Holiday Planning Tools

These are my go to tools for planning travel and holidays. I'm also signed up to a number of travel providers and travel blogs so I'm aware of deals when they first come out.

TL;DR

There are tools and websites available that will help plan your holidays. This short post looks at what I use.

Google Flights

When it comes to booking flights, Google Flights is a powerful tool that simplifies the process. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily search for flights based on your preferred dates, destinations, and budget, adjusting easily as needed to suit your schedule and/or budget.

I'll also track flights that are currently too expensive - but will consider if the price drops significantly.

Skyscanner for Cars

Skyscanner is an excellent resource for finding rental cars.

The platform allows you to compare prices from so many car rental companies, ensuring you get the best deal. You can filter your search based on car type, rental duration, and pick-up location, making it easy to find a vehicle that suits your needs.

Booking.com for Accommodation

Finding the right place to stay is crucial for a successful holiday. Booking.com is a popular platform that offers a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels to vacation rentals.

The site allows you to filter your search based on price, location, amenities, and guest ratings. This means you can easily find a place that meets your preferences and budget.

Booking.com also provides user reviews, which can give you valuable insights into the quality of the accommodation. Plus, many listings offer free cancellation, giving you peace of mind in case your plans change.

Holiday Extras for Parking and Transfers

If you’re flying to your destination, you’ll need to consider parking and transfers. Holiday Extras is a fantastic tool for booking airport parking and transfer services.

The platform allows you to compare prices for parking options, ensuring you find a convenient and affordable solution. Additionally, when you arrive at your destination you can book transfers between the airport and your accommodation, again various options will be presented.

Google Maps for Public Transport Options

Navigating the local area is essential. Google Maps is an invaluable tool for finding public transport options. With Google Maps, you can easily see bus, train, and tram routes, along with schedules, estimated travel times and approximate costs.

Additionally, Google Maps provides walking directions, which can be helpful for exploring the area on foot.

Lastly - before you arrive at your destination, it can be helpful to get a sense of the area. Google Maps offers a Street View feature that allows you to take a virtual tour of neighbourhoods, attractions, and more.

Tripadvisor to Identify Restaurants

While Booking.com is great for booking accommodations, Tripadvisor is an excellent resource for researching restaurants.

Tripadvisor features extensive user reviews and ratings, allowing you to gauge the quality of a restaurant. You can also find photos from other travellers, giving you a realistic view of what to expect.

Furthermore, Tripadvisor can also be used as support for booking.com when searching for hotels.

Google Searches for What’s On

To make the most of your holiday, it’s essential to know what’s happening in the area during your visit. Google searches can help you discover local events, festivals, and attractions.

Simply typing in your destination along with keywords like “events” or “things to do” can yield a wealth of information.

Additionally, local tourism websites often provide updated information on events, making it easy to plan your itinerary around what’s happening during your stay.

Planning

Planning a holiday doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By using essential holiday planning tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Booking.com, Holiday Extras, Google Maps, and Tripadvisor, you can streamline the process and ensure a smooth trip.

Happy travels!