Hey fellow travellers!
Ready to make trip planning a breeze? Welcome to our Best Travel Resources Guide, a collection of all the tools, apps, and booking sites I trust and actually use on our adventures.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best resources I personally use for travel planning. Everything from trusted booking sites to must-have travel apps and smart trip-planning tools.
Whether you’re just starting your travel journey or you’re a seasoned explorer, these recommendations will help make every adventure smoother, easier, and more memorable.
Let’s dive in and get you ready for your next amazing trip!
Flights
Finding the right flight can set the tone for your entire trip. Over time, we’ve discovered several travel tools and trip planning apps that make booking flights easier and more affordable. Here are some of our top travel booking sites that have helped us take off smoothly.
Skyscanner is our go-to tool for finding flights, comparing prices, and checking availability. It’s super user-friendly and packed with powerful features like the “Everywhere” search, perfect for flexible travellers who want to discover the cheapest destinations from any airport.
The multi-city search also makes planning complex trips much easier. Available on both the app and website, Skyscanner lets you quickly compare prices across airlines, and the mobile app even shows price drops (under the ‘drop’ tab) at a glance, making it easy to spot deals. After finding a good fare, I always double-check with the airline directly to see if there are extra savings. As an air miles collector, I also make sure to add my membership number at booking for future rewards!
AirAsia is one of the best budget airlines for travelling within Southeast Asia. Known for affordable fares and a wide network, it’s our top choice for short-distance flights around the region.
Booking through their user-friendly app or website is simple, and by registering, you can collect AirAsia points on every flight, redeemable for future travel.
We flew AirAsia between several Southeast Asian countries and were impressed by the value, especially their affordable in-flight meals compared to other airlines.
If you’re exploring Southeast Asia, AirAsia is a reliable and budget-friendly way to get around.
Trip.com is one of the most versatile platforms for booking flights, hotels, trains, car rentals, and more — all in one app or website. We used it to book flights across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, and found it incredibly convenient and easy to use.
Their mobile app often offers exclusive discounts, sometimes even cheaper than the website prices. For extra savings, it’s worth signing up for member rates and starting to earn rewards for future bookings. If you’re looking for a flexible, budget-friendly option to manage your travels, Trip.com is a great choice.
aeroLOPA is an underrated but amazing tool for checking detailed, accurate airline seat maps and cabin layouts. Unlike standard seat maps, aeroLOPA offers precise diagrams showing seat pitch, width, and proximity to amenities — super helpful when you want the best seat, especially on long-haul flights.
It’s one of the best travel resources for frequent flyers who want to maximize comfort (or avoid bad seats!).
Whether you’re flying economy, business, or first class, aeroLOPA helps you make smarter seating choices for your next trip.
These platforms have become essential travel planning resources in our journey, helping us find the best deals and plan our flights with confidence. Whether you’re looking for budget options or detailed seat maps, these best travel resources have got you covered.
Accommodation
Finding the right place to stay can make all the difference in your travel experience. Over the years, we’ve tried and tested various travel tools and trip planning apps to discover accommodations that suit every budget and style. Here are some of our go-to travel booking sites that have consistently helped us find the perfect stay.
Booking.com is our top choice when it comes to finding accommodations worldwide. With over 2 million properties in 220+ countries, there’s something for every traveller: from cosy boutique hotels to luxury resorts.
The mobile app is especially handy, often offering exclusive mobile-only discounts that you won’t find on the website. Plus, their Genius loyalty program unlocks perks like free room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, and extra discounts as you book more stays. For easy booking management and great deals on the go, the Booking.com app is a must-have travel resource.
We often use Agoda alongside Booking.com, especially when travelling in Asia. It’s a fantastic tool for booking accommodations, offering super competitive prices and often even cheaper than other platforms, especially in places like Indonesia.
Agoda’s mobile app has exclusive deals, coupons, and cashback offers that can save you even more. Plus, as you hit booking milestones, you unlock extra discounts.
If you want the best deal for your stay, I definitely recommend checking both Agoda and Booking.com and comparing prices.
If you’re a budget traveller or backpacker, Hostelworld is the place to go. It’s packed with thousands of hostel options around the world, with millions of real reviews to help you pick the right spot.
