Trip Planning Tools
A Unicorn in the Web Jungle
Some of the links below are affiliate links, and yes, if you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no additioanl cost to you I might add.
This Trip Planning Tools page features only services I use or have used, and firmly trust. These tools help me navigate the world one solo adventure at a time. If you’re unsure about anything or need advice, feel free to Contact me. I’m always happy to help.
Quick Links
Flights:
Finding the best deals
Trip.com
Trip.com is a powerhouse for flights, particularly if your solo adventures take you toward Asia. Its standout feature is the “all-in-one” app experience, providing real-time mobile alerts for gate changes and delays that often outpace airport screens. For the over-50 traveller, the tiered “Trip Coins” loyalty programme and “Diamond” status perks; like complimentary VIP airport lounge access; add a welcome layer of luxury and calm to the transit experience.
Going.com
Going.com (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) is a must for the flexible solo traveller who loves a “reverse-booking” adventure. Their team of human experts hunts for massive price drops and rare mistake fares, often saving members over £400 on international flights. By focusing on high-quality airlines and manageable layovers, they ensure your journey is as comfortable as it is affordable, letting the deals decide your next great destination.
Kiwi.com
Kiwi is a pioneer in virtual interlining (connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare). With Kiwi’s unique algorithm, Kiwi is able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Moreover, Kiwi’s friendly design helps users easily navigate through the site and create the best possible combination of travel options.
Flight Tools
ITA Software
Why use ITA Software by Google? Renowned for its sophisticated search capabilities, this tool offers a plethora of flight options with advanced filtering features. Ideal for travellers with flexible dates or destinations, it shows the most economical times and routes. Although booking isn’t direct, the detailed information aids in making informed decisions, stretching your travel budget further.
Seat Maps
SeatMaps.com is a website providing detailed, interactive airline seat maps to help passengers select the best seats. Seen as a successor to the now-closed SeatGuru, it features color-coded cabin layouts, user ratings, and 3D panoramic views. By searching a specific flight number, users can check legroom, Wi-Fi availability, power outlets, and potential seat issues before booking their travel.
Flight Connections
This tool offers comprehensive mapping of global flight routes, making it invaluable for planning complex trips. It shows direct flights and possible connections from any airport, aiding in optimising travel plans. Its user-friendly interface and up-to-date information ensure you find the most efficient routes, perfect for both frequent flyers and occasional travellers seeking the best travel options.
SOLO GROUP TRAVEL
Solo Adventures With a Proper Sense of Community
These trips are built for solo travellers who want instant connection; you’ll bond with your group and the world around you from the moment you land.
Accommodation
Booking.com
Booking.com is a powerhouse for finding accommodation—offering everything from luxury resorts to budget hostels, often with free cancellation and no upfront payment. I’ve used it across dozens of countries for its unbeatable variety, honest reviews, and last-minute deals. It’s like having a travel agent in your pocket—minus the awkward small talk.
Trip.com
Trip.com is a global gem when it comes to booking accommodation. With a huge selection, competitive prices, and a super-slick app, it’s ideal for solo travellers who want choice without the chaos. I’ve booked everything from boutique stays to budget gems through Trip.com—and their 24/7 support has saved me more than once. Reliable, easy, and refreshingly no-nonsense.
Hostelworld
Hostelworld isn’t just for backpackers and bunk beds—it’s the go-to platform for hostels and private rooms, especially for solo travellers over 50 who want community without the snoring. I’ve used it to find clean, quirky, and affordable stays with friendly vibes and solid reviews. It’s reliable, easy to use, and perfect for social travel without sacrificing comfort.
Expedia
Expedia streamlines solo travel by bundling flights, hotels, and car rentals into one cohesive itinerary. For mature travellers, the platform offers “One Key” rewards, providing immediate member discounts and “OneKeyCash” to use on future trips. Its robust filters allow you to find quiet, well-located accommodation easily. This all-in-one approach provides a reliable, stress-free way to manage complex logistics while securing significant savings through exclusive bundle deals.
