Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Next Trip!

We are all about embracing a range of accommodation options, from fancy places to camping under the stars. We believe in finding affordable luxury wherever we go.

When it comes to travel, we thrive on extensive research

While it’s impossible to know everything or anticipate every situation, taking the time to plan can make a significant difference in ensuring a fantastic trip. Sure, mistakes happen along the way, but having some structure and preparation in place truly enhances the overall experience.
The level of research, route planning, and preparedness required depends on the duration of your journey. For shorter trips, it’s essential to have a well-defined itinerary, cantered around must-see activities or sights. This way, you don’t waste precious time figuring out what to do once you’re already there. Longer trips offer the luxury of flexibility, allowing for spontaneous changes and a looser idea of where you need to be at any given time.

However, investing time in planning ahead is never a waste. Regardless of your travel style or budget, we believe there are essential tools and resources that can help you create the best adventure tailored to your personal travel philosophy.
Throughout our travel journey, we have personally used and relied on each of these resources. We are delighted to share our recommendations based on first-hand experience, whether it’s for trip preparation or during our actual travels.

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Accommodation

When it comes to finding accommodation during our travels, we have a few favourite options that cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are some of our top choices:

Hotels

We always stay in hotels and love having various options that include breakfast. Our go-to app is booking.com“, particularly for their loyalty program benefits like free breakfast and discounts. We also appreciate trip.com” for its extensive selection, reliable customer reviews, and user-friendly interface, making it a great tool for finding competitive pricing and deals.

Airbnb

Airbnb is another good option, particularly for shorter trips or when we crave a break from the crowds during long-term travel. This platform allows us to rent an entire property or a room from a local, giving us a ready-made home in any country we visit. Personally I don’t use AIRBNB anymore, we find more options on Booking.com” without paying extra cleaning fees or deposit.

Hostels

Hostels have undergone a transformation in recent years, offering better value and a more social experience compared to traditional hotels. Hostels provide provide to solo travellers the opportunities to make new friends and find future travel buddies. For couples, they offer budget-friendly private accommodation without sacrificing the fun factor. When it comes to booking hostels, our go-to site is HostelWorld.

Housesitting

Housesitting is a hidden gem that a lot of travellers use around the world, we haven’t use this website yet, but would love to use it in a future. It’s perfect for long-term travellers or those with flexible dates who also happen to adore animals. Through housesitting, pet owners find individuals to stay in their homes and take care of their pets while they are away. TrustedHousesitters is our recommended service for finding housesitting opportunities.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a popular choice among independent solo backpackers. It allows travellers to meet locals and have unique experiences while securing free accommodation for significant portions of their trip. Although it’s not our personal preference, we understand why many people take this option how well it aligns with their travel philosophy. While it’s no longer free to join, Couchsurfing can still be a significant money-saver if it suits your travel style.

Regardless of the accommodation option you choose, it’s important to find what aligns with your travel preferences and budget. Each of these options offers its own set of advantages and can contribute to creating unforgettable travel experiences.

Flights

When it comes to finding affordable flights or getting inspiration for our next destination, our go-to websites are Skyscanner” and Google Flights. These platforms provide a wealth of options and help us compare prices from various airlines and travel agencies.

Once we have a list of potential flights, we also make sure to check the airline’s official website. Sometimes, we find that the airline itself offers better deals or promotions that may not be available on other booking platforms.

It’s always worth taking the extra time to explore different avenues and ensure we’re getting the most value for our money.

So, whether you’re chasing a bargain or seeking inspiration for your next journey, Skyscanner“, Google Flights, and checking airline websites are essential tools to help you find the perfect flights for your adventure.

If you are looking to book train or buses my go to go app is Omio” and Trip.com“

Travel Insurance

As someone who has spent several years working in the medical assistance department of a travel insurance company, I cannot stress enough the importance of having proper travel insurance for every trip. It truly has the potential to save your life. While the cost may seem like an inconvenience and you may never even need to use it, if the worst-case scenario occurs while you’re in a remote location, you will be grateful that you invested in coverage.

For those residing in the UK, there are multiple options available to choose from. Personally, we opted for an annual insurance plan provided by our bank, which offers comprehensive coverage throughout the year. This ensures that we are protected during all our travels without the need to purchase separate policies for each trip.

Remember, accidents and unexpected incidents can happen to anyone, regardless of how careful we are. Having travel insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of emergencies, medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and more. It is a small price to pay for the potential benefits it offers, especially when venturing into unfamiliar territories.

Money

ATM fees have always been a major annoyance for us, especially when we’re trying to stick to a tight travel budget. In the past, we reluctantly accepted them as a necessary cost for the convenience of not carrying all our money in unconventional hiding spots.

