Preferred Booking Tools & Companies

Booking.com

My absolute favorite booking engine for accommodation is Booking.com. It’s easy to search and sort by your interests such as cost or distance to center. Each property listing is intricately detailed with key details such as room size, breakfast options, and cancellation policies. Booking.com activity seeks and compiles reviews which can also be filtered by keywords. Upon sign up (free), all your trips are kept organized for easy access and communication on the go. Start your search.

Hostelworld

I first started using Hostelworld.com on my first European solo trip in the early 2000’s. If you are looking for budget, independent, and youth accommodations and their all-important reviews, Hostelworld has got you covered. In fact, it’s the largest provider of hostel reservations worldwide. Book a bed.

Tripadvisor

This is a great site to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from more than one billion reviews! With nearly eight million businesses linked, you can find lots of information for your trip. Browse places to stay.

Google Flights

Google flights allows users to choose their departures and see a flight options all around the world. Thus, it’s my favorite place to start my airfare search as I can easily see what works within my budget or time-frame. However, it doesn’t show all airlines, and flight prices are not always up-to-date. Head to the airline’s main website to book directly.

Skyscanner

The most trusted travel site search in the world, Skyscanner often shows budget airlines that some of the larger search engines don’t show. I used this search engine almost exclusively living in Europe to find and compare cheap flights. Their innovative platform allows for great comparison capabilities.

Momondo

Book with confidence on Momondo by Booking.com. With multiple search options and the ability to searches and compares over 700 providers, Momondo leaves no stone uncovered in terms of technology (yet is easy to use). You can also search by calendar, follow price trends and set up flight alerts to attain the best price.

SafetyWing

SafetyWing is an excellent provider of travel medical insurance and travel coverage. If you are injured or need medical assistance while outside your home country, this is one of the most affordable offers. Coverage is also available for travel delays, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters, and personal liability. Get a quote.

Travel Insurance Master

Compare travel insurance plans at TIM. Plans are easily searched and compared and a wide range of plans are available including comprehensive, travel health insurance, emergency evacuation, trip interruption, and more.

World Nomads

Many adventure travelers (under age 70) love World Nomads because of the medical coverage. If you’re planning an active and adventurous trip (think parasailing, scuba, or hiking the Camino de Santiago), you can choose a plan that covers these activities should you injure yourself. See more on World Nomads on our dedicated page.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The gold standard in travel credit cards, Chase Sapphire preferred helps you to rack up points through 2x dining and travel. With a $95 annual fee, this may be best for those who travel regularly. There are a lot of options to earn bonus points, and points quickly transfer 1-1 to your preferred airline partner. I earned several free flights when I used this card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

Not a travel card per-say, but the Chase Freedom Unlimited has been a great choice for cashback that can be saved for travel expenses. This free card allows users to gain 1.5% on EVERYTHING. Easily redeem points for gift cards to purchase travel gear.

Costco Credit Card

If you’re paying a Costco membership, why not get the Costco Citi card? There are no foreign transaction fees bad 3% cash back on travel and dining, which makes it great for travel. It’s easy to rack up cash back to put towards travel, making this card a great travel resource. The only downside of the Costco card is that you can only redeem your cash once a year.

MSC

MSC is the fastest-growing cruise line in the world, and I’ve had the pleasure of cruising twice with them. MSC’s young fleet of European-designed cruise ships offer clean and modern accommodations. MSC offers the best bang for your buck with cabins starting from just a few hundred dollars for a week. Hop around the Mediterranean. Drink packages are often included.

Ama Waterways

River cruising through Europe sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Choose an itinerary and slowly float from town to town, picking your favorite excursion each day. Ama is pioneering active travel excursions such as biking and walks. Experience luxury at a great value.

Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic features more than 650,000 cruise reviews as well as advice and information from the team of cruise experts on everything from choosing a ship to planning your time in port. The site also offers itinerary and pricing information, deals and money-saving tips.

Tropical Sails

Don’t want to book yourself? Let a travel agent do the work for you. In business for over 30 years, Dan specializes in Europe, Turkey, and China travel and cruises worldwide. He also runs bucket list tours with his noteworthy solar eclipse tours. Full disclosure: Dan is my dad! Contact Tropical Sails.

Travel Leaders Network

The world’s largest consortium of travel advisers, head over to travel leaders network to find a travel adviser that specializes in your dream destination.

REI

Let’s face it. REI has everything you need for your next trip: travel gear, expert advice, and a stellar return policy. Check your local REI for a comfortable new day pack, quick dry clothing, and your new favorite hiking sandals. REI associates are knowledgeable and committed to helping you chose the right gear, making investments that will last you for years.

Start your free 30-day Prime Membership today.

T-Mobile

Take the guesswork out with T-Mobile’s plans, which now include international data at no extra charge. When others are fretting over buying a SIM card, I’m smiling away because I can use T-Mobile data in countries world-wide. T-Mobile greets you with a text reminder upon arrival in in-country for reassurance. Emergency? Calls are affordable as well or can be made via T-Mobile WiFi-calling.

Scale Your Travel Blog

I highly recommend Scale Your Travel Blog if you’re interested in starting your own travel blog. Laura Peters Abalos freely shares her knowledge, and her entire team is ready and willing to support you as you take your blog to the next level). Watch SYTB’s free training to get started.

Bluehost

Sign up for domain hosting with Bluehost. Having never created a website before, I can say Bluehost makes the process straightforward with no gimmicks. Their customer service is some of the best I’ve ever come across. Integrates perfectly with WordPress.

Convertkit

Convertkit is made for content creators. Start with their free or upgraded version to start creating your newsletter email list. Easily create forms, schedule newsletters, and access customer service as needed. Convert offers free education to help you grow your email list; beginners welcome.