Resources

A collection of products and services we use and recommend!

As America’s best-known expats, we’ve gotten tons of questions over the years about products and services that we personally use in business, travel, & daily life. 

So we decided to create this page as a resource for you. 

Our list of recommendations will constantly evolve as we come across new and interesting discoveries, so check back often.

And please feel free to share your suggestions of outstanding companies we should try!

Note ~ Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through those links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Business ~

We started this website and created our signature program, Retirement Reimagined!, with minimal technology skills. We’re pretty darned proud of the results, but couldn’t have done it without the help of these companies.

 IONOS

The first step in creating a website is to register your domain. We’ve always used IONOS and have been completely satisfied with both their competitive pricing and helpful customer service.

In addition to domain registration and web hosting, IONOS also provides SSL certificates, email services, website builder packages, and cloud hosting.

Learn More >

Kajabi

Want to create a great looking website with limited funds and no technical experience? That’s the exact position we found ourselves in.

Thank goodness we discovered Kajabi, a user friendly all-in-one platform that we can’t say enough good things about. If we can build a website that looks and functions like this one, so can you. With Kajabi!

Try Kajabi for Free >

TechSmith

TechSmith is a global leader helping first-time digital content creators produce professional tutorials and training videos.

Using their Camtasia video editor we designed our Retirement Reimagined! program on our own computers, saving hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars that would have been spent otherwise.

Learn More >

Travel ~

The extensive budget traveling we do takes a lot of research and planning. These are the websites we depend on to find the best deals, gear that we use, and services that make our experiences more enjoyable.

SquareMouth

SquareMouth is a top-rated travel insurance website that allows you to compare side-by-side many different policies based on your custom criteria.

We've used them for years and highly recommend their competitive prices and excellent customer service. Never get on a plane without travel insurance. And check out SquareMouth.

Get Quotes >

Kiwi

Budget travel often requires creativity, and Kiwi.com has some valuable tools to get you where you’re going for less. 

Learn about their Self-transfer hack, Hidden Cities flights, and Throwaway ticketing. If you’re feeling adventurous, Kiwi’s bag of tricks can save you a ton of money!

See Kiwi Deals >

CheapOair

CheapOair is one of the few booking sites that offers a “Seniors” category in addition to “Adult” and “Child.” By taking advantage of this option we’ve saved hundreds of dollars on a single ticket!

If you're 65-plus, be sure to give CheapOair a try. In addition to flights, CheapOair also offers bargain reservations for hotels, rental cars, and vacations.

Try CheapOair >

OneTravel

Here’s another booking site where you can check for discounted Senior rates. Much like CheapoAir, OneTravel also provides reservations for hotels, cars, and packages. 

An extra step you can take is speaking with an agent who may be able to find an even cheaper rate for you.

Try OneTravel >

 Priority Pass

Hate sitting for hours on hard, crowded airport chairs and spending a small fortune for meals and drinks? So do we.

Priority Pass membership has massively upleveled our entire travel experience. Trust us, hanging out in a quiet, comfortable Priority Pass lounge (over 1,300 worldwide) with complimentary wine or cocktails and nice food is way better.

Priority Pass Benefits >

Booking.com

This is a user-friendly site for booking hotel and B&B stays. If you find a lower advertised price for the same reservation, Booking.com will refund the difference up to 24 hours before your check-in date.

Sign up for their Genius discount and save 10% off the base price simply by logging in to your account.

See Booking.com Deals >

Viator

We do our share of DIY travel, but sometimes it makes more sense to book an organized tour. Viator offers a massive collection of options at over 20,000 destinations around the globe.

The search feature on the site lets you zero in on exactly what you want to do. Are you a foodie? Interested in architecture? Want to go horseback riding? Customer reviews of each activity let you book your excursion with confidence.

Book with Viator >

 Airalo

Airalo is a new convenient way to keep your smartphone connected when traveling abroad. No more purchasing an expensive international plan from your existing carrier, or buying a SIM card in the country where you're staying.

Download and activate an inexpensive eSIM card from Airalo with coverage options for a single country or an entire region.

Connect with Airalo >

ProsourceFit

When we're traveling, resistance bands are Edd's portable "gym." Whether you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, ProsourceFit bands let you perform a variety of exercises with one simple, inexpensive piece of equipment.

Pick the set that's best for you and get a vigorous, full-body workout at home or on the road.

