23 Best Tools & Travel Resources

Travel can be as complicated as you make it. Just like anything, if you have the right tools at your disposal, your life will be easier. Travel is exactly that. This piece will cover my favorite travel resources to keep in the back pocket.

The reason why I say that travel can be complicated is that there is a lot of noise with travel. There are a ton of different service providers out there offering a ton of different things, ostensibly to make your travels easier.

Some are actually incredibly helpful and others are just a sunk cost. If one thing is always tried and true; you simply need the right tools to make travel more affordable and easier for you. People ask me all the time, how do you travel so much? Or, how can you afford to go to all these places?

Well, if there is a will, there is a way – and a little travel hacking doesn’t hurt either. There are a TON of excellent travel tools out there that help you find excellent travel deals and/or make your travel experiences easier.

I’d rather make each dollar count and see more places than go to 1 place each year on an extravagant budget! Here are some of the several different services, software, apps, and websites I make use of;

• Travel Credit Cards
• Travel Insurance
• Flight Search Engines
• Online Booking Travel Agencies
• Cheap Flight Newsletters
• Tour Operators
• Tour Agents
• Rewards Points & Loyalty Programs

The list goes on. I’ve tried them all. I was literally a test dummy for all things travel. So I’m here to consolidate this all into one list of what you actually need, and the best examples of these resources.

Best Travel Insurance

World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads travel insurance is a must-have for any traveler. They offer a wide range of features that are essential for anyone who is planning a trip, whether it’s for business or pleasure.

Their plans offer medical and evacuation coverage, as well as lost luggage and personal belongings insurance. They also have 24/7 access to a team of medical experts, so you can get the care you need if you become ill or injured while abroad. In addition, you’ll get trip interruption and cancellation insurance, so you can be reimbursed if your plans change unexpectedly.

With all of these features, World Nomads is the best option for travel insurance, and it’s an essential part of any trip. It’s also one of the best nomadic resources that you can have at your disposal if you live a location-independent lifestyle.

Like what you are hearing? Read our full World Nomads travel insurance review for a full breakdown of what they offer.

InsureMyTrip

InsureMyTrip is a website that offers travel insurance. There are many reasons why someone might choose to purchase travel insurance, such as to protect against lost luggage, canceled flights, or medical emergencies.

InsureMyTrip allows users to compare different policies and choose the one that best meets their needs. They also offer 24/7 customer support in case you have any questions or need to file a claim.

Whether you’re looking for comprehensive coverage or just a basic policy, InsureMyTrip can help you find the right travel insurance for your next trip.

AARDY Travel Insurance

AARDY Travel Insurance is a great way for travelers to secure the cheapest travel insurance and protect their trip. AARDY offers a variety of features that make it an attractive option for travelers.

First, AARDY offers a variety of travel insurance plans that can be customized to fit the needs of any traveler. Second, AARDY offers a wide range of coverage options, including trip cancellation, lost luggage, and emergency medical evacuation.

Third, AARDY’s customer service team is available 24/7 to help travelers with any questions or concerns they may have.

Finally, AARDY offers a money-back guarantee, so travelers can feel confident that they are getting the best value for their money. AARDY is the perfect choice for budget travelers.

Like what you are hearing? Read our full AARDY Travel Insurance review for more information.

Cheap Flight Alerts & Newsletters

Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)

Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) is a flight deals newsletter that travelers can use to find and book incredible flight sales. This cheap flight newsletter is free to try and members receive daily flight deals emails with discounted flights to destinations all over the world.

For an extra cost, Going offers a premium membership for an annual fee of $49 which gives members access to even more discounts, a personal travel consultant, and exclusive flight deals.

Scott’s Cheap Flights has helped millions of travelers save money on their flights and continues to be one of the best resources for finding cheap airfare.

Want to learn more? We have a full YouTube video review of the platform. Or, read a written review of Going (Scott’s Cheap Flights) where you can learn how this website can be a resource for finding incredible flight deals.

Remember when you pay for premium use the coupon code VIA20 for 20% OFF your membership.

Thrifty Traveler Premium

Looking to travel on the cheap? Thrifty Traveler Premium can help you save big on your next trip. With Thrifty Traveler Premium, you’ll get access to their team of travel experts who scour the web for the best deals on flights. They will send you customized alerts so you can book your flights at the perfect time.

