On this page, you can find a comprehensive list of some of the travel resources that I use and trust. I have traveled to 27 countries (trying to make it to 30 by 30!), and these are the companies I use when planning or taking a trip.
I will be adding to this page and expanding it, so make sure to bookmark it and check back for the latest updates!
Note: Some of the links below may be affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission if you use them – at no additional cost to you! The money goes towards the upkeep of this blog (which isn’t free, believe it or not). Thank you in advance for your support! For more information, read the full Affiliate Policy.
Accommodations
Airbnb is a unique accommodation websites that doesn't actually list hotels. Rather, local people rent out their homes/apartments to travelers. If you want a ‘home away from home' on your trip, check out the ever-expanding list of cool spots on airbnb. If you are new to airbnb, you can get a free $40 travel credit!
Priceline is another great option that helps travelers to compare hotels (and flights) around the world. They compare prices of hotels and even have vacation package deals that offer some amazing savings.
Skyscanner, while most known for finding deals on flights, also has a access to hotel deals! Never hurts to check, right?
For cheap hotels worldwide, check Booking. One things I love about their website is that they show you the total price you have to pay for your trip, not just the price per night. Makes it easy to choose a place when you can see the breakdown right away (and yayy for not having to do quick math!).
Travelers to Asia should all be familiar with Agoda. They have the biggest list of hotels and guest houses in Asia, but also have places worldwide. I like their interface and have found some really great places using their site! Highly recommend!
If you are a traveler on a budget, Hostelworld should be one of your top resources. The reviews from other travelers makes it easy to choose a quality hostel at an affordable price. They have options worldwide!
Tripadvisor is one of my favorite websites for trip planning. Honestly, I will have about 10 different tabs open on the site while I search for great hotels. I am a maniac about reading reviews and cross referencing those with the other resources listed above. If a hotel is a winner on all of them, I book it!
HomeAway is another website with a unique concept; folks with amazing homes all over the world open their doors and rent them out as vacation rentals. If you value your space and privacy, this is an excellent place to look.
Flights
Finding deals on flights these days is easy. Many of the resources above also offer deals on flights (sometimes with hotel+flight packages!). In addition to those, I usually check the following places before booking a flight anywhere.
- Whenever I search for flights, I always start at Skyscanner. Their website allows me to compare and contrast flights in order to find the best deal out there! They also sometimes have cheaper airlines that bigger search engines don't always include. Hooray for saving money!
- Remember when everyone went to visit Dubai because an airline accidentally had the wrong price quoted on their website? Well Secret Flying is an incredible resource for finding the latest deals and error fares. I check them from time to time, but you have to act fast! Deals usually last only a few days. Still, they are a bargain hunters dream!
Tour Companies
Learning about the culture, monuments, and customs of a country is an important part of traveling. In some countries, it is easy to just explore on your own. But other times, a tour guide can help you to really understand the significance of local attractions. If you are a history nerd (like me), these tour companies will help you book your next eye-opening tour.
- If you are planning a trip to Asia, then Trazy is a good place to look. They offer tours in Thai cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket as well as South Korea. They have a lot of options, perfect for all types of travelers.
- Another great option for tours in Thailand or Cambodia is TakeMeTour. They offer unique experience with locals that you can't get with other tour companies. They also won a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor, meaning lots of people agree they are awesome!
- Viator is a tour company run by TripAdvisor. They include tours from all over the world. I have used them before and had some excellent experiences, including an early morning tour of Chitzen Itza in Cancun, Mexico.
Working Abroad
Finding a job abroad is a great way to travel and make money at the same time! The resources below are some ways that I have been able to travel and see so much of the world while not completely emptying my bank account.
- Having a remote job is one way that many people constantly stay on the move. One of the top companies that offers such a job is VIPKID. This is a teaching company, where participants teach English to children in China in one-on-one online sessions. If you want to learn more, you can read all about how to sign up and what to expect here.
- If you are interested in teaching abroad, you should consider getting a TEFL certification. Getting certified in Teaching English as a Foreign Language will help your resume stand out and prepare you for what to expect in your new job abroad. For those without any teaching experience, a TEFL certification is almost always required. One of the top rated companies for getting a TEFL is International TEFL Academy. They offer classes both online and in person. One great bonus of getting certified with them is lifetime assistance with getting jobs! It doesn't matter how long after you finish the course. Having access to their job directory, interview and resume assistance, and referrals to recruiters are just a few reasons why they are one of the best! You can request a free brochure for their programs here. Use the discount code STELLA for $50 off your course!
Tools for Bloggers
- Are you an aspiring blogger? Well one of the first steps to starting a blog is picking a web host. I have only ever used bluehost and have never had any problems. They are prompt in answering questions for those of us who are not so technically savvy.
- Having a blog is wonderful, and getting to share adventures and advice with your readers is even better. But making money is the ultimate goal, right? Skimlinks is an affiliate program that works with a ton of different merchants and companies. They are probably one of the easiest to use as well.