We have already created reports, reviews, and discussed part of the presented content, with links directly in the list. By the next edition, we hope to cover a much larger portion of the list with such reviews.
INFORMATION SEARCH
Google – a search engine that needs no introduction, known to everyone. You can find anything.
TripsNotes – This is a website that gathers information from top travel writers. Here you’ll find numerous ready-made itineraries, tips, and inspiring photos. All the information is conveniently categorized, and the easy-to-use search function helps you find what you need quickly. The site is available in both English and Russian.
TripAdvisor – this is a popular platform for travelers where users can read reviews about hotels, restaurants, attractions, and services worldwide. The site also offers rankings, photos, and advice, helping to plan trips and find the best options for leisure. There are still people who trust it. 🙂
Trustpilot – this is an online platform for collecting reviews about companies and their products, allowing users to share their experiences and leave ratings. The site helps potential customers make informed decisions based on honest feedback about product and service quality.
Pinterest – this is a visual platform for inspiration, where users can find and save ideas on topics like design, fashion, cooking, travel, and much more. The site allows users to create virtual boards and share their finds with others, forming collections of images and ideas.
LiveJournal – for those still in the loop, this is a blogging platform where users can publish posts on various topics, share personal stories, opinions, and photos. The LiveJournal community connects individual authors and thematic groups, offering a space for communication and exchanging ideas.
Social Media:
Facebook – there are countless groups and pages. Let me remind you about our group Tourist Assistant
Instagram, Telegram, TikTok – you’d be surprised how much interesting content you can find there, especially in local communities.
AI (ChatGPT, Gemini) – in my opinion, not fully developed yet.
MAPS
Google Maps – much more than just maps. A comprehensive tool for searching information, reviews, marking routes, and navigation. A tutorial video is planned. Guide here
MyMaps – a tool for travel planning and route building. Guide here. A video on the topic is available on our YouTube channel
Organic Maps – a free offline navigation app designed for travelers and hikers. It offers detailed open-source maps, usable without internet access, and supports search, routing, and information about points of interest and services.
Maps Me – similar, but paid
Komoot – a route planning and navigation app specially designed for outdoor enthusiasts such as cyclists, hikers, and runners. It allows you to plan routes based on difficulty level, provides step-by-step instructions, and works offline, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
AllTrails – an app and platform for finding and planning hiking, running, and biking routes. It offers access to thousands of trails with detailed maps, user reviews, and navigation, helping you explore new paths and enjoy active outdoor recreation.
Google Earth – a virtual globe and mapping platform that lets you explore our planet with satellite imagery, 3D models, and panoramic views. Users can virtually travel to any corner of the world, study geography, landmarks, and historical sites, and even create their own maps and projects. Very visually appealing.
PLANNING AND INFORMATION STORAGE
TripIt – a trip organization app that allows users to store all travel details in one place. It automatically gathers flight, hotel, car rental, and event information from emails and creates detailed itineraries that can easily be viewed on mobile devices. TripIt also offers the ability to share plans with friends and family. You can organize an entire trip by extracting from emails and syncing with your calendar.
Wanderlog – a travel planning app that helps users organize itineraries, store location information, and create to-do lists. It offers interactive maps, collaborative planning features with friends, and the ability to save travel notes, making trip preparation more convenient and efficient.
Flight Memory – allows you to easily track where you have flown and create maps with your flight routes. It also displays your total flight time, distance covered, and even keeps track of aircraft types and airlines. FlightMemory creates a logbook of your personal flights in real-time.
Excel / Word / Notes / Keep – the same without the hassle. Excel stands out with the ability to sort information by the necessary factors.
FLIGHTS
Skyscanner, Kiwi, Skiplagged, Drungli, Rome2Rio, ITA Matrix, Google Flights, Momondo are search engines for comparing prices on flights, hotels, and car rentals. They allow users to find and compare offers from various airlines and travel agencies, as well as filter results by price, departure time, and other parameters. OTA (online travel agents) help travelers find the best deals and plan trips worldwide. Guide here.
ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, and many others. Pay attention to the option of searching on Google Maps, and don’t overlook local sites, especially in less populated areas. A detailed article is planned on the topic.
