This is a list of my go-to travel planning tools and resources. I rely on resources to help plan all my travel adventures and itineraries. This page is regularly updated with the latest free travel resources, so be sure to check back often for new and valuable insights.
Disclaimer: Please note that some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to my disclosure.
Trip Planning Inspiration
Organize your travel plans with Pinterest by exploring and saving inspiring pins to your personalized boards. Discover exceptional restaurants, enchanting destinations, and hidden travel gems.
I often find travel inspiration on Instagram, especially in photos and reels. Travelers share their experiences and offer trip-planning tips. A simple search option lets you explore destinations by people, places, and hashtags.
TikTok
TikTok has become a powerful source of travel planning inspiration, offering real-time recommendations, destination ideas, and firsthand experiences from creators around the world. I post short travel videos here & on Instagram.
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor is one of my go-to tools when I’m planning a trip. I use it to read real traveler reviews, compare hotels and attractions, and get a feel for what’s actually worth my time.
Accommodations
VRBO
With an extensive selection of over 2 million vacation rentals across 190 countries, VRBO provides diverse accommodation options. You can choose from homes, apartments, condos, and even unique rentals like treehouses, cabins, and castles.
Booking.com
Booking.com offers an affordable platform for travelers seeking accommodation. With over 28 million hotel stays and 6.6 million unique accommodations, including apartments, homes, and other distinctive properties, Booking.com caters to a wide range of preferences.
Expedia
Expedia, a leading online travel platform, offers travel planning across hotels and vacation packages, flights, cars, cruises, and activities. It serves as your ultimate travel companion and simplifies your travel planning.
Hotels.com
Hotels.com offers travelers access to one of the largest accommodation selections online, featuring independent properties, major hotel brands, and self-catering stays across hundreds of thousands of locations worldwide.
Flights and Transportation
DiscoverCars.com
DiscoverCars.com offers car rentals with no hidden costs, 24/7 support, and no cancellation fees. They are a leader in online car rental bookings, comparing deals from multiple companies so you can choose the best option for your trip.
Viator
Viator, a Tripadvisor subsidiary, is the largest global platform for “experiences.” Viator covers you whether you seek tours, activities, tickets, classes, or transportation services. They provide access to tickets for renowned landmarks and facilitate seamless travel arrangements, making your journey more convenient and fulfilling.
Trip.com
Trip.com is your comprehensive travel portal. They are a one-stop travel planning resource with more than 500,000 hotels in over 200 countries and regions, over 2 million flight routes to more than 5,000 cities, train routes, and attraction tickets.
CheapOair
CheapOair is a leading provider in the airline ticket industry. It offers affordable flights, vacation packages, hotels, and car rentals, and prioritizes cost-effective travel solutions accessible to all.
Free Travel Resources
Road Trip Packing List
Prepare for your next adventure with a free printable packing checklist. Plan and organize your essentials to ensure a fun, safe road trip.
Solo Travel Safety Tips
A comprehensive guide filled with practical tips and insights for solo traveling. From travel arrangements to ensuring your safety and packing the right essentials.
Amazon Packing List
A checklist of the best travel accessories for packing, on the road, or in the car, and other essentials.
Travel Communities
Substack
On my Substack, I share insights on how to turn a passion for writing into a thriving career, along with tips for destinations and brands on leveraging the most authentic and cost-effective marketing available today: content creators. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a brand looking to connect with your audience in a real, meaningful way—this space is for you.
Wanderful
A global community that helps all women travel the world by connecting them through travel. Wanderful is a live online/offline network of women travelers to create support, share resources, build sisterhood, and help women get out there and gain the confidence and support they need to travel solo.
Indiana Road Trips
Indiana Road Trips is a free, online Facebook group that offers tips, recommendations, and itineraries for traveling in Indiana. It gives group members the opportunity to ask questions, post photos, and make suggestions about Indiana travel.