10 top travel resources
There are plenty of travel companies out there trying to land your hard-earned dollars/Euros/(add relevant currency type).
And with more players arriving on the scene each year it’s not easy knowing which ones are any good.
Because of this, I’ve decided to create this page of travel resources to help and inform other travelers. I personally use, and have used, these companies and have had good experiences with them.
Not one size fits all and I’m certain that not everyone may agree with my choices. But my opinions about all the companies I list below are 100% authentic.
My hope is that this page of travel resources will help you plan your next trip.
Disclosure: some of the links include affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. All profits help to support the running of this website. Thank you for your support.
10 top travel resources
Accommodation
1. Booking.com
A long-time name on the accommodation scene, there are several reasons why I like to book with Booking.com. Their free cancellation policy is flexible and has worked in my favor many times. Before our trip to Marseille, I had to cancel one of our hotels a few days before our arrival date.
There was no issue doing this and it was hassle free. Another reason why Booking.com features on the travel resources page is the choice of accommodation. I’ve been able to find B&Bs in smaller towns and rural places across Italy that I couldn’t find on other accommodation sites.
2. Expedia
Another trusted name I often book with is Expedia. It’s a great travel resource for booking hotels, resorts and apartments across the world.
I've also found that Expedia’s database has many more US and north America accommodations than other booking sites. We booked our stay at the Cape Santa Maria Bahamas resort with Expedia and got a decent deal.
3. Hotels.com
Like Expedia, Hotels.com is another website I regularly browse for hotel deals. I also find it helpful to compare the listings and prices with the two above sites.
This helps me to secure the best possible deal. I used hotels.com when visiting Chicago and found a good offer staying at the Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites.
Flights
4. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is the first place I tend to look at when booking flights. The simple layout and the way the website lists the flight prices and airlines make it a straightforward experience.
Another thing I like about Skyscanner is how easy it is to add a connecting flight. I did this for our trip from Italy to the Bahamas via Fort Lauderdale for 4 people with little fuss.
5. Google Flights
Google Flights is one of my favorite travel resources. I particularly like how you can enter a departure airport and see flights and the cheapest options around the world.
Like Skyscanner it shows different routes alongside connections in other cities and fare prices.
Tours and activities
6. Viator
Viator is one of the most recognized names for booking tours and activities. They offer a wide range of activities in many destinations and include detailed descriptions of what’s included plus prices.
The cancellation policy is clearly outlined and Viator also has the helpful option to reserve a tour but pay later. This flexibility gives travelers great peace of mind when booking with Viator.
7. Get your Guide (GYG)
Another top booking site for tours and activities is Get your Guide. As its name suggests, the website focuses on offering tours and activities led by a local and knowledgeable guide.
I used GYG to book a tour of Marrakech’s palaces and monuments and had the best time. Our guide was jolly, knowledgeable and very easy-going.
8. Fareharbor
Fareharbor is one of the newer faces on the tours and activities scene. Their database of North America tours is impressive, and prices are competitive too.
For Europe, the selection isn’t yet as vast as Viator and GYG. However, its Europe portfolio is slowly building making Fareharbor one to watch in 2024. For Italy tours, I’m keen on trying the Tuscany truffle hunt and a tour of the Bracciano Lake.
Transport
9. Discovercars
Whenever we need to hire a car in Italy my first choice is to check Discovercars.com. While it’s been around for a while, I’ve only recently starting using it.
We had a terrible experience with car hire on our South Sardinia road trip and wished we’d known beforehand about Discovercars.com. An award-winning company (a winner of the World Travel Awards), the car rental company also has positive reviews on Trustpilot.
10. Omio
Booking trains and coaches in Europe with Omio couldn’t be simpler. It works with over 200 rail and coach companies across 45 countries, listing prices and routes in a clear layout.
I regularly use Omio to book train tickets in Italy and have always had a great experience.
Travel companies I plan to try
As the title says, I’ve not yet used the following companies. But I’m adding them to the travel resources page because I've read, and personally heard, good things about them. I will update this section with my experiences once I’ve tried out the services.
Kiwitaxi
A service that provides international airport taxi transfers, Kiwitaxi offers different vehicle classes at fixed prices and no hidden fees. Offering 24/7 customer service, its drivers are professional, licensed and speak English.
Airalo
Say addio to high roaming charges when purchasing an eSIM with Airalo. The service enables users to download digital SIM cards for their mobile phone. Available in over 200 countries and regions, Airalo means you’re connected as soon as you land.
VisitorsCoverage
Travel insurance is something that many travelers simply don't consider after booking a trip. Personally, I never travel without it. Having travel insurance has covered several past incidents, like the time Air France lost my luggage in Paris.
VisitorsCoverage provides travel insurance for millions of global travelers in over 175 countries. They have positive (real) reviews online and a complete range of global travel medical insurance and trip insurance solutions.
Priority Pass
An ideal travel resource for frequent travelers, Priority Pass allows access to airport lounges worldwide. Individual lounge tickets can add up, especially if you’re a frequent flyer. A Priority Pass membership guarantees lounge access and a quiet space away from airport crowds.
I hope you find this list of travel resources helpful. Let me know if there are any others that you personally use, or that I should try too.