The Ultimate Travel Resources Guide
I’m excited to help you plan your best trip yet and share some of my most used travel booking websites, resources, and travel tips!
I will be updating this list constantly as I try out new tools, find better deals and learn of the latest and greatest when it comes to travel.
About Me
Hi, I’m Ralu, a passionate traveller who traded routine for the thrill of exploring the world. What began as a simple getaway soon turned into a journey of discovery, shaping Making Miles and Memories into what it is today. From stunning landscapes and hidden gems to local cultures and travel tips, I hope to inspire your next journey.
About Me
Hi, I’m Ralu, a passionate traveller who traded routine for the thrill of exploring the world. What began as a simple getaway soon turned into a journey of discovery, shaping Making Miles and Memories into what it is today.
From stunning landscapes and hidden gems to local cultures and travel tips, I hope to inspire your next journey.
Flights
Momondo has been my go-to for years. It is a comprehensive aggregator that pools results from a wide array of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), including niche players overlooked by other platforms. If your travel dates are flexible, the Pricing Calendar shows you when would be the cheapest day and time to fly.
Primarily focused on flights, Skyscanner allows you search by travel date or destination to display a range of flight options. The month calendar view is particularly recommended for spotting the cheapest flying days, potentially saving you a significant amount by adjusting travel dates slightly.
Google Flights is a seamless and efficient tool for searching flights. Although I do not always finalise my bookings through this platform, I find it useful to cross-reference my options here to ensure I am selecting the best deal.
ITA Matrix is the ultimate flight search tool. Its advanced capabilities to show you an overview by airline, date and flight class is second to none. Google Flights uses it as well, however the ITA Software Matrix delivers an even more exhaustive range of search result.
Before I pick my seat choices for a flight, I often have a look at SeatGuru. They offer insider insights into the optimal seating arrangements for any aircraft, along with comprehensive guides on in-flight retail and amenities, making sure you pick the right seat.
Expert Tip: While using a flight aggregator is advisable for broad searches, checking the airline’s own website can also get you better deals, including opportunities to upgrade to a higher class for a minimal price increase.
Hotels
Booking.com is my go-to for city trips and hotel bookings as it features an extensive database with detailed information on tourist accommodations across Europe, alongside a fully integrated online reservation system that bridges the gap between guests and hotels.
When traveling for an extended period of time, our go-to are the Small Luxury Hotels (SLH). After our dreamy trip to Paradise Cove Hotel in Mauritius and the perfect honeymoon in Thailand, at Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui, we were completely sold to the SLH experience.
Staying Connected
Airalo has been crucial for avoiding high roaming charges outside Europe, offering eSIM plans with data limits from 1GB to 30GB. Although it lacks unlimited data options, making it cost-effective for short trips, for extended travel, it might be pricier than alternatives like Holafly that provide unlimited data.
Holafly is one of the most expensive options for eSIM, however, they stand out with their unlimited data plans. I find this one of its best advantages, and thus for longer trips, I highly recommend it.
NordVPN shines as the top choice for connecting to or from international servers. You can even access your favourite Netflix show with ease! Its clear and user-friendly interface ensures a seamless connection with just a single click.
Health & Safety
Food Safety
Staying healthy while travelling is a top priority, and one of the best ways to do that is by ensuring the food you consume is safe. Keep Food Safe is an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by contaminated food, offering essential resources to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Food safety is crucial for travellers, as it helps avoid potential health risks, ensuring your journey is both enjoyable and worry-free. Keep Food Safe not only addresses outbreaks and fosters awareness but also maintains trust in the food we consume by providing support for those impacted.
A great resource for travellers is their Food Safety Guide for Travellers, which offers practical advice on how to enjoy local cuisines safely, no matter where you are in the world. From tips on spotting risky food to guidelines on safe eating practices, this guide is a must-read for anyone exploring new destinations.
Vaccines
When planning a trip abroad, it’s essential to stay informed about the vaccines you may need to protect yourself from diseases that could otherwise derail your adventure. I typically head over to Wanda.be, a platform that makes this easy by providing up-to-date information on the vaccines recommended or required for any destination.
Simply enter your travel destination, and Wanda.be will give you tailored advice on the vaccinations to consider before you go, whether you’re heading to a tropical country or a more remote region. This ensures you’re prepared and safeguarded, allowing you to explore new places without worrying about your health.
Before you pack your bags, make sure to visit Wanda.be for a personalised plan for your trip.
Expert Tip: Be mindful that some vaccines require time to become effective, so it’s crucial to plan ahead. If your trip is last-minute, you might encounter challenges in obtaining the necessary vaccinations in time. To avoid any health risks or travel disruptions, check your vaccine requirements well in advance.
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Travel is not just about the destination; it’s about the journey, the experiences we gather, and the memories we create along the way.
ralu
FREE Guide: Packing Your Carry-On for Every Airline
Learn how to pack your carry-on flawlessly every time! This guide offers essential tips and tricks to help you maximise space and comply with airline regulations.