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Thanks to the internet, travelling has become much easier and much more accessible. However, the endless stream of information can be daunting and confusing. I realized that some travellers don’t know about all the many travel resources that are available online. That’s where this page comes in very handy.
I’ve acquired a lot of travel experience throughout my years of travelling full-time since December 2017. I’m constantly searching for flights, accommodation and other practical/money-saving ways to optimize my ongoing travels. As a result, I compiled this essential list of the best travel resources that I mostly use () or recommend to help you better plan your upcoming travels.
Pro tip: Download the apps to have access to additional savings (whenever applicable)!
FLIGHTS
Skyscanner: The leading flight search engine website, Skyscanner consistently offers the best flight deals to anywhere in the world.
Google Flights: A highly powerful flight search engine tool. Google Flights is a must for any traveller keen on finding the best flights!
ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com: One of the leading travel marketplaces in the world, Booking.com is a go-to website for accommodation and much more. Sign up to their Genius loyalty programme to get additional discounts and travel rewards.
Agoda: Find the best prices for accommodation worldwide on Agoda. This user-friendly platform ranks as one of the best in the travel industry. Get cashback rewards on every booking when reserving on Agoda!
Pro tip: Agoda is the best option for accommodation in South East Asia.
Trip.com: An excellent resource for hotels especially when travelling in China and Thailand.
Hostelworld: The ultimate booking site for budget travellers and backpackers. Look no further than Hostelworld for the most extensive choice of hostels around the world.
Airbnb: The most widely-used online booking platform for private homes anywhere in the world. Airbnb offers an extensive inventory of homes and private rooms to accommodate any traveller, anywhere.
TRANSPORTATION
Omio: A hassle-free website to purchase train and bus tickets in Europe, the United States and Canada. If you want to make sure you have a bus or train ticket to your destination then Omio is your best bet.
Trainline: Europe’s top online platform to purchase train tickets across the whole continent. The website also includes live train times and information on railway stations.
Busbud: A one-stop-shop for bus tickets anywhere in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia. Busbud offers the most extensive bus network from around the world!
Flixbus US (same as Flixbus): With an extensive network of bus routes across Europe and the United States, Flixbus US is the number one choice for travellers who prefer getting around by land.
12Go (same as 12go.Asia): Looking for train, bus, ferry or flight tickets in Southeast Asia? 12Go is the number one choice for pre-booked online tickets for any mode of transportation in that part of the world.
GetTransfer: Book a ride with GetTransfer, the largest chain of transfers in the world, to assure a hassle-free journey anywhere you want to go. This app is especially useful when booking a transfer from the airport to wherever you need to go.
Discover Cars: Compare rental car deals from over 500 suppliers across 10,000+ locations around the world! Award-winning Discover Cars offers up to 70% off on car rentals including free cancellation.
TOURS, EXCURSIONS & ENTERTAINMENT
Get Your Guide: Their motto is: “Find Incredible Things to do Worldwide.” Get Your Guide offers highly-rated tours and cultural experiences across hundreds of cities.
Viator: As the world’s largest online travel experience marketplace, Viator has a wide choice of sightseeing tours, day trips and much more.
Tiqets: An optimum website to purchase skip-the-line tickets to a wide variety of attractions and cultural experiences around the world.
GoCity: Purchase all-in-one passes and discover the best tours and attractions for some of the most iconic cities around the world.
Klook: Purchase discounted tickets in Southeast Asia to venues, shows, amusement parks, museums, spas, cruises, events and more on Klook, the leading entertainment platform in SEA.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SafetyWing: The most affordable and flexible travel insurance on the market, SafetyWing offers monthly plans with easy, no-fee cancellation at anytime. Unlike most travel insurance companies, you can apply to SafetyWing even when you’re abroad. Travel insurance plans start as low as $56USD/month (ages 18-39). Don’t worry, plans are also available up to 69 years old.
MANAGING MONEY ABROAD
Wise: Look no further, Wise is the best bank card for travellers worldwide! “Money Without Borders” means card holders can use Wise in 160 countries using over 40 local currencies while avoiding hefty fees. E-payments (Google Play and Apple Pay) and a physical card are available.
Wise is the best option to help manage money abroad. Online application is free, quick and easy. Get your card within minutes and start saving while traveling abroad!
STAY CONNECTED (WIFI)
Airalo: The world’s first eSIM (digital SIM card) store offering service to +190 countries. Airalo takes the hassle out of buying a SIM card when traveling abroad. Simply choose your destination and a package and you’re connected instantly connected!
Get US$3 on your first purchase when using code LYDIA5764
Note: Local SIM cards are cheaper and offer more options including local texting & calls but can only be purchased once you reach your destination.
VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK (VPN)
Surfshark: Protect your identity and shield your devices with Antivirus by using the Surfshark VPN anywhere in the world. Monthly plans start as low as C$2.79 per month!
NordVPN: Protect your online presence anywhere in the world with NordVPN. Some plans include a free E-sim!
ExpressVPN: Enjoy unrestricted access worldwide, and watch your favourite shows anywhere in the world! Surf the web securely with confidence with ExpressVPN.
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL APPS/WEBSITES
Passport Index: Want to know if you need a visa for your destination? Passport Index is the most reliable resource with up-to-date information on visa requirements for each nationality and destination country.
It’s always best to verify visa requirements on official websites or your country’s government website.
For Canadian citizens: Government of Canada Travel & Tourism information
For United States citizens: U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs
Note: Passport Index does not provide visa application services. Verify if the links included are official websites to avoid paying extra fees via an online agency.
Rome2rio: The most popular tool used by travelers to search for routes worldwide by train, plane, bus, ferry or car!
Note: Rome2rio doesn’t always provide all possible routes and might not be accurate or up-to-date. Double-check on official websites or in-person in the country you’re visiting.
Units Plus: An essential tool when travelling internationally, Units Plus converts currency, volume, weight, length and more.
Xe:The most reliable online currency converter. Don’t leave home without it!
Spendee: A convenient app to manage your budget and expenses, abroad or at home.
Google Translate: An essential app to facilitate communication with locals while traveling. Google Translate includes 133 languages with the option of using photos or texts. It can also be used offline by downloading the language.
Google Maps: Efficient and reliable, Google Maps is the ultimate tool to help plan routes by vehicle, foot or public transportation (in some countries). Google Maps can be downloaded to be used offline. However, keep in mind that only vehicle directions will be available but it’s easy to navigate on foot. Google Maps is also a useful tool in locating hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, etc.
