Smart Travel Resources & Tools to Spend Less and Travel More

Looking for the best travel resources to plan, book, and enjoy your trips? Over the years, I’ve found a set of reliable platforms for booking flights and trains, finding affordable places to stay, managing money abroad, and keeping your travels safe.

This page is a curated list of trusted travel tools used by travelers worldwide — plus a few I rely on personally. They’re all here in one place so you can plan smarter, save money, and travel with confidence.

Want more practical tips? Check out my in-depth Smart Travel Planning guides for advice on avoiding hidden fees, finding great deals, and making the most of every trip.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting CheapWanderlust!

Flights & Booking

  • Booking.com
    One of the largest accommodation platforms in the world, offering hotels, apartments, and guesthouses in nearly every destination. Reliable reviews, advanced filters, and free cancellation on many stays make it a top choice for flexible travel planning.
  • WayAway
    A flight search engine that also offers cashback on bookings. Ideal for travelers looking to save on long-haul or multi-city trips while still accessing a wide range of airline options.
  • Omio
    A transport comparison tool that shows trains, buses, and flights across Europe in one place. Saves time by letting you compare schedules, prices, and routes without visiting multiple websites.
  • Trainline
    A fast and easy way to book train travel in the UK and across Western Europe. Offers mobile tickets, competitive pricing, and route options that are often simpler to find than on national rail sites.
  • GetYourGuide
    A platform for booking tours, activities, and skip-the-line tickets around the world. Helpful for finding well-reviewed experiences in major cities and securing spots in advance.
  • Viator
    One of the largest online marketplaces for tours and excursions, with options ranging from city walking tours to multi-day trips. Includes extensive customer reviews to help choose the right experience.

Travel Money & Payments

  • Wise
    A money transfer and spending service that uses the real exchange rate, avoiding the hidden fees often charged by banks. Useful for paying in local currency or sending money abroad at low cost.
  • Revolut
    A multi-currency card and app that makes it easy to spend abroad, set budgets, and track expenses. Supports instant currency exchange at competitive rates and offers additional travel perks.

Travel Insurance & Safety

  • SafetyWing
    Flexible travel insurance designed for both short trips and long-term travel. Offers subscription-based coverage that can be managed entirely online.
  • World Nomads
    Travel insurance known for covering a wide range of activities and destinations. Often chosen by adventure travelers who need flexible, reliable protection.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

VPN & Digital Tools

  • NordVPN
    A secure VPN service that protects personal data on public Wi-Fi and allows access to region-restricted websites. Known for fast connection speeds and strong privacy features.

We receive a fee when you get a subscription from NordVPN using this link. We do not represent NordVPN. This is not a recommendation to buy VPN services.

Accommodation & Hostels

  • Hostelworld
    A global booking site for hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses. Allows filtering by location, price, and atmosphere, making it easy to find the right fit for different travel styles.

Other Guides & Tools

Want More?

I only include tools and platforms I personally use and trust. If you have a favorite app or travel tool I should test, reach out here.

Thanks for supporting CheapWanderlust by using these links when you book or buy — it helps keep the blog alive!

Scroll to Top