All travelers have a long list of dream destinations that they want to visit throughout their lives. Whether you want to go on a budget-friendly trip to the Maldives or visit a remarkable country like Armenia, there are some things you have to prepare beforehand. Before you start dreaming about your next adventure, take a look at some of the top travel companies that everyone’s talking about! I often use some of these companies for my own trips, and others may be of value to you, so I’m excited to share them with you!
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AIRFARE
Are you the type of traveler to book a flight in advance and worry about the details later? Find the best flight options for your travel dates and budget from one of the travel companies listed below!
Google Flights
Google Flights is a flight search engine that allows you to compare and book flights across 300 airline and travel agency partners. You may search for flights in a range of times and set a budget! It also calculates every price for your flight each day of the next 12 months, visualized in a graph. I like using its explore map and calendar feature which shows the lowest fares for each day, allowing users to compare prices across different dates easily.
Trip.com
Trip.com is like the Swiss Army knife of travel coordination! As one of the world’s largest online travel agencies, it boasts over 400 million users worldwide. Its website offers competitive booking prices for flights, hotels, trains, car rentals, airport transfers, tours, and attraction tickets.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a popular flight comparison website owned by Trip.com that allows users to search for your type of flight across multiple airlines. You can search for affordable flights with their wide search options and find the cheapest day to fly with their calendar view. One can also enjoy its additional travel services like car rentals and hotels.
Secret Flying
Secret Flying is the travel aficionado’s secret weapon! With such a big following, it has amassed a premier platform for savvy travelers. This travel website finds and shares discounted flight deals, including error fares and special promotions. It helps travelers discover budget-friendly options by highlighting deals that are not widely advertised. With its website as your travel companion, you get to keep tabs on which prices are legit. They even provide email alerts of their flight deals.
Kayak
Kayak functions as a metasearch engine for a variety of travel services. You get to look at various variables and select your specific currency for your chosen flight window, all the while: it’s completely free! They even have a feature to help you determine if your luggage fits in the overhead bin of your selected planes.
ACCOMMODATION
One of the most important parts of a trip to consider is where you’ll be staying. Whether you’re looking for a luxury villa where you can unwind or a cozy hostel where you can meet other backpackers, you can find your ideal stay at one of the following travel companies!
Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces that allows travelers to browse properties all over the world. Its accommodation services range from hotels and resorts to apartments and vacation homes. It is my go-to resource for making reservations to use as proof when applying for visas because of its flexible booking options.
Hostelworld
Hostelworld is a leading global online travel agent with a primary focus on hostels. The site provides the more adventurous travelers and backpackers with the option to experience new places and meet new people all over the world who are looking for budget accommodations.
Hotels.com
As part of the Expedia Group, Hotels.com is another popular online booking accommodation platform similar to Hostelworld but caters slightly different segments of the market. Its primary focus is on hotel accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels worldwide.
Expedia
Expedia is an American travel technology company that serves as a one-stop travel shop for your dream destinations. It provides a wide range of accommodation options for all kinds of travelers at a variety of price points
Agoda
A subsidiary of Booking Holdings, Agoda specializes in providing accommodation selections in Asia and caters primarily to travelers in the Asia-Pacific region. Its distinctive features lie in its extensive accommodation options, special deals, and user-friendly features tailored to both casual travelers and frequent bookers.
Accorhotels
Accor is the leading hotel operator in Europe and has over 4,000 hotels in 92 countries. They provide a comprehensive range of price options from luxury to economy. What I like about it is that it offers advantages for those seeking loyalty rewards and direct booking benefits. It features a loyalty program called ALL (Accor Live Limitless), which provides points, exclusive benefits, and discounts for members. Direct bookings through Accor’s website or app often come with special perks, such as better rates and additional amenities, which can increase the overall value of your stay.
Airbnb
Airbnb has grown to be a popular option for travelers who are looking for short-to long-term rentals at an affordable price. The site acts as a broker between property owners who want to rent out their homes to people who are looking for accommodations while traveling. A great and valuable resource for budget travelers, offering a range of affordable and unique accommodation options while providing the opportunity to experience local culture more deeply.
Hostelpass
If you’re looking to save money on hostels while traveling in Europe, you might want to avail a digital discount card from Hostelpass. You can browse the site for their full list of hostels and experiences.
Tripadvisor
This is a great option for travelers who want to hear it straight from the source (aka other travelers who have been to the same accommodation). It is actually one of my go-to platforms when looking for reviews and planning my travels. Get travel information and book your stay with a comprehensive understanding of what it will be like for you!
