None of these are sponsored. They’re just really useful websites, and this page has been updated many times since 2013.
TRIP PLANNING
- VisaHQ – check visa requirements for any destination
- Weather Underground – detailed weather information and reports
- TripAdvisor – read reviews of hotels, flights and vacation rentals (The “Things To Do” section is especially useful)
- Updated Travel Advisories – courtesy of the Canadian government
AIR TRAVEL
- Google Flights – my favorite way to book flights
- Skyscanner – many frequent flyers prefer this one
- ITA Matrix – flight search (advanced users)
- AwardHacker – award flights (using air miles)
BUS / RAIL TRAVEL
- Seat 61 – everything you need to know about train travel
- RailEurope – buy train tickets for UK and across Europe
- 12Go – book buses, ferries, trains in Southeast Asia
- Wanderu – book bus / rail tickets worldwide
ACCOMMODATION
- Booking.com – great site for booking hotels
- Agoda – another hotel booking site (good for Asia)
- HostelWorld – find and book hostels worldwide
- Airbnb – stay at someone’s apartment
Pro tip: if you see a good site, try booking with the property (hotel, hostel, etc.) directly to see if you can get a better deal!
EVERYTHING ELSE
- Duolingo – learn languages for free
- WWOOF – volunteer on a farm, get food & accommodation in return
- Working Holiday Visa – temporary visa scheme for those under 30/35