Travel Sites I Use & Love

When I'm booking travel for myself, I spend a decent amount of time looking around at different booking sites to find the best deals in the best destinations - from accommodations, to things to do, and so much more.

Check out the following travel brands which I use and love! 👇

Find the Best Hotels & Accommodations

Whether you’re looking for a luxury beachfront resort, a cute mid-range hotel, or a private apartment for a longer stay, the right booking platform can make all the difference.

I usually start my search by comparing a few trusted hotel booking sites — this helps me find the best prices and get a sense of what’s available in each destination. Many sites also include user reviews, flexible cancellation policies, and loyalty programs that give you extra perks the more you book.

Pro Tip: Always check if the site offers free cancellation or price match guarantees. It can save you a ton of stress (and money!) if your plans change later.

  • Booking.com

    A comprehensive site to find hotels and more for your upcoming trip.

    Book Now 

  • Expedia

    Need a hotel? You need Expedia! And don't forget to add filter for amenties like pools and spas.

    Book Now 

  • Hostelworld

    Need a more budget-friendly accommodation? Or are you okay with staying a weekend in a dorm? Find some of the best hostels where you're looking to travel.

    Book Now 

  • VRBO

    Find available B&B style accommodations all over the world. (Plus get cash back with Rakuten)

    Book Now 

Save on Popular Airlines

Booking flights can sometimes feel like a puzzle — prices change daily, and every airline has its own set of fees. That’s why I love using flight search tools that do the work for me.

  • Southwest Airlines

    Flying domestic in the US? Check out what deals are available on Southwest.

    Search Flights 

  • United Airlines

    Book on my preferred airline when flying domestic in the US.

    Search Flights 

  • Alaska Airlines

    Flying to Hawaii or Alaska? Make sure to check out deals through Alaska Airlines before you book!

    Search Flights 

  • Latam Airlines

    Book your Latin America getaway with one of my favorite airlines in the region.

    Search Flights 

  • JetBlue

    Search Flights 

Tips for booking flights!

Before I book any flight, I always check Google Flights and Skyscanner. Both are great flight aggregators that show you prices across different airlines and travel agencies so you can compare and find the best deal.

Sometimes Google Flights pulls cheaper domestic fares, while Skyscanner tends to shine for international routes. If you’re flying abroad from the U.S., definitely check Skyscanner — it lists smaller international carriers that often don’t show up on other platforms.

Pro Tip: Be flexible with your travel dates if possible! Flying on a weekday or shifting your trip by a few days can lead to big savings.

Find the Best Experiences, Tours & Activities

Travel isn’t just about where you stay — it’s about what you do once you’re there! From snorkeling tours and cooking classes to skip-the-line museum tickets, I always recommend booking experiences ahead of time through trusted platforms.

Pre-booking tours not only guarantees your spot (especially in popular destinations) but also helps you find unique, highly-rated activities that might not be on your radar otherwise. I love using these sites to discover local experiences that make each trip unforgettable.

Pro Tip: Always read the reviews and check the photos before booking any tour — they’ll give you a better sense of what to expect and how well the experience is organized.

  • GetYourGuide

    I book the majority of the tours I go on through GetYourGuide because they have a variety of tours at great prices.

    Find & Book Tours 

  • Viator

    Before I book any tours, I often check multiple sites like Viator to see what tours are available and which site has the best rates

    Find & Book Tours 

  • Eatwith

    One of my favorite things to do in new countries is take a cooking class to learn more about the local cuisine. This is a must!

    Book Cooking Classes 

  • Big Bus Tours

    I love doing extra touristy things sometimes, so a Big Bus Tour is a fun way to see the city in a short amount of time!

    Book a Big Bus Tour 

  • Tripadvisor

    Before booking a destination, I always check out the top things to do in the location based on Tripadvisor. Plus get 10% cash back when you use Rakuten (signup link below)

    Book Tours 

  • Xcaret

    Book tours, ferries, and more in Quintana Roo.

    Book Tours 

  • BusBud

    Save when you book bus tickets from destination to destination. I used this for a bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.

    Book a Ticket 

Check Out These Travel Extras

Sometimes the small things can make a big difference when traveling. Whether it’s staying connected abroad or scoring tickets to a local concert, these travel extras help make every trip smoother and more fun.

If you travel internationally, consider using an eSIM instead of buying a physical SIM card at your destination — it’s quick to set up and often cheaper. You can activate your data plan before your flight even lands!

And don’t forget about event tickets — from live music to sports games, I love checking out what’s happening locally. It’s an easy way to experience the culture beyond the typical tourist spots.

  • Airalo

    Stay connected while traveling internationally with an eSIM card. This is my favorite eSIM tool. Use code ASHLEY7492 to get $3 off your first eSIM card.

    Get an eSIM Card 

  • Drimsim

    Stay connect in 190+ countries with a physical SIM card. No monthly fees. Only pay for the data you use. A great alternative to Airalo!

    Get a SIM Card 

  • Ticketmaster

    Book concert tickets or fun events in the areas you are traveling to!

    Find US Concerts 

Plus, Earn Cash Back & Flight Miles Through Travel-Related Purchases

Who doesn’t love earning rewards while spending? I’m all about saving money (or getting some back) whenever I can — especially when it comes to travel.

Many booking sites, airlines, and even browser extensions offer cash back, points, or miles for purchases you’re already making. If you haven’t started earning rewards yet, now’s the time! Small amounts really add up over time — and can easily cover a future flight or hotel night.

Cash Back on Travel

One of my favorite hacks is earning cash back on my travel bookings. Platforms like Rakuten and Honey give you real money back just for using their links when booking flights, hotels, and activities (and even on everyday purchases!).

Once you create an account, simply activate the cash-back offer before completing your booking — it’s super easy and totally worth it.

Pro Tip: Add their browser extensions! You’ll get automatic reminders when cash-back offers are available, so you never miss an opportunity to save.

  • Rakuten

    When you sign up for Rakuten and install the Google Chrome plugin, you'll get notified when you can activate cash back on travel purchases (plus on many other types of purchases). Many sites offer up to 15% cash back. Click below to find the latest cash back percentages!

    Sign Up & Earn Cash Back 

  • Honey (PayPal Rewards)

    Earn cash back on many of your favorite travel brands, plus on many of your favorite everyday purchases. With Honey, you rack up PayPal Rewards points you can redeem for cash back, gift cards or PayPal shopping credit! See the latest ways to earn.

    Sign Up & Earn Cash Back 

Earn Airline Miles When You Online Shop

Even when I’m not traveling, I’m earning rewards for future trips. By shopping online through airline portals like American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping, you can rack up miles with every purchase — from clothes to electronics to groceries.

These programs are completely free to join and can help you earn enough miles for your next flight faster than you’d think. I like to check if the store I’m shopping at partners with any of my airline programs before checking out — it’s an easy win!

Pro Tip: Stick with one or two airline programs so your miles add up faster, instead of spreading them across too many accounts.

  • American Airlines

    The AAdvantage® eShopping button browser extension helps members earn up to 2X more miles on average, plus save money with automatic coupons. Once you get the button, make sure to sign up for an AAdvantage account if you don't already have one.

    Get the eShopping Button