TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR PLANNING & SAVING
Here are some of the key travel resources I use and trust for researching and planning trips, including flights, accommodation, tours, insurance, and guide books.
Disclosure: I may earn compensation from the purchase of any product or service linked on this website, at no extra cost to you. In fact, you might even benefit from using the travel resource links below! I only link to products I use and love, therefore feel comfortable recommending.
Google Flights
Google Flights is where I do most of my flight schedule and airfare research. My favourite features are the fare alert system which allows you to set a price tracker on flights you’re interested in, and the airline alliances filter for those trying to earn status or spend miles. Get more tips for making the most of Google Flights here.
Kayak
Another flight aggregator to have in your arsenal of travel planning resources is Kayak. They have a cool tool that can help you decide where to go, when you are overwhelmed with options. Kayak Explore lets you put in basic parameters like dates, flight budget, flight time and type of trip – in turn it will provide destination options that fit your criteria.
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor is my go-to when searching for hotel accommodation, I like their advanced filters and map functionality. I generally make the final booking direct with the hotel website.
National Car Rental
National Car Rental is generally our go-to for renting a car, mostly because a work trip got us to Executive status – since then, the prices have been difficult to beat. However, if you are unlikely to rent enough to achieve or maintain status, compare other rental car companies.
Booking.com
Generally, I don’t find any benefit from booking with third-party providers, but occasionally, just occasionally, I’ve found an unbeatable deal on Booking.com. It’s always worth checking!
Lonely Planet
Quite simply, no one does it like Lonely Planet – their guidebooks are still the best IMHO. Yes, they might seem expensive but remember you can often borrow one from your local library or maybe even a friend has a copy they are willing to lend.
Airalo
Stay in communicado rather than incommunicado while you travel and save money with an eSIM. I wrote all about what they are and how to use your eSIM here. When you’re ready to purchase, click this link and you’ll get a little bonus.
Allianz Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must! Our constant travel means an annual travel policy makes most sense and we are currently covered by Allianz. We have made several claims in the last year or so. Though making an insurance claim is always a headache, we were successful in being paid out for all our recent travel fails.
Priority Pass
Priority Pass gives you access to a network of airline lounges worldwide, independent of the usual airline rewards programs. Some credit cards offer a bonus Priority Pass, which is how we got on board. If you don’t have airline status, Priority Pass can be a real saviour on those long layovers by getting you airline lounge access worldwide.
Smart Destinations Multi-Attraction Passes
Save some money on entry fees to top sightseeing locations and attractions with a multi-attraction pass. Smart Destinations is another company offering multi-attraction passes to save you some dosh on top attractions.
Big Bus Tours
When you’re pushed for time in a destination hop-on, hop-off bus tours help you see a lot in a small amount of time. They’re also a great way to get orientated in a new place before you go out exploring independently.
City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tours
City Sightseeing is an alternative to Big Bus Tours, also providing a hop-on, hop-off service in destinations around the world.
Uber
If you’re not using Uber yet, you are missing out. I am turning to it more and more often, whether it’s to get around a new city or as airport transfers (they are great for avoiding astronomical airport parking fees). Link your Uber account with Marriott Bonvoy and Air Canada Aeroplan to earn more travel points!
Lyft
After getting a Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, we jumped ship from Uber to Lyft. No reflection on Uber’s service, we just wanted to accumulate as many travel points as possible! Also, you can connect your Lyft account with Delta Skymiles, Alaska Mileage Plan, Hilton Honors and Bilt to earn even more points.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
With our Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, we earn more points on travel purchases like hotel bookings; get extra value from redemptions on the Chase portal; get Priority Pass airport lounge access and an annual hotel credit. Learn more about how we save withour one-and-done travel hacking strategy here.
BLOGGING & ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
Siteground
I host all my sites on Siteground, after going through lengthy comparisons with other companies – it’s worth paying a little extra. My experience with their customer services has been great.
WordPress
WordPress is a versatile Content Management System (CMS) used by approximately a quarter of all websites. The free, open-source platform is SEO-friendly, responsive and holds high-security standards.
Ezoic
Increase ad revenue 50-250% with Ezoic. I’ve been impressed with the quick results I saw from optimising and monetising my site with help from Ezoic.
BackBlaze
Get affordable cloud backups with BackBlaze and ensure you always have a copy of your data in case things go pear-shaped.