. We separate clothes by family member so we aren’t digging through suitcases in hotel rooms. [View on Amazon]
FREE Resources We Use to Make Traveling Fun
Pre-Departure Checklist
Download my easy pre-departure checklist. A simple way to keep track of the important details that can make or break your trip.
Driving Overseas (NZ)
If you’re planning on driving abroad, make sure you check whether you need an International Drivers Permit. For more information, checkout here: International Drivers Permit.
