Booking Tools
On this page, we will share all the services, sites, and apps we use to arrange our flights, accommodation, and transport. Affordable traveling without losing comfort is our way of traveling, and we get it done with these suggestions.
Here we go free birds!
Covid
First things first, COVID has been messing up travel for a long time now, but the end is in sight. We have a dedicated site that helps with informing you about all the needed documentation and rules about your desired location. Covid Controls is the main site we use to know which countries are open and which rules they have in place.
And also fascinating to see all the flights up in the air during this pandemic. It seems that the world is still flying nonstop all over the globe, so don´t let yourself be discouraged by the raging media. Just follow the ruleset, be as healthy as you can be, and go enjoy life!
Booking flights
For finding very affordable flights, we use these excellent sites to compare prices. Quick tip; be flexible about your dates and you will pay so much less for your flight(s).
We also recommend you to check out our free Ebook, so that you will save thousands of dollars on future flights.
Rather bathe in luxury and comfort? We know a little airline that will take care of you!
Booking airport services
These services help you with finding shuttles, parking spaces, and the very best airport lounges.
Need a shuttle for you and your crew? You can easily compare prices and get cheap (or premium/luxury) rides from the airport.
Where can I drop off my car at this airport I´ve never been to?! AirportParking to the rescue!
Airports are gigantic, and sometimes confusing in where things are. Want to find the lounge quickly? Lounge Buddy is your companion!
How does access to 1000+ airport lounges worldwide feel? Pretty luxurious right? If you are a hardcore traveler and spend many hours at airports, this pass is a must-have. It´s not even expensive if you really profit from these lounges. It´s a smart investment for the world travelers amongst us!
Need a fake plane ticket for your exit? We got you!
Frequent Flyer
Getting your blackbelt in flying around the world? Then these sites, apps, and services are to be known:
Everything you need to know about acquiring visas for you next trip.
The best seat in the house on the plane can be found with this popular must-have service.
Want to know everything about travel hacking? These three excellent services know a thing or two about optimizing points and miles.
Need a Simcard that works anywhere in the world? WorldSim is the service we have as a backup SIM. We usually buy a data card in every new country we arrive in, but we always have WorldSim in our second Sim-slot to be sure.
Booking accommodation
Where do we find the best deals on accommodation? We have a few awesome booking sites we use constantly, and we keep finding very affordable stays with great extras. Comparing prices and extras has been made easy with these excellent sites:
The uncrowned king of booking hotels, hostels, and everything in between. We use Booking for about 75% of all our stays. Becoming a Genius-member is a big advantage!
Whenever in Asian countries, we prefer to use Agoda.
Whenever you need budget-friendly accommodation, Hostelworld is your best friend!
Couldn´t find what you were looking for on these aforementioned sites? Hotels.com always seems to have something other sites didn´t have!
For travelers who want to rent an affordable location for like a month, we recommend booking via AirBnb. This is because you get significant discounts on your stays if you stay for like a month (33 to 50% discounts!). This makes AirBnb the best option for us digital nomads, ex-pats, and free birds. You can get a 40 dollar discount if you use our link on your first booking.
Beach house? Condo? Cabin? You can find unique homes away from home with Vrbo.
We´ve written a bunch of articles on the best hotels to book on many different bucket list locations. Check e´m out!
And we´ve also found the 10 absolute very best hotels in the world. If you got the money, let´s go! 🙂
Booking transport & favorite services
We love to get around hassle-free, affordable, and safe. For those purposes, we regularly use:
The king of navigation, the undisputed champ in bringing you to your destination. We couldn´t imagine traveling without this loyal companion.
Whenever you don´t have data, you can´t use Google Maps. And then you're really really lost (nowadays)! The answer to that is downloading the offline maps from Maps.me, the excellent secondary must-have navigation app.
How do you get from point A to B in countries you don´t know the way? Do we take the bus, train, or cab? And which one and at what time?! Rome2Rio knows the way!
Whenever we need a rental car, we always check on RentalCars. They offer the best prices and also have their own awesome insurance policy (that usually saves you tons of money in comparison with individual rental car companies).
Whenever we need a quick ride, we prefer Uber over local taxis. This is because taxi drivers have a tendency to rip tourists off. We´ve had multiple incidents with taxi drivers, so we are very content with Uber. We think our experiences are better because the payment is already done within the app, and the driver has to keep in mind that we can rate them. These Uber drivers are way more friendly and helpful because of this system.
Busses, scooters and more!
Considering a bus and have no clue where to go, how much it costs, and how long the ride is? BusBud is your buddy for comparison and bookings!
Call us silly, but we love to scoot around town on those silly electric scooters. They are cheap, easy, fast, and fun. Check out their sites to discover which electric scooter brand can be found on your bucket list location. Getting on the road with one of these brands is easy: install the app, connect your credit card, unlock one, and simply go!
Our favorite thus far has been Lime.
Rather be in nature with a cool RV, camper, or SUV? Then these sites help you with finding an affordable rental for your next outdoor adventure!
Booking fun & activities
For great tours on bucket list locations, we scout across these sites to find an affordable tour or tour guide that has excellent reviews. And you can become a tour guide or travel host yourself. Discover all the possible options on these great sites.
Want to meet up with like-minded people? You can find them on Meetup for offline and online meetings.
Reserve in advance seats at your desired restaurant anywhere in the world with Tripadvisor´s The Fork. Bon appetit!
Now it´s up to you!
Now you know exactly which sites and services we use to comfortably and affordably travel around the world. Now it´s your turn!
Happy affordable traveling 😉
Also check out our other tips, hacks, and recommendations on:
- Digital Nomad Tools >
- Travel Insurances >
- Money Tools >
- Research >
- Entertainment >
- Lifestyle Tools >
Your favorite tool?
If you have a great suggestion you use as a tool, and it´s not to be found on this list, let us know! > info@freebirdsmagazine.com
* Disclosure: some of our recommendations are affiliate links, and we earn a commission if you make a purchase. This keeps the magazine up in the air and us on the road. Thanks in advance!