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Best 20 Travel Planning Websites for Your Ultimate Vacation
We’ve explored the world independently for over 5 years, discovering India since childhood.
From my dad arranging a 24-day North India trip in 1996 with an agency in pre-internet era, to self-planned 15-day Gujarat getaway in 2013 and our 21-day Japan adventure in 2022, the approach to vacation planning and the travel websites that aid in it has evolved drastically.
With passion for our 9-5 job and a love for global travel made independent trip planning a challenge initially – But now e have kind of mastered it.
There are several travel websites that aids in our travel planning, blogs that tells stories and some companies that helps us in this. We know now what works and which doesn’t.
If you’ve ever been on a trip booked by a tour agent and wondered why you traveled to places benefiting them and not you, or if you feel that travel package tours are tacky, but you’re unsure where to find reliable travel websites to plan your vacation independently, this guide is for you.
Keep in mind, some links may be affiliates, but we vouch for companies we’ve personally tried. Our honest opinions are all over our stories. If you want one proof, check our Cappadocia blog– if something isn’t useful or falls short, we’re upfront about it.
You may also want to read “Planning Your Next Trip Made Simple in 19 Easy Steps” to plan before starting to book your accommodations and flights.
Accommodation
There are numerous websites for booking accommodations when you travel. Trust us, we’ve also encountered some pitfalls on certain platforms while searching for good deals on lodging during our trips. Your sleep and the essence of your trip are intertwined – You must find a good place to stay that suits your style and budget. So, here is the best websites for booking accommodations when you travel.
Booking.com
I’ve used Booking.com since 2013 for 50+ bookings without any problems – It is our first choice to book accommodations while travelling. Seek accommodations rated above 7.8 and use filters to match your preferences. Your post-stay reviews help fellow travelers and get you points and discounts for future bookings.
Agoda
Agoda is a top pick, especially for budget Asian hotels. Just be sure to verify prices during checkout, as the final payment at the gateway might differ from the initial search results.
Hostel World
For budget travelers who prefer hostels over couch surfing, Hostelworld is a go-to choice. I like hostels, Ashrith doesn’t, and “Mom” disapproves. In such cases, booking private rooms in hostels on Hostelworld gets discounts. Use their chat to team up with other travelers. I use Hostelworld when I travel with friends.
1st Quest
If you are planning to travel to Iran and can’t find Iran accommodations on the above three websites – don’t fret. Due to several political reasons and sanctions, the usual hotel booking websites don’t work in Iran. That is where 1stQuest comes in as my go-to for Iran accommodations, including historical mansions and hostels. They accept all cards.
Getting Tourist Visa
For those with weaker passports like ours, obtaining a tourist visa is a vital initial step in planning. Even those with privileged passports may occasionally need assistance. These are our trusted digital resources for obtaining tourist visas hassle-free. Always refer to each country’s official Visa/MFA website to grasp the application procedure. While the mentioned platforms are reliable, confirming you’re on the right path is crucial.
iVisa
Use iVisa to get visas across 120+ countries. They provide expert and prompt assistance with elaborate and detailed checklist including photo requirements. They offer the majority of Schengen Visa Services, including Austria and Greece as well.If you know how well they work, check our story on Egypt tourist Visa.
1st Quest
While Iran’s MFA website is okay, many encounter rejections due to demanding documents like the authorization number, often unavailable to 99% of tourists. Our visa faced rejection through the MFA site. Enter 1st Quest – they simplify the process with a user-friendly portal, clear instructions, and personalized document lists tailored to your nationality.
Best Travel Websites for planning and Booking Transportation
Our primary focus when traveling, no matter where, is public transport, especially trains. Yet, each country has its distinct railway ticketing system, bus lines, and, in some areas, no public transport at all – like in Jordan. In such instances, a driver or car rental service becomes essential. Check out these go-to travel websites for planning transportation – both public and private transfers.
Heads up: Besides this list, we’ve highlighted country-specific apps and websites in their respective destination guides. Example, OBB app for Austrian Railways, Routemaster to know bus number and schedules in Sri Lanka.
12 Go Asia
Travelling in Southeast Asia is budget-friendly, but using public transport websites can be challenging – Finding that train from Ayutthaya to Phitsanulok on Thai railway website felt like punishment. That is when I used . 12Go Asia. You can easily book train, bus, and ferry tickets across countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar,even for Jordan, Greece , Australia, New Zealand and many more.
Bookaway
If you are planning to travel to countries in South America, Africa, it is rare to find travel websites that can help you book your public transportation – But Bookaway does that. Detailed choices for routes, ferry, bus or trains – They are godsent. Booking a train from Athens to Meteora on the Greece railway website is torturous, and Bookaway makes that much easier.
Rome to Rio
Rome to Rio is great website for travel planning, especially check commuting options. They display all available modes of transportation, including flights, trains, car rentals, buses, and sea travel, along with the duration and price for each type of journey.
