5 Awesome Travel Websites You’re Probably Not Using
Family travel is its own unique thing. You probably want to save money, but tips for the so-called ‘budget traveler’ don’t always apply (unless you like tucking your toddler into the top bunk of a noisy youth hostel…) And ‘luxury travel’ advice isn’t always the best fit either (unless you’re looking for places to dine on the island of Capri.) There are plenty of excellent family travel websites (Ed. note: Ahem) but travel has changed so much and there are many websites and services out there that work for everyone.
So, if you’re heading out this summer (and we sincerely hope you are!) and want to save time, money, and stress, check out our small but mighty list of travel sites you probably aren’t using – but should be. We’ve covered every leg of your journey from deciding where to go to making sure your pets and plants are well cared for while you’re gone.
5 Awesome Travel Websites for Family Travel Planning
For Deciding Where to Go:
Oyster – “We inspect in person – just like your mother-in-law.” This is Oyster’s tagline and what sets it apart from most travel booking websites. You can use Oyster to search by preferred destination then peruse all resort and hotel listings grouped in categories like “Best Beach,” “Best Kid-Friendly,” and “Best Hotel Rooms.” Instead of relying on descriptions and photos provided by the property, Oyster posts its high-res photos and a no-nonsense review of what staying there is actually like, including a list of pros and cons. Oyster isn’t necessarily a one-stop shop for planning a trip but it’s a resource you should consult, especially if you want to avoid getting burned by inaccurate photos and property representations.
For Road Trip Planning:
Roadtrippers – With a USD 23.99 annual membership, you can plan your trip easily AND know you haven’t missed any of the best sites in between. Simply enter your start and end points and Roadtrippers’ interactive map will show you all the great stops in between, from national parks to quirky roadside attractions (world’s largest ball of twine, anyone?) And if you’re traveling with teens or other families, simply add them to the trip so they can view it and add suggestions, helping you create an itinerary that suits everyone. Roadtrippers is best for travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path suggestions, and those who want to streamline the planning, booking, and travel process all in one easy-to-use place. You can also use the platform to estimate fuel costs, book accommodations, and find places to eat along the way. You’ll still have to pack the snacks!
For Comparing Costs:
Travelmath – A simple, easy-to-use, no-frills site that helps travelers estimate and compare travel costs. In other words, if you’re wondering if it would be cheaper to drive or fly, this is the site for you. Travelmath even tells you how it came up with its calculations so you can evaluate the information for yourself and plug in your own vehicle’s specific gas mileage. Travelmath will tell you where your exact halfway point is and suggests stops along your journey, with helpful links to discount hotel booking sites. And if you decide to fly, you’re one click away from comparing fares on three price comparison sites including Kayak.
For the Best Experiences:
Get Your Guide – Helps travelers avoid tourist traps and saves them from paying too much by booking through expensive, on-property operators that usually charge a premium. If you want access to all local experiences, even the niche, off-the-beaten-path ones, and you want to lock in your spot before you arrive at your destination, this is the site for you. Search by country, city, location, major attraction, type of tour, or a handful of other criteria, and Get Your Guide provides suggestions for what to do and immediate access to booking. Best of all, you’ll skip the lines! Sign up for emails to get travel tips, personalized itineraries, and vacation inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
For What’s Left Behind:
TrustedHousesitters – We’ve all been there, right? You finally decide where to go, plan, and book the trip only to remember your work still isn’t done. What about the house? The pets? The plants? That’s where TrustedHousesitters comes in. With an annual owner plan that starts at USD 179, you can find and connect with hundreds, even thousands, of kind, caring, thoroughly vetted house and pet sitters who will watch over everything you leave behind. And best of all, sitters do not charge for their services, meaning the site’s annual membership will more than likely pay for itself. Start your search for the perfect house and pet sitter by creating a personal listing then choose your sitter by inviting sitters to apply or reviewing sitter applications. Trustedhousesitters is a great deal for everyone, but it’s most useful for homes with multiple pets and/or families that travel for long stretches and/or multiple times a year.
