Resources & Handy Links

Here’s a page of useful links to travel and business resources that we use, including some with whom we’ve partnered. (see the disclaimer below.) Either we’ve used these companies personally of they’ve been recommended by trusted family and friends. I have also placed a link to reviews of some of the websites that we’ve been impressed with and will continue to complete the whole list as time permits. Any feedback you have on these organisations would be appreciated to round out these reviews.

Now that's what I call working!

Now that’s what I call working!

Hope you find it useful. Have a great trip.

Note that using some of these links to complete your travel purchases will result in the company giving us a small commission BUT will not cost you any extra. The funds they pay us are part of their overall marketing budget and it just happens that a little bit goes to us rather than another advertiser. Each little bit helps to keep us on the road. A full explanation is found in this post.

Book Flights

It always pays to shop around. Check at least two online flight comparator booking systems, and then check the individual airline just in case you can get a better deal. (That doesn’t happen often but it can.)

I gave up using travel agents years ago because I prefer to do the research, planning and bookings myself and I usually get a better price. But if you have a trusted travel agent, then don’t hesitate to get a quote from them too. Just be aware that they are also earning a commission on the booking and it’s likely to be larger than what you’re paying through these links.

Used and Recommended.

  • Skiddoo.com.au – We’ve been booking ALMOST exclusively with Skiddoo for the last year or two. Excellent prices and so far good customer support. What I like about them is the prices INCLUDE all taxes and fees, so you know what you’re up for immediately. (But you’ll need to check individual budget airlines for baggage conditions which can add up depending on how much you’re taking.)
  • FareCompare – Always good to compare a selection of flight comparators. FareCompare pulls in most of the big ones. Just watch out for added taxes, once you’ve found what seems like an excellent price on your flight.
  • Expedia (includes low-cost carriers such as Air Asia & Jetstar) – Check out our Review Here . Every now and then I find either a better connection or a better price through Expedia.com.au, so I always check. they are also one of the few comparators that being in many of the budget airlines. Once again, taxes and fees are included, but you’ll need to look for the baggage conditions for individual budget airlines.
  • Malaysia Airlines – Despite their catastrophic problems a few years back, the flights we’ve enjoyed have been excellent. And with Air Asia no longer flying into Adelaide (the closest capital city to our mums) from SE Asia, Malaysian is much cheaper than many of our other choices to get there.

Book Accommodation

There are so many accommodation booking systems these days you should never pay full price for a room.

Used and Recommended.

  • Airbnb – Where we can we use Airbnb because we find we get a better standard of accommodation for a better price than a hotel, and because we have the bikes, it’s exponentially more secure for us. Most hotels won’t let them in the room with us, or the rooms are too small. no such issues with Airbnb’s as yet. Use this link to join and receive $30 AUD off your first booking
  • Agoda – Some of the better prices in Asia. Only once did we have a problem with a booking in Sri Lanka and customer support helped us out and we got our money back. Check out our Review Here
  • Hostelworld – We’re a bit past using hostels these days but used Hostelworld extensively at the beginning of our travels. Check out our Review Here
  • Booking.com – Check out our Review Here. They seem to have the largest selection of rooms of all the booking sites which is what you need when you’re a little off the beaten track.
  • Couchsurfing – We haven’t couchsurfed but quite a few of our Warmshowers hosts are also CouchSurfing users and swear by it when they aren’t travelling with their touring bicycles.
  • Warm Showers  – Can’t say enough about this incredible international network of people who host touring cyclists. Most, but not all are cyclists themselves and understand the importance of bike security, a little bit of comfort and camaraderie at the end of a tough day in the saddle, and have in-depth knowledge into all things cycling in their local community. Only accessible if you’re touring on a bicycle.

Buy Travel Insurance

I’m a big believer that if you can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford to travel. Check out our post on why we believe you should always have travel Insurance HERE

Used and Recommended.

  • World Nomads – For most nationalities. One of the only choices if you’re travelling long term or permanently. Good prices and excellent customer support when you need them.
  • Covermore – Australians only. We used these guys for years before we went over to World Nomads (for reasons explained in this blog.)
  • SafetyWing – A new way of insuring for long-term travellers. We’ve yet to try, but we’re keeping an eye on the latest reviews from people who have. so far it looks like an excellent option for digital nomads and long-term travellers, especially those who are a bit younger than us.

Buy Guidebooks, Maps & Magazines

Used and Recommended.

  • Lonely Planet Publications – After trying many other guide book series we inevitably come back to Lonely Planet. Their discussion forum Thorntree is also good value for up-to-date information.
  • Amazon – TP Score – 8.7

Book Tours & Tickets

Used and Recommended.

    • Intrepid Travel – We’ve travelled with them to India and family and friends have travelled extensively with them around other parts of the world. Always interesting, always small group, and with several “comfort” levels to ensure you can get the trip you want within your budget.
    • G Adventures  – We haven’t travelled with them personally but know many who have and said their trip was fabulous. They used to be aimed at the younger market but they now have specialty tours like their “National Geographic’ trips and private tours that cater to all demographics.
    • Urban Adventure – Small group and private day tours in 68 countries and over 150 cities around the world. Lots of themed tours like food, active, Beer (Yay!) and shopping tours. Excellent value and quality.
    • Peregrine Adventures – The upmarket arm of the Intrepid Group. Small group, curated highlights. If you want adventures with a lot more comfort then these guys provide just that.
    • Viator – one of the largest ranges of tours on offer for any website.

Buy Travel and Cycling Gear

Used and Recommended.

  • Wild Earth – Check out our Review Here. Everything we’ve bought from these guys is still going years down the track and with extensive use.
  • Wiggle – Australia – Check out our Review Here. Our first stop for ordering cycling gear online!
  • Wiggle – UK (Order from either. Same company, same great service)
  • Wiggle – US (For North American orders)
  • Probikekit – Check out our Review Here. I used this site more when I was racing triathlons than now we are touring but they still have an excellent range for any cyclist.
  • Kathmandu – Check out our Review Here. We bought simple cotton T-shirts from Kathmandu and they survived three and a half years of constant wear, washing on rocks and constant rubbing from our backpacks. Top stuff!
  • Amazon – Well they seem to have just about everything.

Note: I do not receive any payment for this post (or any others on the site for that matter!). I do receive a small amount of money by allowing advertisements on the site and any purchases made through those links.