travel resources : our favorite travel websites

Nov 11

Nov 11 travel resources : our favorite travel websites

Yearlong travel means we’re consistently researching our current and future destinations. While we’re always checking Lonely Planet and Culture Trip, we’ve also grown attached to other travel websites and podcasts! Below are our 4 favorite travel resources, plus two destination specific sites that we couldn’t leave out.

EXTRA PACK OF PEANUTS

I’ve listened to this husband and wife team’s podcast for the past five years! They are experts in earning Flying Miles and their Destination Diary podcasts are my favorite. Here’s a short list of places that we’ve traveled to because of them: Paros, Budapest, Slovenia, Ito (Japan) and Siem Reap! I just took their Travel Hacking Masterclass this week, which I won through their Giveaway (!) and I learned so much.

Start with: their podcast on earning Frequent Flying Miles, “Top 15 (or so) Questions about Frequent Flyer Miles”, episode 296.

RICK STEVES

One of the greats who we lovingly refer to as my “godfather”. Rick Steves has been my favorite travel resource since I started planning my own travel. I lugged his “Best of Europe” guide all throughout my study abroad days before we had smartphones!

Start with: there’s just so much! But we loved watching his “Rick Steves’ Europe” episodes on YouTube during the months leading up to our travels, especially the Istanbul episode. Also, his podcast is fantastic!

EARTH TREKKERS

Earth Trekkers is like the older, traveling sibling that I never had. They traveled with their two kids about 5 years before us. They review so many sightseeing spots and activities to do in each city that they visit. While the speed in which they can travel makes me want to take a nap, I love to read their recommendations!

Start with: their “Around the World Packing List” was a major help in putting together our master packing list!

SANTORINI DAVE

So much great information on destinations beyond Santorini. Santorini Dave is a hotel expert. The hotel suggestions are usually above our budget, but if your looking for places to stay on a great, once a year type trip, definitely head to this site! We love the resources on neighborhoods to visit and great restaurants to try.

Start with: it really depends on your destination, but we loved “The Best Restaurants in Athens”.

TOKYO CHEAPO

A great, Japan specific site for all things traveling in this fantastic country. We learned so much about Japanese norms, culture and especially how to save money in this expensive destination.

Start with: their “Beginning Guide to Tokyo” is a great foundation for all things Tokyo.

OFFBEAT BUDAPEST

Our go-to guide while we spent two weeks in Budapest. The website covers everything that you would want to know about this amazing city, but the neighborhood guide and the food lists are my favorites!

Start with: we loved using their “Foodapest Card” and learning about Hungarian food in their post called “Eat Your Way Through Budapest Like a Local”.

What are your favorite travel websites and podcasts? We’re always looking to add more to the list!