Luckily, things have changed for the better, and we’ve discovered a bank that has finally caught up with our needs – Monzo. This innovative banking option has helped us manage our money while on the road and avoid those pesky ATM fees and unfavourable currency exchange rates. Check out our article to learn more about how we handle our finances during our travels with Monzo.

Packing

A trip isn’t fully prepared for until you’ve squeezed that last shoe and rolled up that final vest into your backpack, leaving no precious space unused. Packing is an art form that we’re still perfecting, but along our journey, we’ve picked up numerous tips and tricks to make it a smoother process.

Packing light is a key aspect of our travel philosophy, and we have developed some strategies to optimize space in our luggage. One technique we swear by is rolling our clothes instead of folding them. This not only helps to maximize the use of available space but also minimizes wrinkles. Additionally, we utilize travel packing cubes, which are compact and efficient organizers that allow us to separate and compress our clothing items. These tubes help to keep our belongings organized and make it easier to locate specific items without having to rummage through our entire bag. By employing these techniques, we can pack efficiently and make the most of the limited space in our backpacks or suitcases.

GET THE BACKPACK THAT WE USE FOR LOW COST AIRLINES

Apps

In today’s connected world, it’s rare to find a traveller without a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. As we become more reliant on these devices, sometimes to an excessive degree, during our adventures, it’s important to find a balance and enjoy the freedom of disconnecting from social media and constant news updates.

However, there are certain apps that have become indispensable for us while traveling. These tools assist us in navigating unfamiliar territories, finding the best local spots, and enhancing our overall travel experience. While we value the opportunity to break routines and disconnect, we also appreciate the convenience and practicality that these apps offer.

You can find the full lists of helpful apps here : Essential travel apps and websites every traveller needs

Tour and Activities

We strongly believe in independent travel and prefer exploring on our own whenever possible. However, there are certain experiences that can only be fully enjoyed with the guidance of a tour or are simply not feasible or affordable to do independently.

With countless tour operators available in each country, it’s crucial to do thorough research and read online reviews to ensure you choose a reputable and reasonably priced company. To simplify the process, there are excellent platforms that bring together a wide range of tour options, offering a convenient and reliable way of booking. Our recommended platform is GetYourGuide“

Reducing Plastic = Saving Money

Here are some practical tips to help you reduce plastic consumption and save money during your travels

• 1 Carry a reusable water bottle: Investing in a durable and refillable water bottle is a game-changer. Instead of buying single-use plastic bottles, you can easily refill your bottle at water fountains, restaurants, or accommodations. Not only does this help minimize plastic waste, but it also saves you from constantly purchasing expensive bottled water.

• Bring reusable bags and containers: Packing a foldable reusable bag in your backpack or daypack can be incredibly handy when shopping or carrying items during your travels. Additionally, having reusable containers or silicone food storage bags allows you to avoid single-use plastic bags and packaging when buying snacks or takeout meals.

• Use a reusable coffee cup or thermos: If you’re a coffee or tea lover, consider bringing a reusable coffee cup or thermos. Many coffee shops and cafes offer discounts or incentives for customers who bring their own cups. Not only will you reduce plastic waste from disposable cups and lids, but you’ll also save money with every refill.

• Support local markets and vendors: Explore local markets and shops that offer unpackaged or minimally packaged products. By purchasing fruits, vegetables, snacks, and other items without excessive packaging, you reduce plastic waste and often find more affordable options compared to packaged goods.

Remember, every small action counts. By consciously reducing plastic consumption, you not only contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment but also save money along the way. Let’s travel responsibly and make a positive impact on our planet.

Make sure to always have your own water bottle with you, and we highly recommend the Ocean Bottle. Not only is it a reusable water bottle, but it also actively contributes to saving our oceans.

Rent A car

We have a deep appreciation for road trips, and finding a good deal is just as exciting for us! When it comes to car rentals, we prioritize value over loyalty to a specific company. That’s why we rely on comparison websites to help us find the best offers.

Renting a car is an excellent choice for exploring different destinations while traveling. It provides freedom and flexibility to discover off-the-beaten-path locations and allows us to create our own unique journey.

Whether we’re traversing scenic routes or embarking on urban adventures, having a rental car gives us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture and explore at our own pace.

So, if you’re planning a trip and want to experience the joy of a road trip, consider renting a car. And remember to use a reliable comparison website to find the best value for your money. We use Skyscanner” or Booking.com” to rent cars.

If you are planning to hire a car in Spain, Portugal, Italy or Greece check Centauro Rent a Car, we love this company no extra fees and no deposit, we always pick up the premium option that includes full insurance

HAPPY TRAVELS!