FOOD
TheFork is a platform for searching and booking restaurants, which helps users find places for dining in various cities. It offers reviews, ratings, photos, and the ability to reserve tables online, along with special offers and discounts at some restaurants. TheFork makes the process of selecting and visiting restaurants more convenient and efficient. Discounts can be found, especially in big cities.
Yelp is an online platform and mobile app for finding and reviewing local businesses, such as restaurants, cafes, shops, and services. Users can leave reviews, rate businesses, and share photos, helping others make informed decisions. Yelp also provides information on business hours, addresses, and contact details, along with the ability to book tables and order services. Not just for food.
Michelin Guide is the famous guide to restaurants and hotels, published by Michelin. It is known for its star rating system, where restaurants can receive one, two, or three stars based on the quality of the cuisine, originality, and overall experience. The guide is considered one of the most authoritative sources in the world of gastronomy and helps food lovers find the best places for dining. Additionally, the Michelin Guide includes hotel recommendations and other useful travel tips.
And again, Google Maps. Guide here.
CAR RENTAL
You can read the full article HOW TO RENT A CAR FOR YOUR TRIP WITHOUT MAKING MISTAKES: A COMPLETE GUIDE here
Rentalcars is an online car rental service that allows users to compare offers from various rental companies and find the best options by price. The platform offers a wide selection of cars in different countries and cities, along with a user-friendly interface for searching and booking. Users can read reviews, check rental conditions, and choose additional services such as insurance or GPS navigation. Rentalcars simplifies the rental process, making it more accessible and efficient for travelers.
Economycarrentals is an online car rental service that offers users the ability to compare prices and conditions from various rental companies. The platform covers numerous destinations worldwide, providing a wide selection of cars for different needs and budgets. EconomyCarRentals also offers online booking, detailed information on rental conditions, insurance, and additional services, making the car rental process simple and convenient.
Autoeurope is my personal preference.
TAXI
Uber is a taxi service that allows users to book rides through a mobile app. With Uber, you can easily find nearby drivers, track the arrival of the car, and pay for the ride cashlessly. The platform also offers various vehicle options, including economical and more comfortable choices, as well as food delivery services through Uber Eats. Uber operates in most major cities worldwide, making transportation convenient and accessible for users.
Bolt is a ride-hailing and delivery service that allows users to order taxis through a mobile app. The platform offers competitive rates and various transportation options, including cars and electric scooters. Bolt also provides food delivery services through Bolt Food. The service operates in several countries and cities, offering users a convenient and fast way to get around and receive deliveries.
COMMUNICATION
eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in SIM card that allows users to connect to mobile networks without the need for a physical card replacement. It is a small chip technology that can be activated remotely, simplifying the process of switching operators or plans. eSIM is especially useful for travelers as it allows easy connection to local mobile networks without needing to purchase a new physical SIM card. I use Mobimatter.
Skype, Viber – calls to numbers for pennies.
Numerо eSim – virtual numbers, this is a VoIP application where you can make cheap international calls and also acquire unlimited virtual phone numbers in popular countries without using a physical SIM card.
CULTURAL EVENTS
Exhibitions:
smotret.eu – you should go watch them and their Facebook page.
Music:
bandsintown.com – Many opportunities to follow artists.
classictic.com – Classical music.
songkick.com – Trending music and festivals by country.
ticketmaster.com – is one of the largest online resources for ticket sales for events such as concerts, sports events, theatrical performances, and festivals. The platform offers users the ability to purchase tickets, view available events, and get information about various artists and events. Ticketmaster also provides services for ticket resale and redistribution, as well as authenticity guarantees, making it a popular choice for entertainment lovers.
Festivals:
Festivals United – is a dynamic online community and news portal dedicated to the world of festivals. They provide comprehensive information, news, and analysis on a wide range of festivals, from major music events to niche gatherings. Whether you are an experienced festival-goer or just starting your journey, Festivals United is a valuable resource for discovering and planning your next unforgettable experience.
Guides:
Audio Guides:
VoxTour.ai – AI-based guides, an interesting and rapidly growing application.
That’s all for now. Hope it will be useful!
There’s much more useful and interesting information on travel topics in the group
