We’re often asked how we plan our travels, where we book things, and what tools make the journey smoother. So I’ve gathered our favorite travel resources here – the ones that help make our family adventures easier, safer, and full of wonder.
These are services we’ve used and loved on our own trips. If you choose to book through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you – and it helps keep the WanderingKite soaring. Thanks for supporting us, and happy planning!
Accommodation
Over the years, we’ve stayed at many different types of places – and as a family with a young child, we’ve learned to value great value for money, flexible booking options, and user-friendly search tools.
Below, I’ve gathered the accommodation platforms we use most often – these are tried and tested favourites that help us travel smarter and more comfortably as a family.
Before booking anything, we almost always check reviews here. TripAdvisor is not only great for reading honest feedback, but it also compares prices across various booking sites and redirects you with one click to the best deal available.
This is our go-to accommodation site. Their selection is huge – from hotels and apartments to guesthouses, villas, and even unique stays – all on an easy-to-use interface with helpful filters and map-based search. Most listings offer free cancellation, which is especially reassuring when travelling with kids.
Today, Booking is more than a hotel search engine – you can also book flights, car rentals, airport transfers or even experiences, all in one place.
Start searching for your next stay here: booking.com
Perfect if you’re looking for an entire apartment or holiday home. Vrbo specialises in family-friendly vacation rentals around the world – many with kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and child-friendly amenities. Since it focuses solely on whole properties, you don’t need to adapt to hotel rules. vrbo.com
One of the most popular online travel agencies where you can book flights, accommodation, car hire and activities – separately or as a package. You might even unlock extra discounts when booking everything together. If you’re after an all-in-one travel platform, Expedia is worth checking out. expedia.com
If you’re after something with a bit of local character – a city apartment, countryside cottage, or even a treehouse – Airbnb is ideal. You book directly from the host, which often means a more personal experience. As a family, we especially love staying with a kitchen, washing machine, and open space. airbnb.com
A well-established, reliable hotel booking platform with a huge global selection. It offers a great rewards programme: book 10 nights and get 1 free. The site is easy to use, offers good filters, and often features sales – definitely worth comparing prices here too before booking. hotels.com
Flights
We usually book our flights directly through the airline’s official website – it’s often easier to make changes, avoid hidden fees, and manage cancellations this way.
That said, we always do our own research first using flight comparison tools to find the best prices and routes. We often cross-check several sites before making a decision.
One of our favourite flight search engines. It’s super flexible – you can search for flights to “everywhere” or scan an entire month to see when it’s cheapest to fly. Skyscanner doesn’t sell tickets directly – it redirects you to the airline or agency that does. skyscanner.com
Fast, clean and very intuitive. Google Flights is perfect if you already have dates or routes in mind and want to track prices. The map view and price tracking features are especially handy. google.com/travel/flights
Great for building more complex itineraries or mixing low-cost airlines. Kiwi sometimes finds combinations other search engines don’t, and it includes its own connection protection in case of tight layovers or delays. kiwi.com
Car Rental
When we want more flexibility at our destination – especially when travelling as a family with a young child – we often choose to rent a car. We usually book it online in advance so we can compare prices comfortably and be sure a car is waiting for us when we arrive.
We always double-check the insurance options and fuel policies, and we prefer deals that include free cancellation or easy changes – just in case plans shift.
One of our personal favourites, and the platform we’ve been using more and more recently. They offer great rates and often have discount coupons or extra perks, especially for longer rentals. VIP membership comes with additional benefits like price reductions or free extras. Most offers include free cancellation. qeeq.com
A popular international car rental comparison site where it’s easy to find great deals worldwide. They work with a wide range of partners, the search filters are user-friendly, and the reviews help a lot when choosing. We like it because it’s easy to navigate, often offers better prices than other sites. They often have early booking discounts too, whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer trip. economybookings.com
This is Booking.com’s dedicated car rental platform, with a huge range of international partners. The interface feels familiar if you’ve used Booking.com before – and many rentals include free cancellation. Deals are often available, especially for early bookings. rentalcars.com
A clear and reliable platform that compares offers from various car rental providers around the world. We love how easy it is to filter search results and see upfront what’s included in the price. The platform offers solid value and helpful user reviews. www.discovercars.com
Transport
When we’re not travelling by car, we often use trains or long-distance buses, especially when hopping between cities. Public transport in Europe is well-developed, and luckily, there are now plenty of handy websites and apps to help you plan.
