TRAVEL RESOURCES
These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service and overall, are better than their competition. Some of these links are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you we earn a small commission to help run this website.
BOOK ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com – This is our go-to for hotel searches, we find they always have the cheapest rates and offer different payment options. We often book apartment rentals via here too.
Hotels.com – For hotels, we check Hotels Combined first to see if we can get some discounted rates from all the top search sites.
VRBO – If you’re looking for a comfortable home or apartment to stay in, then VRBO is the place to book. They have a huge selection of properties across Europe and the World, and you’ll find many here that you can’t find on Airbnb.
HostelWorld – How wonderful this hostel booking site would have been in my early backpacker years. We just had to show up in a destination and hope for the best. Now you can search for and book the ideal hostel for you around the world. With over 18,000 hostels in 180 countries, there’s always room for a new adventure.
Trusted Housesitters – Discover free and unique homestays around the world, in exchange for looking after someone’s home and pets. This is also a great service to use if you’re traveling and need someone to look after your pets for free. I cannot recommend this lifestyle highly enough, we have met some fantastic people and their pets, and saved a lot of money on accommodation.
BOOK FLIGHTS
Skyscanner – is the flight comparison site we use it’s simple to use and fast. They check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
Going – Will help you find flight deals; most flights are 40 – 90% of normal prices with great itineraries from the best airlines. Flexibility with time and destination helps.
BOOK RENTAL CARS, BUSES and TRAIN TRAVEL
Discover Cars – We book most of our cars rentals through Discover Cars. They often have the best rates, and the insurance is much more affordable than many other sites.
RentalCars.com – is another car rental comparison site we use to compare prices, no hidden fees, a price match guarantee and 48-hour cancellation policy.
Trainline – is our favorite, this site is very reliable and easy to use.
Rail Europe – is another popular site for comparisons and easy booking.
OMIO – this website allows you to book train or bus tickets to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way.
Flixbus – is another terrific website with routes between 20 European countries.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
GetYourGuide – is our favorite, they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world. They have the lowest prices, guaranteed – no booking fee or hidden charges. You can pre-book tickets and skip the line at top attractions and cancel up to 24 hours before.
Viator – also offer amazing tours, attractions and tickets in destinations around the world. You can reserve now and pay later so you can book your spot but keep your options open.
Take Walks – Walks offer in-depth history, food, and cultural tours around the world (especially Europe). Its small-group tours offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access other companies can’t get and use incredible and knowledgeable guides. I can’t recommend them enough.
Devour Food Tours – (owned by Walks of Italy) Devour has all kinds of amazing food tours around Europe. If you’re a foodie who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, these tours are the best in Europe.
Ski World – They have been taking customers to the best ski resorts in Europe, the US and Canada for more than 36 years
BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE
Safety Wing – is our go-to travel medical insurance company, especially for longer trips. You can either purchase a monthly plan or a plan for specific trip dates (i.e. 1-2 week trips). They cover people from all over the world, while outside their home country.
World Nomads – is one of the top travel insurance companies designed by travelers for travelers, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
eSims & VPN
Airalo – is the best place to purchase an eSim before traveling to a foreign country. Simply purchase and activate on your phone and it will be ready to use upon landing. They have very competitive rates and will be cheaper than purchasing sims upon arrival.
Surf Shark – is a versatile VPN service when your traveling, offering unlimited device connections. With over 3,200 servers in over 100 countries, it ensures fast, reliable for streming, browsing, and torrenting.