We love staying in private rooms at hostels, as you get the social vibe without sacrificing your privacy. Hostel staff are also super helpful with local tips, transportation advice, and booking group tours, which are perfect if you’re traveling as a couple or solo.
For a friendly, affordable, and social way to travel, Hostelworld is a top resource we always recommend.
Airbnb is perfect if you’re looking for a unique place to stay, especially when travelling with friends or family. From private villas and stylish apartments to charming eco-lodges, Airbnb has something for every budget and taste.
We loved browsing Airbnb listings in Bali. Think dreamy villas with private pools and incredible interior designs that are pure travel inspiration!
For more space, privacy, and a homey vibe during your travels, Airbnb is one of the best platforms out there.
Expedia is another great platform for booking accommodations, offering everything from budget hotels to luxury stays around the world.
What makes Expedia stand out is their package deals. You can bundle flights, hotels, and even car rentals to save money. They also run frequent special offers and cashback deals, helping you stretch your travel budget further.
If you’re planning a quick trip or a full vacation, Expedia is an easy, convenient resource to find great value and make the most of your travel plans.
These platforms have become our trusted travel resources, simplifying the process of finding and booking accommodations worldwide. Whether you’re seeking a cosy hostel, a luxurious resort, or a unique home stay, these best travel resources offer options to enhance your journey.
Logistics & Transportation
Efficient transportation is crucial for seamless travel experiences. Below are some of the best travel resources we’ve personally used to navigate Southeast Asia and beyond.
Grab is SEA’s leading super app, offering ride-hailing, food delivery, and digital payments in over 500 cities across countries like Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam. It was our go-to app for safe, affordable rides, with real-time tracking and frequent promos; making it one of the best trip planning tools for urban transport in the region.
Gojek is our second favourite e-hailing app for quick, reliable, and affordable services.
It is an Indonesian multi-service platform operating in Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam.
Beyond rides, Gojek offers food delivery, courier services, and digital payments.
We found it to be a convenient travel tool for various services during our travels
Traveloka is a comprehensive travel booking site that simplifies booking flights, hotels, and various travel services across Southeast Asia.
We used Traveloka to book train and bus tickets in Indonesia, finding its user-friendly app and exclusive promotions invaluable for our trip planning.
12Go Asia is a reliable platform for booking transportation across Southeast Asia, offering trains, buses, ferries, and flights. We extensively used it across the region and found it convenient and easy to navigate. The platform, including its mobile app, allows you to compare schedules, prices, and transport types in one place, simplifying trip planning.
Rome2Rio is a global trip planning app that helps you find routes by flight, train, bus, ferry, or car rental.
Whether you’re in Southeast Asia, Europe, or beyond, it lets you compare prices and travel times to choose the best option.
PassApp is a popular ride-hailing app in Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
It offers affordable tuk-tuks and taxis, and we found it reliable, convenient, and easy to use.
RedBus and Easybook are excellent platforms for booking bus tickets across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. We used both services extensively while travelling in Malaysia and found them to be convenient and reliable for purchasing tickets. They offer a wide range of routes and operators, making it easy to find the best options for your journey.
Additionally, both platforms provide discounts, including first-time user promo codes and rewards for repeat bookings.
Bookaway is a top-notch platform for booking bus, train, and ferry tickets across Southeast Asia. We used Bookaway extensively in Thailand and found it to be an excellent choice for securing travel arrangements. The platform offers a user-friendly experience, allowing you to easily compare routes, prices, and operators. With options for different modes of transport and transparent pricing, Bookaway simplifies travel planning. Additionally, it provides various discounts and promotions to enhance affordability.
These travel planning resources have been instrumental in making our journeys across Southeast Asia smooth and enjoyable. Whether you’re booking a ride in the city or planning a multi-country itinerary, these travel tools are among the best resources to have at your fingertips.
Activities & Tours
Exploring new destinations is about more than just sightseeing. It’s about immersing yourself in unique experiences. Here are some of the best travel resources we’ve used to book unforgettable activities and tours around the world.