Plus, they will provide guidance on when to fly and how to maximize your savings. And if that’s not enough, Thrifty Traveler Premium members also get exclusive access to potential mistake fares.

This is where we list all of the major mistakes airlines make – like mispriced flights and programming errors – so you can snag a great deal.

So why wait? Sign up for Thrifty Traveler Premium today and start saving on your next trip!

Dollar Flight Club

Dollar Flight Club is a subscription-based service that helps travelers find and book airfare deals. For a monthly fee, members receive access to a list of flights that are significantly cheaper than the average fare.

Dollar Flight Club also offers a number of features to help travelers save money on their next trip, including fare alerts, price comparisons, and travel tips. In addition, members can contact customer support for help booking their flight or for any other questions they may have.

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute deal or simply want to save money on your next vacation, Dollar Flight Club can help you find the cheapest flight possible.

Read our full Dollar Flight Club review for more information on how to use this platform.

See Related: Best Websites for Cheap Flights and Hotels

Flight Search Engines

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a comprehensive search engine for flights, hotels, and car rentals. It offers an array of features that makes it a great resource for travelers.

Skyscanner’s flight search function allows you to compare airfares from different airlines, both direct and indirect flights. You can also search for flights by date and time, so you can find the cheapest flights that fit your schedule.

Their hotel search allows you to compare prices from different hotels in your desired destination. You can also filter your results by price, star rating, amenities, and more.

In addition, the car rental search provides a wide selection of rental cars from all over the world. This is a great resource for travelers looking for the best travel deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals.

See Related: Essential Travel Safety Tips for Trips

Momondo

Momondo is a flight search engine that helps travelers find cheap flights. Momondo searches hundreds of different airlines to find the best travel deals, and it also offers a variety of features that make it a great choice for travelers.

For example, Momondo offers a fare calendar, which shows the cheapest days to fly to specific destinations.

Momondo also has a “price alert” feature, which notifies users when the price of flight changes. This flight search aggregator offers an easy-to-use website with a clean design, and it is available in multiple languages.

Overall, Momondo is a great option for travelers who are looking for cheap flights.

Google Flights

Google Flights is a flight search aggregator that allows users to search for and book flights online. This is an essential cheap travel resource to use if you travel frequently and is our go-to resource for booking cheap flights (I think plenty of other fellow travel bloggers would agree). The simple interface makes it so easy to find cheap flights to anywhere in the world.

Google Flights offers a number of features that can be helpful for travelers, including the ability to search for flights by destination, date, and airline.

Google Flights also provides a fare calendar that shows the cheapest days to fly, as well as tips on how to save money on airfare.

In addition, Google Flights allows users to track flight prices and be notified when prices drop. Budget travelers can use Google Flights to find and book flights easily and quickly.

Accommodation Booking Sites

Booking.com

Booking.com is a travel website that helps you find and book hotels, flights, rental cars, and more. They offer a variety of features to make your trip planning easier, including:

• Price comparisons: Booking.com shows you the prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars from multiple providers so you can find the best deal.
• Booking management: You can manage all your bookings in one place on Booking.com, which makes it easy to keep track of your plans.
• Trip suggestions: Booking.com offers suggested itineraries based on your interests, budget, and desired travel dates.
• Rewards program: You can earn rewards points with Booking.com that can be used for future travel discounts with their Booking Genius Levels.

Read our full Booking.com review if you want to learn more about how the platform works for accommodation.

Hotels.com

Hotels.com is a hotel booking site that offers a wide range of hotel accommodations around the world. You can search for hotels by location, price, amenities, and more.

Hotels.com also offers a “Deals” section where you can find discounts on hotels, as well as a “Rewards” program where you can earn points towards free nights.

For budget travelers, Hotels.com is a great resource for finding cheap accommodation. You can often find rooms for significantly less than the listed price by using the “Deals” section and being flexible with your travel dates. Obviously, this is one of the best ways to find great deals on accommodation.

Hotels.com also offers a “Price Match Guarantee” so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal on your hotel room.

VRBO

VRBO is a popular website for travelers looking for vacation rentals. The website offers a wide variety of rentals, from apartments and houses to villas and cottages.