FREESTAYS
If you really want to experience living like a local or just prefer to travel with a small budget, there are options available for you, too! The following platforms allow travelers to find a place with food and lodging in exchange for some chores or a nice conversation:
Couchsurfing
For a monthly or annual subscription, Couchsurfing will connect you to a global community of travelers and help you find a place to share or stay at during your next trip. This platform helped me a lot in finding hosts and meeting up with other travelers in the different countries I’ve been to for cultural exchange and shared experiences. Make sure you read the person’s profile and their references too! Fun fact: I used Couchsurfing during my first solo trip to Nepal!
Worldpackers
Through its online platform, Worldpackers connects travelers who are willing to exchange their skills for accommodations with hosts all around the world. It offers budget travelers free accommodation and unique experiences in exchange for volunteer work, fostering cultural exchange, skill development, and meaningful connections while exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Host a sister
Host a sister is a global Facebook community of women who share their homes with a sister looking for a place to stay. The group offers a safe and welcoming option for female travelers as a means of cultural exchange and friendship formation. I have met a few kind sisters in this group who graciously hosted me and shared valuable memories I will forever cherish!
Trustedhousesitters
This is a membership program that connects people in need of house or pet sitters with people in need of lodging. Travelers can exchange sitting services for unique homestays and unique travel experiences.
WWOOF
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a unique program that allows volunteers (WWOOFers) to spend time on an organic farm without having to pay for board or lodging. The experience teaches the volunteers about organic farming, how it works, and what sustainable farming is all about. When I was in Nepal, I met an extraordinary woman who is a member of this organization, wwoofing and having a good time with her host. That was the first time I heard about this type of volunteering and from then on, I thought it was cool. I wouldn’t be surprised if I find myself using this platform one day.
Workaway
This is another volunteer program that connects Workawayers, travelers, culture seekers, and language learners with hosts. They are expected to contribute to the household work during their stay in exchange for food and lodging. It offers a broad range of volunteer opportunities with a focus on diverse projects and a more decentralized approach.
Farmstay
The Farmstay website presents a collection of available farm stays across the U.S. where curious and knowledge-seeking travelers can learn about and experience different chores commonly done on a farm. It can also be found in many countries, including France, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, catering to those interested in experiencing farm life and enjoying a more authentic rural getaway.
TOURS
Once you’ve got your flights and accommodations all booked, it’s time to plan out your itinerary. Here are some of the best apps and websites you can check out for activities you can do during your trip!
Klook
When it comes to booking travel activities, Klook is definitely the first company that comes to mind! This all-in-one app has everything from airport transfers and sightseeing passes to off-the-beaten-path nature walks and Instagram-worthy cafes.
GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is another one-stop marketplace for travel activities and excursions. Find and compare prices for different tours in 150 countries worldwide! Its platform was extremely helpful in finding great deals for my trip to Cappadocia.
Viator
Under Tripadvisor, Viator is a top choice for booking activities and tours for your next travel destination. Viator’s distinct features include its emphasis on curated, local experiences; user-friendly interface; comprehensive global coverage; 24/7 customer support; and integration with Tripadvisor for enhanced reviews and recommendations.
TakeWalks
Taking walks with people who know the stories of the places you visit will enrich your experience during travel! TakeWalks utilizes locals who take you on a guided tour through your chosen bookings.
Intrepid
Intrepid lets you pick a way to travel with a small group: from walking, cycling, and cruising, to family, food, and adventure. Booking a tour with one of Intrepid’s small groups lets you decide what the vibe is for your trip.
G Adventures
G Adventures is a veteran of the small group tour game, as their 30+ years in the business lead to elaborately planned out guides and adventures.
Homepage for G AdventuresTRAVEL INSURANCE
As much fun as traveling can be, it does come with a bit of risk. Although we can hope no accidents or setbacks happen to you during your travels, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Below is a list of travel insurance providers that can give you the coverage and security you need on your next trip!
Insuremytrip
InsureMyTrip is a comparison website that allows travelers to compare quotes from multiple travel insurance providers. They offer a wide selection of policies from reputable insurance companies, allowing travelers to find the best coverage for their needs and budget.
Safetywing
Safetywing offers insurance coverage both for companies that work with remote teams and for nomads. Nomad Insurance provides you with continuous coverage globally while outside of your home country. I have used Safetywing several times for visa applications to Europe because it offers reliable proof of travel insurance coverage, which is often a requirement for obtaining a visa. Its user-friendly process and prompt documentation make it an invaluable tool for ensuring my visa applications are complete and meet all necessary requirements.
Europ Assistance
This travel medical insurance is valid in the whole of Europe, multiple countries at a time. The process for getting the policy is also entirely online. You can purchase your plan via debit or credit card and receive the documents via email within 5 minutes.
