The Most Useful Travel Websites

Hey fellow adventurers! Just dropped a treasure trove of over 100 travel websites and apps to supercharge your next trip! These bad boys will help you with everything from scoring epic hostel deals to navigating like a boss and finding those hidden gem restaurants.

Are you struggling to find the perfect travel website? Us too! Backpackers know the pain of endless searches. That’s why we created this ultimate list of 100+ travel websites and apps all in one place.

No more:

  • Endless Google searches
  • Feeling overwhelmed by options
  • Missing out on hidden gem websites

This list has you covered for everything:

  • Scoring epic hostel deals ️
  • Navigating like a boss
  • Finding those drool-worthy local eats
  • And tons more travel hacks!

Bookmark this page, it’ll be your travel BFF!

P.S. We’re all about building this travel fam. Got any secret travel weapon websites not on the list? Share them in the comments!

Why Put Up Such a List?

I think we can all relate to scrolling through endless feeds, hunting for that hidden gem of a travel destination. We’ve all been there, and let’s be real, it’s a maze out there. Imagine planning your dream trip only to get bogged down by the nitty-gritty of planning. It’s like knowing there’s a treasure out there but not having the map.

Adventurous traveler consulting a digital map on tablet amidst stunning natural landscape with ancient temple ruins, lush mountains, and a hot air balloon soaring in the sky.
Adventurous traveler consulting a digital map on a tablet amidst a stunning natural landscape with ancient temple ruins, lush mountains, and a hot air balloon soaring in the sky.

What Makes a Travel Website Useful?

In my years of trotting around the globe, I’ve come to realize that a truly useful travel website isn’t just about flashy deals or pretty photos. It’s about providing real value to fellow wanderers like me. I’ve sifted through my share of travel resources, and here’s what I’ve learned about what makes a website stand out in the endless sea of travel information.

First and foremost, authenticity takes the lead. I’m always on the lookout for platforms where the content feels genuine, and where it’s clear that the person behind the post has set foot in the places they’re talking about. These sites often offer insights into local culture, hidden gems, and personal anecdotes that you just can’t find on larger travel sites. This level of authenticity creates a connection that I find invaluable when planning my trips.

Next up, practical advice is key. I appreciate websites that go beyond the standard tourist attractions and provide tips on how to navigate local transportation, where to find the best street food, or how to respect local customs and etiquette. It’s this kind of practical advice that has saved me more than once from potential travel faux pas.

User-friendly design also can’t be overlooked. In an age where we’re all scrambling for information, a well-organized website with easy-to-navigate menus, search functions, and mobile compatibility is a breath of fresh air. It makes pulling up information on the go a lot less stressful.

Finally, but certainly not least, up-to-date information is crucial. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting excited about a spot I’ve read about, only to find it’s closed down or changed dramatically. Websites that regularly update their content to reflect the latest information earn my trust and frequent visits.

Here’s a glance at the qualities that set a website apart:

  • Authenticity: Personal, genuine insights
  • Practical Advice: Useful, actionable tips for travelers
  • User-Friendly Design: Easy navigation and accessibility
  • Up-to-Date Information: Regularly updated content

In pursuit of my next adventure, these are the benchmarks I use to judge a travel website’s usefulness. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about ensuring the journey there is rich with anticipation and equipped with all the know-how I need to dive deep into the experience.

Useful Travel Websites, Blogs, Vlogs & Info Sites

CategoryWebsiteDescriptionLink
Travel InfoWiki TravelFacts, figures, and reviews of countries all around the world.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/voy:
BlogNomadic MattOne of the most credible travel blogs/websites. Great for backpackers.https://www.nomadicmatt.com/
BlogThe Broke BackpackerGreat and popular budget travel blog.https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/
BlogAdventurous KateSolo female travel advice, tips, guides, and safety information.https://www.adventurouskate.com/blog/
BlogBe My Travel MuseSolo female travel blog with packing tips, guides, and stories.https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/
BlogSolo TravelerSolo travel blog and community by Janice Petersen.https://solotravelerworld.com/about/janice-waugh/
VlogKarl Watson Travel DocsTravel vlogs with beautiful visuals and travel insights.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoH34ICdyyRO9C88UJOEvow
VlogAaron ExploresAuthentic travel vlogs showing real travel experiences.https://m.youtube.com/c/ShowMeGoExplore
VlogYouTubeFind travel vloggers from all over the world.https://www.youtube.com/
GuidebookRough GuidesTravel guides covering over 120 destinations.https://www.roughguides.com/
Review SiteTrip AdvisorWorld’s largest travel community with reviews and information.https://www.tripadvisor.com/
GuidebookLonely PlanetWorld’s biggest travel publisher with comprehensive guides.https://www.lonelyplanet.com/
Tour OperatorKilroyBackpacker tour and adventure company.https://www.kilroy.co.uk/destinations/oceania/australia
BlogIndie TravelerBudget travel tips and guides.https://www.indietraveller.co/regions/colombia/
Tour OperatorIntrepid TravelAdventure backpacking trips for young people.https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/australia
Info SiteTravelindependent.infoTravel advice for budget travelers.http://www.travelindependent.info/countries.htm
Tour OperatorContikiBudget tours and packages all over the world.https://www.contiki.com/en-us
Tour OperatorGet Your GuideTours, activities, and guides from all over the world.https://www.getyourguide.com/

