Traveling independently doesn’t mean you have to figure out absolutely everything on your own. Over the years, I’ve learned that having access to the right services and resources can make traveling abroad considerably easier, whether you’re trying to communicate in another language, book an unforgettable experience, or simply stay connected while exploring a new country.
On this page, I’ve put together a small collection of travel companies and services that I believe can be useful to fellow travelers. Some are affiliate partners I’ve chosen to work with, while others are simply recommendations I think are worth sharing.
I’ve organized everything into three categories: language learning, tours and experiences, and staying connected abroad. I’ll explain what each company offers, why I’ve chosen to feature it, and how it might benefit you on your own adventures.
My goal isn’t to overwhelm you with dozens of options. It’s to provide a practical starting point for finding services that can genuinely enhance your travels.
Let’s get started!
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase or booking through them, at no additional cost to you. I also include independent recommendations from companies I’m not affiliated with. Using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated, as it helps support Nico Just Landed and allows me to continue traveling and creating useful content. Thank you for your support!
Language Learning
One of the most rewarding aspects of international travel is being able to communicate with people in their native language. Even a basic understanding can make everyday interactions easier, open doors to new friendships, and help you experience a destination beyond the usual tourist attractions.
I’ve studied languages through a combination of practices. Here are some of the platforms and learning methods I recommend.
Preply — Find the Right Language Tutor
Preply is an online tutoring platform that makes finding private language instructors relatively straightforward. One of its biggest advantages is the large selection of tutors and the ability to narrow down your options according to your specific needs.
You can filter tutors by hourly rate, availability, country of origin, native-speaker status, languages spoken, and teaching specialties. Tutor profiles also provide information about their experience, teaching approach, and student reviews, making it easier to find someone who matches your learning style and budget.
Find a Language Tutor on Preply
Langua — AI-Powered Conversation Practice
Langua is an AI-powered language-learning tool that I personally use to maintain my Spanish. One of the biggest challenges of learning a foreign language is maintaining your speaking ability when you aren’t regularly surrounded by native speakers.
Langua provides an opportunity to practice conversations with AI, and includes several strategic themed games and conversation topics for beginners and advanced learners.
Duolingo — Vocabulary, Grammar & Daily Practice
Duolingo sometimes gets a bad reputation among serious language learners because it doesn’t completely prep you for the “real world,” but I think it deserves more credit than it receives.
I currently use it as part of my Portuguese and Italian learning routines. For me, its biggest strength is reinforcing standard vocabulary and grammar through repetition. The platform has also expanded its speaking and interactive learning features, and has made the product more visual, making the experience more versatile.
The Super Duolingo Family Plan can provide great value, allowing up to six people to share a subscription.
I wouldn’t rely on Duolingo alone to become conversationally fluent, but I think it can be a valuable tool when combined with other learning methods.
Other Language Learning Resources
I’m also a fan of finding tutors through reputable language schools and educational YouTube channels.
One example is Spanishland School, which I originally discovered through its Spanish-learning YouTube channel. Another is Blink Spanish School in Medellín, Colombia, where I’ve taken both in-person and online classes. Independent language schools take on the job of screening teachers themselves, provding a sense of reputability for their potential students.
The main drawback is that private instruction through specialized schools can sometimes be more expensive than lessons available through large tutoring marketplaces.
Ultimately, there’s no single perfect method for learning a language.
Having studied 3 foreign languages (and still studying) through a combination of independent learning, language schools, private tutors, and everyday conversations abroad, I’d be happy to share what I’ve learned along the way!
If you’re looking for guidance on choosing learning resources, building a realistic study routine, or improving your conversational skills, consider booking a personalized language learning consultation with me. We can discuss your goals, challenges, and how to make the most of your language-learning journey.
Tours & Experiences
I’m a huge advocate of independent travel, but that doesn’t mean organized tours and activities don’t have their place. Sometimes, joining a guided experience is the best way to discover something new, learn from a knowledgeable local, or participate in an activity that would be difficult to organize on your own.
One of the best ways to find quality tour providers are through hostels. Hostels usually vett companies and maintain relationships with them. Either that, or hostels provide the tours themselves.
Another option is to go through online platforms. Two of them that I recommend exploring are GetYourGuide and Viator. Both offer a wide variety of activities in destinations around the world, making it easy to compare options and find something that matches your interests, schedule, and budget.
GetYourGuide — Discover Local Experiences
GetYourGuide is an online booking platform featuring guided tours, excursions, attraction tickets, and unique experiences across the globe.
One of the things I appreciate about platforms like GetYourGuide is the ability to browse different experiences in one place. You can compare itineraries, read customer reviews, check what’s included, and explore activities ranging from popular sightseeing attractions to more adventurous excursions.
Explore Tours & Experiences on GetYourGuide
Viator — Tours, Activities & Excursions
Viator is another major booking platform offering an extensive selection of tours, activities, and excursions around the world.
Browse both Viator and GetYourGuide when planning an organized activity. Comparing tour descriptions, prices, reviews, group sizes, and cancellation policies can help you find the experience that best suits your travel style.
Browse Tours & Activities on Viator
Looking for Tours in Rio de Janeiro?
I’ve also put together a collection of 18 tours and experiences in Rio de Janeiro, featuring everything from rainforest hikes and favela walking tours to football matches, samba classes, and sunset sailing excursions.
If you’re planning a trip to Brazil’s Cidade Maravilhosa, check out my dedicated Rio tours article for some inspiration!
Staying Connected Abroad
Having reliable internet access while traveling abroad is practically essential these days.
Traditionally, one of the most affordable ways to stay connected while traveling has been to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival. I still prefer this approach when I’m spending an extended period in a particular country, since local mobile plans can often provide better value for money.
However, buying and activating a physical SIM card isn’t always straightforward. Language barriers, registration requirements, confusing mobile plans, and the occasional frustration of getting everything working properly can make the process more complicated than it needs to be, especially for new travelers.
That’s where eSIMs come in. An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile data plan without physically inserting a new card into your phone.
Here are two eSIM providers worth considering.
Airalo — Mobile Data for International Travelers
Airalo is an international eSIM marketplace offering mobile data plans for destinations around the world.
Depending on where you’re traveling, you can choose from country-specific, regional, and global plans, making it a flexible option for everything from a short vacation to a trip across multiple countries.
For travelers who frequently cross international borders or simply want to avoid dealing with physical SIM cards, it’s an option worth exploring.
Explore International eSIM Plans on Airalo
Saily — A Convenient eSIM Experience
Saily is another international eSIM provider, and one I’ve personally used and enjoyed.
What particularly impressed me was how straightforward the setup process was. The app walks you through purchasing, installing, and activating your eSIM with clear instructions and a well-designed interface.
I’ve also found Saily’s prices competitive, making it an appealing option for travelers who want convenient mobile data without spending a fortune.
eSIM or Local SIM Card — Which Do I Prefer?
Personally, it depends on the length of my stay.
If I’m spending several weeks or months in one country, I’ll generally look into purchasing a local SIM card. In my experience, local plans can be more economical, particularly when I need a substantial amount of mobile data.
For shorter visits, trips involving multiple countries, or situations where I want to get connected without any unnecessary complications, eSIMs are a nice alternative.
Just make sure your phone supports eSIM technology, is carrier-unlocked, and that you’ve reviewed the plan’s coverage, data allowance, and activation requirements before purchasing. Ultimately, I think both options have their place. The important thing is finding a solution that fits your travel style, budget, and destination.
