Below are four great trip planning tools that can help you budget, plan overland travel, search for the best events worldwide, and provide helpful packing tips.

Eardex -AirTreks recent blog post introduced us to this great travel budget tool. Eardex, or the Earth Index, provides information on the cost of living around the world. Eardex shows the cost of living in different towns, cities, regions, and countries by listing local prices of popular products and services, such as the price of hotels, eating out, and public transportation. Eardex users provide the data used to find these local prices and the service is free. Eardex is useful to all types of travelers, whether you’re a backpacker, expat, or luxury traveler the tool allows you to accurately budget your daily expenses.

We’re introducing a series on the Global Basecamps’ blog highlighting travel experiences that we feel are bucket list worthy. This week we’ll be highlighting the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s best wildlife and nature destinations. Galapagos tours are truly once in a lifetime experience, where you’ll discover the island’s fascinating volcanic geology, unique flora and fauna, and breathtaking wildlife.

This guest post is from Expatfinder.com.

When you hear the news that your partner has an opportunity to work overseas, you may experience a host of different emotions ranging from excitement to apprehension. When the dust settles you may be left wondering what will happen to your own career. Here are some tips if you want to keep your working life on track when you move overseas.

Work Permits

A major barrier for partners who wish to work overseas is often the local work regulations and permit requirements. Before you relocate, make sure you research what is required in order to work in your host country and start the application process as soon as possible.

You may require assistance from an employer in your home country to enable you to work overseas, and if your partner’s employer is unwilling to assist then you may need to take other steps. The more time you have to familiarise yourself with the local regulations, the more chance you have to meet the conditions set out in the host country law. It is possible that you will need to produce an array of documents that are best obtained in your home country prior to departure.

Almost a year after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011, the country is still struggling to revive their tourism sector. However, as evidenced here Japan is quickly rebuilding and recovering from the destruction and tourism is actually doing better than expected, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. The Japanese people have handled the disaster exceptionally and are striving to bring tourists back to their incredible country. Here are five great reasons to start planning Japan tours now!

Ski Season

With a 5-month ski season, spring is a great time to hit the slopes in Japan. With excellent conditions, varied terrain, and many easily accessible resorts to choose from, Japan is an ideal ski destination. Most resorts are typically open from December to March, receiving most of the snow in January and February, with plenty of snow left in March in April for some great spring skiing. Kagura resort has even been open until late May for the past few seasons. Gassan, in Yamagata Prefecture, has a very strange season that usually starts in April and continues through July. Though for most resorts, peak season is from mid-January through February. However, during most weekdays even the popular resorts remain relatively uncrowded.

Koh Rong, Cambodia

After decades of isolation the 60 plus islands surrounding the southern coast of Cambodia remain largely untouched. Koh Rong is the biggest Cambodia island off the coast of Sihanoukville. The majority of the island is undeveloped, though there are plans to develop it into a luxury resort destination. Right now, travelers can visit for a day trip, or stay in one of the few small beach resorts. There is around 27 miles of beaches, one of the most beautiful being Long Set beach. There are seven bays on the island, all offering great snorkeling and diving. There are also several nearby islands, easily accessible by boat. Other activities include swimming, hiking and fishing. From the mainland, it takes a little over 2 hours to reach Koh Rong, but it is well worth the journey to experience this tropical paradise. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this incredible island before it becomes a tourist hot spot!