Here is a list of all the travel resources and tools I use when planning domestic and international trips. As a person with chronic illness, there is a long list of considerations I need sort through before final decisions are made and I pack my bags.

So, out of the millions of choices that exist, these are the ones that work for me.

My Go-To Travel Planning Resources

These are my go-to sites, products, and services for trip planning.

First Steps: How to Research a Vacation Destination

US State Department – This is my first stop for planning international travel. Here, you can find travel advisories for all countries, information about passports, visas, embassies, and other traveler resources, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Google Maps – I use Google Maps as an on-the-go repository for every museum, hotel, restaurant, trail, Little Free Library – or whatever it may be – that I see or hear about and would probably like to visit one day. I tag each place with a green flag or sometimes make a dedicated themed list, then reference those places later. Or sometimes, I bring it up when I’m on a trip just to see what’s nearby.

Instagram & TikTok– You’d be amazed at the number of “folders” I have with awesome restaurants, parks, libraries, and everything in between to help me plan trips to places near and far.

Pinterest – I add all pins that catch my eye to dedicated destination boards as part of the dreaming stage of trip planning. Then I revisit those boards when I’m ready to move on to the planning and booking stages.

Flights

Hopper – Like many other apps on the market, this one predicts the best time to purchase flights and sends you notifications. Features I love are the color-coded calendar and detailed price forecast.

Flight Connections – This is an interactive online tool that lets users explore and map out direct flight routes between airports worldwide. It helps travelers plan trips by visualizing available connections, airline options, and seasonal routes in an easy-to-use format.

Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights – I use these three sites mainly for price comparison. The map features on these sites are great for determining where you can fly for a set price.

For instance, say you aren’t sure where you want to travel but have $300 for a roundtrip flight. Set your departure city and price limit, and then everywhere you can fly for up to that price will be displayed.

JetBlue True Blue Points – When flying in the US, I try to stay loyal to JetBlue. I like the brand’s dependability and the service I’ve received at check-in and in-flight. Additional card benefits include no foreign transaction fees, a discount on in-flight services and food, and trip protection.

Earning True Blue points is incredibly easy, and using the Barclaycard site (the bank that issues the card, formerly American Express). Since using this card in early 2015, I have redeemed points for one roundtrip flight to Cancun, Mexico, and a one-way flight to San Francisco, California, and I still had a balance left over to add to.

Flight Deals – Subscribe to services like Airfare Watchdog, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), Travel Zoo, and Dollar Flight Club to get the best flight deals in your inbox.

Flight Aware – Live flight tracking to ensure your flight is on time. Alternatively, and as annoying as it is to have million apps on your phone, I do recommend downloading airline apps. Using the United Airlines app on my last trip to California, for example, was so helpful. I loved the live updates of when my plane would arrive and be ready to board, easy-to-use e-tickets, and checked luggage tracking.

Use this Connection Time Widget to estimate minimum times needed at your connection airports. Perfect for anyone who likes to cobble flights together. Like when I bought a roundtrip flight to/from London for a 3-week Europe trip, and flew right to Latvia after arriving in England.

Accommodations

Booking.com – Search for and reserve accommodations of all kinds, including hostels, hotels, B&Bs, and apartments. Use the map view feature to understand nearby attractions, restaurants, etc. Read the fine print first, but most reservations include fee-free cancellation.

Booking also has a loyalty program for frequent travelers called Genius. Book accommodations five times on their site to become a Genius and access additional discounts and perks at participating accommodations. Genius discounts and perks include a 10% discount, complimentary breakfast, airport shuttle service, welcome drinks, and more.

Hostelworld – A platform specializing in budget accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels worldwide. It offers reviews, photos, and detailed descriptions to help travelers compare options and book affordable stays.

TripAdvisor – I’m one of those who will read accommodations reviews on TripAdvisor. I always take the reviews with a grain of salt because most reviewers confuse personal preference with helpful information. I appreciate customer photos because the perfect, professional photos don’t always portray the property honestly.

Airbnb – Unique, quality rentals in the exact locations as typical hotels but for a fraction of the price. Rent a room, apartment, or house in towns and cities worldwide. 

Housesitting – In exchange for free accommodation all over the world, housesitters provide peace of mind by keeping the home and pets or plants secure and cared for while the owner is away.

Read my accommodation reviews to see what I think of the places I’ve stayed!

Transportation

Rome2Rio – This is my go-to site for bus and train options between destinations. Rome2Rio links directly to all services available and includes a schedule and cost estimate from the search results. Provides flight, hotel, and car rental options, as well.

Google Maps – I use downloaded Google Maps if I’m in a place with poor cell service or for walking directions without narration.

Chronotrains – Gathering my thoughts… Stay tuned!

Car Rentals – I try to use my own two feet or local public transportation as frequently as possible, but occasionally, I rent a car. Sometimes, having your own wheels makes things more accessible and timely. I use Kayak or Rentalcars.com to shop around and then reserve the most affordable car rental available through Enterprise, Thrifty, or Hertz.

Road Trips

Apple Maps – My go-to app for GPS driving directions in the car, mainly because my Siri is Australian.

Waze – I’ve started to use this app more lately because it warns you when you’re speeding, if you’re coming up on a hazard, accident, or police officer, and gives an estimate of time in traffic.

US Toll Calculator – Estimate toll costs along your initial planned route by entering your start and end points, vehicle type, and payment method before your trip. Then avoid them like the plague – that’s what I like to do!

Make My Drive Fun – Use this app to turn a long road trip into something more enjoyable by finding interesting stops, scenic routes, and places to take a break along the way.

