5 Best Tools to Use When Planning Your Trip

Planning a trip can be overwhelming at times so using these tools can help make your experience a little more bearable.

1. Google Maps
   It may seem like a simple or no brainer to use Google Maps but it really is a great tool. Not only can you use it to find the distance and travel time between destinations, but you can “walk the path” of some of your destinations so you can get a good feel of where you are at when you get there. This can help you decide if an area you aren’t sure about is sketchy or safe. Just click on the little person, typically on the lower right corner of your screen then click on any blue line and it will give you a real view of what the place looks like on a regular basis. You can move forwards and backwards and do a complete 360 degree turn viewing all around you. Google Maps also helps you see what restaurants, hotels, shopping, and gas stations are in the vicinity of where you are wanting to go. You can really get your plans down to the nitty gritty with these features.
   
2. Gasbuddy.com
   This is a great tool to help you not only find the cheapest gas prices in your area but will also help you calculate the amount of gas you will use during your trip, how much it will cost you, and when/where you will need to stop and fill up! It takes a lot of the guess work out for you. They also have a rewards program that you can sign up to get up to 25 cents more off/gallon. You will link your credit/debit card to the rewards card so you only have to swipe once at the pump. And it’s free to sign up!
   
3. Kayak.com
   I love this site! This sight made me realize there are other means of travel than just by plane or car! Upon searching for flights, I realized an Amtrak train was available for my destination at a much cheaper rate than a flight and would just be a cool and different way to travel. So, in other words, this site will look at all means of travel…plane, bus, train, etc. and find you the best rate, fastest time, lowest rate, or whatever you are searching for. It will do the same thing for accommodations, scanning through the many deal sites such as Priceline, Expedia, and Vrbo and finding you the best deal for you! It will also help you find car rentals, searching all rental car companies to, again, help you find the best deal. Download the app on your phone to find deals when you are on the go!
   
4. Pinterest
   I know this one seems a little odd but anytime I’m thinking about visiting a place, the first thing I do is go to Pinterest and start pinning interesting pins that include blogs from people who have been there and done that and can give you good advice on the best things to do, places to eat, and such. Now sometimes these bloggers (self included) have not “been there, done that” but have taken the time to do solid research. Either way, Pinterest is always a good place to start when getting ideas for a vacation!
   
5. Booking.com
   I typically use this site to book all of my hotel reservations. I feel like it gives me the best deals. Set up an account and you will be given different ‘Genius’ levels based on how many times you have used Booking.com to reserve your accommodations and completed the stay. This can opt you into extra advantages such a free room upgrades and free breakfasts just to name a few.
   I have also used booking.com to reserve a taxi to take us from the airport to our hotel during our latest vacation. Although this is a little pricier than an Uber, the comfort of knowing I had a ride well in advance was worth it to me. Uber won’t allow you to book a ride more than two hours ahead of time. These “taxis” are basically a ride share just like Uber and you have the option of a basic (economy) vehicle or a luxury vehicle (which, of course, you will pay more for). Booking.com also offers flight, car rental, and attractions bookings as well through their site.

I hope this list of tools helps you plan your next vacation and all vacations to come! Planning doesn’t have to be so scary!

Also, check out my Travel Planner to help you stay organized exclusively on Amazon.com.