Travel Resources
I have used all sorts of sites and resources for planning my trips over the years and I definitely have some favorites! Below I will share my favorite resources for searching for flights, booking accommodations, packing and more!
Before you dive in, I want to be transparent: this article includes affiliate links. This simply means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Rest assured, the article includes my genuine advice and it won’t cost you anything extra. Your support is greatly appreciated. Happy reading!
Destination Research & Tours
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor is probably on everyone’s list and a website you have visited at least once! I enjoy using Tripadvisor for general overviews and to get an idea of what travelers are saying.
Viator Shop
I mainly use Viator for booking tours, but it can also help me get a feel for a destination! Especially if you look in the details of tours to see where they are stopping. This can tell you what locations to see!
Once I have an overview of a destination and a general trip outline, I would start booking tours. Viator is great for this and I’ve had wonderful experience with every tour I’ve booked through Viator!
Get Your Guide
Get Your Guide is very similar to Viator, but tends to be more popular in Europe. I would suggest using it the exact same way as Viator by researching your destination through tours offered.
It’s worth checking both sites for tours as the location you are going may have more offerings on one over the other.
Flight Research
Google Flights
Easily my most used flight research tool is Google Flights! I have two tutorials on my Youtube channel as well, if you want to check them out!
I love using the map and also how the calendar will display prices! It’s SUPER helpful!
Kayak
The other main tool I use is Kayak.com. I usually always start at google flights, but will always also check Kayak.
It’s worth noting that the majority of the time I book flights directly with the airline! There is an exception or two.
If a travel flight is offering an exceptional deal (like more than $100 off) I’d maybe consider purchasing through the site. I would need to feel confident that everything will go as planned! This is due to the fact that if something does go wrong you might be stuck dealing with both the airline and the travel site, which can be a huge pain!
The other exception is if I decide to book a package (flight and hotel for instance). I rarely do this since I tend to travel rather than vacation. However, for vacations it could potentially save a little money. Again, this is not something I do often, but I do include it in my research of prices.
Expedia
With all that being said, I don’t use expedia much for flights, however, I will check vacation packages through them. Unless the deal is really worth it, I won’t book the vacation package, but it is a search option I will utilize in my research for simpler trips or vacations.
Hotels & Accommodations
Expedia
I love and utilize expedia the most for hotels! Again, I don’t always book through expedia, but looking at past trips there are Quebec City, Fiji, Washington D.C., London, Greece and Los Angeles!
Hotels.com & Booking.com
Generally, I never stop at one site! I usually have numerous tabs open and I check multiple sites! Both of the above are in that mix and I’ve booked using both at different times!
VRBO
I know Airbnb is the common go to and I used to be an Airbnb host, but VRBO is always worth checking whether you use Airbnb or not. There are some area that utilize VRBO more than Airbnb and one destination off the top of my head is 30a near Destin, Florida.
Airbnb
As stated above, I used to be an airbnb host! I’ve also stayed in Airbnbs all over the world! While VRBO is great, Airbnb is more common overall. If you are wanting a kitchen then Airbnb is almost a must.
I’m starting to favor hotels more and more, but in the end I will stay wherever I can get the best price and overall good experience. Sometimes that is in an airbnb! So I definitely recommend checking Airbnb if you want a kitchen, have a large group or are price comparing to hotels.
Hostelworld
There are hostels on a lot of search engine sites, but if you want to check specifically for hostels, this is a great resource!
Tripadvisor
Of course, Tripadvisor is a great place to check reviews and compare prices on multiple booking sites! It’s a one stop shop!
Travel Insurance
VisitorsCoverage & Insubuy
Now everyone’s risk tolerance is different! And everyone may carry different types of health or car insurance that can alleviate the need for travel insurance.
For instance, if you rent a car, your car insurance (in the US) will usually cover any issues and your credit card might also offer rental car insurance! And usually your car insurance will expect you to start with your credit card insurance.
So I’m not saying you HAVE to have travel insurance, but I did buy some for my trip to Fiji and it did offer some peace of mind. Especially since I was traveling solo to Fiji.
If you do utilize the above sites, I recommend that you ensure any activities you plan to do are covered. For Fiji, I knew I’d be scuba diving so I made sure the plan I got included coverage for that activity!
Another bonus of travel insurance is most include trip protection! I never buy the extra protection offered when booking, but if you get travel insurance they usually cover the trip as well!
Travel & Packing
Trtl Neck Pillow
My sister gave me this pillow years ago and while I don’t take it with on every trip, it was a life saver, or should I say neck saver, on my Fiji trip!
I love how this pillow supports my neck and keeps my head up! And it’s nice not waking up with my mouth open. I’m able to actually sleep even when sitting in a middle seat on a ten hour flight!
It is a little awkward wearing a neck brace style pillow, but waking up with my mouth open and head sideways is also awkward! I also read reviews of some saying the pillow doesn’t support them very well. This could be due to their size, so it’s worth noting that I am 5’9 and a medium to large build.
Compression Bags
I do use packing cubes on occasion to keep my bags organized, but I recently bought these compression bags. They can be used to create a little space and they could offer some organization as well!
A word of caution would be the weight of your luggage. For my Fiji trip, there was a weight limit for my carry-on and using too many compression bags make it easy to go over weight. Just keep that in mind!
Overall, I like that you don’t need a vacuum to use them. They provide extra space and some organization. They are decent quality, but I got so many that they should last me a long time!
SEARADAR
I recently discovered this site and read their reviews. While I haven’t booked from them yet, I’m very excited to have found it!
You might be shocked by how affordable sailing in the Mediterranean can be! Sailing holidays may not be your cup of tea, but if they are, this website looks like a good option for chartering a yacht.
