This page includes links to the best travel brands, products and services that I use when planning my own trips. Many of these companies I have used for many years. You can also find curated packing, travel accessory and gear lists in my shop.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

FLIGHTS

ACCOMMODATION – SPECIAL STAYS

TRAVEL GEAR

TRAVEL MONEY

GUIDE BOOKS

TICKETS AND TOURS

GROUP TOURS

TRANSPORT

TRAVEL INSURANCE

FLIGHTS

SKYSCANNER

I use Skyscanner for the ability to compare flight times and connections as well as cost. If you have flexibility with your dates Skyscanner is invaluable as you can compare prices for different dates and routes.

CheapO Air

CheapOair is best for deals on first and business class travel.

SPECIAL STAYS

Booking.com

Airbnb

I use airbnb quite often for our accommodation. With so many unique and excellent accommodation options it is always worth checking what is available on airbnb for your destination.

Trip Advisor

Check out reviews of restaurants, hotels, and tours on Trip Advisor. Although I don’t find their website the easiest to use we do check out restaurants on Trip Advisor wherever we go!

 TRAVEL GEAR

Anti-theft bags and backpacks

These are the essential items of travel kit that I always take with me.

I have a number of Travelon and Pacsafe bags and would NEVER travel without them.

After a trip to Paris when thieves attempted to steal from my backpack (unsuccessfully) the bags have paid for themselves.

You can find out my recommended bags in my guides – one for bags, purses and backpacks and one to mini bags.

For more travel essentials visit Tracy’s Travels Shop

Kindle

I love books but traveling with a bag full of books is not practical. I always take my Kindle when I travel.

The ability to be able to read in full sunlight is for me one of the best things about having a Kindle. That and the luggage space it saves!

For more travel essentials visit Tracy’s Travels Shop

TRAVEL MONEY

I have a Transferwise account and card which I use as well as my normal credit cards when I am traveling. The Transferwise card works like a debit card and can be loaded up with your home currency and converted into whichever currency you need when required.

It avoids the charges you would incur using credit cards or your normal bank debit card and is an excellent way to handle spending money when traveling.

The exchange rate is excellent and I recently held Australian $$’s, Hong Kong $$’s and UK ££’s on my card. At the end of my trip I was able to transfer any unused currency back into my bank account.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE TRANSFERWISE CARD

GUIDE BOOKS

There are many excellent brands of guide book on the market and everyone has their favourite! Whether you are a fan of Rick Steves for Europe, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides ot DK Eyewitness you will find them all on Amazon.

TICKETS & TOURS

Get Your Guide

With Walks

Formally Walks of Italy this is the tour company for small group tours of European destinations including Italy, France, and the UK.

Specialising on unique experiences, special access, small groups and exceptional guides Take Walks offer online experiences as well as real life tours.

AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Choose a wide range of experiences in destinations all over the world including cookery classes, cycling tours, walks and more with Airbnb.

GROUP TOURS

INTREPID

Intrepid organise small group tours with a difference. They focus on responsible travel experiences and work with communities so that travellers can connect with local people.

If sustainability and responsible travel are high on your agenda then Intrepid is the company to choose.

TOURADAR

TourRadar is an online marketplace where you can compare and book multi-day tours from some of the best tour operators in the world.

TRAFALGAR

Trafalgar as a well respected and multi awarded travel brand focussing on group tours around the world.

TRANSPORT

Train Travel

Great Rail Journeys

Man at seat 61

I know I am recommending another website but this is really the BEST site for planning your train travel anywhere in the world. This is the first place I turn when thinking about logistics when we travel by train.

Car hire

We do occasionally hire cars if we can’t depend on trains and/or other public transport. Sometimes a road trip is the only way to see some destinations. We recommend either Rental Cars ot Auto Europe Car Rentals

TRAVEL INSURANCE

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This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.