Shop ProsourceFit >

  Anker

You’re out visiting sites and taking lots of photos on your trip or vacation when you notice—oh, no—your phone’s battery is almost dead. Eliminate that problem forever with a portable charger from Anker.

Compact, lightweight, and inexpensive, we never leave for an outing without taking along our Anker charger. It’s a lifesaver!

See Anker Products >

Eagle Creek

This has been Cynthia’s go-to luggage for years. Eagle Creek products are functional, durable, and (looking at you, anonymous black suitcase) distinctively stylish.

Combining sustainable materials and innovative design, you simply can’t go wrong with suitcases, backpacks, duffels, and compression cubes from Eagle Creek.

Shop Eagle Creek >

Travelpro

Edd loves Travelpro. This company created the very first upright rolling suitcase over 30 years ago, and they continue to be a driving force in the luggage industry.

Their products are ultra-durable and amazingly lightweight. Softside and hardside bags; innovative accessories; external USB A&C ports. All at surprisingly affordable prices.

Look at Travelpro >

International Living

International Living has been the top source for information on destinations abroad since 1979. We discovered our home in Cuenca through IL, later served as their Ecuador Correspondent for five years, and continue to write for the company.

A wide variety of publications, courses, and conferences are available on International Living’s website.

Check out IL >

Credit Cards ~

Taking advantage of huge sign-up bonuses for miles and points allows us to travel more and spend less. The bonuses vary throughout the year and are earned by spending a certain amount on the card in the first few months.

Here are ones we use and recommend. All have a host of benefits beyond the highlights listed below, and none have foreign transaction fees.

Delta Platinum Business Card

Step to this card to get even more bonus miles and a slew of other benefits after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. For an annual fee of $250, you earn 3X miles on hotel stays and Delta purchases, first checked bag free, and priority boarding. 

You also receive a free domestic, round-trip Companion Pass each year when you renew the card. Plus, there’s a $100 fee credit when you sign up for Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck).

Learn More >

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Spend $4,000 in the first 3 months for the current points offer, then use those points to book your travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards for a value of 1.25X (e.g. 60,000 points = $750). The annual fee is $95.

Earn 3X points dining out, for certain online streaming services, and online grocery shopping. You get a whopping 5X per dollar for travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Apply Here >

Capital One Venture Card

This card’s benefits are simple and straightforward. Spend $4,000 in the first 3 months to earn the current miles offer. Then earn unlimited 2X miles for every purchase, and 5X for hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. The annual fee is $95.

Book a trip with miles through Capital One Travel, or use your miles to get reimbursed for past travel purchases made elsewhere. Other benefits include a $100 credit to join Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck), and two free visits per year to Capital One Lounges.

Get Capital One >

Daily Life ~

Life goes on whether we’re on the road or visiting family and friends. We have used some of these products f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Others have been recent discoveries.

Swappa

When it’s time to replace your computer or smartphone, why buy an expensive brand new one loaded with “features” you’ll never use?

We’ve upgraded to newer used phones twice through Swappa and have been super pleased. With phones you can shop by carrier; with laptops choose your operating system. Then drill down to specific brands and models.

Swappa offers free shipping and 24/7/365 support. You’ll be amazed how much money you can save.

Try Swappa >

Hey Dude

Edd here. For our travels I wanted slip on shoes that were lightweight, stylish, and comfortable. I found Hey Dude footwear (I was already pretty much sold with the name 😉) and have never looked back.

With our pedestrian lifestyle we walk a lot. I wear my Hey Dude shoes for hours and my feet never hurt.

When they get dirty, Cynthia just throws them in the washer and they’re as good as new. I love these shoes!

Check out Hey Dude >

Banana Republic

Don’t you love it when you discover a brand of clothing that actually fits? For years that’s been our experience with Banana Republic. Their styles continue to evolve without being too trendy.

We find the quality/price ratio at Banana Republic to be outstanding, especially when shopping in their Factory section.

Shipping is free for orders over $50. If you’re unhappy with your purchase, returns are also free.

Shop Banana Republic >

MᐧAᐧC Cosmetics

I don’t wear makeup every day but when I do, MᐧAᐧC is my brand. Over the years, their consultation services have helped me keep what’s in my cosmetic bag current.

On their website you can connect face-to-face on video chat or message with a MᐧAᐧC artist who can answer your questions and share beauty tips.

Enjoy a complimentary sample with every order. Also, on purchases $35+ shipping is free. MᐧAᐧC creates high-performance products you’ll love!

Try MᐧAᐧC Cosmetics >