Travel apps you use to plan, book, and find deals for your trip

A word of advice: Always check the terms and conditions before booking to find out about the cancellation policy and other guidelines.

Here are some options for alternative travel booking platforms and some travel tips for 2023.

Country houses, boutique wine resorts and Airbnbs in the suburbs are a real draw. Rome2rio is one of the best sites to find out how to get from point A to point B. Unlike Google Maps, it also helps with bookings. Just plug in where you’re coming from and where you’re going, and this site will give you the best options depending on time or cost. It’s worth considering, but at least you have a starting point.

If you’ve ever planned a train trip using a rail site in another country, or tried to combine services from two different countries for cross-border travel, you’ve probably experienced incredible frustration. have you ever done Omio is here to make train, bus and plane travel easier by finding the best deals on the best routes. You’ll see your options (and the best deals). Each option can be easily booked through its own platform. It’s great to save yourself the hassle of dealing with multiple sites and languages. (I recently used it in the UK and everything went smooth as silk.)

Agoda should be on par with Booking.com and Hotels.com when it comes to finding accommodation, especially if you are planning a trip to Asia. The site starts in Singapore and has competitive pricing and more options than other platforms if you head to Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia or other regional destinations.

For everyone planning a romantic getaway (or a solo traveler looking to treat themselves), the Mr. and Mrs. Smith platform is competitively priced given its top-of-the-line design and great location. Or we offer the best luxury boutique hotels at discounted prices. Not only that, but the hotel has sexy perks designed to make your trip a little more luxurious. Think a bottle of champagne on arrival, a signature cocktail for two at the bar, or a late checkout. Recently I got a Paris hotel for the same price as Booking.com, but got a box of boutique chocolates in the deal. .

Did you miss the train? Has your flight been cancelled? This platform is great for finding last minute accommodation at discounted prices. Often when you need it most. I recently used it to book a stay for my boyfriend who was stranded in West Germany on the way home from a trip.

One of the travel innovations born out of the pandemic, Travelstride’s FlexiPass is perfect for travelers who want adventure but don’t plan everything themselves. So, if tours sound like a vacation to you, this is the site for you. Travelstride’s platform allows him to browse desired travel destinations and itineraries and purchase his FlexiPass value tailored to the trip. From there, simply travel by the last day of 2023 to redeem your pass. Many vacations focus on private guided tours, cruises, small groups, or other experiences that may not leave you completely alone, so they’re perfect for those in the mood for a little more socializing.

If you’re planning a trip and looking to stay in luxury accommodation at a discounted price, Secret Escapes is a great place to check out. This platform works best when you have some flexibility about dates and specific locations. They also have vacation packages if you want to sort it all out at once. Access preferential prices at the coolest resorts, spa hotels and upscale establishments. Sort your trips by date, location and vacation type to maximize the site’s options. These options tend to be particularly strong in Europe, but we also offer recommendations in great destinations like Bali, Sri Lanka and Nairobi.