Your Ultimate Travel Resource Hub
Planning a trip should be exciting, not stressful. That’s why I’ve gathered my favorite tools, websites, and apps to help you save time, money, and hassle. Whether you’re heading to the Big Island or anywhere else, these resources will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Big Island of Hawaii Essentials
1. Flights to the Big Island
– Google Flights: Compare prices and track deals. I’ve found round trips for under $400!
– Skyscanner: Find cheap flights and set price alerts.
– Hopper: Predict the best time to book for the lowest fares.
– Secret Flying: A hidden gem for incredible flight deals and error fares.
2. Where to Stay
– Airbnb: Cozy forest retreats, oceanfront homes, and everything in between.
– VRBO: Perfect for spacious vacation rentals.
– Booking.com: Hotels with flexible cancellation policies.
– Expedia: Great for finding low prices on hotels.
– Marriott Bonvoy: Ideal for luxury stays and earning points.
Pro Tip: Always check a few booking sites (like Expedia or Booking.com) and then compare prices directly on the hotel’s website. Sometimes booking directly is cheaper, and it’s worth the extra minute to save!
3. Getting Around
– Discount Hawaii Car Rental: Affordable rentals with no hidden fees.
– Discover Cars: Compare prices across providers.
– Turo: Rent cars directly from locals (like Airbnb for cars).
– Hele-On Bus: Budget-friendly public transport (limited routes).
– Rome2Rio: Plan multi-modal trips with ease (e.g., bus + ferry).
4. Tours & Activities
– Viator: Book guided tours, from volcano hikes to snorkeling adventures.
– GetYourGuide: Top-rated activities like manta ray snorkeling and coffee farm tours.
– Hawaii Forest & Trail: Expert-led eco-tours for nature lovers.
– Atlas Obscura: Find unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
5. Food & Drink
– Yelp: Find top-rated local eateries and hidden gems.
– Google Maps: Discover nearby restaurants with reviews and photos.
– OpenTable: Reserve tables at popular restaurants in advance.
6. Packing Tips
– REI: Gear up for outdoor adventures with hiking shoes and snorkel gear.
– Amazon: Grab essentials like reef-safe sunscreen and packing cubes.
– Thrift+: Shop for sustainable travel gear and clothing.
General Travel Resources
1. Flights
– Google Flights: Compare prices and track trends.
– Skyscanner: Find cheap flights and set alerts.
– Hopper: Predict the best time to book.
– Kiwi.com: Flexible flight options, including “nomad” tickets for multi-city trips.
2. Accommodation
– Airbnb: Unique stays and budget-friendly rentals.
– Booking.com: Hotels with free cancellation.
– Hostelworld: Affordable hostels for solo travelers or groups.
– HotelTonight: Last-minute hotel deals at discounted rates.
3. Transportation
– Priceline: Great for car rentals if you’re 25 or older.
– Alamo: Car rentals for travelers 24 and younger.
– Discover Cars: Compare rental car prices.
– Turo: Rent cars directly from locals.
– Rome2Rio: Plan multi-modal trips with ease (e.g., bus + ferry).
4. Planning Tools
– TripIt: Organize your itinerary in one place.
– Google Maps: Offline maps and directions. Plus, you can create your own custom map! I added all the must-see spots and food recommendations, so everything was in one place. It came in clutch when my man and I needed options—he happily picked from the list, and every spot was amazing. It takes a little time, but it’s totally worth it.
– Polarsteps: Track and share your travel journey.
– Notion: Create custom travel planners and packing lists.
– Notes App: A reliable backup for your itinerary. I always keep a copy here so we’re ready to go, even if plans change or there’s no connection.
5. Money-Saving Tips
– Scott’s Cheap Flights: Get alerts for flight deals and error fares.
– Splitwise: Split costs with travel buddies easily.
– XE Currency: Convert currencies on the go.
– Rakuten: Earn cashback on travel bookings.
6. Travel Insurance
– World Nomads: Comprehensive coverage for adventurous travelers.
– SafetyWing: Affordable insurance for long-term trips.
– Allianz Travel Insurance: Great for families and multi-trip plans.
7. Local Experiences
– GetYourGuide: Book tours, activities, and attractions.
– EatWith: Enjoy local meals and cooking classes with hosts.
– Withlocals: Private tours and experiences led by locals.
Bonus Resources
– SeatGuru: Choose the best seats on flights.
– PackPoint: Create custom packing lists based on your destination and activities.
– Flush: Find public restrooms near you (a lifesaver for road trips!).
– WiFi Map: Locate free WiFi hotspots worldwide.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this page for easy access to these resources whenever you’re planning a trip!