Ekta
For health-conscious travelers, Ekta Travel Insurance covers COVID-19 and works worldwide. Since they have over 10 years of experience, you can expect quick processing times and 24/7 customer support. You can also purchase and receive your insurance policy entirely online.
World Nomads
Another popular and trustworthy travel insurance provider is World Nomads. For solo travelers and adventurous families, it offers a simple and flexible travel insurance plan that covers your trip essentials. It is well-regarded for its reliable service and global reach, making it a recommended choice for many. Even if you’ve completed your trip but still want to continue traveling, World Nomads makes it easier for you to buy more coverage.
Heymondo
Founded in 2016, Heymondo offers personalized international travel insurance coverage for the safety-conscious traveler. Since every trip is unique, their plans are tailor-made for each individual with the best value for money.
TRANSPORT
Getting around a foreign city doesn’t come easily to everyone. With the help of technology, you can familiarize yourself with the different means of getting around your destination and even book tickets ahead of time. Check out the following travel resources:
Blablacar
As a carpooling and ridesharing platform, BlaBlaCar connects travelers with available drivers for long-distance trips, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional transportation methods. When deciding whether BlaBlaCar is the right choice for your travel needs, consider factors such as the availability of rides in your desired area, the reliability of drivers and passengers, and the level of comfort and amenities offered.
Additionally, weigh any safety concerns and potential communication challenges, and ensure that the flexibility of ride options aligns with your schedule and preferences. It’s also helpful to review ratings and feedback from previous users to better understand what to expect.
Rome2Rio
If you need to plan your travel routes ahead of time for a clean itinerary, Rome2Rio lets you find out how to get anywhere through any mode of transportation. If you’re like me, you likely use it as a reference for questions such as “How do I get from point A to B?”, “How long might it take?”, and “What other options are available?”
CarRentals.com
A quick and simple way to look for great deals on car rentals is CarRentals.com. Figure out what make, model, and miles are on your next rental, and at a decent price!
Eurail
The Eurail Pass is one of the best ways to figure out travel across the European continent! For non-European residents, the Global Pass is the master key to traveling across Europe.
Japan Rail Pass
Looking to get around Japan beyond just the busy cities? Getting the Japan Rail Pass (or the JR Pass) lets you ride on most available trains run by Japan Railways, and select buses.
TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS
More than having money ready, you can also gain points for your next trip when you have a travel credit card. Earn miles, gain access to airport lounges, and enjoy huge discounts when you use one of the cards listed here:
American Express Gold Card
This is the best card to bring when dining while traveling. The American Express Gold Card has a strong rewards program that offers up to 4x points at restaurants and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines.
UnionBank Rewards Card
UnionBank has a great program where you can earn 3x rewards for purchases you make in the Philippines and abroad. The card is accepted worldwide and they currently have a May 2024 promotion where you can receive a welcome gift upon applying for any UnionBank credit card and meeting the minimum spend requirement
Security Bank Platinum Mastercard
The largest benefit of the Security Bank Platinum Mastercard is the dual currency billing which allows you to pay in US Dollars while traveling and the complimentary airport lounge access. This card also comes with travel insurance making it a great option for Filipino travelers.
BPI Platinum Rewards Card
If you’re a frequent flier who wants to save money, then the BPI Platinum Rewards Card might be for you! You can earn twice as many BPI Points on foreign transactions and it also offers a low forex conversion rate of just 1.58%
CBD One Card
For UAE folks, CBD ONE card is provided by Commercial Bank of Dubai which offers a range of benefits including rewards, cashback, and global acceptance making it a dynamic choice for managing finances. With this card, I enjoyed exclusive lounge access during my travels, providing a comfortable and relaxing space with complimentary refreshments and WI-FI.
WISE Travel Card
The Wise Travel Card is the perfect solution for hassle-free international travel. Designed for savvy globetrotters, this multi-currency prepaid card lets you spend and withdraw money in various currencies with minimal fees and excellent exchange rates. Linked to your Wise account, it offers seamless management of your funds and real-time spending tracking.
TRAVEL GEAR
There are places you can travel where your passport, some cash, and a suitcase of clothes are enough to get you through a trip. For other destinations, you’ll need to be a bit more prepared. Check out one of the shops below for quality travel gear:
REI Backpacks and Gear
This is a great option for backpackers and travelers who love the outdoors. REI has some incredible high-quality backpacks and gear with variations in size, length, weight, and weatherability.
Samsonite
Samsonite offers durable and high-quality luggage for frequent travelers who need a sturdy and dependable way to store their worldly possessions. Samsonite offers free standard shipping for orders over $250 as well!
