My Go-To Travel Sites & Apps

Skyscanner

When it comes to finding the best flight deals, Skyscanner is my top choice. It compares prices from various airlines and travel agents, allowing me to choose the most affordable and convenient options. Moreover, the flexible search options and price alerts make it an indispensable tool for budget-conscious travelers. I am a big fan of the option to search a date and select “everywhere” as the destination. So go ahead and pick your next adventure!

Booking.com

For accommodation, Booking.com offers a huge selection of hotels, apartments, and unique stays around the world. The user reviews and detailed descriptions help me make informed decisions. Additionally, the frequent deals and loyalty program provide excellent value. Therefore, this is my go-to for booking accommodation.

VRBO

If I’m planning a longer stay or want a home-like experience, VRBO is perfect. It specializes in vacation rentals, offering fully furnished homes and apartments that are ideal for families or groups. Not only is the platform easy to use, but the properties often come with amenities that make longer trips comfortable. It truly lets me ‘live like a local’ when I’m in a destination for an extended period of time.

Atlas Obscura

When I’m looking for unique and off-the-beaten-path attractions, Atlas Obscura is a treasure trove. It helps me discover hidden gems and unusual destinations that aren’t typically found in guidebooks. Also, the community-contributed content ensures that I’m always finding new and interesting places to visit.

Spotted by Locals

For insider tips, Spotted by Locals offers recommendations from residents of various cities. The recommendations are authentic and cater to local favorites rather than tourist traps. This app helps me experience cities like a local, providing insights into the best eateries, shops, and hidden corners.

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is fantastic for booking tours and activities. It offers a wide range of experiences, from guided tours to cooking classes and adventure activities. Furthermore, the user reviews and easy booking process make it a reliable choice for enriching my travel itinerary. I’ve had a great experience on every tour I’ve booked with them so far, so it’s always my starting point.

Viator

Similar to GetYourGuide, Viator provides a broad selection of tours and activities. I appreciate the detailed descriptions, user reviews, and the ability to book last-minute activities. It’s a great resource for planning both major attractions and unique local experiences.

TourRadar

TourRadar is perfect for finding multi-day tours and adventure trips. It connects me with reputable tour operators and offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests and budgets (this is helpful when planning trips with my folks who are less mobile these days). The user reviews and detailed itineraries help me choose the best tour.

Uber

Uber is my preferred app for getting around in cities. It’s reliable, easy to use, and available in many countries. The upfront pricing and various service options make it convenient for both short rides and longer journeys. While I’ve found it less reliable where I live in London, it was excellent when I was travelling in South America.

Rome2Rio

Rome2Rio is an invaluable tool for planning transportation routes. It has comprehensive information on how to get from point A to point B, including flights, trains, buses, ferries, and driving options. In addition to that, the detailed routes and estimated costs help me plan my travels efficiently.

Trainline

For train travel in the UK, Trainline is unbeatable. It also offers easy booking for trains across multiple countries, with real-time schedules and competitive prices. The app provides mobile tickets, making it a convenient option for seamless train journeys. There is also a split ticket option for better deals on your train journeys.

Google Maps

Google Maps is essential for navigation. It offers detailed maps, real-time traffic updates, public transportation schedules, and walking routes. The offline maps feature is particularly useful when traveling in areas with limited internet access.

Airalo

Airalo is the perfect option for staying connected while traveling internationally. It offers eSIMs with affordable data plans and no need to swap physical SIM cards. This ensures that I always have internet access for navigation, communication, and research. I have used Airalo in Brazil and Turkey.

Western Union

Western Union is a reliable service for transferring money internationally. It’s especially useful in emergencies or when traveling to destinations where banking options are limited. The widespread availability of Western Union locations makes it a convenient choice. It was essential when I was travelling in Argentina.

XE

XE.com is my preferred currency converter. It provides real-time exchange rates and allows me to track multiple currencies simultaneously. The app is particularly useful for budgeting and managing expenses in different countries. I have accounts in the UK, US, and New Zealand, so use it to transfer money when I need to.

Komoot

Komoot is excellent for planning outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking, biking, or running, the app offers detailed maps and route planning tools. The community-generated content and offline maps are great! I have used it for planning my hikes in several countries.

Netflix

Netflix is my go-to for entertainment on the go. Whether I’m on a long-haul flight or relaxing in my hotel room, the vast library of movies and TV shows keeps me entertained. The offline download feature is particularly useful for watching content without internet access, and making sure I have plenty of shows downloaded is a key item on my pre-flight check list!

Snapseed

Snapseed is my favorite photo editing app. It offers a wide range of editing tools and filters to enhance my travel photos. The intuitive interface and professional-quality results make it a must-have for preserving travel memories. Also, it’s free!