If you know me, you know I’m a planner at heart. The magic of travel starts long before I step on a plane—it’s in the research, the dreaming, and yes, even the spreadsheets. Whether I’m heading off for a quick weekend or a big international adventure, I have a few trusty tools that make planning smoother, smarter, and honestly, a lot more fun.
📚 1. Travel Books & Guides
Sometimes you just can’t beat a good old-fashioned travel guide. I buy one for every international trip and love flipping through the books (my favorites are by Lonely Planet) when I start dreaming up a trip. They’re packed with local insight, easy-to-read maps, and suggestions you might not find online. Plus, there’s something satisfying about jotting notes in the margins and tagging pages!
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📲 2. Social Media Deep Dives (Instagram & Reddit)
For real, up-to-the-minute recommendations, I scroll Instagram for hashtags and location tags (the best for foodie finds and hidden gems!). And don’t sleep on Reddit—subs like r/Travel, r/SoloTravel, and destination-specific communities are gold mines for honest advice, trip reports, and questions you didn’t know you had.
🌍 3. Expedia Reviews
When it’s time to book a hotel or flight, I always check out Expedia’s reviews. The reviews feel more “real” than most, and I like being able to see photos from fellow travelers. If you want to support the blog, feel free to book through my Expedia affiliate link—it doesn’t cost you anything extra!
🏞️ 4. Viator Reviews for Tours & Activities
I’ve been using Viator for tours since my New Zealand trip in 2018, and I always check reviews there before booking anything. Real travelers, real photos, and lots of helpful detail! If you’re looking to book your own adventures, here’s my Viator affiliate link—every little bit helps support more honest travel content!
🗂️ 5. Google Maps (Lists & Offline Maps)
I’m obsessed with Google Maps. I like to create custom lists for restaurants, must-see sights, and coffee shops, and I try to always remember to download offline maps for my destination. It’s a lifesaver when I don’t have service or want to wander without worrying about data.
📝 6. Spreadsheets & Note Apps
I track everything—flights, confirmation numbers, and daily plans—in Google Sheets or Docs. For quick notes and list-making on the go, I use Google Keep. It’s the easiest way to keep my “to eat,” “to see,” and “don’t forget” lists straight and a great place to quickly put any recommendations that locals or fellow travelers give along the way.
💬 7. Word of Mouth
Never underestimate a personal recommendation! I’m always asking friends, family, or even my Instagram community for tips and stories about their favorite places. Some of my best travel moments came from someone’s “you have to check out this spot!” message.
Planning Overwhelm? I’ve Got You!
If planning feels overwhelming (or you just want an expert touch), that’s where I come in! I offer custom trip planning services tailored to your destination, style, and budget—so you can skip the stress and just enjoy the adventure.
👉 Check out my Trip Planning Services here! Let’s make your next trip the best one yet.
Have a favorite trip-planning tool I didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments—I love discovering new resources!
*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and participant in other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full affiliate disclosure for more info.
