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Do you want to know my suggestions for all things travel? Listed below, I have all the sites/apps that I use to make my travel plans
Need Free Accommodation?
Trusted Housesitters – I use this platform all the time, and found more than 4 months of accommodation this year for free using the platform (and met lots of cute pets). If you use my link you get a 15% discount on your first year!
Couchsurfing – Make sure you do your research with this one, so that you’re safe. Better to reach out as men or as a group of more than one. I’ve heard lots of success stories, just please read the reviews and set up a call beforehand!
If you have a house:
Home Exchange (US) and Houseswapper (UK) – These types of platforms are perfect for home owners who want to travel, without the responsibility of having to take care of a pet.
Cheaper Accommodation:
HostelWorld – I’m sure you’ve heard of this one, and it’s got the largest selection of available hostels. Sometimes, I even find that the hostel prices are better than the hotel prices like they were in my LA post.
Booking.com – Since they offer Genius discounts to account members, it’s great for finding good deals since you can save an extra 15% or so when you create/have an account.
Cheap Flights
Google Flights – The cheapest and easiest way to find the best flights. DON’T forget to use an incognito tab, or each time you search, the prices will go up. I always suggest that for all types of travel research that involves pricing, make sure to search in Incognito.
Credit Card Travel Platforms (ex. Capital One) – You can get rewarded for spending money on your card, and use those rewards to pay for flights, hotels, and rental cars.
Check out my Flight Hacks post if you need any more tips on how to find the best affordable flights that work for you.
Best Travel Insurance
SafetyWing – They take care of everything from health to travel logistics like lost luggage. They’re also very affordable and cover all the bases for what you’ll need insured for your trip.
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Best Travel Services
Trainline – Best and easiest app for booking train travel across Europe. I highly recommend checking out the Railcards that you can buy for pretty cheap. You’ll pay off a £30 Railcard after just about 5 times taking the train (or more if you intend to get expensive tickets). There are lots of Railcard options, such as ages 16-25.
Omio – All kinds of travel: bus, train, flights, AND ferries.
BusBud – Largest selection of buses available, great for Europe bus tickets.
Cheap Airport Lounge Access
Priority Lounge Pass – Unlimited lounge access at thousands of airport lounges across the world, with some guest passes included.
Capital One Venture X Card – The BEST travel credit card, which includes the Priority Pass, $300 annual travel credit, $100 anniversary travel credit bonus, and free Global Entry/TSA Pre check. Don’t forget the $750 of travel credit as reward for spending a certain amount in the first 3 months. All these perks justify the $395 annual fee in my opinion.
Best Sim Cards
Airalo – E-sim that is easy to buy in advance and top up as needed. I used this all throughout Europe and it connects you to the best plan in the country that you need to buy. I had great service in each country without having to think about it, and it was really easy to top up when needed.
Find Activities
TripAdvisor – A great place to find activities, especially for finding reviews.
Get Your Guide – This is the best tour service for finding affordable guided tours. Works great for last minute bookings, especially when popular attractions are sold out.
Not Sure Where to Go?
Google Explore – Want to go on a trip, but not sure what you can afford or you can’t decide? Decide where to go based on prices. You can pick trip time (1 week, 2 weeks, etc.) during a specific month and pick an area (America, Europe, etc.).
Are you looking for a gym that you can use all across the US?
Planet Fitness is my go-to. Cheap, and easy to pause (in person) while you go travel the world.
How about the UK?
I’d suggest PureGym, which was hundreds of locations across the country. Leisure Centers are also available to consider, and I’ve used a few during my visits.
Final Thoughts
Hope this helps you plan your trip in the best way possible! These are tons of great ways to save on travel.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or message me on Instagram at @LizsGreatPerhaps.
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