Planning a getaway or traveling soon? Here’s a list of my favorite companies to work with

If you love travel, like I do, you’re probably already planning your next getaway. Your mind is constantly thinking of how to make travel easier, more cost-effective, and more fun!

Here’s an affiliate list of my favorite companies with links to their websites and apps, where you’ll find information, score great deals, and take the stress out of travel planning.

Affiliate Notice: Some of the links on my website are affiliate links, which means that if you take action on a link, such as book an accommodation or car rental, buy gear or products, or invest in travel insurance through the link posted, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. I only link to the items I trust and recommend and work with the companies I believe in. Thank you.

1. Book the Best Flight

CheapOair.com has great flights and is easy to use. CheapOair searches hundreds of airlines and websites to ensure you receive the best route options and deals. They also have a fantastic app for iOS or Android phones.

Two airplanes on a runway line up at dusk, photo ©Asif Methar for Pexels

2. Book the Best Accommodations

Booking.com is my preferred website and app for Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, rental houses, and single-room stays. I’ve been using Booking.com since my early days of traveling in Mexico and Colombia! They have a massive inventory and offer the best rates. Their app for iOS or Android phones is very user-friendly.

HostelWorld.com offers a great alternative to hotels in shared spaces, where you never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll experience. Hostels offer experiences to travelers of all ages and are favored by those who love adventure and diversity. Like Booking.com, I’ve used HostelWorld for over a decade and still love it!

The outside facade of a building marked as a hostel with large windows and a clear blue sky. Hostels worldwide like this one in Honolulu, Hawaii are included in Hostelworld.com's long list of locations and are available when you sign up to join by using their website or app for iOS and Android phones, photo ©Kate Dana

3. Book the Best Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines for discovering something fun or unique to do or see. I always check Viator and Get Your Guide, as their inventories vary depending on the destination.

4. Book the Best Rental Car

Use Discover Cars to find the best car rental deals and download their handy app for iOS or Android. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you book with the best company in that destination. Often, reviews online are more accurate than the ones in car rental search engines, which tend to have fake or duplicate reviews.

An inside view of soft, large chairs in front of a huge picture window as the sunsets over the tarmac in Texas. The Capital One Lounge in Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) airport provides comfortable seating, free WIFI, complimentary food and drinks, showers, nap rooms, and more to approved members and is available as part of the Priority Pass program, photo ©Kate Dana

5. Savor the Best Airport Lounge Access

Priority Pass offers a membership with access to over 1,400 VIP lounges around the globe. I love this service! Whenever my itinerary shows a layover, the Priority Pass app – available for iOS or Android – is the first thing I check. No matter what the airport is like, if you have a cozy place to relax while waiting for a flight, your air travel suddenly seems more enjoyable!