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Planning your travel can be fun, but it’s easier with the right tools. These are the websites I use for finding flights, booking stays, and sorting visas. Simple, trusted, and made to help you travel smarter.
Trip.com is great when I want competitive prices for flights and accommodation, especially in Asia and Europe. The search is simple, and it often shows cheaper fares than other booking sites, which is great for family trips.
I like that they offer price match, price alerts and flexible cancellation, which gives me peace of mind when plans change. They also have a loyalty club, which rewards you with perks depending on your tier and lets you earn points to redeem on bookings.
It also has a new travel planner that you can create yourself or use their AI tool. They also have a Travel Moments section for travellers to share their travels and earn Trip Coins.
Google Flights is my go-to tool for quickly comparing airline prices and flight times. I like how fast it is, and the calendar view makes spotting the cheapest dates really easy. Even though I often book through other platforms, I always start with Google Flights to see the full range of options and the best prices.



After years of travelling as a family, Booking.com has become my go-to for finding places to stay. It’s easy to compare hotels, flats, and family-friendly options in one place, and I love that most listings offer free cancellation and pay at check-in, perfect when plans change.
We’re now on the Genius plan, which means we often get little perks like extra discounts, free breakfasts, or room upgrades. I also love using the map view to find places close to the attractions we want to visit.
We once had an issue with a property, and I was really impressed by their customer service. They replied quickly, stayed in touch until it was sorted, and were genuinely helpful.
HalalBooking is my go-to site when I want peace of mind while travelling. It lists hotels, villas, and resorts that are Muslim-friendly, with halal food, women-only areas, and privacy options for families.
What I like most is how transparent it is. You can filter by halal meals, no alcohol, and private pools, so you know exactly what you’re booking. They also offer a price match guarantee and a loyalty club, where you earn points and move up tiers for extra savings.
The cashback credit from each stay can be used on future bookings, which adds up quickly if you travel often.
When we’re travelling around the UK, I often check Sykes Holiday Cottages first. They have a huge range of places, from seaside cottages and countryside cabins to family homes with gardens and hot tubs.
The filters make it easy to find accommodation in popular areas with family-friendly stays, properties with parking or enclosed gardens. Many hosts add little touches like welcome baskets or local guides, which make the stays feel personal.
Sykes also runs a loyalty scheme. If you want a comfortable, homely base for exploring the UK, Sykes Holiday Cottages is always worth checking.



When we need a car for our trips, I always start with DiscoverCars. It compares prices from major rental companies worldwide, so you can quickly find the best deals with clear insurance options.
I like that it shows real customer ratings, refundable deposits, and clear terms, no hidden extras. You can filter by things like automatic cars, free cancellation, or no deposit, which makes booking stress-free.
After a long flight, the last thing I want is to deal with taxi queues or confusing directions. That’s why I use Welcome Pickups — it lets you book reliable airport transfers in advance, with a friendly driver waiting for you when you arrive.
What I really like is that the price is fixed, so there are no surprises or extra charges, and you can track your driver in real time through the app. The drivers are professional and often share local tips, which makes arriving in a new country feel easier and safer — especially when travelling with kids.
12Go is one of my favourite tools for comparing and booking trains, buses, and ferries when travelling across Europe and the Middle East. Instead of jumping between local websites, I can check routes, prices, and timetables all in one place, and book instantly.
I like that 12Go shows real travel times, operators, and all the transport options in one search, with everything clearly displayed. It’s especially useful for cross-border routes or smaller regional journeys where booking locally can be confusing.


Staying connected abroad used to be stressful, finding SIM cards, queues at airports, and expensive roaming fees. Then I found Airalo, and it completely changed that.
With Airalo, you can buy eSIMs for almost any country directly from your phone. It takes just a few minutes to install, and you’re connected as soon as you land, no physical SIM card needed anymore. I love that they have regional and global plans, so you can use one eSIM across several countries.
I always travel with NordVPN because public Wi-Fi can be risky, and some sites or apps aren’t available in every country. With NordVPN, I can safely check emails, use banking apps, and access streaming services without worrying about security.
It’s simple to set up and use across different devices, phones, tablets, or laptops, and I can choose servers anywhere in the world to stay connected to the content I need. The speed is reliable, and the app is really user-friendly, even for kids who want to stream movies safely while we’re on the move.
GetYourGuide is brilliant for booking tickets to museums, tours, and local attractions. The site shows all the options in one place, and I can compare prices, read honest reviews, and sometimes find exclusive deals or fast-track tickets.
In some countries, people can approach you in the street pretending to be guides, which can lead to scams or overcharging. With GetYourGuide, you book in advance through trusted operators, so there are no surprises or awkward situations when you want to discover a place.
I like that the mobile tickets are easy to store on my phone, and the customer support is really helpful if plans change. Whether it’s a city sightseeing tour or a cultural experience, GetYourGuide is my first stop for reliable bookings.
Viator is one of my go-to platforms when I want to book guided tours, day trips, or unique experiences. I love that the site lists reviews from other travellers, so you can see what’s really worth your time.
The filters are handy for finding family-friendly activities, skip-the-line tickets, or private tours. Viator often has flexible cancellation options, which are perfect when plans change at the last minute.
Klook is especially useful when travelling in Asia or popular tourist destinations. It lists a wide range of activities, experiences, and transport passes.
I love that you can book in advance and get instant confirmation, and some experiences even include mobile-only discounts or freebies. For our family trips, Klook helps me plan activities efficiently and save time at busy attractions.



Travel has changed a lot; we now have so many choices, from airlines and hotels to apps and local experiences. Most of the sites I use are comparison platforms, because they make it easier to find the best deals, honest reviews, and trusted companies all in one place.

Make your travel planning effortless!
Compare and find the best flight deals with Kiwi or Trip.com
Discover beautiful stays on Agoda
Book an airport transfer worldwide with Welcome Pickups
Explore and book unforgettable experiences: Viator or Get Your Guide
Find affordable and reliable car rentals with Discover Cars
Plan a smooth bus and train journey with Omio or 12Go
Get travel insurance via Safety Wing
Stay connected anywhere without swapping SIM cards with Airalo
Some of these links are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping me keep this blog going.
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