Travel booking and planning websites and apps + Tips

🛫 Flight Booking

• Skyscanner – Compares prices across airlines and travel agencies; flexible date search; price alerts.

• Google Flights – Predictive pricing trends; flexible date and airport options; clean interface.

• Going (Scott’s Cheap Flights) – Sends email alerts for mistake fares and deeply discounted flights.

🏨 Accommodations

• Booking.com – Extensive listings of hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals; free cancellation on many options.

• Hotels.com – Offers a loyalty program with free nights; wide range of hotel options.

• Vrbo – Specializes in vacation home rentals; ideal for families and group stays.

🧭 Travel Planning & Itineraries

• TripIt – Automatically creates a master itinerary from confirmation emails; works offline.

• Google Maps – Helps plan routes, explore attractions, and save locations; integrates with travel bookings.

🌍 Tours & Experiences

• Viator – Offers global tours, excursions, and activities; user reviews and flexible booking.

• GetYourGuide – Local experiences, skip-the-line tickets, and curated activities.

🚗 Transportation

• Rome2Rio – Multi-modal route planning (flights, trains, buses, ferries); global coverage.

• Auto Europe – Compares car rental prices from major providers; international availability.

🧘 Specialty Travel

• BookRetreats – Focused on wellness, yoga, and meditation retreats worldwide.

• CruiseDirect – Cruise booking platform with deals, no booking fees, and real-time availability

Travel insights

1. Travel During Shoulder Seasons

Avoid peak tourist crowds and high prices by traveling during shoulder seasons—typically spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). In Asia, this often means better weather, fewer crowds at major attractions, and more availability at family-friendly resorts.

2. Pack Light but Smart

Especially for families, packing light can reduce stress. Focus on versatile clothing, travel-sized toiletries, and essentials like medications and chargers. For kids, include a small backpack with snacks, games, and comfort items for long flights or drives.

3. Choose Accommodations with Family Amenities

Look for hotels or resorts that offer family suites, kids’ clubs, babysitting services, and on-site dining. These features can make a huge difference in comfort and convenience, especially after long days of sightseeing.

4. Use Travel Apps to Stay Organized

Apps like Google Maps, TripIt, and XE Currency can help you navigate, manage itineraries, and handle currency conversions. Many Asian countries also use local apps for transport and food delivery—download them in advance.

5. Embrace Local Culture Respectfully

Teach kids and teens about local customs, etiquette, and basic phrases. Participating in cultural activities—like cooking classes or traditional crafts—can make the trip more meaningful and educational for everyone