TRAVEL BOOKING SITES

There are countless online services for booking hotels, rentals, airfare and guided tours. Over the years I’ve found myself regularly using a few of the same services – because they work. Here are a few of my go-to travel booking resources.

Go-to resources…

Google Flights
Google Flights is my favorite tool to research flights, airlines and routes as it aggregates flight information from most major airlines (Southwest is not included – boo!). Then it enables you to click over and book directly with the airlines vs. a third-party. This is so much better for you to do and can typically save you $$$ when you book direct.

TripAdvisor
I rarely book directly through TripAdvisor BUT I always read the reviews and check to make sure the place we’re going to have been vetted by other travelers. It’s also a great tool to identify tours, restaurants, and rentals outside of the hotel and resort spectrum. I personally like to try and book things directly though since I’m traveling with my family and it can be challenging to get all the details for a group of four. So, I find TripAdvisor to be more of a research and vetting tool.

Momondo
Momondo is a free and inspirational global travel search site that compares prices on flights, hotels and car rental. It serve travelers across more than 30 markets globally and offers a bold and colorful travel universe that provides complete price transparency across flights, hotels and cars, inspiring – and enabling – everyone to explore the world.

HomeAway
I’ve used HomeAway a lot in the last few years. It’s an easy and trusted site you can use to book accommodations around the world.

Airbnb
Not only can you book lodging with Airbnb but now you can also find experiences offered by local experts.

EuRail
Traveling by train in Europe? The planning can be painful… EuRail – trys – to help make it easier with its maps, planning tools and booking options.

Booking.com
TrBooking.com is an easy and trusted site you can use to book inexpensive hotels and other accommodations.

AirportParking.com
Traveling by train in Europe? The planning can be painful… EuRail – trys – to help make iHelp find and compare airport parking options. AirportParking.com compares parking lots, rates, info and reviews.

Additional resources we like and use…

PointsGuy
When it comes to frequent flier miles PointsGuy is the point place to go. These guys are always analyzing and updating all the credit card and loyalty deals going on to help you maximize your frequent flyer miles and hotel points.

Babbel
Traveling internationally? Want to learn the language?  Babble offers a great interactive app that can help do the job. In fact, 73% of Babbel users indicated that they’d be able to have a short, simple conversation in their new language within five hours of using Babbel! (Make sure to also download Google Translate for those times your forgot your lessons.)

CruiseDirect
I like to tool because not only can you search for a cruise based on locations and dates offered by variety of cruise lines but it also provides discounts.

Rome2rio
The thing I love about Rome2rio is it’s ability to map out your route. You search any city, town, landmark, attraction or address across the globe and it will give you multi-modal routes to easily get you from A to B.

Airfarewatchdog
Airfarewatchdog assesses and collects the best airfare deals for all airlines, including airlines that sell their fares only on their websites.

Hertz Car Rental
Hertz has been paving the road to easier traveling for over 90 years. Whether renting a car for business or leisure, Hertz has a wide range of luxury, sports, and hybrid vehicles available to meet every car rental need.

RentalCars.com
If you’re not married to one car rental company or just need more option, then look into using  RentalCars.com. It’s useful in that is searches all the rental companies at your detestation and provides pricing and availability. Time saved, check!

Lonely Planet
I still love travel guide books, and Lonely Planet has some of the best. For nearly 40 years Lonely Planet has been the leader in travel guide book publishing, renowned for its first-hand approach and commitment to providing the best information for travelers.