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Planning a trip always involves a lot of hard work when it comes to planning. I have compiled a list of my favourite companies and sites to use when booking everything from flights to transport and insurance. So let’s get down to it:
Planning
This is such a great visual platform to give you lots of wanderlust, spark ideas and even link you to useful blogs and itinerary recommendations. You can create boards to save these images and ideas to come back to later.
Safety
During your planning phase it is crucial that you check if there are any current safety concerns with you travelling to that specific destination. It is also great to know where your nearest embassy is in that country if you require consulate assistance. These sites are governmental and are a legitimate source of information on the political status or situation in that country. If you are told the current level of warning is DO NOT TRAVEL then I wouldn’t risk it. If something happened, it could be very difficult to get out if you have no access to your national embassy.
For Aussies head to Smart Traveller
Citizens of the UK can use Foreign Travel Advice
Citizens of the US can use Bureau of Consular Affairs
Insurance
Yes, it may be boring to talk about but there is a reason why I have this put this right near the top. It is THAT important. Don’t ever leave on an overseas trip without it World Nomads are great. They have plans that you can tailor to suit your needs and are recommended by Trip Advisor and several other top bloggers.
Flights
I normally use this when researching to track prices/dates. I am more likely to book with Skyscanner or Expedia.
Skyscanner
This is my overall favourite and I use this search engine ALL the time. I half live on it. The great thing about it is that is searches other sites and airlines and shows you lots of options and deals.
Expedia
Gives you the opportunity to accrue points/account credit. It is easy to use and nice printable confirmations.
Accommodation
Now that you have decided where to go and have booked your Flights and Insurance, it’s time to figure out where to stay.
Booking.com is my Absolute favourite. I use this ALL the time and have been for years. It is really easy to use, allows you to have access to discounts if you use your account often and shows a range of accommodation types from Hostels and GuestHouses/Lodges to Resorts and Hotels.
Air bnb
Hostelworld
Transport
Rome to Rio
AutoEurope
Tours
Viator
Africa Travel Co
Travel Talk
Intrepid
G Adventures
On the Go
Contiki
Top Deck
Getting a Job abroad
Workaway
Search Associates
Teach Away
Teaching Recruitment Agencies
Teaching English
Volunteering
Grassroots
