Lots of Apps and More
Use technology wherever you can! Here are lots of resources and trip management tools.
Apps and Websites by Use
Organizing Information
We've been using TripIt for years and find it to be a great tool for keeping all logistical information in one place. Confirmation numbers, rates, dates reservations that have been made, addresses of places to go, flight confirmation information at-hand. Recently, it even sent an alert that there may be a partial refund due to a missed connection! It is also good for sharing a less-detailed version with your traveling companions, if you don't want them -- or they don't need -- to see EVERYTHING. The app is easy to use while on the road. There's a pro version ($49 per year) which includes extras like real-time flight alerts, TSA wait times, and loyalty reward program updates.
If you prefer to have all your information on a computer in a document rather than in a website, there are lots of templates out there. Here is our favorite, which allows you to input your data in excel or google sheets. Works on all types of trips and can be accessed across all devices!
A map-centric planner that layers AI suggestions, budgeting, checklists, and group chat onto a draggable day-by-day timeline. Everything syncs across web and mobile; collaborators can vote or comment in real time. Offline access and expense splitting make it popular for backpacking or multi-city trips.
What to Do on the Trip
One of the best ways to determine the "must see/ must do" things in any given destination is to look at Viator and see what tours and activities they offer the most of in any location. Additionally, you can book any of their tours (or transfers). When I have decided I want to do a certain type of tour or excursion which I won't be doing myself, I look at the highest rated offerings at Viator (keeping in mind the size of the group) and then shop around to make sure there aren't other, better, providers out there (google "best xyz tours in wherever." It has been my experience that when a provider has excellent ratings and reviews (always read the reviews!) at Viator, it will be a good experience.
ChatGPT and other AI
Type in your destination and the type of travel that you want and it will provide recommendations for sites, hotels, restaurants, and transportation. It will prompt you to be more specific to help develop a more customized itinerary. Remember to check ALL information!
All Trails (Walking/ Hiking Routes)
For those of you who want to get out and take a nature walk or hike (internationally), this is a good app to have with you. It helps you find the trail head and includes ratings (although I find their timing estimates to be for extremely fast hikers, fyi). There is a paid version of the app which I don't have but hear is very much worth it.
GuideGeek
WhatsApp/Instagram bot (by Matador Network) delivering real-time recommendations pulled from 1,000+ data sources
Layla (with Roam Around)
Chat with an AI that spits out complete itineraries (flights, stays, activities) in seconds and lets you regenerate or tweak on the fly. Type a few lines (“5 days in Kyoto with nature and food focus”), and Layla’s AI returns a complete schedule with transit links, photos, and booking buttons in seconds. You can regenerate or tweak parameters on the fly. Ideal for inspiration sprints and last-minute planners. Layla: AI Travel PlannerLayla: AI Travel Planner
Road Trippers
The go-to for US & Canada road trips. Plot a start and finish and it auto-suggests quirky stops, national parks, hotels, and gas stations along the way; premium unlocks multi-stop optimization and RV-friendly routing. Roadtrippers
Planning Your Trip
4 & 5 Star custom travel packages for journeys designed just for you.
An AI-driven option that asks budget and interest questions up front, then builds an editable plan you can download for offline use. Particularly handy if you want PDF or map exports without paying for premium tools.
“Start Anywhere” builds trips from a single photo and lets friends co-plan in one feed.
Pilot
Free social planner where travel buddies co-edit a shared map and timeline.
Roam Around
Mobile AI that autogenerates multi-day plans with weather, currency and language notes.
KimKim
Matches you with in-country experts who custom-craft and book every detail.
TravelStride
One request yields competing quotes from 400+ tour operators and designers.
Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts
Platinum-card services that pairs itinerary help with VIP hotel benefits.
Luxury-focused consortium whose member advisors unlock hotel perks and insider access.
Reco by TripAdvisor
For US $199 you text with a vetted “Trip Designer” who builds a bespoke plan.
Useful Resources
The Google Maps app is ubiquitous and essential whenever I travel. If I'm going someplace remote, I will download an "offline" map; if I have devised a walking route, I will save it and then access it on that day; if I don't know how to get to the starting point of a tour or restaurant, I just let the map app tell me. (Should you not be experienced in following directions in this app, be sure to hold your phone flat with the top facing forward.)
Travel Reviews Sites
Check these if you want to know what travelers think about a tour, restaurant, hotel, or other travel experience.
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Trust Pilot
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Tour Radar
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Trip Advisor
Ah, international travel. It's great, but communicating with locals can be challenging if you don't speak the language. I used the app recently and was able to have street signs and menus translated using the photo icon in the app. It was pretty great (although not perfect).
Google Travel
Built into Google Search, Flights and Maps, it now surfaces AI day-by-day suggestions for whole cities, regions or countries, lets you save them to a trip board, and can even read location text in your screenshots to pin spots automatically. Great if you already live inside the Google ecosystem and want something quick and shareable.
Mobile Passport (entering the USA)
With this free app, you input your customs declarations and passport info before you land and then use a special line at the arrival airport in the USA. If you do not use Global Entry (or another Trusted Traveler Program), this can be a real time-saver.
Priority Pass (Airport Lounge Entry)
Priority Pass airport lounges can be found at many airports around the world, and access to one is always better than spending airport time in the regular waiting areas. You get food, drink, comfortable seating and wifi. While certain premium travel credit cards include Priority Pass access in their fees, you can purchase membership on their website. You do not need to carry (or find!) the actual card to get into the lounges (which has been a life-saver on more than one occasion). Just a warning -- during busy travel times, these lounges can be full and have a waiting list which completely defeats their purpose.
Glorious Food!
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U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, Mexico, UK
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One of the largest networks with 60,000+ restaurants worldwide
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Excellent filters, reviews, and rewards
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Best overall global option
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U.S., Canada, UK, Australia
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Best for trendy, upscale, and hard-to-book restaurants
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“Notify” feature alerts you when reservations open
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Strong integration with American Express benefits
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Europe, Australia, South America
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Especially strong in France, Italy, Spain
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Offers discounts and promotions
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Owned by TripAdvisor
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Europe, Asia, Australia
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Great coverage in Germany, UK, Singapore, Italy
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Often includes local restaurants not on OpenTable
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Strong presence in Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta
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Lets you browse and reserve from thousands of restaurants
Michelin
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Informative source for top-rated restaurants world-wide.
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There's more than just the "starred" restaurants!