Lifestraw
Lifestraw is designed to be a portable water filter and purifier in the shape of a straw. This is a great option and sometimes, a necessity, for hikers, campers, and travelers who love to explore the outdoors.
Patagonia
For stylish and sustainable hiking apparel, Patagonia is a go-to retailer for seasoned travelers. They offer upscale outdoor clothing that is made to last.
Pacsafe
I use Pacsafe products because of their strong reputation for security and durability, making them an excellent choice for travelers seeking peace of mind. Their advanced anti-theft features and practical designs are tailored specifically to meet the needs of frequent travelers.
WIFI AND DATA
Connectivity is a must when you’re traveling. It’s a great way for your friends and family to keep in contact with you while you’re out and about. Staying online also helps give you real-time news and information about the city you’re in and back home. Check out the following resources to help you stay connected during your travels:
ExpressVPN
When you’re away from your home network and public or hotel WiFi seems unsecured, ExpressVPN lets you know that you’re well-protected! When you’re on the go with ExpressVPN, you can mask your IP address to make it appear as though you’re in a different part of the world!
Airalo
If you need an easy and user-friendly app that allows for easy purchase and instant activation of eSIMs, providing seamless connectivity without the need for physical SIM cards, Airalo has a selection of eSIM data plans for both Apple and Android. It is widely considered as one of the top choices for eSIM providers because of its extensive coverage to over 200 countries and competitive pricing.
Holafly
Holafly is another eSIM provider with wide coverage for travelers looking to stay connected while journeying to and through their destinations. Their user base is in the millions, and the service is easy to manage and handle while you’re enjoying your globetrotting. Get a 5% discount on your first purchase here.
Simoptions
An alternative for eSIM services is SimOptions, providing service in over 160 countries at decent rates. One thing to note about this company, however, is that their customer service response time to complaints is slow, if not nonexistent, which can be frustrating and inconvenient when dealing with urgent matters.
Knowroaming
KnowRoaming eSIM plans guarantee that you and your devices remain seamlessly connected across over 200 international destinations, offering reliable access to data and communication services wherever you go. As a Visa cardholder, you have an exclusive opportunity to unlock fantastic rewards. Simply verify your account to determine your eligibility and start enjoying these valuable benefits today.
NAVIGATION
If you’ve made it to your dream destination, it’s time to start sightseeing like a local. Avoid getting lost or caught in traffic by using any of the navigation apps and websites listed below:
Google Maps
There’s nothing else like Google Maps! It is my go-to tool for navigation and route planning. With Google’s borderline universal information access, you’ll navigate through that new city effortlessly, and knowing where you are in the world comes with ease.
Maps.Me
If you’ve planned ahead and your trip looks all set, make life easier with Maps.me: download a map of your location of choice and breeze through your travel spot! I like using it offline because it allows me to access detailed maps and navigate without needing an internet connection. This is especially handy in areas with poor or no network coverage, ensuring I can still find my way and explore my destination confidently.
Citymapper
Citymapper is the ultimate transport app with maps that cover the majority of the US and Europe, and fast-expanding to cover metro areas globally. They now also provide wheelchair-accessible routes in 17 regions and counting.
Waze
Waze is a well-known community-driven traffic and navigation app. It provides users with turn-by-turn navigation and updated traffic information via GPS.
REMOTE JOBS
If you need extra cash to fund your trips or just looking for something productive to fill up the time during your travels, then you might be interested in applying for a remote position in any of the following platforms:
myTEFL
If you find yourself looking to become a Teacher in Foreign Language, or if you want to travel as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor, myTEFL offers a wide array of in-depth courses on how to become one!
51Talk
51Talk allows English speakers, mainly Filipinos, to teach an ESL class while working from home or anywhere in the world. As long as you meet their English proficiency standard and have a stable internet connection, you can earn money while you travel!
Acadsoc
Acadsoc is another fast-growing English education platform that aims to be the largest online ESL company for Chinese learners. You can enjoy work-life balance with their flexible working schedule so you can earn a living while you’re traveling!
Upwork
For freelance travelers with in-demand skills, Upwork can connect you with the right job opportunities to match your talents. Sign-up and registration are free and you can even set your ideal pay rate!
Fiverr
Fiverr is a great platform where you can market your freelance services to a wide range of clients. These are usually one-and-done gigs so you can scale the number of clients you take on at a time depending on your availability.
IN SUMMARY
Preparation is key for a safe and enjoyable trip! When you have the information you need about a destination in your back pocket, you’ll feel more at ease when you do decide to be more spontaneous. There are hundreds of travel resources you can check out to help you get ready for a trip, and I hope you find the ones you need in the list above!
