My Favorite Travel Planning Resources For Every Trip

Finding the best travel planning resources can be difficult. Being a traveler for many years now, I have spent a lot of time researching reliable websites, services, and companies to book my flights, accommodations, and tours. Below you can find the trusted and recommended travel companies I use for planning and booking all my trips.

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best travel planning resources

Best Travel Resources Before The Trip

Inspiration

Before every trip, I personally enjoy searching for photos on Instagram and Pinterest and saving them to a dedicated board. Travel blogs are another excellent resource for exploring other travelers’ experiences and discovering genuine photos and stories about your chosen destination. If you’re looking for detailed itineraries, Stippl is a great platform for seeing other traveler’s itineraries for various destinations.

Packing List

Putting together a packing list is one of the most important parts of planning a trip. Luckily, you can find many packing lists on travel blogs, so you don’t have to start from scratch. Using a printed packing list that you can check off with a pen gives a sense of control and ensures you’re fully prepared for your trip. Feel free to download one of these packing list templates and customize them to suit your needs.

Flights

When booking flights, it’s important to start by comparing prices across various airlines and booking platforms to find the best deal that fits your budget and schedule. Skyscanner and Trip are my two favorite travel planning resources to find the best flight prices.

Accommodation

When planning a trip, it’s essential to find a safe, comfortable, and central place to stay. If you’re interested in meeting other travelers, I recommend choosing hostels. My favorite travel planning resources for finding good accommodations are Booking, Hostelworld, and Airbnb.

Travel Insurance

Securing travel insurance is a must to safeguard unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. Two of my top recommendations for international travel insurance are VisitorsCoverage and EKTA.

Best Travel Resources During the Trip

Transportation

Getting around efficiently is essential for a smooth journey. Use platforms like GetTransfer or Omio to explore all transportation options, from flights to buses, trains, and ferries. For road trips, Rentalcars or DiscoverCars is excellent for finding affordable car rentals. In cities, airport transfers with Kiwitaxi help you getting to your accommodation with ease.

Tours and Tickets

Booking tours and activities in advance can save time and hassle. Platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator offer diverse experiences, from local walking tours to adrenaline-pumping adventures. For entry tickets like sport events, concerts, and theater tickets, TicketNetwork is the ideal choice.

eSIM Card

For global connectivity without the hassle of swapping cards, consider an eSIM solution through Airalo, which offers instant activation in multiple destinations.