Travel Companies

There are various companies (mostly in the form of websites) that I’ve been using to support my travels for decades (most of which have served me well). Some I use more regularly than others but they’re all invaluable resources.

Here are the ones I recommend (because I come back to them, time and time again).

Airfares

Skyscanner

This is my starting point for flight searches. It identifies the best deals (searching small booking sites too) and has a great calendar view, helping you identify the cheapest days to fly.

Expedia

I like using Expedia.com for booking flights due to the comprehensive search engine that scours multiple airlines and shows the best deals. It doesn't include websites of questionable quality.

Accommodation

Booking.com

Booking.com is my go-to accommodation booking site because of their extensive selection of options, easy-to-use interface, and competitive pricing. They also have a great loyalty program for frequent travellers. It consistently finds the cheapest available rooms.

Hostelworld

Hostelworld is my preferred booking site for hostels due to its vast network of budget-friendly options almost everywhere in the world, user reviews, and flexible booking policies. It's perfect for backpackers, solo travellers, and anyone looking to save money on accommodation.

Agoda

As a frequent traveller, I use Agoda due to their extensive selection of hotels, competitive pricing, and rewards program which makes them another go-to choice. Plus, their user-friendly interface and reliable customer service make the booking process a breeze.

Airbnb

Airbnb is my top choice for unique accommodation. With options ranging from cozy apartments to luxurious villas, it's perfect for travellers who want a local experience. Plus, the user reviews and personalised host interactions have made it easy for me to find the perfect stay.

Trusted Housesitters

House-sitting through platforms like Trusted Housesitters can provide the opportunity to stay in someone's home for free while taking care of their pets and property. This gives me the opportunity to explore new destinations, all while caring for pets and providing peace of mind to homeowners.

Gear

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is my favourite destination for buying travel gear. Their wide range of high-quality outdoor equipment, from backpacks to camping gear, has always exceeded my expectations. With competitive pricing, helpful customer service, and reliable product warranties, I always trust Kathmandu for all my travel gear needs.

Lonely Planet Guidebooks

Lonely Planet guidebooks have been an essential part of my travel planning. Their comprehensive travel guides, with detailed information, provide valuable insights into destinations around the world. I love (and as a novice years ago, used to rely on) the recommendations for food and accommodation.

Transportation

The Man in Seat 61

The Man in Seat 61 is an invaluable resource for train travel enthusiasts like me. With its comprehensive guides to train travel in over 100 countries, including detailed information on schedules, fares, and routes, it's the go-to source for planning train journeys around the world. Plus, the personal insights and travel experiences shared by the founder, Mark Smith, make it an engaging and informative read.

Rome 2 Rio

I love Rome2Rio for planning multi-modal trips. Its powerful search engine provides detailed information on how to get from point A to point B, including options for flights, trains, buses, ferries, and even car rentals. With accurate travel times, costs, and links to booking options, Rome2Rio has made my trip planning easier and more efficient, allowing me to focus on the fun parts of travel.

Travel Insurance

World Nomads

World Nomads is my go-to travel insurance provider for reliable coverage on the road. Their comprehensive plans, which can be tailored to fit specific travel needs, offer coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and personal belongings. I've made a few claims and they've reliably paid. Plus, their 24/7 assistance service and easy-to-use online claims process provide peace of mind while travelling.

Tour Companies

Intrepid Travel

As a solo traveller who typically avoids group tours, Intrepid Travel has impressed me with their authentic and responsible approach to group travel (on the two occasions in which I did group tours). With small group sizes and local guides, they offer unique and immersive experiences that go beyond the typical tourist attractions. Plus, their commitment to responsible travel practices aligns with my own values as a traveller. So if I'm ever in the mood for a group tour, Intrepid Travel is at the top of my list.

Blogging Resources

HostGator

HostGator is my top choice for hosting this travel website and blog. Their reliable web hosting services and affordable pricing plans provide a great value for bloggers and small businesses alike. Plus, their user-friendly interface and 24/7 customer support have made it easy to set up and manage my website. With HostGator, I know my website is in good hands, allowing me to focus on sharing my travel experiences with my readers.

Thrive Themes

Thrive Themes is my favourite tool for creating websites (such as this one) and making and updating landing pages. Their suite of WordPress plugins and themes, which includes the popular Thrive Architect visual editor, allows me to easily design and optimise my travel website for maximum engagement. Plus, their detailed tutorials and responsive customer support make it easy for me to get the most out of their products.