Resources · Plan it, book it, go
Travel resources
The sites and services I use to plan my own trips, sorted in the order you'll need them. I only list what I'd recommend to a friend.
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Chapter 01
Flights
Compare fares before you commit, and keep your confirmation on your phone for the immigration counter.
Kiwi.com My first stop
Flight search that can combine airlines. It's what I use for the international routes in my guides.
Best for International and multi-stop trips
Trip.com
A second place to compare fares before you book.
Best for Checking a price against Kiwi.com
Chapter 02
Hotels & stays
Guesthouses, hotels, and whole homes. Check each listing's cancellation terms before you book.
Booking.com
A large choice of stays, many with free cancellation. I use it for most of my trips.
Best for Flexible bookings
Agoda
Often worth a second look for Asia, where it can beat other sites on price.
Best for Stays in Asia
Hotels.com
Another hotel search to compare before you decide.
Best for Comparing hotel prices
Vrbo
Whole homes and apartments, useful for families, groups, and longer stays.
Best for Groups and longer stays
Chapter 03
Tours, activities & attractions
Day tours, tickets, and experiences. Booking ahead in busy seasons saves time and negotiating.
Klook
Tours, tickets, and experiences across Asia. I book activities here before I travel.
Best for Day tours and attraction tickets
GetYourGuide
Guided tours and skip-the-line tickets, strong for Europe and popular city sights.
Best for Guided tours and city sights
KKday
Another source of tours, tickets, and experiences. Worth comparing with Klook for the same activity.
Best for Comparing prices on the same tour
Chapter 04
Getting around
Rental cars and pre-booked rides, sorted before you land.
GetRentacar
Compare car rental offers, and read the insurance terms before you pick one up.
Best for Road trips and rental cars
Kiwitaxi
Pre-book a private transfer, so a driver is waiting when you arrive.
Best for Airport transfers
Chapter 05
SIM cards & eSIMs
Sort your data before you land, so you're online the moment you arrive. Check that your phone supports eSIM first.
Airalo
Download an eSIM before your flight and switch it on when you land.
Best for Short trips with an eSIM-ready phone
Yesim
An eSIM app with plans for many countries, handy as a second option.
Best for Comparing eSIM plans
Klook Wifi & SIMs
SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi you can add to the same booking as your activities.
Best for Airport pickup or delivery
Chapter 06
Travel insurance
Look for emergency medical cover first. Check what is and isn't included for your trip length.
SafetyWing
Flexible cover built for long trips and remote workers, including emergency medical cover.
Best for Long trips and digital nomads
Chapter 07
Money & cards
Withdraw cash at local ATMs with a card that gives you the real exchange rate.
Wise
Open a free account through my link and get a card for spending and ATM withdrawals abroad.
Best for Lower-cost spending abroad