Useful Travel Websites for Visa Information

WebsiteDescriptionLink
Gov.ukOfficial visa requirements page from the UK government.https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
VisaHQEnter your nationality and destination for visa information.https://www.visahq.com/
Project VisaVisa requirements and embassy information.https://www.projectvisa.com/
CIBT VisasSearch and apply for visas.https://cibtvisas.com/

Useful Travel Websites and Search Engines for Flight Research/Bookings

WebsiteDescriptionLink
SkyscannerPopular flight comparison site for single, return, and multi-trip flights.https://www.skyscanner.com/
KayakPopular site for flights, hotels, car rentals, and packages.https://www.kayak.com/
MomondoCompares airlines for single, return, and multi-stop flights.https://www.momondo.com/
Student Universe (UK only)Flight search engine specifically for students.https://www.studentuniverse.co.uk/
CheapflightsFinds cheap flights, hotels, and car deals.https://www.cheapflights.com/
AirWanderFlight search engine with free stopover options.https://airwander.com/
EbookersCheap online flights.https://www.ebookers.com/
Flight CentreMore expensive than others, but useful for price comparison.https://www.flightcentre.com.au/

Local Budget Airlines (by Region)

RegionAirlines
EuropeEasyJet, Ryanair, Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Iberia Express, Norwegian Air
North AmericaWest Jet, Air Canada, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, Delta
AsiaAir Asia, Jet Star, Lion Air, Air India Express, IndiGo, Skymark Airlines, China United Airlines, Cebu

Useful Travel Websites for Accommodation

Here’s a table summarizing the useful travel websites for finding accommodation:

WebsiteDescriptionTarget Traveler
Booking.comLargest and most comprehensive booking portal. Offers rooms from campsites to 5-star resorts.All travelers
HostelworldWorldwide hostel booking portal with reviews.Budget travelers
Hostelbookers.com (part of Hostelworld group)Similar to Hostelworld.Budget travelers
NomadsInternational chain of hostels popular with backpackers.Backpackers
AirbnbPrivate short-term rentals in homes and apartments.All travelers
CouchsurfingStay with locals for free in exchange for work.Budget travelers, adventurous travelers
AllTheRooms.comAccommodation search engine comparing all the different booking sites.All travelers
HomestaysStay in other people’s houses while they are away.Budget travelers, those seeking cultural immersion

Useful Travel Websites for Transport

WebsiteDescriptionLink
Checkmybus.comCheck and book local bus journeys worldwide.https://www.checkmybus.com/
Routesinternational.comCovers every mode of transport worldwide.https://www.routesinternational.com/
The Man in Seat 61Comprehensive train travel guide, search, and booking portal.https://www.seat61.com/
Rome2RioGlobal trip planner for any mode of transport in any country.https://www.rome2rio.com/
KilroyOffers bus passes for backpackers worldwide.https://www.kilroy.co.uk/
BlaBlaCarRideshare taxi company.https://www.blablacar.com/
OmioMulti-modal travel search engine.https://www.omio.com/

Note: Download individual city subway/metro/underground maps for the best navigation.

Useful Travel Websites for Money/Budgeting/Exchange Rates

WebsiteDescription
XE.comCurrency converter with live rates, multi-country comparison.
Visa Card ATM LocatorLocates Visa ATMs worldwide.
Mastercard ATM LocatorLocates Mastercard ATMs worldwide.
ExpatistanCompares general costs between cities.
NumbeoCompares costs between cities.
Travelex Budget CalculatorEstimates travel budget needs.
Western Union LocatorMoney transfer service.
Moneytravelmax.comCurrency converter.

