Independent travel: 16 helpful resources for beginners

Every seasoned traveler will tell you that in planning the next trip is no big deal. But for the beginner, this problem may seem not so much difficult as a new and frightening. After all of the training depends largely on the success of the trip. Logistics, accommodation, on-site programs, especially country, local prices and the "right" place for shopping - it is only a small part of what you need to find and implement. And for this we have collected useful resources and services that could be useful in the initial stage of this travel.

I do not know that now force me to buy a ticket to the tour operator ready (except super unrealistic price, which will cover for travel and accommodation costs), as independent travel planning easy and just. Often a trip out cheaper if you do not, then where rich and interesting. Let's get started!

What is how much

Numbeo— convenient way to navigate, how much housing, food, transportation, and so on. d. in the country where you are going to go. Simply select the desired criteria and estimate the budget of my trip.

Getting there

Kayak— We are looking for plane tickets. In my experience, it was he who always gave me the cheapest prices for flight. And, of course, do not forget about known budget methods fly from Russia.

And if you do not know where to go on a trip, you direct road to the Drungli. This site will tell you where you can fly cheaply all of your city on a specific date or for the whole month will give the price table.

What to Look For: In which airport the airplane arrives (it is important for logistics, or direct), the conditions of return and exchange the ticket, baggage rules, meals on board.

Where to live

Hotels Combined— metapoiskovik decent hotels in different countries, thanks to which you do not have to check all your booking sites known. On the site BedandBreakfastyou can find B & B hotel (I just love them). In addition to the search of hotels, there are also good a content section with ideas for trips and advice.

But hotels are not the only option for a stopover while traveling. the service Airbnb You can find an apartment, and on the website Hostelz— find a cheap hostel. For travelers with children come in handy site Kids @ CoeFocused on family trips.

What to Look For: Included in the price, local taxes, meals, as well as the conditions of cancellation.

What to do on the site

Personally, I love to get acquainted with real life in each new country and city I visit, so it is always looking for local friends on Couchsurfing. They can not only give good advice, but also to arrange a tour, show life from the inside, but still feed lunch. In addition, you can always keep track of parties and other activities that suit "surfers" in a particular city. Meet with the same travelers personally is always interesting and fun.

The second option — organize themselves official tour with a local resident, for example, with the help of service Tripster. By the way, you can not only find a tour of the local, but also to ask the participants of service questions.

Smorodina— start-up guide to Russia, which will tell you where to go and what to do without having to travel outside the country. Also by travelers for travelers.

Ask for advice

In addition to Couchsurfing and Tripster you can add more resources to search for tips and advice from travelers.

TripAdvisor— reviews of hotels, restaurants, beaches and so on. n. — a huge database of all sorts of objects and activities around the world. By the way, here you will find hotel reviews that you liked, for example, for the price or location.

Gogobot— something similar to TripAdvisor, but it also has a large community travelers with the same interests. On Gogobot you can ask a question or make a recommendation to others.

Travelers for travelers- Another community of travelers from different countries focused on budget travel and getting to know the local life and culture.

Find an expert

There is no desire or time to do everything yourself? Increase your budget by 10—20 € and make the necessary service for others.

GO2 - There is a good on this platform service sectionWhere experienced travelers offer their help for beginners. For example, the development of logistics, search for plane tickets or accommodation options. There are no fixed prices for any service, so you can negotiate individually with each expert.

Skillflick— resource for finding local services in London, ranging from excursions and ending lessons on the clarinet, or professional wedding photo shoot.

I think that most of these services are familiar or experienced travelers have alternatives. However, they are likely to be useful to those who are just making their first steps in the organization of independent travel.

What other resources would you recommend and what use most often? Share your experiences in the comments.