Resources & Favorites
AI Planning Tools
Our AI system helps you plan full trips in minutes — including destinations, routes, and daily itineraries.
Click these buttons to watch the series or find all the tools and example itineraries available for download.
👋 Came here from our AI Travel Planning YouTube video? Start here:
Our Favorite Travel Gear
These are real essentials we use all of the time.
Ask us if there’s something you need or are looking
for—we’re happy to recommend what we use.
Must Read Books As You Explore a Travel Bigger Life
What We Mostly Use for Travel Planning
Link to our favorites!
Viator * and sometimes TripIt for ideas
Google Flights & Maps
Our favorite hotel & airline sites
Our Travel Agent — Teresa *
We ALWAYS book our cruises (even casino rate ones if allowed) through our travel agent—she is an expert problem-solver should the unexpected occur. She holds master agent accreditations and owns her own agency (LLC, insured and licensed) and is always available quickly and adaptable to our strange time zones as we travel. We highly recommend her and there is no cost to you at all to use an agent, but there is great value.
Teresa DeGraff
Teresa@CopperCactusTravel.com
623-606-1283
CopperCactusTravel.com
Essential Apps As We Explore the World
The apps we rely upon almost daily:
This VPN can make it look like you are in the US when you are using wifi/data—this helps you stream entertainment, conduct banking and insurance needs—and most importantly, a VPN PROTECTS you from cyber theft while you are online.
Airalo *
Get $3 off with code KATHER7119
We purchase e-sim cards for every country or region we visit. This app makes it quick & easy to switch our phones over to local networks using the digital e-sim (no sim card required).
Travel Spend
We use Travel Spend to track every $ we spend by category, and it shows us when we are over or under our budget.
Units Plus
Converts everything—currency, speed limits, measurements, etc
Google Translate
Translates signs and menus by photo; conversations by voice, etc.
WhatsApp
The means by which most of the world communicates. Text, call and video chat with friends, family, local businesses and doctors.
*We may receive an affiliate commission or other compensation when you use these providers. This has no bearing on your cost. Thanks for supporting the journey!
Turning “Someday” Into a Plan
Many people ask how we knew it was time to change our lives and start traveling full-time.
The truth is, it wasn’t just a dream — it was a combination of planning, honest conversations, and understanding what our finances could realistically support.
For those who have asked, the financial planner who helped us think through this transition was Aleksandr Chkadua at EP Wealth Advisors. You can reach him at achkadua@epwealth.com or (424) 258-3525.
This was the moment when “someday” became a real plan.