Here are our favourite tools for getting around Europe:
One of the best train search platforms in Europe. You can book tickets from French, German, Italian, Spanish, British and other railway companies – all in one place. Super convenient if you’re travelling across borders. thetrainline.com
The best-known long-distance bus network in Europe. Affordable fares, wide coverage, and flexible tickets that are easy to change or cancel. The FlixBus app is really useful while travelling, especially for last-minute updates or changes. flixbus.com
A budget-friendly alternative on many routes – often cheaper than FlixBus. It’s especially popular in France, Spain and Italy. Their ridesharing and carpooling platform is also great for shorter distances or less common routes. blablacar.com
If you’re travelling in Central or Eastern Europe (like Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary or Austria), check out RegioJet. They offer excellent prices, comfortable trains and buses, and often include extras like Wi-Fi, coffee or touchscreens. regiojet.com
Not sure whether to take the train, bus or fly? Omio compares ticket prices, travel times, and route options so you can make the best choice. In some countries, it even includes local transport. Easy to use on desktop or mobile. omio.com
Ideal for planning train journeys across Western Europe, especially if you’re considering Interrail or travelling through multiple countries. The English interface makes it easier to book complex routes, even though it’s sometimes slightly more expensive than local railway websites. raileurope.com
Tours & Activities
When we arrive in a new destination, we love exploring at our own pace – but we also regularly book guided tours, local activities, or skip-the-line tickets to enhance the experience. This is especially helpful when we want to avoid queues or add something extra and memorable to our trip.
We usually book these online in advance, so we can secure our spots and plan our days with peace of mind.
One of the largest and most reliable platforms for booking experiences. You’ll find everything from museum tickets and walking tours to day trips and boat rides. We love that many experiences come with free cancellation and the user reviews help us choose the best options for our family. getyourguide.com
This platform specialises in free walking tours and pay-what-you-want experiences – perfect if you’d like to explore a city with a local guide but don’t want to commit to a set price upfront. These tours are usually tip-based, so you give what you feel it was worth.
It’s a fantastic way to discover a city’s stories and hidden gems – often in a smaller group and with a more personal touch. freetour.com
Part of the Tripadvisor family, Viator offers a huge selection of tours and experiences from local providers – including small group or more unique tours you might not find elsewhere. The booking process is secure and straightforward. viator.com
Looking for fast access to a museum, cathedral, or landmark? Tiqets is great for instant digital tickets, which means no printing required – and in many cases, you can skip the lines altogether. Ideal for families with young children who don’t want to wait around. tiqets.com
Especially useful in Italy and Southern Europe, Musement offers a wide range of cultural experiences, attractions and guided tours. The interface is clean and user-friendly, and you’ll often find less touristy and more local options here too. musement.com
Travel Money & Cards
When travelling abroad, we want our payments and currency exchanges to be smooth, secure, and cost-efficient – whether we’re paying by card, withdrawing cash or sending money internationally.
Thankfully, there are now smart fintech solutions that offer better exchange rates, low fees, and easy access via mobile apps – perfect for travel.
Here are a few we’ve tried and regularly use:
A clever “all-in-one” card that lets you combine all your existing bank cards in one. It’s useful if you have accounts with different banks and want to avoid carrying all your cards. Bonus feature: “Go Back in Time”, which lets you switch payments between cards even after a transaction. curve.com
One of the most popular multi-currency travel cards, offering real exchange rates, low fees, instant spending notifications, and budgeting tools. Ideal for multi-country trips. You’ll also get a virtual wallet, and the app is great for tracking spending. revolut.com
A simple and transparent way to send money abroad and pay by card while travelling. Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate, helping you avoid hidden bank fees.
You can hold and convert multiple currencies in one account, and use the Wise Mastercard to pay or withdraw money globally with low fees.