GetYourGuide is a top-tier travel booking site offering over 75,000 activities across 150 countries. From skip-the-line museum tickets to guided city tours and adventurous excursions, it caters to all types of travellers. We appreciate its user-friendly interface, detailed reviews, and excellent customer service, which ensures a smooth booking experience.
Their flexible cancellation policy and 24/7 support make it a reliable trip planning app for spontaneous adventures.
Klook is an excellent travel tool for discovering and booking curated activities, tours, and experiences. While its selection may be more focused compared to some platforms, it excels in providing high-quality, handpicked activities often accompanied by exclusive discounts and promotions.
We’ve enjoyed using Klook for its straightforward booking process and reliable customer service, making it a great choice for finding unique and well-vetted experiences.
Viator, a TripAdvisor company, offers an extensive selection of over 300,000 tours and experiences worldwide across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America. Whether you’re interested in city tours, cultural experiences, or adventure activities, Viator provides detailed descriptions and user reviews to help you choose the perfect activity. We used it in Thailand and loved its seamless process and excellent customer service, making it an ideal choice for travellers.
These travel planning resources have made our trips more enjoyable and stress-free. From cultural experiences to thrilling adventures, these trip planning apps and travel tools offer a variety of options to enrich your journey.
International Payments
Managing your money while travelling doesn’t have to be stressful. Two of the best travel resources we rely on for international payments are Monzo and Revolut. Both offer user-friendly apps, fair exchange rates, and flexible options that make handling money abroad simple and cost-effective.
Monzo & Revolut: Our Go-To Travel Tools
We use both Monzo and Revolut cards when travelling, and each has unique advantages that make them essential travel tools for managing finances on the go. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the best fit:
|
Feature |
Monzo |
Revolut |
|
Foreign Exchange Limit |
No monthly limit, no extra weekend charges |
£1,000 monthly limit; 1% fee beyond that, plus 1% extra on weekends |
|
ATM Withdrawal Limit |
£200 per month free, 3% fee after |
£200 per month free, 2% fee after |
|
Exchange Rate Used |
Mastercard rate |
Interbank rate |
Both cards offer excellent exchange rates, low fees, and convenient apps, which is key features for travellers.
Why We Use Both Cards
While there are slight differences in fees and limits, Monzo and Revolut complement each other really well. We love the flexibility of being able to switch between them depending on where we are and how much we’re spending.
By using both, we maximize our free withdrawal limits, avoid unnecessary fees, and ensure we always have a backup payment method when needed. For anyone serious about smart travel planning resources, holding both cards is a game-changer.
Flexible Plans for Frequent Travellers
Both Monzo and Revolut offer higher-tier plans if you want to unlock better benefits like higher withdrawal limits, better exchange perks, or premium card designs. While the free plans are perfect for casual travellers, frequent adventurers might find the paid versions worthwhile.
Note: We have both cards issued from the UK. Fees, limits, and available features may vary slightly depending on your home country.
Learn More & Sign Up
- Discover Monzo: Sign up here and get a £5 bonus after making your first payment
- Explore Revolut: Find your perfect plan and choose your favorite card design
- Curious about which is better for you? Read this detailed comparison of Monzo vs Revolut to learn more
Smart money management is one of the best travel tools you can have. With Monzo and Revolut in your pocket, you can travel smarter, save money, and focus on what matters most, enjoying your adventure!
Wise: Best for International Transfers
Need to send money abroad or get paid in different currencies? We also use Wise for fast, low-cost international transfers. It’s a top choice for digital nomads and remote workers thanks to its transparent fees and excellent exchange rates.
Navigation
Navigating unfamiliar territories can be a breeze with the right travel tools. Here are our top picks for trip planning apps that have guided us through countless adventures.
Google Maps is our go-to trip planning app for its comprehensive features. Beyond just directions, it helps us discover nearby restaurants, bars, accommodations, and user reviews with ease.
One standout feature is the offline maps functionality. By downloading maps of an area ahead of time, we ensure access even without an internet connection—a lifesaver in remote areas or when conserving data.
While route planning may have some discrepancies in less-mapped regions, Google Maps remains an incredibly reliable travel planning resource. From public transport directions to uncovering hidden gems, it’s a must-have for any traveller.
