The world of travel planning has evolved dramatically. Once upon a time, our primary sources for holiday inspiration were the local bookstore or a trusty travel agent. Fast forward to today and the sheer abundance of online tools and resources can be overwhelming.
One can easily spend countless hours diving into the depths of the web, searching for the best options for accommodation, transport and experiences.
However no matter how far I wander in my digital explorations, I always return to these tried-and-true resources:
Guidebooks
I still vividly remember the first time I picked up a Lonely Planet guidebook. It was a revelation! At 23, standing in a London bookstore, I realised for the first time that independent travel was not only possible but also affordable. That single book ignited a lifelong love affair with exploring the world. Since then, Lonely Planet has been my faithful travel companion.
Yes, carrying a physical guidebook may seem outdated in the smartphone era, but I adore the compactness and the wealth of information packed into each book. The history, culture, and food sections are particularly enjoyable reads on long flights or train journeys. And let’s not forget those brilliant maps that offer a snapshot of a country’s must-see sights and itineraries tailored to the length of your stay. Absolute gold.
While the physical Lonely Planet books are my favourite, their website offers many of the same maps and planning tools online: www.lonelyplanet.com
Online research
Once I have a general idea of where I’m going, I do some focused online research—watching YouTube videos, checking official tourism websites and reading blogs. Having a guidebook as a base helps keep my search targeted and efficient.
Flights
Skyscanner is my go-to for flight research. While you can’t book directly through them, their site aggregates options from various booking platforms, complete with prices.
Once Skyscanner has helped me to find the best routes, I book directly with the airline to avoid potential headaches. Yes, more often than not booking directly with the airline can be a little more pricey than going through a third party platform, but when it comes to changes and cancellations, dealing with third party platforms can be a true nightmare. I’ve been there and don’t fancy a repeat experience.
www.skyscanner.com
Car Hire
For car rentals, Rentalcars has been a reliable choice for many years. Their extensive coverage and intuitive app make the booking process straightforward. Booking insurance through Rentalcars is tends to be cheaper than buying it at the rental counter upon pickup. You’ll need to cover any damage upfront, but claims are processed and reimbursed quickly—I experienced this myself recently when I had a minor incident.
Trains
When travelling across Germany and Europe, Bahn.de is my preferred platform for train bookings. And for international train journeys, Seat 61 is an absolute gem, packed with detailed guides and practical advice.
Bahn.de: https://int.bahn.de/en
Seat 61: www.seat61.com
Accommodation
When it comes to booking accommodation, my first stop is usually Booking.com. Its generous cancellation policies and user-friendly app have saved me more times than I can count. One standout feature is the option to display your hotel’s address in the local language – a lifesaver when you’re navigating unfamiliar territory: www.booking.com
For a more local touch, I turn to Airbnb. Staying in a neighbourhood rather than a tourist hotspot adds a whole new dimension to travel and the insights from some hosts can be invaluable: www.airbnb.com
Occasionally, I prefer to book directly when staying at small boutique hotels or independent accommodations, knowing that platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb charge significant fees to these small business owners.
While all these travel planning tools are great, I’ve found that the best travel advice often comes from locals or friends who’ve recently visited your destination. Nothing beats a personal recommendation!
This isn’t a sponsored article; I simply want to share my favourite travel planning tools.
Dive deeper: Travelling Smart: The Apps I rely on when I’m on the Road
More travel tips for you to discover:
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