Convenience Big Store: ICYMI: The best websites to book your trip with

ConvenienceBigs,

Many, many, many moons ago I sent this list over to you - and I wanted to remind you about my favorite companies for two reasons:

First, I don't want you to forget where to find the best deals.

The companies below are included because they consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and value, and, overall, are just better than their competitors. They are the ones I always use as the starting point in my search for travel deals. On price and service, they can't be beaten.

These companies are here because I use and believe in them.

So, without further ado, here are my favorite companies broken down by category:

(Did you know? You can download this list of companies to your laptop, tablet, or phone so you always have it handy! Just click here to download it automatically and use it on your next trip!)

Airfare

Momondo - This is my favorite airfare booking site. It searches websites around the world and in multiple languages so no deal goes unfound.

Skyscanner - This great website searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss. While I always start with Momondo, I'll often check this site too as a way to price compare.

Accommodation

Airbnb - This site connects you with homeowners who rent out their homes or apartments. You'll get the comforts of home, the chance to stay in a local, non-touristy location, and pay a fraction of the cost of a hotel room. (New to Airbnb? Get $40 off your first stay!)

Hostelworld - The best hostel site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability. Search for dorm beds or private rooms. I use it for my bookings (and it is an official sponsor of this website).

Couchsurfing - This allows you to stay on people's couches or in their spare rooms for free. It's a great way to save money — while meeting locals who can tell you much more about a city than you will find out through a hostel or hotel. The site also has groups where you can arrange to meet up for events in your city.

Priceline - I like this website because it allows you to bid on hotels and save a lot more money than by booking directly. When used in conjunction with the bidding site Better Bidding, you can substantially lower the cost of your hotels — by as much as 60%.

Agoda - The best accommodation site for Asia. If you want a good hotel or guesthouse in Asia, use this site.

Booking.com - Booking.com provides great resource and booking site for cheap hotels and other accommodation. I like its easy-to-use interface.

Travel Gear/Products/Services

World Nomads Travel Insurance - I've been buying my travel insurance from World Nomads since 2006. They have great customer service, competitive prices, and in-depth coverage. I'll never switch. It is the one thing I NEVER travel without, and I urge you to stay covered on the road!

Lonely Planet Guidebooks - I like the look of their guides, as well as their layout, size, weight, and emphasis on budget travel. Their quality isn't as amazing and backpacker friendly as they used to be but I haven't given up on them yet and no one can touch the range of destinations they cover. Best of the worst in my opinion!

REI Backpacks and Gear - This sporting and outdoor store sells a wide variety of backpacking gear. I've had the same REI backpack with me for the last six years and it's as good now as it was the day I bought it. Their products last a long time. (If you're Canadian, I love MEC!) Here's for more info on what to look for in the perfect pack.

Rail Europe - If you are going to visit Europe and plan to take a lot of long train trips, get a rail pass. You will save money. I've saved hundreds of dollars. The math just works out for long train trips. Here's a breakdown of how passes save money.

T-Mobile - If you are a traveler and live in the U.S., get T-Mobile. T-Mobile gives their users contract-free plans (starting at $50 per month) with free international data and text messaging in 140+ countries — plus all calls while in those countries are only 20 cents a minute. I've been using them for years and love them.

Grassroots Volunteering - Use this to search for local volunteer organizations and social enterprises abroad that keep the money within the community. If you're looking to volunteer, consult this site!

Tours/Agents

Intrepid Travel - They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint.

STA Travel - A good company for those under 30 or for students. They offer discounted airfare as well as travel passes that help you save on attractions.

Vayable - I enjoy this site because it allows you to experience niche, offbeat, and interesting tours that bigger tour companies might not run (like a street art tour in Los Angeles). Plus, the groups tend to be very small, making for a more intimate experience.

Go Today - Great website showcasing highly discounted last-minute tours and hotels. Great for the last-minute planner.

Transportation

The Man in Seat 61 - This site is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. It has the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions.

Rome 2 Rio - This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. One of the best transportation website out there!

Bla Bla Car - BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It's a cheap and much more interesting way to get from point A to point B than by bus or train!

Gumtree - This Craiglist like site is an amazing resource for travelers. You can find travel partners, rideshares, jobs, second hand gear, homestays, and much more. It is an amazing website for travelers of all kind!

***

(Once again, you can download this list of companies to your laptop, tablet, or phone! Just click here to download it and keep this list handy!)

If you have anything questions or want to know if a company you found is any good. I'm here to help you travel better, so don't be shy!

Until next time!

Travel safe,

Nomadic Matt

P.S. - Leaving soon? Use the links below to book your trip:

Get your flight with Momondo or Skyscanner (Between them, you'll never miss a cheap flight)
Get your hostel with Hostelworld
Get your accommodation with Booking.com
Get your travel insurance with World Nomads (under 70) or Insure My Trip (over 70)
Need a new rewards card? Here are my current favs! (U.S. only)
Book a tour with Intrepid Travel
Need something else? Check out my list of favorite companies on my resources page.

I personally use all these companies listed (here or on the resource page) in my own travels and, by booking through these links, the small commission we earn helps us keep the content up to date, run events, create guides, and keep the website community supported.