Trying to decide which companies to book your trip with? Over the years of travel, I’ve used hundreds of companies during my travels. Some have been great, some have been just awful.

Below is a list of the ones I come back to time and time again. They are the best out there and continually offer superior deals and experiences. They are were all my travel planning and booking starts. Use them to book your trips too!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, including the Hostinger link. At no extra cost to you, We earn a small commission from each booking that allows me to keep content up to date, run events, create new guides and stories, and hire staff to help maintain this website. I use all the companies listed here and recommend them because they’ve made my travels better. If you have any questions, email me and I’ll happily respond.

A low-angle shot of a departure board at an airport
A low-angle shot of a departure board at an airport

Accomodations

a sign on the side of a building that says bookking coma sign on the side of a building that says bookking com

Booking.com probably has the widest selection of budget accommodation in the world (it is especially good for listings in developing countries). In my research, it consistently finds the cheapest rooms. I also like its easy-to-use interface and no-money-down policy. I book all my hotels through here.

Agoda specializes in booking accommodations in Asia but offers a global selection of hotels, resorts, hostels, and vacation rentals. The platform features competitive prices, regular flash deals, and a simple booking process, making it a favorite for international and budget-conscious travelers.

Agoda.com
Airbnb

Airbnb provides unique accommodations, including private homes, apartments, and boutique stays, as well as experiences hosted by locals. It’s ideal for travelers seeking personalized stays and alternative lodging options, catering to every budget and style preference across the globe.

Hostelworld is the go-to platform for budget travelers and backpackers, offering a wide selection of hostels, budget hotels, and shared accommodations worldwide. Hostelworld allows users to connect with like-minded travelers and find affordable, social lodging options in more than 170 countries.

Hostel World

Flight Bookings

Skyscanner.com
A cell phone sitting on top of a wooden table
A cell phone sitting on top of a wooden table

Skyscanner is a powerful flight search engine that compares flights from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies. It offers flexible search options, including whole-month and multi-destination searches, helping travelers find the cheapest and most convenient flight deals. The "Everywhere" search feature is perfect for spontaneous travelers looking for budget-friendly destinations.

Google Flights

Google Flights provides a user-friendly interface and advanced tools for finding cheap flights quickly. Its price graph, flexible date options, and region-based searches make it easy to discover the most affordable travel days. Google Flights also offers price-tracking alerts to notify users when flight prices drop.

Momondo is a comprehensive flight comparison site that searches across airlines, online travel agencies, and even low-cost carriers to deliver the best deals. It features colorful price calendars and graphs to help users identify the cheapest days to travel. Momondo's transparency ensures no hidden fees in its search results.

Momondo
Kayak

Kayak aggregates flight prices from hundreds of travel sites and allows users to set up alerts for price drops. Its "Explore" tool helps users find affordable flights to destinations based on their budget. Kayak also offers bundle deals for flights, hotels, and car rentals, helping travelers save even more.

Tour Companies

G Adventures

G Adventures specializes in small-group tours that focus on sustainable and culturally immersive travel experiences. With itineraries spanning adventure, wellness, family trips, and more, the company offers tours in over 100 countries. It’s ideal for travelers seeking authentic, responsible, and transformative journeys.

Trafalgar offers expertly curated guided tours with a focus on comfort and cultural immersion. It provides a variety of travel styles, including family vacations, luxury trips, and budget-friendly options, in destinations across all continents. Trafalgar’s tours emphasize unique, insider experiences led by knowledgeable local guides.

Trafalgar
GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is a platform for booking tours, activities, and experiences in destinations around the globe. From guided city tours to adventure activities and skip-the-line tickets for top attractions, it caters to a wide range of traveler interests and budgets. The website's user-friendly design and extensive options make it a favorite among independent travelers.

Intrepid Travel is one of the leading tour companies offering small-group adventures worldwide. It provides a wide range of trips, including food tours, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Known for its commitment to sustainable travel, Intrepid connects travelers with local communities while supporting eco-friendly practices.

Intrepid Travel

Travel Insurance

World Nomads

World Nomads is a popular choice for travelers, especially backpackers and adventure seekers. It offers flexible policies that can be purchased or extended while abroad. Coverage includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and adventure activities, making it ideal for travelers engaging in high-risk activities like trekking or scuba diving.

Allianz

Allianz is a trusted name in travel insurance, offering a wide range of plans for individuals, families, and business travelers. Its policies include trip protection, medical coverage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Allianz's annual plans are ideal for frequent travelers who want continuous coverage throughout the year.

IMG (International Medical Group) provides comprehensive travel insurance plans that cater to both short-term trips and long-term international stays. With benefits like emergency medical evacuation, trip interruption coverage, and travel assistance services, it’s a great choice for global travelers, expats, and digital nomads.

IMG

SafetyWing is specifically designed for digital nomads and remote workers. It offers affordable, flexible plans that provide global medical and travel coverage. SafetyWing policies can be renewed automatically, making it convenient for long-term travelers and those constantly on the move.

Gears

REI

REI (Recreational Equipment Inc) is a leading retailer for high-quality travel and outdoor gear. It offers a wide range of products, including backpacks, travel clothing, packing organizers, and camping equipment. Known for its durability and eco-friendly options, REI also provides expert advice and a generous return policy, making it ideal for travelers and adventurers alike.