MAPS.ME is an excellent alternative, especially for offline navigation. It’s particularly useful in countries like China, where Google Maps isn’t available.
This app allows you to download detailed maps for entire countries, making it ideal for remote areas or when you lack internet access. It’s especially handy for hiking trails and lesser-known routes that may not be well-covered by other apps.
While Google Maps is more versatile overall, MAPS.ME remains a dependable choice for offline access and detailed mapping, especially during outdoor adventures.
Both of these travel tools have been invaluable in our journeys, ensuring we stay on course and discover new places with confidence. Whether you’re navigating bustling cities or remote trails, these apps are among the best travel resources to have at your fingertips.
Travel Insurance
Travelling without insurance can be risky, especially for digital nomads and long-term travellers. One of the best travel resources we’ve found for comprehensive and flexible coverage is SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance. It’s designed specifically for remote workers, freelancers, and globetrotters who need reliable protection on the go.
Why We Love It:
- Flexible Subscription: Starts at $56.28 every 4 weeks for ages 18–39
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes emergency medical, trip interruption, lost luggage, and more
- Global Protection: Covers you in over 180 countries
- Easy to Manage: User-friendly website and mobile app for hassle-free policy management
For digital nomads seeking reliable and affordable travel insurance, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is highly recommended. Click here to sign up and learn more.
Above all, set up comprehensive travel insurance before your trip. We recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance for reliable coverage and peace of mind while travelling abroad. For more information and to get started, check out SafetyWing website.
VPN
For a reliable VPN, Surfshark is our top choice, especially for travellers and digital nomads. This fast, user-friendly service encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, ensuring a secure online connection.
Starting at just €2.19/month (plus three extra months free), Surfshark minimises public Wi-Fi risks, bypasses geo-blocks, and helps avoid online price discrimination.
Additionally, you can change your virtual location to compare flight prices across regions, often revealing significant savings. If you sign up now, you’ll get an extra 30 days for free. Overall, Surfshark is essential for privacy and practicality while exploring the world.
eSIMs
Those days are gone when you had to search for a local SIM card at the airport (usually overpriced) or dealing with confusing roaming charges. Things are changing, and eSIMs make it so much easier to get online while travelling.
We use Airalo and highly recommend it. It’s one of the best eSIMs for travel, especially if you want fast, reliable data without the stress. You can buy and activate your data pack in just a few taps: no physical SIM, no roaming surprises.
Whether you’re on a quick city break or a multi-country trip, Airalo has you covered.
Why We love Airalo:
- Available in 200+ countries
- Instant setup through the app
- Affordable prices, no hidden fees
- Perfect for Google Maps, WhatsApp, bookings, and more
Use code JUDIT4949 for US$3 off your first data pack. This is hands down one of our favorite travel hacks, and a game-changer for staying connected abroad.
Travel Planning
When planning our trips, I dedicate time to crafting a well-balanced itinerary that captures the essence of each destination. I aim to blend must-see attractions, historical landmarks, cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and top spots for food and drinks.
Flexibility is key, so I always include optional activities and downtime for spontaneous moments. My go-to trip planning apps and travel planning resources include:
- Travel blogs for firsthand experiences and hidden gems
- Instagram and TikTok for visual inspiration and trending spots
- YouTube travel channels for detailed itineraries and tips
Using multiple travel tools ensures a comprehensive view, as everyone’s travel preferences differ. We enjoy a mix of history, nature, and local cuisine, so our itineraries reflect that diversity.
Tip
Need help packing for your next adventure? I’ve put together my go-to travel packing list filled with must-have essentials, smart packing tips, and easy strategies to help you pack lighter and smarter. From choosing the right gear to organizing your suitcase efficiently, this guide will simplify your packing process. Click here to check out our Travel Packing List blog post and get ready to pack like a pro!
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide to our favourite travel resources has made planning your next trip a bit easier. With the right tools, organising your adventures becomes more straightforward and enjoyable.
Ready to put these resources into action? Start planning your journey today and make your travel dreams a reality!
Also, don’t forget to grab your free printable Travel Packing Checklist. Click here to download it and make packing even easier. Safe travels and happy adventures!