VRBO also offers a variety of different pricing options, making it a great option for travelers on a budget.

One of the key features of VRBO is the ability to book directly with the owner of the rental property. This allows travelers to avoid paying booking fees, and it also gives them the opportunity to ask the owner questions about the property and the area.

VRBO is a great option for travelers looking for vacation rentals, and it offers a variety of different properties to choose from.

See Related: Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent: Is It Stressful?

Booking Rental Cars

RentalCars.com

RentalCars.com is a leading provider of rental car reservations for leisure and business travelers. This rental car booking website offers a wide variety of car types from economy to full-size, SUVs, minivans, and more.

RentalCars.com also offers exclusive discounts on many top rental car brands. Their traveler services include: 

• Finding the best price on rental cars worldwide with their Price Promise  
• Paying for your rental car upfront or at the counter 
• Printing your own contract 
• Roadside assistance 
• Rental Cars Rewards program to earn points toward free rentals 

If you need a rental car, RentalCars.com should be your first stop.

See Related: Rental Cars That You Can Take Out of State

KAYAK

KAYAK is a leading travel search engine that helps travelers find the best deals on flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. The platform aggregates and searches hundreds of travel sites to help travelers find the best deals on airfare, hotels, and more.

We particularly like KAYAK for its rental car search. It’s simple, sleek, and easy to use. You’ll get the best options for cars from hundreds of sources so you’ll likely find the best possible price for a car during your trip.

KAYAK also offers exclusive deals on travel packages, hotels, and more. KAYAK travelers can also benefit from:

• Price alerts for flight and hotel deals 
• The ability to compare prices across multiple travel sites 
• Exclusive discounts on travel packages 
• The option to book directly with airlines and hotels 

If you’re looking for the best deals on travel, KAYAK is the place to start.

See Related: Our Favorite Black Friday Travel Deals

Booking Tours

Viator

Viator is a website that helps travelers find and book the best tours around the world. Viator offers a wide variety of international travel resources and also provides a comprehensive list of tours and activities in each destination, as well as user reviews and ratings.

By partnering with tour companies directly, Viator offers a Best Price Guarantee, so travelers can be confident they are getting the best value for their money.

Viator is an essential resource for anyone planning a trip abroad that features historical sights or museums, and it’s easy to use.

Simply enter your travel dates and destination, and Viator will show you a list of available tours and activities. You can then read reviews, compare prices, and book the tour that best suits your interests such as food tours, history tours, walking tours, and even multi-day excursions.

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is a website that offers a wide range of tourist activities and attractions in destinations around the world. What sets this platform apart from other travel websites is its focus on offering unique experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.

They partner with tour companies both small group tours done by locals as well as full-on global tour operators.

For example, GetYourGuide offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the Vatican Museum, which includes access to areas that are usually off-limits to visitors.

This tour booking site also offers a variety of walking tours, bike tours, and other outdoor activities that allow travelers to explore a destination in an intimate and unusual way.

In addition, GetYourGuide offers special discounts and promotions on many of its activities, making it a great option for budget travel. Overall, GetYourGuide is a great option for travelers and even more so for solo travelers as it’s a great way to meet new people.

Best Travel Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best travel credit cards on the market, offering a variety of perks and rewards that make it a great choice for travelers.

For starters, this travel credit card offers 2x points on travel and dining purchases, making it easy to earn rewards on everyday spending. In addition, Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with a robust sign-up bonus.

Plus, Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a variety of valuable travel benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary car rental insurance.

For travelers looking for a credit card that offers great rewards and perks, Chase Sapphire Preferred is a perfect choice.

See Related: American Express Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best travel credit cards on the market for its slew of amazing perks and rewards.

For starters, The Platinum Card® gives you access to over 1,200 airport lounges around the world through the complimentary Priority Pass™ membership.

This means that you can relax in style at any number of airports, no matter where you’re traveling. In addition, The Platinum Card® also comes with up to $200 in Uber credits per year, which can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to get around a new city.

The card also offers a variety of other travel-related benefits, such as free membership to the Boingo global Wi-Fi network and a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

If you’re a frequent traveler, then The Platinum Card® from American Express is definitely worth considering.

The annual fee may seem steep at first, but when you consider all of the benefits and rewards that come with it, the card more than pays for itself especially if you travel frequently or internationally.