Eagle Creek is dedicated to providing travel gear that enhances convenience and organization. Its collection includes packing cubes, travel bags, and accessories designed for efficient packing and durability. The brand is particularly well-known for its high-quality luggage and lifetime warranty, making it a favorite among frequent travelers.

Eagle Creek
Amazon

Amazon is a one-stop shop for all travel gear needs, offering a vast selection of products from multiple brands. Whether you're looking for affordable packing cubes, travel adapters, lightweight luggage, or portable travel gadgets, Amazon’s competitive pricing, fast shipping, and customer reviews make it a convenient and reliable choice for travelers worldwide.

Patagonia specializes in sustainable, durable outdoor and travel gear. The website offers premium clothing, backpacks, and accessories designed for adventure travel and harsh climates. With a strong focus on environmental responsibility, Patagonia ensures its products are long-lasting and eco-friendly, perfect for environmentally conscious travelers.

Patagonia

Transport

Rental Cars

Rentalcars.com is one of the largest car rental booking platforms, offering services in over 160 countries. It partners with major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget, ensuring competitive pricing and a wide selection of vehicles. The platform provides flexible booking options and an easy-to-use interface for comparing prices and services.

Kayak

Kayak aggregates car rental options from various providers, allowing users to compare prices, vehicle types, and rental policies. The platform also provides tools to bundle car rentals with flights and hotels for added savings. With its global reach, Kayak is a reliable choice for finding transport options abroad.

Sixt is a premium car rental service with a presence in over 100 countries. Known for its high-quality vehicles, including luxury and economy options, Sixt offers seamless booking and excellent customer service. It’s ideal for travelers looking for reliable and comfortable transport options during their trips.

Sixt
Rome2rio

Rome2rio is a unique platform that provides comprehensive transport solutions, including flights, buses, trains, ferries, and car rentals. It’s perfect for planning international journeys and exploring multi-modal transportation options. The website offers detailed itineraries and price comparisons, making it easy to book the most convenient and cost-effective transport.

Travel Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top travel card offering 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 2x points on other travel, and no foreign transaction fees. Points transfer to various airline and hotel programs, ensuring flexibility for international travelers. With travel insurance and purchase protection, it’s a reliable choice for global trips.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is simple yet rewarding, offering 2x miles on all purchases and 5x on hotels and car rentals through Capital One Travel. With no foreign transaction fees and the ability to redeem miles for travel without restrictions, it’s an excellent choice for frequent international travelers.

Capital One
Citi

Citi Premier® Card maximizes rewards with 3x points on air travel, hotels, and supermarkets, plus no foreign transaction fees. Points transfer to multiple airline programs, and an annual $100 hotel credit through Citi ThankYou.com adds extra value for global travelers.

American Express Platinum Card® offers luxury travel benefits like access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, 5x points on flights and hotels, and no foreign transaction fees. With perks like hotel elite status, travel insurance, and a dedicated concierge, it’s perfect for travelers seeking comfort and exclusivity.

American Express

Job Resources

HelpX

HelpX is one of the best places to find work and volunteer opportunities when you travel. It includes farm stays, home stays, B&Bs, hostels, and sailing boats that invite volunteers to stay short-term in exchange for food and accommodation.

World Packers

Worldpackers offers travelers a chance to find volunteer experiences overseas (much like Workaway and HelpX). In addition to hostels, it can help you find experiences with NGOs, home stays, and eco-projects all over the world!

This is another wonderful job-finding website! Workaway is a lot like HelpX except this website has more paid job opportunities (though it also has volunteer positions too).

Workaway
MyTEFL

myTEFL offers the standard TEFL programs, but they also help you find a job and provide an additional 6 months of access to their content so that you can use it once you start teaching.

Blogging Resources

Hostinger

Hostinger is a web hosting provider known for its affordability and user-friendly features. It offers fast loading speeds, reliable uptime, and a range of hosting plans, making it a great choice for individuals and businesses starting their online presence.

Stay22 is a platform that provides location-based booking solutions for accommodations and transportation. Its interactive map tool allows users to find and book hotels, rentals, or transport near specific destinations with ease.

Stay22
Blue Host

Bluehost is a popular web hosting service offering reliable and secure hosting solutions. It’s known for its beginner-friendly setup, strong customer support, and integration with tools like WordPress, making it ideal for websites of all sizes.

ConvertKit (Renamed Kit) is an email marketing platform designed for creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses. It provides tools to build email lists, create automated workflows, and send targeted campaigns to engage audiences effectively.

ConvertKit (Kit)

Buy Forex

Travelex

Travelex is a leading foreign exchange company with a global presence, offering currency exchange services in numerous countries. Customers can purchase a wide range of currencies online or at physical locations, with options for home delivery or in-store pickup. Travelex also provides prepaid currency cards, allowing for secure and convenient transactions abroad.

Revolut

Revolut is a digital banking and forex platform offering highly competitive exchange rates. It allows users to hold and exchange multiple currencies in their account. Revolut’s app provides instant access to forex transactions and even lets users spend globally using its debit card, which supports multiple currencies.

Known primarily for money transfer services, Western Union also offers foreign currency exchange at select agent locations globally. Customers can purchase various currencies for travel purposes, benefiting from Western Union's extensive network and competitive exchange rates.

Western Union
Currency Fair

CurrencyFair is an online platform that facilitates currency exchange and international money transfers. Users can exchange currencies at competitive rates and transfer funds to bank accounts worldwide. CurrencyFair's peer-to-peer exchange model often results in better rates compared to traditional banks.