Agoda
Agoda.com is often the most cost-effective choice for exploring Asia, frequently offering lower rates than other major aggregators. Their “AgodaVIP” programme provides tiered discounts and perks like free breakfast at select properties, which is ideal for the comfort-seeking solo traveller. Additionally, their “PointsMAX” feature allows you to earn frequent flyer miles on hotel bookings, helping you build rewards for your next long-haul adventure while you sleep..
VRBO
VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is the premier choice for mature solo travellers who value total privacy and the “home away from home” experience. Unlike other platforms, it exclusively lists entire properties, ensuring you never have to navigate shared hallways or communal kitchens. Their “Book with Confidence” guarantee and 2026 “Premier Host” standards provide peace of mind, ensuring you receive high-quality, reliable accommodation with a focus on comfort and security.
Tours and Attractions
GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is my go-to for booking tours and activities; offering everything from skip-the-line tickets to local-led experiences. It’s user-friendly, reliable, and packed with reviews to help you choose wisely. I’ve used it worldwide for stress-free bookings that made my travels smoother and way more memorable. Great for solo adventurers looking for curated, hassle-free fun.
Viator
Viator is packed with curated, trustworthy tours across the globe, from cooking classes to jungle treks. Backed by Tripadvisor, it’s perfect for solo travellers who want vetted experiences without the guesswork. I’ve booked with Viator in multiple countries and love how easy it is to find unique, reliable adventures in every corner of the world.
Klook
Klook is a travel booking platform for tours, attractions, airport transfers, rail tickets, eSIMs, and local experiences worldwide. It’s particularly handy in Asia, where it often offers competitive prices, instant mobile vouchers, and easy booking for everything from theme parks to high-speed trains, without the usual travel-planning faff.
Group Tours
GAdventures
G Adventures is a brilliant addition to your Trip Planning Tools, especially if you’re just dipping your toes into solo travel, particularly in your 50s or beyond. Not quite ready to go full lone-wolf? No problem. With small group tours, expert local guides, and thoughtfully crafted itineraries, you get all the freedom of exploring without the stress of planning every detail yourself.
It’s perfect for discovering off-the-beaten-path gems, while still having the comfort of knowing someone’s got your back, from airport pickups to knowing where to get dinner that won’t upset your stomach (or your budget). Plus, most people on these trips are solo too, so there’s no pressure, just good company if and when you want it.
Think of it as training wheels for solo travel, but with better views, better stories, and zero coach-tour cringe. It’s solo travel, with a support crew quietly cheering you on.
Travel Insurance
AllClear
Specialising in cover for those with pre-existing medical conditions and older travellers, AllClear offers bespoke policies that ensure everyone can travel with confidence. Their comprehensive coverage includes medical emergencies, cancellations, and belongings protection. With a user-friendly online process and award-winning customer service, AllClear makes obtaining reliable travel insurance straightforward and inclusive.
Trustpilot Score:
4.8 – 140,000+ Reviews
Visitors Coverage
This platform excels in providing flexible, comprehensive travel insurance for international travellers. Whether it’s for short visits or extended stays, Visitors Coverage offers policies that include medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage loss. Its straightforward application process and wide range of options cater to diverse needs, ensuring travellers find the right coverage effortlessly.
Trustpilot Score:
4.8/5 – 6,000+ Reviews
Solo Cruises
I worked at sea as a ship’s photographer and photo manager, so two of these come with a good deal of first-hand detail. If you are weighing up a cruise on your own, read where the quiet actually is on a cruise ship, which covers finding space aboard and what a single occupancy really costs. And for what happens the moment you step off the gangway, how cruise ship photography actually works.
Singles Cruise
It’s a premier choice for solo travellers looking to meet like-minded adventurers. Offering specially curated singles cruises, this platform facilitates genuine connections through social events and themed activities onboard. Enjoy travelling with a group that shares your spirit of exploration and perhaps form friendships that last beyond the voyage. It’s not just a trip; it’s a social event on the seas.
