Booking tools
Over the years, Iāve tested countless apps, websites, and platforms to help me find the best deals, stay organized, and travel smarter. On this page, Iām sharing the travel booking tools I personally use and trust to plan everything from flights and hotels to local experiences and airport transfers.
Whether you’re searching for sites to book cheap flights, apps that track prices, or platforms for snagging boutique stays, this list has you covered. These tools have saved me time, money, and a few travel headaches. Some are well-known, others are hidden gems, but they all have one thing in common: they work. And I wouldnāt plan a trip without them.
How do i Book my Stays? šļø
I get asked this all the time: where do you book your hotels? The truth is, I like to keep it simple and stick to the platforms that have never let me down. These are my go-to travel booking tools whenever Iām hunting for a comfy stay, a good deal, or just something I know Iāll love.
Expedia is usually my first stop. I love how easy it is to compare places, filter exactly what I need, and sometimes bundle flights too. Plus, their rewards program actually adds up if you use it often, which I do!
Booking.com is one of those sites I always end up going back to. The selection is massive, the reviews are super helpful, and I love the flexibilityāfree cancellation has saved me more than once!Ā
Agoda has some amazing deals, especially in Asia. Iāve found hidden gems here that didnāt even show up on other sites. Itās super user-friendly, and their last-minute rates have saved me more than once.
How do i Book my Flights? āļø
I wonāt lie, finding good flight deals can feel like a full-time job sometimes. But over the years, Iāve figured out which tools actually help and which ones just waste time. These are the travel booking tools I use to find flights that are affordable, flexible, and (hopefully) not at 6am.
Google Flights is my go-to when I want a quick overview of whatās out there. Itās fast, super easy to use, and I love how it shows price trends and flexible date options. Even if I donāt book directly through it, I always start my search here.
Skyscanner is amazing for finding the cheapest routes, especially if your dates or destinations are flexible. Iāve used it to find unexpected flight combos I wouldnāt have discovered on my own. The āEverywhereā search feature? Obsessed.
When I want a smooth, luxe experience (without breaking the bank), I check Qatar Airways. The service is great, the layovers are actually bearable, and their deals can be surprisingly good. Iāve flown with them multiple times and always had a great trip.
Car Rentals & Transfers š
Sometimes I like the freedom of driving myself, and other times I just want someone waiting at arrivals with my name on a sign. It really depends on the trip. Here are the travel booking tools I use when I need a car or a smooth ride from the airport, easy, reliable, and stress-free.
Iāve used Rentalcars.com more times than I can count. The siteās super easy to navigate, and I love how many options it pulls up no matter where Iām going. Itās my go-to when I want the best deal without digging through a dozen tabs.
When I donāt feel like navigating public transport after a long flight, GetTransfer is a lifesaver. You can book private rides in advance, often for a better rate than taxis at the airport. Itās simple, reliable, and makes you feel way more relaxed.
Centauro is one of my favourite finds for road trips around Europe. Itās often more affordable than the big-name rental companies, and the experience has always been smooth. Definitely worth checking out if you’re heading to places like Spain, Italy, or Portugal.
Connectivity (eSIM & Internet) š¶
I used to stress about staying connected abroad: SIM cards, roaming fees, sketchy Wi-Fiā¦ no thanks. Now I use a few trusted tools that keep me online from the moment I land. Whether Iām uploading content, checking maps, or just messaging home, these options have made it easy and affordable to stay connected.
Airalo is hands-down my favourite eSIM app. It takes just a few taps to get connected almost anywhere in the worldāno physical SIM, no fuss. Iāve used it in multiple countries, and itās saved me from chasing down local cards at the airport more than once.
Yesim is solid eSIM option thatās worth having in your travel toolkit. Itās super easy to set up, and their packages often come in handy when Iām comparing prices across different providers. I sometimes switch between this and Airalo, depending on the destination.
Drimsim is a great choice if you prefer something more flexible and global. It works like a universal SIM that adjusts to wherever you are, which is perfect for longer trips or hopping between countries. I like having it as a reliable backup.
Travel Insurance š”ļø
Letās be real, travel insurance isnāt the most exciting thing to think about. But itās one of those things youāre really glad to have when something goes wrong (and yep, Iāve been there). These are the travel booking tools I trust to keep me covered on the road, from flight delays to lost bags and unexpected emergencies.
VisitorsCoverage has become a go-to for me when I want options in one place. Itās super easy to compare plans, whether Iām planning a short getaway or a longer international trip. They cover a wide range of needs, and I like knowing itās a trusted, established platform.
If you want something simple and affordable without the stress, EKTA is worth checking out. Their plans are easy to understand (no confusing fine print), and the whole processāfrom quote to coverage, takes just a few minutes.Ā
Travelex is one of those names Iāve known about for years, and for good reason. Their coverage is solid, especially if youāre a U.S. traveler heading abroad. Iāve used them on bigger trips where I wanted a little extra peace of mind.
Tours, Cruises, Activities š¢
Some of my favorite travel memories come from spontaneous tours, random day trips, and the occasional boat ride at sunset. Whether Iām planning ahead or booking something last-minute, I like using tools that make finding great experiences super easy. These are the travel booking tools I trust when I want to turn a trip into something truly memorable.
GetYourGuide is one of my absolute favourites when it comes to booking tours and experiences. The app is super intuitive, and Iāve found everything from food tours to bucket-list activities in just a few clicks. Itās global and easy to use.
If youāre dreaming of ocean views and room service at sea, CruiseDirect is a great place to start. I like how transparent their pricing is, and they often have some pretty sweet deals. Itās my go-to when Iām browsing cruise options or just need a little travel inspiration.
WeGoTrip is such a fun find – perfect for self-guided exploring. They offer digital audio tours you can do at your own pace, which is ideal when I donāt want to follow a group or stick to a schedule. Iāve used them in a few cities, and the quality really surprised.