We use it often – it’s especially handy when travelling between countries.
If you’re new to Wise, you can send your first international transfer for free using this: wise.com
Travel Insurance
It may not be the most exciting part of trip planning, but travel insurance is an essential for us – always. A good policy doesn’t just cover health emergencies, but also lost luggage, cancelled flights, or unexpected changes like needing to return home early.
When travelling with a child, it’s even more important to have coverage for things like medical care, prescriptions, or other unforeseen events. The good news is that these days, you can purchase a policy quickly online – even on the day of departure.
Popular among digital nomads and long-term travellers, but also a great option for regular vacations. Easy to manage online, with a monthly subscription model, and kids can often be covered alongside parents at no extra cost. Coverage extends well beyond Europe too. safetywing.com
A modern, mobile-friendly insurance platform with clear policies and great customer service. It’s built specifically for travellers – with 24/7 medical support, baggage protection, trip cancellation, and delay coverage. You can even request help directly through their app. heymondo.com
Perfect for active and adventurous trips – like hiking, water sports, or backpacking. World Nomads offers flexible coverage for multiple countries and trip types, making it ideal for Interrail or multi-destination journeys. worldnomads.com
Both platforms offer built-in travel insurance – either on a daily basis or activated automatically when you leave your home country. This can be a convenient choice for short or spontaneous trips, but make sure to check the details and limitations of each plan. wise.com revolut.com
Highly flexible and customisable – you can even get coverage after your trip has started. Choose only the protection you need, whether it’s extreme sports, tech equipment, or trip interruption. We especially like that it’s suitable not just for short holidays but also for world travel, solo journeys, or a full-time digital nomad lifestyle. truetraveller.com
Must-Have Travel Apps
These days, we manage nearly all aspects of our trips straight from our phones – from bookings and navigation to translations and entertainment. With the right travel apps, you can save time, money, and a lot of stress.
Here are the ones we rely on the most while travelling:
An absolute essential. From directions and public transport to restaurant reviews and opening hours, everything’s just a tap away.
Tip: Download offline maps in advance so you can navigate without internet access. maps.google.com
Don’t know how to get from A to B? Rome2Rio shows you all the possible transport options – train, bus, plane, ferry, or combinations of these. It’s a fantastic starting point for route planning across countries or cities. rome2rio.com
A must when you don’t speak the local language. Use the camera feature to translate signs or menus, and try voice translation for quick conversations on the go. translate.google.com
One of the most reliable and well-known currency converter apps. We use it on nearly every trip to check real-time exchange rates, even offline.
It’s especially handy when visiting countries outside the eurozone – making price comparisons or converting restaurant bills quick and easy. xe.com/currencyconverter
Funny name, but a total lifesaver! These apps help you find nearby public restrooms – especially useful on long sightseeing days or when travelling with kids.
Smart Travel Tools
Travelling is about more than hotels and sightseeing – often it’s the little tools behind the scenes that make the experience smooth and stress-free.
Whether it’s staying connected abroad, managing luggage, or dealing with delays, these smart services have been real game-changers for us.
Want mobile internet abroad without high roaming fees? Airalo offers eSIMs you can download in just a few clicks – no physical SIM card needed.
Perfect if you’re travelling across several countries and want reliable data access throughout. airalo.com
If your flight gets delayed or cancelled, AirHelp can help you claim compensation from the airline. They handle all the paperwork – and if the claim is successful, they take a small percentage of the payout and the rest is yours.
You might be eligible for money even if you didn’t know it! airhelp.com
Arriving early or leaving late with nowhere to put your bags? Radical Storage partners with local cafés, shops, and hotels to securely store your luggage by the hour. A great way to enjoy your last day hands-free. radicalstorage.com
A secure internet connection while travelling is a must – especially when using public Wi-Fi. NordVPN protects your personal data, lets you access content from home (like streaming services), and helps you manage banking securely from abroad. nordvpn.com
Free Packing Checklist for Stress-Free Trips
Stay organized and pack smart – wherever you go.
Click to get your printable travel checklist and start your journey with peace of mind!
