TRAVEL RESOURCES
I am always excited when you share that you are planning a trip. I want to offer you as many resources as possible to help make your trip the best adventure. Some links on this page are affiliate links- meaning that at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you book through these links, which helps me continue to write about interesting places to travel.
FLIGHTS
SKY SCANNER
Skyscanner is a travel search engine, search through hundreds of airlines, hotels, car rental and travel agency websites to bring many options on the destination you are searching. The website will compare what is being offered and share that information with you.
CHIPOAIR
With over 18 million discounted flight deals, low airfares, and 84,000 discounted hotel rates within every region in the world. Car rental service as well as discounted vacation packages are available. It is a one-stop travel solution when planning your vacation.
TRAVEL ZOO
Travelzoo provides members inside deals globally. With over 20 year of experience, they have more than 5,000 travel partnerships that offer travel packages. You can find the Top 20 deals around the world. Not only it is a great place to look for airfares but vacation packages and hotel specials.
KAYAK
Kayak provides travel information helping travelers globally. Kayak searches hundreds of travel sites to show you information that best fit your desired destination by providing flights, hotels, rental cars and vacation packages. Kayak offers a app and can be set up to notify you when specials occur for specific destination. I use this site often to compare flight schedules and prices
TRAVELOCITY
Tavelocity is an online travel agency owned by Expedia Group. Many great tools are offered on the site such as traveling with families or flexible date tool that allows to set up your search to narrow down best options for your vacation. Many great travel packages are offered that combine the airfare, hotel and transportation.
HOTELS
HOTELS.COM
Hotels.com provides you with hotel accommodations worldwide. Hotels.com you offer you options from independent and major chain hotels as well as boutique hotels. You can learn about the hotel pricing, amenities, and availability. Hotels.comRewards is a program as you book and stay at hotels you will gain rewards for free nights
AIRBNB
AIRBNB is a great place to search you want to stay in unique location like a castle or interested in couch surfing. If traveling with family, it is a great resource to find accommodations that will place you all together in a small apartment while having access to small kitchens.
BOOKING.COM
Booking.com offers over 2 million+ properties in over 200+ countries. Here you will find chain hotels, boutique stays, hostels, and luxury properties.
RESTAURANTS & ACTIVITIES
THE FORK
TheFork is on of the most useful resources for making restaurant reservations in Europe. Similar to OpenTable (used in the USA), you can browse different restaurants by category and make reservations. You may also discover some restaurants offering discounts through the app. TheFork’s offers a reward system.
TRIPADVISOR
TripAdvisor helps travelers see reviews about millions of accommodations, restaurants, experiences, airlines and cruises. Travel guides are also available to plan a vacation are found at many of the major destinations depending on your length of stay. Travelers’ write reviews and so TripAdvisor will provide top ranked hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise, and other activities with a sticker Best of the Best in their window. Download the app and quickly access when looking for a restaurant to decide if their menu is something you are wanting to experience
GROUPON
Groupon is a global marketplace connecting subscribers to local merchants by offering activities, travel, goods and service in 15 countries.
GET YOUR GUIDE
GetYourGuide helps travelers find the best things to do wherever they're headed, including skip-the-line tickets to the world's most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket-list experiences, and niche offerings you won't find anywhere else.
TRANSPORTATION
ROMEO2RIO
Rome2Rio provides a great transportation resource option for a travel route. Here you will find bus, train, plane or boat options.
UBER
Uber app provide ride-on-demand for travelers. It gives you detail information about the driver, price is arranged before picking up traveler and can use credit cards for payment.
AAA
AAA is a nonprofit member association that provides services such as international drivers licenses, travel insurance, roadside assistance for those from the United States and Canada. Members also have access to travel services that make travel arrangements for you abroad.
GETTING AROUND IN A DESTINATION
XE CURRENCY DATA
XE Currency Converter app quickly provides live, up-to-the- minute currency rates.
GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Google Translate app is a helpful tool if you don’t the speak the language and allows you to type in your language the words and it will translate in the language you wish. Also, it will scan images to translate signs, menus, etc. I have also used the speech device which you speak into your device and it will speak back to you in the translated language.
GOOGLE MAPS
Google Maps is essential app when visiting new cities. You can map out your travel path and it will plot them out on the map so you can walk (drive, bus or bicycle) in the directions best to reach your destination. Google Maps will also tell you nearby restaurants, gas stations, and so much more depending on what you are searching.
WhatsApp is a great messaging service for travelers abroad as it uses an internet connection to avoid SMS frees. You can text, call, or do a video chat. If you need to stay connect with those back home while traveling overseas it is a great tool to have on your phone.