Resources/Gear
This section lists my favorite travel websites. I use them to find flights, rooms, and transportation when I travel. I've also listed some other highly rated travel related sites that I like but may not have used yet. You should be able to save money by using these sites. If you decide you don't have the time to do it by yourself, I'll be glad to help you as a travel advisor.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and at no additional costs to use, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at these sites. I use many of the companies listed here and recommend them because they make my travels better. You can support my site by using these companies.
Flights
AirTreks is a leader in multi-stop international travel, especially complex routes with up to 25 stops. They specialize in “around the world trips” and I will definitely use them in the future.
Google Flights is a powerful flight search engine. It's easy to use, very fast and usually the first place I go to search flights. Know that it doesn't include all airlines and doesn't always have the best price.
Kayak is another powerful search engine and it compares prices on the airline websites as well as the online travel agencies like Expedia. I used it a lot more before using Google Flights but I still use it.
Google Flights is a powerful flight search engine. It's easy to use, very fast and usually the first place I go to search flights. Know that it doesn't include all airlines and doesn't always have the best price.
Skyscanner is another powerful flight search engine dedicated to making travel as simple as possible. While I haven't used them yet, they are the favorite of many leaders in the travel blog industry.
Accommodations
I haven't traveled to Asia yet but when I do, this is the website I will use for hotels and guesthouses. A favorite among seasoned travel bloggers, they have a large inventory and good rates.
Airbnb connects people who want to rent out their home or apartments with people who are looking for accommodations in that locale. You get the comforts of home at a lot better price than a hotel.
Another favorite of seasoned travel bloggers, Booking.com has a wide selection of budget accommodations and often has the cheapest prices. I use them at times to make comparisons with hotel sites.
I don't stay at Hilton brands as much as the others although I have Gold status due to credit cards I use. They do have some nice brands to choose from and I still like the cook to order breakfast choices at Embassy Suites.
I personally have no desire to stay in a hostel but if I did, this is the site I would use. According to my blogger friends, this is by far the best hostel website and has an excellent inventory to choose from.
I am a Globalist with them (Hyatts top loyalty tier) and I love their hotels. As a Globalist , the benefits are amazing. My first choice for overnight stays due to all the extras and some really nice hotels.
I am a Platinum Elite member with Marriott/Bonvoy which also gives me excellent benefits but not quite as good as the Hyatt Globalist program. A close second choice though and I like their hotels.
SLH has over 500 luxury hotels in more than 80 countries, . Their team of experts are on hand 24/7 to answer questions, make suggestions and inspire you. Each of their luxury hotels meet high standards.
Virtuoso is the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury travel. As a member of Virtuoso, I have access to over 1,800 of the world’s best companies. I can provide you with unique experiences, perks, and VIP treatment in many locations.
Transportation
I have status with Hertz and National and I usually book depending on the bast available car. Since my wife and I are survivors of an awful collision, we are very insistent on the safest car available.
I can now earn 10x points per dollar spent when using my Chase Sapphire Reserve Card to pay for Lyft. The card also provides a complimentary Lyft Pink membership. I will still compare Lyft and Uber prices though.
I have status with National and Hertz and I usually book depending on the bast available car. Since my wife and I are survivors of an awful collision, we are very insistent on the safest car available.
Rentalcars.com wants to make renting a car as simple and personal as driving your own. Their goal is to help you find the right car for you at a great price with a lot less hassle.
Rome2rio searches any city, town, landmark, attraction or address across the globe with thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from A to B. Basically, it's how to get from anywhere by plane, train, bus, ferry, and car.
“This website explains the best routes, train times & fares from London to major destinations all over Europe, and between the main cities within Europe”. Even if not traveling by train, it's a fun site to visit.
Platinum Card Members can receive up to $15 in Uber Cash for Uber rides in the US every month, plus a bonus $20 in December. You also become an Uber VIP automatically with the Platinum Card.
Vacations To Go is my go to search engine for cruising. They have a listing of cruises in the next 90 days and listings of cruises further out. Use their site to search and then give me a call for more personal attention.
Navigating The Airport
FlightAware is a digital aviation company that operates the world's largest flight tracking and data platform. It releases real-time flight status and radar for all US/Canada flights.
LoungeBuddy allows you to quickly search nearby airport lounges, assess available amenities and buy a day pass. But since 2019, you have to be an American Express card holder. Prices start at $25 but most are in the $40-$60 range
This is one of my favorite memberships. It is included with several of my credit cards. I use it anytime I'm not flying Delta or just want to try out another lounge. They have over 1300 locations.
Navigating Your Destination
Around Me is an app that locates where you are and identifies the closest businesses in the category you've chosen including restaurants, gas stations, movie theaters, banks, etc. It also maps out the route.
Citymapper is an award winning app built for the needs of commuters. It emphasizes public transport including waling, cycling, and driving modes.
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I am definitely not a vegetarian as you can tell by my love of BBQ restaurants, but this is a good online site for sources of vegan, vegetarian, and healthy food.
Open Table is a leading provider of free, real-time online reservations for diners. More than 40000 restaurants fill seats and manage reservations with Open Table. I use them myself.
Triposo helps you find the best places to travel, shop, eat & drink across the world. Theyc over categories such as Food, Nightlife, Sights, Attractions, Hotels, Transport & more.
WhatsApp uses your phone's Internet connection to send messages and to make voice and video calls instead of your cell plan's voice minutes. This allows you to avoid SMS fees and expensive calling charges.
Health
CDC.gov/travel is a free travelers health site developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is an awesome site and I highly recommend you preview it before traveling.