Planning your dream trip can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve rounded up our favourite tried-and-tested travel resources to help you book smarter, save money, and travel better.
Whether you’re searching for cheap flights, the best places to stay, unforgettable tours, or reliable travel insurance, we’ve got you covered. These are the same tools we personally use when planning our bucket list adventures.
We’ve included only trusted platforms with the best deals, so when you book through our links, you’ll not only get a great offer—you’ll also be supporting this blog.
Happy travels!
This article may include affiliate links. If you click through the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting Bucket List Seekers! Read our Privacy Policy for more details.
In This Post:
Accommodation
Booking your accommodation online can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly hostels, luxury hotels, or cozy vacation rentals, there’s a site here to suit every travel style and budget.
Booking.com – We love Booking.com. It’s got the best range of accommodation options, and many offer free cancellation. They also offer frequent deals.
Agoda – Agoda generally has a better range of hotels in Asia. It’s also good to compare prices with Booking.com.
Vrbo / Stayz – For vacation rentals, longer stays, or group trips.
Plum Guide – Plum Guide handpicks the top 3% of vacation homes in each destination, so you know you’re staying somewhere truly special and high quality.
Luxury Escapes – Great deals on luxury hotel packages and small-group tours.
Expedia – Expedia is a one-stop shop for package deals including flights, hotels, and more.
SeaRadar – Looking to stay somewhere completely unique? SeaRadar lets you book yachts and houseboats around the world.
Flights
When it comes to booking flights, flexibility and smart tools can mean the difference between a budget steal and a pricey mistake. Here’s our hot tip: Always compare prices across multiple sites and use tools with flexible date searches!
Skyscanner – Our go-to flight search engine for finding the cheapest and most convenient flights across all airlines.
Google Flights – Great for tracking prices and exploring destinations based on your budget and travel dates.
Kiwi.com – Kiwi combines different airlines and routes to find creative and affordable itineraries you might not think of.
AirHelp – Delayed or canceled flight? AirHelp helps you claim compensation fast and with minimal hassle.
Priority Pass – Long layover? Gain access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide with a Priority Pass membership—totally worth it.
Car Rentals & Transfers
Need a ride? Whether you’re planning a road trip or want a seamless airport pickup, these car rental and transfer services make travel stress-free. Book in advance to lock in the best prices and avoid surprises at the counter!
DiscoverCars – Our top pick for comparing rental car prices across all major providers, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Rentalcars.com – One of the largest rental car comparison sites, Rentalcars.com makes it easy to find and book affordable rentals worldwide.
Get Transfer – Book private transfers in over 100 countries. Great for avoiding language barriers and taxi scams.
Kiwi Taxi – Perfect for arranging airport pickups with fixed pricing and professional drivers.
Trains, Buses & Ferries
From scenic train rides through Europe to local bus journeys in Southeast Asia, public transport is often the most affordable—and authentic—way to explore a destination. These platforms make booking fast and easy, with digital tickets and real-time schedules.
Rome2Rio – Our favourite trip-planning tool to see how to get from A to B anywhere in the world—by train, bus, ferry, flight, or car.
Rail Europe – Ideal for booking train travel across Europe—including Rail passes, scenic routes, and point-to-point tickets.
Omio – Plan multi-modal travel in Europe with ease—compare trains, buses, and flights in one place.
JRPass.com – The best place to buy your official Japan Rail Pass before arriving—perfect for exploring Japan by train.
Klook – Best for booking point-to-point Japan Rail tickets instead of a multi-day JR Pass.
Busbud – Great for finding and booking long-distance buses, especially in South America and Asia.
12Go – A lifesaver for booking trains, buses, ferries, and transfers in Southeast Asia.
Tours & Activities
Want to turn your trip into an adventure to remember? These platforms make it easy to book once-in-a-lifetime experiences, skip-the-line tickets, and guided tours you’ll never forget.
TourRadar – Browse and book multi-day group tours around the globe—from hiking in Patagonia to safaris in Africa.
Luxury Escapes – Offers great deals on luxury small-group tours and hotel packages.
Viator – We love Viator for its reliable reviews, flexible cancellation, and access to thousands of activities worldwide.
GetYourGuide – Skip-the-line entry, day trips, and unique experiences—GetYourGuide is packed with inspiration.
Klook – Ideal for Asia, Klook offers exclusive local activities and convenient mobile passes for top attractions.
Go City – Save up to 55% on attractions with Go City’s all-in-one passes—great for sightseeing cities like New York and London.
EatWith – Connect with locals and share authentic meals around the world—perfect for foodies!
Big Bus Tours – Hop-on-hop-off buses are a fun and relaxing way to explore major cities at your own pace.
WeGoTrip – Self-guided audio tours that let you explore at your own rhythm, with GPS-triggered storytelling.
Travel Insurance
We learned the hard way that travel insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential. When our luggage once went missing en route to Morocco, we were grateful to have coverage that reimbursed us for the essentials and saved our trip. Whether you’re dealing with trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost bags, don’t leave home without it!
We personally recommend SafetyWing—they offer flexible, affordable travel insurance that’s perfect for both short vacations and long-term adventures. You can even buy it while already abroad. Click below to get covered with SafetyWing and travel stress-free.
Visas & Passports
Before you book that dream trip, make sure your passport isn’t just collecting stamps—it’s also getting you through immigration! Not all passports are created equal (sad, but true), and just because your bestie got into Thailand visa-free doesn’t mean you will too. Some destinations require a visa, travel authorization, or even specific entry permits. The last thing you want is to be turned away at the gate!
We always recommend checking visa requirements well in advance. Our go-to tool is iVisa.com, which makes it super easy to find out exactly what you need based on your nationality.
WiFi & eSIMs
Staying connected while traveling is easier (and cheaper) than ever—no more hunting for SIM cards at the airport or racking up roaming charges! Whether you need data for maps, bookings, or posting those dreamy travel photos, these tools have got your back.
Airalo – We love Airalo for its affordable eSIMs that you can download instantly to your phone—perfect for hassle-free connectivity in over 190 countries.
Solis WiFi Hotspot – Solis offers global pocket WiFi with unlimited data plans—ideal for travelers needing constant, secure internet on the go. Use the code “BUCKETLISTSEEKERS” to get a 15% discount.
Travel Planning Checklist
Ever gotten to the airport only to realise you forgot your passport? (Guilty!) Or imagine landing in Iceland, ready for northern lights—and realising you forgot your winter socks. Yep, that happened to us too! That’s why we created our own (very detailed) travel planning checklist that covers everything.
Our free checklist makes trip planning super easy and ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Whether it’s your first big trip or your 50th, this is one travel tool you won’t want to leave behind.
>> Sign up below to Download Our FREE Travel Planning Checklist
Travel Bucket Lists
If you’re dreaming of your next destination but unsure where to go, a bucket list is the perfect place to start. It gives you inspiration, direction, and something amazing to look forward to.
Our curated travel bucket lists cover iconic experiences around the world—from skydiving in New Zealand to exploring the temples of Angkor Wat. Plus, each one includes a template to create your own personalised bucket list!
>> Sign up below to Download Your Ultimate Travel Bucket List
Travel Apps
Having the right travel apps on your phone can be a total game-changer. From navigating new cities and translating menus to tracking flights and finding hidden gems, these apps help you travel smarter, safer, and more efficiently.
We never leave home without our favorites downloaded and ready to go—especially when traveling off the beaten path or without WiFi. Want to know which ones we swear by? We’ve rounded up the absolute best travel apps that every traveler should have on their phone.
