Travel Resources
My free library of travel and adventure resources to help with your trip planning
When i first started traveling 25 years ago, there were not many resources out there or a millions apps to use as reference when I was planning a trip. Travel Blogs were not near what they are right now. I relied on Travel Books from Fodor's or Lonely Planet , Old school maps, newspaper clips or printed magazines like Conde Nast Traveler and National Geographic,
Trying to decide which companies to book your trip with nowadays is easier. But with so many options out there sometimes it is also difficult to navigate the planning.
This is why i decided to create this Resource Page. Here, I'm showcasing services, people and brands that I use and trust . Professionals that have the right answers to traveler's most important questions.
Here are some of my most trusted resources for bucketlist destinations, adventure travel, hidden gems experts, outdoor explorers, travel writers and all kinds of travel professionals to help you on your journey.
Explore My Travel Resources
Looking for something specific? I’ve organized my travel resources into dedicated categories so you can quickly find exactly what you need.
🗺️ Maps →
Curated Google Maps with my saved locations, hidden gems, restaurants, hikes, and road trip stops.
📖 Guides →
Complete destination guides with travel tips, recommendations, and everything you need before your trip.
📆 Itineraries →
Ready-to-follow road trips and day-by-day travel plans to help you make the most of your time.
🏨 Booking →
My trusted resources for flights, hotels, rental cars, tours, travel insurance, and other planning essentials.
🎒 Products →
Travel gear, photography equipment, hiking essentials, and products I personally use and recommend.
Explore the Travel Resource Library →
Travel services I reccomend
For travel experiences in Asia I use Klook.
✅ You can use my code for a 10% discount on your first 3 experiences
KARENLEEKLOOK
Japan Travel - the JR trains Kobe-Kyoto
Japan Travel - the JR trains Kobe - Osaka
These are only some of my free downloads!
My curated Google Maps are your shortcut to must-see spots and local gems—without the hassle of piecing everything together on your own. Just grab the maps, save them, and head off on your next bucket list adventure
Nikko, Japan
TOP THINGS TO DO IN 1 DAY NIKKO DAYTRIP FROM TOKYO
Get out of Tokyo for a daytrip to Nikko. Grab my free Google Maps list to hit the highlights without overthinking it—Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji. Save the pins, move at your own pace, and let Nikko do its thing.
3 days in Seoul
Doing Seoul in 3 days? Grab my free Google Maps list to hit the essentials fast—street food in Myeongdong, views from Namsan, and late nights in Hongdae. Save the pins, skip the guesswork, and move through the city like you know what you’re doing.
Great Smoky Mountains
TOP THINGS TO DO AT GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Headed to the Smokies? Save my free Google Maps list of top spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Places like: Cades Cove, Kuwohi, and the Alum Cave Trail. Save the pins and let the mountains do the rest.
Some of my favorite content creators
Off the Beaten Path Travel Blog
HIDDEN GEMS: Meet Sasha and Megnote. They've traveled to 50 countries, 48 states, & have been full-time travelers, travel boggers and writers for the past 2 years with their now 5-year-old son.
They are a great resource for off the beaten path places and hidden gems.
Bucketlist Travel Fam - Maddie & Cole
FAMILY TRAVEL: This is the Cole family and they are travel obsessed! Their favorite thing to do on the weekend is exploring. Ray and Maddie have been married for almost 16 years now and traveled together for nearly 2 decades!
Moving back to Germany has been such an incredible experience for them..
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I'm Karen Lee, a world traveler turned travel blogger & content creator who wants to inspire you to explore the world no matter what your budget or circumstances are, whether you're a seasoned traveler or just getting started. I work full time and my free time is dedicated to wandering new destinations, taking photos, creating memorable travel stories that I share with my travel community daily.
TRAVEL EXPERTISE: Bucket list Destinations, Adventure travel, Road trips, Hidden Gems, Outdoors, Group travel