Vacations To Go
These cruises are tailor-made for solo travellers seeking camaraderie. With a host on board to facilitate introductions and organise exclusive events, you’ll easily mingle and meet others. This service eliminates single supplements on select sailings, making it financially attractive, and creates a friendly, inclusive atmosphere ideal for those travelling alone.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL offers a freestyle cruising experience that emphasises flexibility and choice in dining, entertainment, and accommodations. With a wide range of innovative ships and itineraries that cover the globe, NCL stands out for its relaxed atmosphere, extensive activities, and solo traveller-friendly options, including studio cabins with no single supplement required. Perfect for those who value freedom and ease on their travels.
SAGA
Specialising in holidays for the over-50s, Saga offers tailor-made travel experiences with an emphasis on comfort and service. Their cruises and holidays include optional travel insurance, a generous baggage allowance, and the assurance of a dedicated host. Saga caters to mature travellers with exclusive amenities and thoughtful touches, ensuring a relaxed, social, and thoroughly enjoyable holiday atmosphere.
Car Rental
Economy Bookings
This platform offers competitive prices on car rentals worldwide, partnering with both major and local providers to ensure a wide range of options. It features user-friendly search tools and transparent pricing, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Ideal for budget-conscious travellers, EconomyBookings.com makes finding and booking your ideal hire car both simple and cost-effective.
Trustpilot Score:
4.5/5 – 100,000+ Reviews
Discover Cars
DiscoverCars.com is a brilliant one-stop shop for comparing rental deals across trusted providers; often with better rates than booking direct. You can filter by insurance, fuel policy, and even pick-up reviews (because no one needs surprise fees after a long flight). I like knowing I’ve got options, clear terms, and support if anything goes sideways. Whether it’s a scenic drive in Italy or island-hopping in the Med, it’s one of my go-to for hassle-free rentals abroad.
Trustpilot Score:
4.6/5 – 210,000+ Reviews
Staying Connected
Airalo
Airalo offers eSIMs for over 190 countries, providing affordable, instant mobile data access. Ideal for travellers, it eliminates roaming charges and the need for physical SIMs, ensuring you stay connected easily and economically wherever your travels take you.
Drimsim
Drimsim is a universal SIM card that provides seamless mobile service in over 190 countries. It features transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing without roaming fees, making it ideal for travellers seeking straightforward, cost-effective connectivity across the globe.
Portable Wi-Fi Devices
WorldSim
WorldSIM’s portable WiFi devices offer global internet access in over 130 countries, enabling seamless connectivity for travellers. These pocket-sized gadgets allow multiple device connections simultaneously, ensuring you and your travel companions stay online. With flexible data plans and cost-effective rates, WorldSIM devices eliminate the need for local SIMs, making international travel more connected and hassle-free.
GlocalMe
GlocalMe portable WiFi devices provide secure and stable internet access in over 140 countries without needing local SIM cards. With flexible data packages and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, these devices are ideal for travellers. GlocalMe also offers pay-as-you-go options and long-term plans, ensuring you stay connected affordably and effortlessly on your global adventures.
Handy Travel Apps
Rome2Rio
Rome2rio is a comprehensive travel app that shows you how to get from point A to B worldwide, comparing plane, train, bus, ferry, and driving options all in one place.
City Mapper
Citymapper is a detailed transit app providing route options for public transport, walking, cycling, and ridesharing in major cities, helping you navigate efficiently with real-time updates.
Tripit
TripIt organises your travel plans into a single itinerary, syncing flights, hotels, and bookings from your emails, making it easy to access your schedule in one place.
Hopper
Hopper is an app that predicts flight and hotel prices with precision, advising when to buy at the best rate and allowing bookings directly through your device.
Glympse
Glympse is a mobile app that allows you to share your real-time location using GPS tracking with anyone you choose, enhancing safety and coordination without registration.
Maps.Me
Maps.Me offers detailed offline maps and navigation for worldwide locations, ideal for travellers without reliable internet access, featuring driving, walking, and cycling routes.
Xe
Xe provides live exchange rates and currency conversion, allowing you to check up-to-date values, perform calculations, and understand currency trends while travelling or planning trips abroad.