Planning a trip (especially solo) can get overwhelming fast. Flights, accommodation, transportation, activities, translations, budgets… it’s a lot to juggle. Over the years, and after planning trips all over the world, I’ve narrowed down the travel websites and apps I actually use every single time.
This isn’t a list of trendy tools or apps I downloaded once and forgot about. These are the ones that stay on my phone, get bookmarked on my laptop, and genuinely make travel easier, cheaper, and less stressful. If you’re building your own travel toolkit, this is a great place to start.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase or booking, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my travel adventures!
Booking.com
Booking.com is one of my most-used travel websites. I rely on it for hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and even the occasional flight or car rental.
The biggest selling point for me is flexibility. Free cancellation on many bookings gives me peace of mind, especially when plans change or I’m booking far in advance.
Why I use it:
- Free cancellation options
- Detailed, trustworthy reviews
- Huge selection of stays
Agoda
Agoda is one of my go-to accommodation booking sites, particularly in Asia. In many places, I’ve found Agoda prices to be cheaper than other platforms.
I like how many accommodation options they have, from hotels to apartments, and how easy it is to compare prices quickly.
Why I use it:
- Competitive prices in many countries
- Wide range of accommodation options
- Easy to compare listings
Expedia
Expedia is one of those sites I don’t always book through, but I always check. It’s helpful for comparing flights, accommodation, and sometimes bundled deals.
I like using it as a comparison tool alongside other booking sites to make sure I’m getting a decent price.
Why I use it:
- Easy price comparisons
- Useful for flight + hotel bundles
- One place to check multiple options
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is one of my favourite tools for finding flights, especially when I’m flexible with dates or destinations. The “cheapest month” feature is great if you’re planning around budget rather than specific dates.
I usually cross-check Skyscanner with other flight search tools, but it’s often where I spot good deals first.
Why I use it:
- Finds budget airline options
- Flexible date searches
- Easy flight comparisons
Rome2Rio
Rome2Rio answers one of the most important travel questions: how do I get from point A to point B?
It lays out transportation options clearly, including buses, trains, ferries, flights, and even driving routes. I don’t always book through it, but I use it constantly when planning routes.
Why I use it:
- Compares multiple transport options
- Great for international travel
- Easy to understand route planning
Airalo
Airalo has been an absolute lifesaver for staying connected while traveling. I’ve used it in countries all over the world, including Oman, Qatar, the Philippines, Egypt, the UAE, and more.
Instead of buying local SIM cards or relying on Wi‑Fi, I install an Airalo eSIM and have data as soon as I land. It’s quick, affordable, and removes so much stress, especially when traveling solo.
If you’re interested in trying out Airalo, use my code LEAH8083 for $4.50 CAD off your first purchase!
Why I use it:
- Affordable data in multiple countries
- No physical SIM cards needed
- Instant connectivity on arrival
Google Maps
Google Maps is one of the most-used apps on my phone while traveling. Before a trip, I save restaurants, cafes, viewpoints, accommodations, and attractions. Once I arrive, everything is already mapped out.
Downloading offline maps is essential in places with limited data or unreliable service.
Why I use it:
- Save places ahead of time
- Offline maps
- Walking, transit, and driving directions
Google Translate
Google Translate is one app I never travel without. It’s saved me more times than I can count.
I use it constantly for translating menus, signs, and conversations, but the camera translation feature is what really makes it invaluable. Being able to point your phone at text and instantly understand what it says is a game changer.
Google Translate has helped me get directions in Vietnam, communicate details with my tattoo artist in Costa Rica, and find the nearest mechanic shop in Saudi Arabia. It removes so many language barriers and makes travel feel far less intimidating.
Why I use it:
- Camera translation feature
- Offline language downloads
- Helps navigate real-life situations abroad
Uber
Uber is one of those apps that makes travel feel safer and simpler, especially as a solo female traveler. In many cities, it’s more reliable than hailing a taxi on the street and removes a lot of guesswork.
I really appreciate that Uber tracks your ride in real time, shows your driver’s name, photo, license plate, and allows you to share your trip with someone back home. Knowing exactly who’s picking you up and where you are adds an extra layer of comfort when traveling alone.
I also like seeing the price upfront and not having to explain directions in another language.
Why I use it:
- Real-time trip tracking and ride sharing
- Driver details for added safety
- Transparent pricing
- Great option for solo female travelers
Hostelworld
Even though Hostelworld is known for hostels, I almost always book private rooms, not dorms. It’s still one of my favourite platforms for finding affordable, well-reviewed places to stay.
Private rooms give you your own space while still offering the option to be social if you want to. This makes Hostelworld a great option even if you’re not into the party vibe.
Why I use it:
- Affordable private room options
- Reliable reviews
- Still solo‑traveler friendly without the dorm experience
Wanderlog
Wanderlog is one of my favourite travel planning tools for organizing itineraries. I use it to map out days, save places, and keep everything in one spot.
It’s especially useful for longer trips or multi-city itineraries where things can get messy fast.
Why I use it:
- Organizes itineraries clearly
- Easy to collaborate or share plans
- Keeps travel details in one place
Flighty
Flighty is my go-to app for tracking flights. It gives real-time updates, gate changes, delays, and notifications that are often faster than airline apps.
If you fly often or have tight connections, this app is incredibly useful.
Why I use it:
- Real-time flight tracking
- Clear, easy notifications
- Great for frequent flyers
GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is usually my first stop when booking tours or activities. I’ve used it in multiple countries and love being able to compare options and read reviews before committing.
Some of my favourite experiences booked through GetYourGuide include the La Perle Dragon Show in Dubai and a full‑day Abu Dhabi tour. My mom and I did both of these activities through GetYourGuide and had the best time! Having activities organized ahead of time makes travel days much smoother.
Many activities also offer free cancellation, which gives you flexibility if plans change.
Why I use it:
- Huge range of tours and activities
- Reviews and ratings
- Flexible cancellation options
Viator
Viator is similar to GetYourGuide and is another solid option for booking experiences. I usually check both platforms to compare prices and availability.
It’s especially useful in popular tourist destinations where tours can sell out.
Why I use it:
- Trusted tour platform
- Wide selection of activities
- Easy booking process
AllTrails
AllTrails is a must for hiking and outdoor adventures. I use it to find trails, check difficulty levels, read recent reviews, and download maps.
It’s especially helpful for finding hikes in new areas or when I want something that matches my current enthusiasm level.
Why I use it:
- Trail maps and reviews
- Difficulty and distance info
- Offline map options
Been
Been isn’t necessary, but it’s fun. It’s a simple app that lets you track where you’ve been in the world.
I like using it as a visual reminder of past travels and progress over time.
Why I use it:
- Fun way to track travel history
- Simple and visual
- Great for travel motivation
Pinterest is one of my most-used travel planning tools. I trust real travelers and bloggers more than generic lists, and Pinterest is where I save ideas for future trips.
I keep boards for destinations I want to visit, places to eat, and experiences I don’t want to forget. It’s always where my trips start.
Why I use it:
- Real travel inspiration
- Easy idea organization
- Blog-based recommendations
Final Thoughts
You don’t need every travel app out there. A small, reliable set of tools makes planning easier and keeps travel stress to a minimum.
These are the travel websites and apps I personally use and trust, especially as a solo traveler. They’ve helped me stay organized, connected, and confident while traveling around the world.
Check out my recent post on practical things I never travel without for a list of my most important travel items!
If you’re planning your first solo trip, I also have a free solo travel guide and checklist that walks you through everything step by step. It’s a great place to start if you want to feel prepared before you go.
If you want to be sent directly to the free guide, you can download it here!
