Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. I only share things I truly think are helpful for families.
Book Flights
Google Flights
Google Flights is always my first stop when searching for flights because it’s fast, easy to use, and perfect for flexible travel planning. I love how the calendar shows price trends at a glance, so I can quickly spot the cheapest days to fly—usually weekdays. The “Date Grid” and “Price Graph” tools are also super helpful for comparing fares over time.
One of my favorite features is the ability to track flight prices. I just turn on price alerts, and Google sends me notifications when fares drop, which helps me book at the best time.
It’s also great for exploring destinations because I can search flights from my airport to “Anywhere” and see the best deals worldwide. It’s my go-to tool for finding the most affordable and convenient flights!
Skyscanner
Skyscanner iis another excellent tool for finding flight deals, and it works similarly to Google Flights. If your travel dates are flexible, you can use the “Month” view by clicking on the Depart or Return date and selecting the “Flexible Dates” tab. This feature makes it easy to spot the cheapest days to fly.
In my experience, Skyscanner often shows even lower prices than Google Flights, but I’m sometimes hesitant to book through third-party sites I haven’t heard of, but I like to check just in case.
I also love that Skyscanner lets you search for flights to “Everywhere,” making it a great tool for discovering budget-friendly destinations. Plus, setting up price alerts ensures you never miss a deal when fares drop!
Book Hotels and Accommodations
Booking.com
In my experience, Booking.com offers the best rates, and their “We Price Match” guarantee ensures you’ll get the best price for the same room and dates.
I love that I can search hotels and vacation rentals in one place, and the filters make it easy to find properties with pools, free breakfast, and airport shuttles. Plus, the option to see free cancellation policies is a must when traveling with kids.
I also appreciate being able to view nearby attractions and restaurants, and I always rely on reviews to find places with great ratings.
Airbnb
I’ve stayed at dozens of Airbnb homes over the past 15 years—everything from just renting a room to having an entire apartment or house—and it’s still one of my favorite ways to travel. The platform is super easy to use, and I love how straightforward it is to browse pictures, check out the amenities, and get a feel for the space before booking.
One of the things I really appreciate is how easy it is to communicate with hosts. Whether it’s asking a quick question about the property or confirming check-in details, it always feels so personal and helpful. Plus, there’s such a huge variety of places to choose from, whether you’re looking for a cozy spot for the family or something unique and memorable. It’s been a go-to for me on so many trips!
Book Tours, Activities, and Classes
Viator (owned by TripAdvisor)
When I’m planning activities for our trips, Viator is my go-to! It’s super easy to find things to do, like walking tours, food tours, or sunset cruises. I love that I can filter by things like activity length or rating (young kids have a shorter attention span). Plus, reading reviews from other parents gives me confidence in my choices.
I also love that I can ask tour operators if they can accommodate babies or toddlers before booking. Viator has a low-price guarantee and a 24-hour cancellation policy on most tours, which is a lifesaver when plans change. It’s a great way to find local tours, pay securely and get that credit card cash back, and book fun activities with peace of mind!
GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is another great option I use to find activities and tours for my trips. It’s so easy to browse options—whether it’s a walking tour, cooking class, or something more interactive for the kids. Each activity includes all the details, so I can be sure it’s a good fit for my family before booking.
What I really like about GetYourGuide is that you’re not charged for your tour until two days before, which is a lifesaver when plans change unexpectedly. The many reviews from other families are a huge help too.
Plan Your Trip and Research
TripAdvisor
I love using TripAdvisor to research trips because it’s packed with millions of reviews on attractions, restaurants, and tours. It’s so easy to see the most popular spots in a city at a glance, which is great when I’m starting to plan. I also love reading reviews for tips from other travelers—it’s like having a travel guide built by real people!
Wanderlog
I’ve recently fallen in love with Wanderlog for planning itineraries—it’s such a game changer! You just type in the name of a restaurant or attraction, and it automatically drops colorful pins on a map. It’s so helpful to see everything laid out visually, so you can group activities that are close together and make the most of your time.
What I really love is how easy it is to tweak things. You can drag places around to reorder them, assign them to specific days, or even organize them into categories. It’s super flexible and makes planning feel way less overwhelming!
Get Travel Insurance
SafetyWing
I like SafetyWing because it offers flexible, affordable travel medical insurance that covers everything from emergency medical expenses to trip delays, all while I’m abroad. It’s super easy to set up, and I can buy it while I’m already traveling—plus, there’s no minimum time commitment, which is perfect for short trips or long stays. The 24/7 customer support is excellent, and I appreciate knowing I’m covered, whether I’m hiking in the boonies or exploring a new city.