Welcome Pickups
Late arrivals in unfamiliar locations can be transport nightmares. Welcome Pickups offers pre-booking for for airport/train station taxi services even at odd hours. Despite higher fares, the convenience is invaluable. Available in 155+ global cities. Ashirth took this during his official visit to London – Getting driver’s contact in prior helps in easy communication.
Best Websites to book Activities and Tickets when you travel
During your trip, you might want to attend a cultural show or book a boat tour, but many direct service provider websites can be frustrating. Some won’t even have website, but an instagram page. For instance, the USJ official website require an Amex card, which can be inconvenient if you only have a Visa or Mastercard. That’s where these companies come in handy, allowing you to purchase relevant tickets easily.
Viator, a TripAdvisor subsidiary, reigns supreme as a great website to plan travel activities. They offer 2,500+ global destinations with city tours, cultural experiences, day trips, and outdoor adventures galore. Without their skip-the-line tickets, I am sure Ashrith would have waited for 3 hours at the London Tower Museum.
Get Your Guide
Get YourGuide is perfect to buy “Skip the Line” entry tickets to monuments and museums. They sell tickets to unique shows across the globe such as opera and waltz and also guided tours with “cashback” points
Rakuten Travel Experiences
Rakuten Travel Experiences is your one-stop for booking unique Japan experiences like Sumo tours and the Tuna fish auction, not usually found on standard sites. Without them we wouldn’t have gone to Sumo stable tour.
Air tickets
While planning your trip, you’ll realize that a big chunk, roughly about 30%, of travel expenses goes into air tickets. There are hundreds of websites that let you book air tickets, and not all are reliable. Planning ahead is cheaper than last-minute bookings. But despite popular tips, like booking on specific days or using incognito mode, I’ve seen them not consistently provide better deals, no matter the flight booking platform. However, the below two are great sources to find better deals on airfares.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is your digital adventure compass, swiftly finding flight deals worldwide. It’s ideal for comparing offers from various platforms, using “to anywhere” to match your budget, and displaying options from multiple sources for your selection.
Google Flights
This dominant search engine offers excellent flight ideas, essential filters, and detailed schedules, seamlessly directing you to other platforms. It’s great for checking schedules and exploring options.
Walking tours
The best way to immerse in a place and gain understanding is through walking tours. Whether exploring local cuisine or delving into history, I’m passionate about strolling with knowledgeable locals who share stories and insights. It’s the first step in becoming a mindful traveler, moving away from mere “selfie-clicking” tourism.
Below are my two go-to resources for walking tours. The beauty of these two is their websites are easy to use, plus you really don’t need months of planning and prior booking through these platforms.
Guru Walk
Free walking tours with knowledgeable guides from GuruWalk are a fantastic concept. Remember to tip them – they won’t ask, but it’s a thoughtful gesture if you’ve enjoyed the tour. Based on my experience, GuruWalk tours labeled “Pro” are excellent. I recommend booking only those “Pro” tours and advisee not to use this platform for walking tours in India.
Walking Tours in India
India is wonderfully diverse and endlessly fascinating. Despite being born here, I continually uncover new aspects of India. So, for walking tours in India, I propose a different approach. Here are my recommended tours:
- Kochi Heritage Project in Kochi, Kerala
- Roobaroo Walks in Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, and Amritsar
- Ahmedabad Heritage Walk
Other Travel Planning Resources and Websites
Budget Your Trip
Planning a trip budget can be tricky due to individual travel preferences. Just like zebra stripes, no two styles are the same. That’s why I rely on Budget Your Trip for average cost estimates. They offer budgets for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers in different currencies for each destination.
Travel Insurance
Some countries require travel insurance for visas, but it’s wise even where not mandated. I opt for ICICI Travel Insurance (single trip) for broad coverage. Note, it may not meet specific requirements, like Iran.
Xe Currency Converter
Dealing with currency exchange rate is a headache. Xe Currency Converter provides real-time exchange rates, making it easy to convert currencies accurately for travel and business, or personal finance needs.
You may also want to read “15 Questions I Get Asked Most As A Travel Blogger” to know what people ask me about my trip planning and travel writing.
Travel Bloggers
- Nomadic Matt – Known for straightforward and essential travel tips along with details on delicious local food.
- Earth Trekkers – A family blog that provides practical ways to explore the globe.
- Lost With Purpose – A sassy and engaging storyteller.
- Invisible Tourist – Offers practical guides enriched with lots of stories.
- Nerd Nomad – Known for pure storytelling without sugarcoating.
- Of course follow and read us 🙂
Travel Safety Resources
The USA and UK Travel Advisory boards are commonly used by tourists worldwide for safety information. However, they issue warnings for many places globally. While I won’t comment on their accuracy, I recommend not relying solely on them. Instead:
- Follow unbiased news media.
- Check your nation’s travel advisory.
- Connect with locals on social media.
- Choose destinations wisely based on your experience.
- Register with your country’s embassy upon arrival in XYZ nation for added security
Found our Travel Resources useful? Let us know in the comment section below