Travel Insurance

Even if you think nothing will ever happen, the peace of mind that insurance coverage provides is priceless. I haven’t had to file a claim yet, but I don’t feel like the money spent on insurance was ever wasted!

Pre-covid, I bought travel insurance for 25-50% of my trips, but now I always get it. I use my Jetblue Mastercard to purchase flights, hotels, etc., because of their travel insurance benefits, but I buy an additional overall plan from the companies below sometimes, too.

Allianz Travel Insurance – I have insured flights, luggage, and a rental car for domestic trips using Allianz Travel for several trips over the years.

World Nomads – I’ve secured trip insurance through World Nomads before for a reasonable price.

SafetyWing – I have no used this one yet, but I have been told by friends and fellow travelers and bloggers that it is good for longer stays and offers flexible coverage.

Use these comparison tools to find the travel insurance that fits your needs:

• InsureMyTrip
• Squaremouth

Tours + Activities

Get Your Guide – Use GYG to book tours, activities, and tickets to attractions in destinations worldwide. Use the Get Your Guide app to access search, purchase, and mobile ticket features. They offer free cancelation and a full refund 24 hours in advance if plans change.

Viator – Book activities and tours in more than 1500 destinations across the globe! They have everything from traditional activities like walking tours to more unique and once-in-a-lifetime experiences like helicopter tours. You’ll find tickets for various activities, including short tours, whole-day events, and multi-day trips.

Big Bus Tours – These tours are an easy way to see the highlights of a city in a short amount of time, with hop-on hop-off routes that let you explore at your own pace without feeling rushed, which I found especially helpful during a quick layover in Chicago.

Airbnb Experiences – Airbnb Experiences lets you book small, locally hosted activities that help you connect with a destination in a more personal way, from guided walks to hands-on workshops and unique cultural outings.

Resort Pass – ResortPass lets you book day access to hotel pools, spas, and amenities without staying overnight, making it an easy way to build in a little rest or luxury during your trip.

North American Reciprocal Museum Association – Membership to any site on their list gives you free or discounted admission to hundreds of museums, gardens, and cultural sites across North America, making it a valuable pass if you enjoy visiting multiple attractions while you travel.

Travel with Food Allergies

Equal Eats – Equal Eats makes traveling with food allergies feel a little less stressful by giving you clear, easy-to-use translation cards that help you communicate your needs with confidence wherever you are. They fit within easy reach right in your wallet.

Spokin App – Gathering my thoughts… Stay tuned!

Technology + Communication

There are many ways to keep in touch with family and friends while you travel, as long as you have an internet connection. With these apps, you don’t have to worry about tracking down or paying for local SIM cards (unless you want to). Here are some communication apps that I have used.

WhatsApp – Free voice calls, video calls, and text messaging.

Facebook Messenger – Catch up with friends with quick messages or make video or voice calls. All three work on your laptop, cellphone, or tablet.

Google Hangouts – Offers the same as the above apps: free messaging, video calls, and voice calls. Staying connected has never been easier!

VPN – A VPN encrypts your internet connection to secure your online activities and personal information, especially when traveling internationally or using public Wi-Fi. Before leaving for New Zealand, I bought a subscription to KeepSolid VPN Unlimited, which works on my iPhone and MacBook.

Banking & Finances

XE Currency – Get up-to-the-minute currency exchange rates online with a convenient smartphone app.

Charles Schwab Online Bank Account – Since Charles Schwab is an online bank with no ATMs anywhere in the world, they will automatically reimburse fees charged to your account. These fees add up, especially if you mess up currency conversion and must withdraw money multiple times. To make this work, you must apply for a High Yield Investor Checking Account. Don’t be intimidated by that title! Although the application process is multi-stepped and may take a couple of weeks, the savings over time will be worth it.

Budget Your Trip – Gathering my thoughts… Stay tuned!

Guide Books

Lonely Planet, DK Eyewitness, or Fodor’s Travel Guides – I like certain aspects of these book brands and buy one over the other for different reasons. For city/region guides, I lean toward DK Eyewitness Travel Guides and switch between Lonely Planet and Fodor’s Travel Guides for whole country guides.

I try to buy from local and independent bookstores as often as possible.

Travel Rewards Programs

JetBlue True Blue – The points you earn from using their credit card (or other easy ways to earn points, like JetOpinions) never expire, and redeeming them for flights is a breeze.

Award Wallet – Keep track of all your award programs in one place. Includes airline and hotel reward programs and others like Panera, Starbucks, and Regal Crown Club. First-time users get a free upgrade with this code: free-iigwmp

Entertainment

Here’s how I pass the time during travel days and downtime.

Kindle Fire – I have a fully loaded Kindle Fire that I bring with me everywhere. I’m a mood reader, so I need options, and a Kindle can hold thousands of ebooks. Besides reading ebooks on it, I can browse the internet, play games, and watch TV or movies on streaming apps. I mostly borrow ebooks from the library.

Pro Tip: If you want to buy ebooks, you can save loads of money by signing up for the BookBub newsletter.

Audiobooks – These are a great alternative to listening to music while traveling and are especially helpful for those prone to motion sickness. Hi, that’s me, the one prone to motion sickness. Try Audible or one of the several alternatives for cheaper or free audiobooks.

Lingo Cards – A deck of cards serves many purposes, including entertainment during flight delays, making friends at hostels, and having something else to do besides constantly scrolling social media. As a bonus, Lingo Cards also help you learn French, Spanish, Italian, and many more languages. Thank you to Lingo for sending me these cards to try!