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The Ultimate Travel Resources Guide
I’m excited to help you plan your best trip yet and share some of my most used travel booking websites, resources, and travel tips!
I will be updating this list constantly as I try out new tools, find better deals and learn of the latest and greatest when it comes to travel.
Flights
Momondo has been my go-to for years. It is a comprehensive aggregator that pools results from a wide array of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), including niche players overlooked by other platforms. If your travel dates are flexible, the Pricing Calendar shows you when would be the cheapest day and time to fly.
Primarily focused on flights, Skyscanner allows you search by travel date or destination to display a range of flight options. The month calendar view is particularly recommended for spotting the cheapest flying days, potentially saving you a significant amount by adjusting travel dates slightly.
Google Flights is a seamless and efficient tool for searching flights. Although I do not always finalise my bookings through this platform, I find it useful to cross-reference my options here to ensure I am selecting the best deal.
ITA Matrix is the ultimate flight search tool. Its advanced capabilities to show you an overview by airline, date and flight class is second to none. Google Flights uses it as well, however the ITA Software Matrix delivers an even more exhaustive range of search result.
Before I pick my seat choices for a flight, I often have a look at SeatGuru. They offer insider insights into the optimal seating arrangements for any aircraft, along with comprehensive guides on in-flight retail and amenities, making sure you pick the right seat.
Expert Tip: While using a flight aggregator is advisable for broad searches, checking the airline’s own website can also get you better deals, including opportunities to upgrade to a higher class for a minimal price increase.
Hotels
I love airbnb`s feature to uncover unique accommodations around the world. Whether you want a cosy couch, high-end villa or a treehouse, there`s something for everyone.
Booking.com is my go-to for hotel bookings as it features an extensive database with detailed information on tourist accommodations across Europe, alongside a fully integrated online reservation system that bridges the gap between guests and hotels.
My preferred method of booking on Booking.com is via the Flying Blue portal. Flying Blue, the airline loyalty program for KLM and Air France, allows members to earn 2 Flying Blue Miles for every €1 spent, in addition to receiving at least 15% off on selected properties through Booking.com. Win win!
Stay in the Loop
NordVPN shines as the top choice for connecting to or from international servers. You can even access your favourite Netflix show with ease! Its clear and user-friendly interface ensures a seamless connection with just a single click.
Airalo has been crucial for avoiding high roaming charges outside Europe, offering eSIM plans with data limits from 1GB to 30GB. Although it lacks unlimited data options, making it cost-effective for short trips, for extended travel, it might be pricier than alternatives like Holafly that provide unlimited data.
Holafly is one of the most expensive options for eSIM, however, they stand out with their unlimited data plans. I find this one of its best advantages, and thus for longer trips, I highly recommend it.