Useful Travel Websites for Travel Insurance

Here’s a shortlist of travel insurance websites to help you find the right coverage:

WebsiteDescriptionLink
True TravellerSpecialist backpacker travel insurance.https://www.truetraveller.com/
World NomadsFlexible travel insurance purchasable anywhere. Endorsed by Lonely Planet and National Geographic.https://www.worldnomads.com/
Virgin InsuranceOffers a full range of travel insurance options.https://www.virginmoney.com/travel-insurance
Confused.comTravel insurance comparison website.https://www.confused.com/

Useful Travel Websites for Volunteering

If you’re looking to volunteer while traveling, consider these websites:

WebsiteDescriptionLink
WorkawayOffers volunteer work worldwide, from home renovation to community projects.https://www.workaway.info/
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)Connects volunteers with organic farms in exchange for board and food.https://wwoof.net/
GVI (Global Vision International)Offers volunteer programs worldwide for various age groups.https://www.gvi.org/
Working AbroadProvides worldwide volunteer programs in various fields like human rights, wildlife, and education.https://www.workingabroad.com/
TEFLTrain to teach English and volunteer teaching around the world.https://www.tefl.com/

Other Useful Travel Websites

WebsiteDescriptionLink
SkiddleGuide to international music festivals.https://www.skiddle.com/
Global SurfersWorldwide surf spots and guide.https://globalsurfers.com/
Surf-Spots AtlasInternational guide to surfing.https://thesurfatlas.com/
World Snowboard GuideGuide to snowboarding destinations.https://www.worldsnowboardguide.com/
The Travel BlogTravel blogs written by fellow travelers, covering destinations worldwide.https://www.thetravelblogs.com/
RoadtrippersRoute planning website with attractions, accommodation, etc.https://www.roadtrippers.com/

Note: Download individual city subway/metro/underground maps for the best navigation.

Online Communities to Interact and Connect

WebsiteDescriptionLink
TravellerspointOnline community for travelers to plan trips, share experiences, etc.https://www.travellerspoint.com/
Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree ForumTravel forums for travelers by travelers.https://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/
BootsnallTravel guide and community for long-term travelers.https://www.bootsnall.com/
RedditSubreddits dedicated to travel for asking and answering travel questions.https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/
Couchsurfing (mentioned in Accommodation)Not just for accommodation, also a travel community to connect with locals and travelers.https://www.couchsurfing.com/
Facebook GroupsSearch for travel groups relevant to your destination or interests.https://www.facebook.com/
Social Media PlatformsConnect with other travelers on various platforms.https://twitter.com/TravelLeisure, https://www.instagram.com/travelandleisure/?hl=en, https://www.tiktok.com/foryou?lang=en

Useful Travel Apps

App NameDescriptionLink
Google MapsNavigation apphttps://www.google.com/maps
CitymapperPublic transport maps & scheduleshttps://citymapper.com/
Maps.meOffline mapshttps://maps.me/
HopperFlight comparison app with price alertshttps://www.hopper.com/
Google TranslateLanguage translation toolhttps://translate.google.com/
UberRidesharing servicehttps://www.uber.com/
GrabRidesharing service (popular in Southeast Asia)https://www.grab.com/sg/
FoursquareRestaurant finder with reviewshttps://foursquare.com/
DuolingoLanguage learning apphttps://www.duolingo.com/
YelpRestaurant finder with reviewshttps://www.yelp.com/
TravelstokeTravel community app to connect with other travelershttps://travelstoke.matadornetwork.com/
REI National ParksNational park locator with hiking trailshttps://www.rei.com/s/national-parks
PackPointPacking list generator apphttps://packpnt.com/
Trail WalletTravel expense trackerhttps://voyagetravelapps.com/trail-wallet/
RoadtrippersRoad trip planning apphttps://www.roadtrippers.com/
MeetupPlatform to connect with locals who share your interestshttps://www.meetup.com/
Happy CowVegetarian & Vegan restaurant finderhttps://www.happycow.net/
RevolutMoney management app for international travelhttps://www.revolut.com/
WikilocOutdoor trail sharing app for hiking, cycling, etc.https://www.wikiloc.com/
AllTrailsHiking trail database apphttps://www.alltrails.com/
iOverlanderCampground & accommodation finder apphttps://www.ioverlander.com/
XE CurrencyCurrency converter app with live rateshttps://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
WiFi MapFree WiFi hotspot finder apphttps://wifimap.io/

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *