Planning the perfect trip can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, we've compiled this ultimate list of the best travel planning resources and tools we trust for every journey. From finding the cheapest flights to staying connected abroad, this toolkit will help you book with confidence and travel with ease.
Best Flight Booking Tools
Expedia - Your Go-To Flight Search
Expedia remains our top pick thanks to its powerful and flexible search engine, along with consistently competitive prices. It makes booking complex routes easy—an essential feature when you're trying to maximize your travel time. Pro Tip: Use the "Multi-City" option for trips like our Japan itinerary (e.g., fly into Tokyo and out of Osaka). This can save you hundreds of dollars and even a full day of travel.
Top Hotel Booking Sites
Expedia Hotels
With a massive global inventory and a rewarding loyalty program (One Key), Expedia is our go-to platform for booking accommodations across all budgets. Whether it’s a luxury retreat or a practical, well-located business hotel, Expedia consistently delivers great value and convenience—making it the ideal base for any trip.
Booking.com
Booking.com is a top-tier alternative, known for its user-friendly interface and frequent last-minute deals. We always recommend cross-checking prices between Booking.com and Expedia to ensure you're securing the best possible rate for your travel dates.
In-Country Transportation
Booking Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Tickets
For travel in Japan, the JR Pass is no longer the best value—especially for the popular Golden Route. Instead, we recommend booking individual train tickets in advance through trusted platforms like Klook. This ensures you get a reserved seat on the fastest trains, which is crucial during peak travel seasons.
Essential Travel Services
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is non-negotiable. It protects you against unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage—things that can ruin any trip. We recommend SafetyWing for its unmatched flexibility: you can even sign up after your trip has started. It's especially great for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
eSIM & Pocket WiFi
Stay connected the moment you land. An eSIM is the easiest and most modern way to get mobile data while traveling—no need to swap SIM cards or visit a store. We recommend Airalo for its seamless setup and reliable coverage in dozens of countries. It’s a true travel game-changer.
Travel Planning & Organization
Google Maps
An indispensable tool for any traveler. Before a trip, we "star" or "save" all our points of interest (hotels, restaurants, sights) on the map. We also download offline maps for the entire city, ensuring we can navigate even without a data connection.