Everything you need to plan and book your next trip
My go-to tools for planning, booking, and sorting the boring stuff fast, so you can get to the fun part. All in one place.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's how the guides stay free. Full details in the affiliate disclosure.
What are you planning today?
Use these before you touch a booking site. They're free and they'll save you from expensive guesswork.
Travel Insurance
Don't book anything non-refundable without it. Seriously. One cancelled flight or a hospital visit abroad and you'll wish you'd sorted it first.
EKTA
Travel InsuranceNever let us down. No-nonsense cover at prices that don't sting, and they actually pay out when things go sideways.
Visit EKTAWhy travel insurance matters
- Hospital bills abroad can run into tens of thousands without it
- Cancelled flights and lost luggage are covered from day one
- Book it the moment you pay for anything non-refundable
- Most people only realise they need it when it's too late
We use EKTA. Never had a problem getting a payout.
Accommodation
Booking.com
Hotels & StaysOur go-to for hotel searches. 2 million+ properties in 220 countries, from budget to boutique.
Visit Booking.comTripAdvisor
Reviews & HotelsA billion reviews from people who've actually been. Good for checking a hotel before you commit.
Visit TripAdvisorHotellook
Hotel SearchCompares 100,000+ cities and 220 countries. Worth a check if Booking doesn't throw up what you need.
Visit HotellookAgoda
Hotels & FlightsStrong on Asia, solid everywhere else. Great app if you're booking on the move.
Visit AgodaHostelworld
HostelsIf you're happy in a dorm, the money you save goes straight back into more trips. Millions of honest hostel reviews.
Visit HostelworldFlights
Trip.com
FlightsOur favourite flight search. Map view, fare alerts, price calendar. Actually find the cheap dates easily.
Visit Trip.comSkyscanner
Flight SearchGood for flexible searches, especially the 'whole month' view when you care more about price than date.
Visit SkyscannerExpedia
Flights & PackagesUseful when you want flights, hotel and car in one go without bouncing between five tabs.
Visit ExpediaEasyJet
Low-Cost FlightsProbably the airline we use most. Never had a serious issue, which is more than we can say for most.
Visit EasyJetGetting Around
DiscoverCars
Car HireCompares hundreds of suppliers. Best for finding the actual cheapest car, not just the headline price.
Visit DiscoverCarsGetRentaCar
Car HireGood alternative if DiscoverCars doesn't have something, especially in less obvious destinations.
Visit GetRentaCarTours & Experiences
GetYourGuide
Tours & Activities8 million+ reviews, skip-the-line tickets, day trips and experiences. What we use for most things.
Visit GetYourGuideBig Bus Tours
City Bus ToursHop-on hop-off in London, New York, Paris and loads more. Brilliant for getting your bearings on day one.
Visit Big Bus ToursGoCity
City PassesOne app, loads of attractions. Genuinely saves money if you're planning a busy city break.
Visit GoCityStay Connected
Sort your data before you land. Roaming charges are a 2015 problem and you don't need them.
Airalo
eSIM DataCheap data the moment you land, no roaming charge panic. Works on iPhone and Android, 200+ countries.
Visit AiraloPacking guides by trip type
Browse by season, destination or trip style. There's a list for everything from a weekend city break to a three-month backpacking loop.
Get the free travel starter kit
Step-by-step planning checklists, printable templates and a stack of money-saving tips. Sort the whole trip before you spend a penny.
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FAQs
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Do I book through you?
What's best for budget trips?
What should I book first?
Can I plan everything with your free tools?
Time to actually book it
You've got the tools, the links and the checklist. All that's left is the bit where you commit to the dates and stop just looking at flights.