Best Travel Companies Every Explorer Should Know
After 10 years of exploring the world, I’ve learned that not all travel companies are created equal. Some have made my trips smooth and unforgettable — while others… let’s just say I wouldn’t recommend them. Over time, I’ve narrowed it down to a handful of trusted companies that I come back to again and again because they consistently offer the best deals, smooth experiences, and top-notch service.
This isn’t a sponsored list — these are the companies I actually use and trust when planning my own trips. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book through them. It helps keep this blog running and allows me to keep sharing the best travel tips with you!
So, if you’re looking for the easiest way to book flights, hotels, transportation, and more — start here:
Flights
SKYSCANNER
My go-to for comparing flights across airlines and finding the cheapest options. Their flexible date search is a game-changer!
GOOGLE FLIGHTS
Great for tracking flight prices and finding the best time to book.
MOMONDO
A powerful search engine that often uncovers cheaper fares than other platforms.
POINT.ME
Excellent for maximizing your frequent flyer miles and finding award flight availability.
For more tips on scoring the best flight deals, check out this article with all my insider advice!
Accommodation
BOOKING.COM
Massive selection, great cancellation policies, and ideal for finding last-minute deals.
HOTELS.COM
Offers a wide range of accommodations worldwide with a loyalty program called One Key. Members earn 2% in OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible bookings, which can be redeemed for future travel.
TRUSTED HOUSESITTERS
Stay in beautiful homes for free by pet sitting — perfect for long-term stays!
HOSTELWORLD
Best for budget-friendly stays and meeting fellow travelers.
Transportation
RENTALCARS.COM
Competitive rates and super easy to use.
ROME2RIO
Perfect for figuring out the best way to get from A to B—by train, bus, or car.
DISCOVER CARS
Great for finding affordable car rentals worldwide with flexible terms.
OMIO
Best for booking trains and buses across Europe.
Travel Insurance
WORLD NOMADS
Comprehensive coverage for adventure travelers.
SAFETY WING
Affordable travel insurance for long-term travelers.
ALLIANZ
Great for trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage.
IMG GLOBAL
Flexible travel medical insurance with customizable options.
Travel Credit Cards
PLATINUM CARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS
Best premium card for luxury benefits.
CHASE SAPPHIRE Preferred
Best overall, mid-tier travel card.
CAPITAL ONE VENTURE X
Best for international travel.
CHASE INK BUSINESS PREFERRED
Best overall, mid-tier travel business card.
Tours & Experiences
GET YOUR GUIDE
Tons of curated tours and experiences. Great for finding hidden gems!
VIATOR
A huge selection of local tours with flexible cancellation policies.
Airbnb Experiences
Unique, locally hosted activities and experiences.
KLOOK
Popular in Asia for tours, tickets, and transportation deals.
Staying Connected
GET YOUR GUIDE
Easy-to-use eSIMs for staying connected without sky-high roaming fees.
VIATOR
Unlimited data eSIMs in over 160 countries.
NORD VPN
Keeps your data safe while traveling and helps you access location-restricted content.
Solis by simo
Portable WiFi for secure internet access anywhere in the world.
