From booking flights and ferries to renting cars and organizing itineraries, this guide covers all the essential travel apps and websites I personally use to make travel planning easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway or a multi-country adventure, these tools will help you plan with confidence.
1. Skyscanner for Flights
When it comes to booking flights, I always start with Skyscanner. It's the best place to get an idea of flight prices, especially if I need to take two connecting flights to reach my destination. I can compare prices and view the connecting times to get a feel for what works best for my schedule. However, once I’ve found the flight I want, I always book directly with the airline to avoid third-party booking fees and any potential complications.
2. Booking.com for Accommodation
When it’s time to find a place to stay, I turn to booking.com. The more I book through the app, the better the benefits, making each stay even cheaper.
3. Rentalcars.com for Road Trips
If I’m going on a road trip, I always start by checking Rentalcars.com to compare prices at my arrival airport. It’s a great way to get an overview of what’s available. That said, I always book directly with the car rental company afterwards. This ensures I get the proper insurance coverage, which is crucial — especially when driving in a different country.
When I’m traveling in Europe, my go-to rental company is Centauro. They consistently offer excellent rates that already include full insurance coverage — no hidden fees or surprise add-ons at the counter. Another huge plus: they accept both credit and debit cards, which is a lifesaver for travelers who don’t have a credit card.
Centauro operates in several popular European destinations, including:
- Spain, including the Balearic Islands
- Portugal, including Madeira
- Greece, with locations on some of the Greek islands
- Italy, including Sicily and Sardinia
If you're planning a trip to any of these countries, I highly recommend booking through the relevant Centauro website for that location — I’ll include links below for each one.
Affiliate discloure: I’m a Centauro affiliate, so if you book through my links, it helps support this blog at no extra cost to you. I only recommend services I genuinely use and love, and Centauro is always at the top of my list for European road trips.
4. Rome2rio for Transportation
To help me figure out the best transportation options between destinations, I rely on Rome2rio. This website is fantastic for comparing prices and gives me a good sense of how I’ll get from one place to another. Whether I’m planning a road trip or figuring out public transport routes, it’s a great tool for managing expectations and planning an efficient itinerary.
5. GetYourGuide for Activities
When it comes to finding things to do, I always start with a quick Google search to see what’s popular and then check out reviews on TripAdvisor. But for booking activities, I love GetYourGuide. I can browse tours and excursions, compare reviews and prices, and most importantly, I can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with their 24-hour free cancellation policy. Plus, I can book far in advance and only pay 48 hours before the tour. This flexibility has saved me from losing money when my plans change.
6. Ferryhopper for Ferries
When it comes to booking ferries — especially for the Greek islands — I always use Ferryhopper. It lets me view schedules, compare prices across different ferry companies, and book everything in one place. The prices are the same as booking directly, but with the added convenience of being able to manage and change bookings easily through the app. Ferryhopper covers routes not just in Greece, but worldwide, making it a super handy tool for any island-hopping adventure.
7. Revolut for Currency Exchange and Splitting Bills
When traveling to a country with a different currency, my go-to app is Revolut. It makes exchanging money so easy and often comes with better exchange rates than traditional banks. It’s also great when traveling in a group, as it allows me to split the bill and keep track of everyone’s expenses without any hassle.
8. AllTrails for Hiking Trips
If I’m heading on a hiking holiday, the AllTrails app is essential. It’s the best way to discover new trails, check the difficulty levels, and even read reviews from other hikers. For navigating while abroad, I also rely on Google Maps. It’s generally accurate and helps me find my way without any issues.
9. Airalo eSIM for Data Coverage Outside of Europe
I recently traveled outside of Europe for the first time, and staying connected with family and friends was a top priority. That’s why I chose Airalo, a digital eSIM that works in over 200 countries—no need to swap out your physical SIM card. For someone like me (who’s a bit clumsy!), that was a huge relief—I didn’t have to worry about misplacing my original SIM card. The installation process was super simple, and the instructions were really clear, even for a first-timer like me. I was able to set it up before I left and activate it the moment I landed, avoiding roaming fees and saving time.
What about you?
I’m always curious to hear about the tools others use when they travel. What apps or websites make your trips easier or more enjoyable?
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Happy Travels! x
Disclaimer: All content and photos in this blog post are my own unless otherwise stated. Please do not copy, reproduce, or use any images or text without written permission.