Travel may seem carefree and spontaneous to the onlooker…

…but seasoned travelers know a lot of blood, sweat, and tears goes into preparing for an adventure. It takes time and research to find the best deals on everything from flights to accommodations. 😓

And this preliminary work sets the tone for your entire trip.

Lucky for you,😃 we have compiled a list of the best-of-the-best travel websites, apps, and resources…

Reference this ultimate list when figuring out how to get there, where to lay your head, and what to bring along to ensure there’s no stress and maximum fun.

Here ya go, amigo:

FLIGHTS

DEAL ALERTS:

Hopper
Hopper is relatively new on the scene (launched in 2015) but gaining popularity fast for good reason. This mobile app uses big data to predict and analyze airfare using a massive archive of historical trends.

Dollar Flight Club
Find rock-bottom international fares!

BOOKING PORTALS:

Matrix – ITA Software by Google
This comprehensive flight search tool is our first go-to for finding the cheapest airfare available for whenever and wherever we want to go. (We go into more detail on how to use it in our $7 Cheap Flights Guide)

Skyscanner
Skyscanner is an award winning travel fare aggregator website and metasearch engine (ie. they cover a lot of ground to find some good deals).

CheapAir
CheapAir offers some sweet perks when you book flights (hotels and cars too) through them… like their incredible Price Drop Payback Program.

Kayak
Ultra user-friendly, this flight search engine has now been copied by so many others out there because of it’s ease of use.

ACCOMMODATIONS

FLASH SALES:

Secret Escapes
When you sign up for Secret Escapes you have access to flash sales of up to 40-70%. These member-only secret deals are listed for both hotel stays and trips, but you gotta act quick! (Here’s $40 towards your first trip ✌️)

Jetsetter
Becoming a Jetsetter means you get access to 40% off the usual price – flash sale style – with smaller booking windows for the phenomenal deals.

“SECRET” HOTELS:

Hotwire.com
This system allows for deep discounts with partnered hotels that need to fill up empty rooms.

Priceline.com
For heavy discounts, ‘Name Your Own Price’ is a feature that allows you to bid on the basis of star ratings and general location.

HOSTED STAYS:

Airbnb
Airbnb offers a unique experience to travelers looking for an alternative to a hotel. (Here’s $38 if you’re starting a new account 👌)

Couchsurfing
Part of the deal with this one is there is absolutely no monetary exchange for hosting, and nothing is expected in return as a guest… just rad people hosting rad people.

GEAR

LUGGAGE:

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside 20-Inch Spinner (the carry-on king)
This is Amazon’s #1 selling carry-on luggage for business travel and it’s a good pick for more than just business.

Samsonite Mightlight 2 Softside Spinner 25 (when you need more room)
For when you need more than a carry-on… it’s lightweight, secure and known for its durability.

Herschel – LITTLE AMERICA BACKPACK (for those city jaunts)
With Herschel, you know you’re getting quality. If you don’t believe us just give their warranty policy a read, these guys stand behind their products 100%.

Osprey Packs Atmos 50 Backpack (for those hardy jaunts)
For the serious hiker and multi-day treks.

TRAVEL SECURITY:

Journo RFID Blocking Moneybelt
Keep your cash, cards, and ID safe from theft and skimmers with this ultra thin and discrete belt.

Journo RFID Sleeves
We are strong advocates of using RFID-blocking technology to keep the thieves out of your business (read more about digital security here and why you need to care about this stuff).

Brinks TSA Approved Luggage Lock
Add extra security to your packs, bags, and luggage with these solid brass locks.

Tunnel Bear VPN
Hide your IP address and location, secure your data, and safely access the internet while abroad (and even at the local cafe).

ELECTRONICS:

Multi-USB Travel Adapter
Keep all your tech charged with this multi-USB travel adapter.

UE WONDERBOOM Super Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
You will be the life of the party with this small but powerful portable speaker.

GETTING SLEEP:

Huzi Infinity Pillow
Their line of ‘One Pillow, Infinite Possibilities’ says it all.

Bucky Eye Mask
The Bucky Eye Mask is supremely comfortable with a contoured eye area that won’t squish your eyeballs.

Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones
When you’re not messing around with your noise canceling headphones, these are the pair to get.

ENTERTAINMENT:

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Hard copy books just can’t compete with the storage, portability, backlit glare-free screen and a battery that lasts weeks not hours.

We vow to maintain this list with only the latest and choice resources that we’ve tried and loved ourselves!

We hope this list helps you out before you go and while you’re on your travels. What travel resources have become indispensable to you? Comment below!