Travel Planning Resources

ViaTravelers Printable Travel Planner

Trying to plan a vacation can be overwhelming – there’s so much to think about! This printable vacation planner will help take the stress out of planning your next trip.

This 24-page printable packet includes everything you need to find the right destination, find the best things to do, book your flights and accommodations, plan your itinerary, set a travel budget, and more. It’s our goal to make this the ultimate travel resource to make travel easier.

Plus, there’s even a packing list to help you make sure you don’t forget anything important. all you have to do is print it out and start filling it in.

• Keep your travel plans organized
• Record your flights, hotels, and packing list
• Plan your route and daily travel itinerary
• Set a budget and track expenses
• Journal through your trip for memories

So why wait? Get started planning your dream vacation today. It just takes 5 seconds to download the planner directly to your email inbox.

Travel Hacking Spreadsheet

Anyone who’s serious about travel knows that organization is key. With so many different details to keep track of, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where travel hacking comes in. Travel hacking is all about using credit card points and miles to save money on travel expenses.

And this travel hacking spreadsheet can help you do just that. It includes eight different tabs of tracking, so you can be sure you’re on your way to success.

Credit card tracking, hard pull credit inquiries, rewards points balances – you name it, this spreadsheet has it.

Start planning your next trip – and save money while you’re at it.

Best Travel Gear

GoPro for Video & Photos

GoPro HERO9 Black is the most powerful GoPro ever, thanks to its 5K video, 20MP photos, and live streaming. Its built-in touch display lets you frame shots, swipe between modes, and playback footage with ease. And a new voice control feature allows for hands-free control of your camera – perfect for selfies!

With SuperPhoto, HERO9 Black automatically applies intelligent filters to bring out the best possible photo quality in any situation. HyperSmooth Video makes it easy to capture super-smooth footage whether you’re on the move or standing still.

And with GoPro’s new Max Lens Mod, you can now capture immersive footage in true wide-angle without distortion – perfect for landscape shots and action sequences.

Shacke Pak – 5 Set Packing Cubes – Travel Organizers with Laundry Bag

Packing cubes are super important, especially for long-term travelers when you are constantly on the move. You save time you have to pack up and unpack but also you’ll have peace of mind knowing that everything is in the right spot.

With the Shacke Pak, each bag size in this set was tested, designed, and selected to create the perfect packing cube kit for up to a 14-day vacation. The included laundry bag helps you separate soil clothing from the rest of your clean clothes which is particularly useful when traveling to multiple locations.

This packing starter kit contains 5 pieces: one large (30 x 20 x 10cm), two mediums (20 x 15 x 8cm), and two smalls (15 x 12.5 x 7cm). It

Travel Tips for Beginners or Expert Travelers

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just getting started, these are the several things to think about as travel tips to help you plan your next adventure:

• Popular Travel Destinations: Research popular travel destinations before narrowing down your list of places to visit. This will help ensure you choose a destination that interests you and has the amenities you desire.
• Packing Tips: Packing efficiently can be a game-changer when it comes to travel. Avoid overpacking by following packing tips from experienced travelers. This will help you save space in your luggage and make packing/unpacking a breeze.
• Money-Saving Tips: Travel can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Research tips and tricks for saving money on travel before you book your next trip. This will help you stretch your travel budget further.
• Travel Resources: Utilize travel resources to help plan and book your trip. These resources can provide helpful information about destinations, packing tips, money-saving tips, and more.
• Travel Insurance: Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before your next trip! This important coverage can protect you financially if something goes wrong while you’re traveling. Be sure to compare policies and choose the one that best meets your needs.

How do I choose the right travel destination?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a travel destination. Think about your interests and what kind of experience you want to have. Do some research on different destinations and read reviews from other travelers. It can also be helpful to talk to a travel agent to get more information and recommendations.

What are some tips for staying safe while traveling?

There are a few things you can do to stay safe while traveling. First, be sure to do your research before you go and familiarize yourself with your destination.

Secondly, always carry your passport and other important documents in a safe place. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut instinct if something doesn’t feel right.

Subscribe to our free travel newsletter for tips and resources to help you plan your next vacation. This newsletter is packed with information about popular travel destinations, packing tips, money-saving tips, and more.

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