My Recommended Travel Resources
Here are the travel resources I personally use when planning trips. I’ve included them here in case they’re helpful as you plan your own adventures.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Airfare
Google Flights
I begin almost every trip-planning process with Google Flights. The calendar feature lets me compare prices across multiple dates, making it easy to find the best airfare deals.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is one of my favorite flight search tools because it makes it easy to compare fares from multiple nearby airports. I also like how the results clearly show the best, cheapest, and fastest options. I had an amazing student teacher who introduced me to Skyscanner before I booked my very first vacation flight to Hawaii, and I’ve been using it ever since.
Thrifty Traveler
Thrifty Traveler is one of my favorite resources for finding flight deals and learning how to travel for less. They offer both free and premium flight alert services, and I recommend signing up for the free alerts to start. Especially informative if you’re looking to learn about traveling with points and miles. Their podcast is informative and entertaining too.
Accommodation
Booking.com
Booking.com is the first place I check when I’m booking an accommodation. I like the ability to search on a map easily and I find the filters easy to use. It’s a convenient way to compare a wide range of accommodations in one place, from budget stays to boutique hotels.
Hotels.com
I always check Hotels.com alongside other booking sites to compare prices and find the best deal. It’s an easy way to make sure I’m getting good value before I book. I especially like that the totals show with taxes and fees included so I can see the actual rate.
Tour Companies
Get Your Guide
GetYourGuide is a huge marketplace of tours, activities, and attractions around the world. I often browse it to see which experiences are popular in a destination and have booked tours through them in many cities. Their app makes it easy to keep all your bookings organized and communicate with tour operators when needed.
Walks
Walks offers guided city tours and experiences built around the idea that the best way to experience a city is on foot. I really like how their tours focus on exploring at street level, which lets you slow down and actually connect with the destination. It’s a great way to see the highlights while still feeling like you’re getting an authentic, local experience.
LivTours
LivTours offers small-group and private tours in major cities across Europe, especially in Italy. I like that they focus on keeping groups small and work with top-rated local guides who really know their cities. It’s a great choice when I want a more personal, in-depth experience and a bit more connection with the place I’m visiting.