Travel Resources
Our Trusted Travel Toolkit
Every memorable journey begins with thoughtful planning. This page brings together the platforms, services, and travel tools we personally use when researching, planning, and booking our own trips around the world.
From choosing a destination to securing accommodations and experiences, these resources are designed to help you plan smarter, travel comfortably, and explore with confidence.
We only recommend companies and services we personally trust.
Some links below may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. We’re truly grateful for your support, as it allows us to continue sharing meaningful travel experiences and practical travel insights with you. Read our full disclosure here.
Start Planning Your Trip
Every great trip begins long before boarding a plane. Thoughtful research turns travel dreams into confident plans — and the planning process itself can be part of the adventure. Below is the approach we personally use when preparing for our own travels.
Research Your Options
Choosing your destination is the natural first step.
We often enjoy the planning process just as much as the journey itself — and we believe you might too.
Start by exploring a few potential destinations and gathering inspiration. Searching travel blogs, destination guides, and firsthand travel experiences can help confirm whether a place truly fits your travel style.
Independent travel blogs often provide practical insights you won’t always find elsewhere. In many ways, that idea helped inspire the creation of Global Grit and Glam after decades of travel experience.
If our guides help spark even one future adventure, we consider that a success.
Because planning should be fun.
Research Your Itinerary
Once a destination begins to take shape, the next step is understanding how a trip might realistically unfold.
One of our favorite strategies is reviewing itineraries offered by reputable tour companies. Even if you plan to travel independently, these itineraries provide valuable insight into:
- logical travel routes
- recommended destinations
- typical trip pacing
- accommodation locations
Companies worth exploring include:
Their sample journeys can serve as an excellent framework when building your own itinerary.
Research Your Destination
Before finalizing travel plans, take time to understand important practical considerations for your destination.
This includes:
- entry and visa requirements
- health recommendations
- safety guidance
- seasonal weather patterns
- travel documentation needs
We cover these topics in detail in our International Travel Essentials series:
- International Travel Essentials (Part 1 of 2)
- International Travel Essentials (Part 2 of 2)
These guides provide a deeper look at the preparation steps that help ensure smoother and more confident international travel.
Now that you’ve explored how we plan our travels, the resources below are the trusted platforms and services we personally use to bring each trip together.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Once you’ve chosen your destination and begun shaping your itinerary, the next step is booking with platforms you can trust. Below are the travel services we personally trust for planning our own travels.
Flights & Travel Packages
Booking flights and travel packages is often the first step in turning travel plans into reality. These trusted platforms help simplify the process by allowing you to compare options and organize your trip with confidence.
Tours & Experiences
Guided tours and local experiences often become the highlight of a trip. These trusted platforms make it easy to discover highly rated activities, skip-the-line access, and memorable experiences around the world.
Cruises
Cruises offer a convenient way to explore multiple destinations while enjoying the comfort of a floating resort. This trusted platform makes it easy to compare itineraries, ships, and pricing when planning a cruise vacation.
Hotels & Stays
Comfortable accommodations play an important role in every successful trip. This trusted booking platform make it easy to compare locations, amenities, and pricing to find the right stay for your travel style.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals can offer additional space, privacy, and flexibility compared to traditional hotels. This platform makes it easy to find comfortable homes and unique stays for longer trips or group travel.
