Travel Resources & Tools 🧰
Everything you need to plan unforgettable family adventures—from booking flights to packing smart and traveling stress-free.
We’ve personally tested and curated the best family travel resources to help you travel smarter, spend less, and explore more. These are the exact tools and websites we use to plan our own family adventures, from finding mistake fares to organizing our travel research.
Flight Search & Booking
Find the best deals on flights with these powerful search tools and alert services
Google Flights
Our top pick for flight search. Powerful calendar view, price tracking, flexible date searches, and family-specific filters. Essential for finding the cheapest days to fly.
Going (Scott’s Cheap Flights)
Handpicked flight deals and mistake fares delivered to your inbox. Free tier available, paid tiers get more international deals. Saved our family thousands over the years.
Skyscanner
Excellent for comparing prices across budget airlines and traditional carriers. Great “Everywhere” search for flexible travelers and robust price alert system.
Momondo
Uncovers deals that other sites miss. Great for finding cheap flights on lesser-known airlines and routes. Includes helpful price predictions and trip planning tools.
KAYAK
Comprehensive search with powerful filters. Their “Explore” feature is perfect for finding affordable destinations within your budget. Great price alerts and flexible date options.
Trip Planning & Research
Organize your travel research and plan the perfect family itinerary
YouMind
AI-powered travel research organization. Save, organize, and analyze travel options all in one place. Perfect for comparing destinations and planning complex trips.
Rome2Rio
Plan your route between any two destinations worldwide. Shows flight, train, bus, ferry, and driving options with estimated costs and travel times. Essential for multi-city trips.
Google Travel
Comprehensive trip planning with destination guides, flight tracking, and itinerary organization. Integrates with Gmail to automatically organize your travel reservations.
TripAdvisor
Read reviews from other families, find attractions, and compare prices on hotels and activities. Great for discovering family-friendly restaurants and things to do.
Accommodation
Find family-friendly places to stay with these booking platforms
Booking.com
Our favorite for family accommodations. Powerful filters (cribs, kitchenettes, family rooms), free cancellation on most bookings, and excellent customer service.
Airbnb
Find vacation rentals with kitchen facilities to save on dining out. Great for longer stays and larger families. Always check Superhost status and read recent reviews.
VRBO
Vacation rentals by owner. Wide selection of family homes and condos. Good alternative to Airbnb, especially in North America. Filter for amenities like pools and kitchens.
HotelsCombined
Compare hotel prices across multiple booking sites to find the best rate. Helpful for ensuring you get the lowest price on your hotel booking.
Points & Miles Tools
Maximize your travel rewards and earn free flights for your family
AwardWallet
Track all your loyalty programs in one place. Never let points expire and see your total rewards balance across all programs. Free with optional premium features.
Point Calculators
Calculate the value of your points and miles before redeeming. Ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck when booking award flights and hotels.
Credit Card Comparison
Compare travel credit cards to find the best rewards for your family spending. Look for bonus categories that match your expenses and generous sign-up bonuses.
Award Flight Search
Tools like ExpertFlyer and Award Mapper help you find award seat availability across multiple airlines. Essential for booking complex award trips with multiple segments.
Family Travel Gear & Resources
Travel-tested gear recommendations and essential resources for parents
Luggage Reviews
Our honest reviews of family-friendly luggage, from carry-ons to checked bags. We test durability, weight, and family-specific features like expandability and organization.
Packing Checklists
Downloadable packing lists organized by family member and trip type. Never forget essential items again. Includes baby, toddler, and child-specific considerations.
Travel Insurance
Protect your family trip investment with comprehensive travel insurance. Compare policies from top providers and find coverage that fits your family’s needs and budget.
Kids Entertainment
Curated activities, games, and entertainment to keep kids happy during travel. From road trip games to airplane activities, we’ve got you covered.
Travel Apps & Tools
Must-have mobile apps for stress-free family travel
Flight Tracking Apps
Track your flights in real-time, get gate change notifications, and never miss a connection again. Apps like FlightAware and App in the Air are family favorites.
Currency Converters
Instant currency conversion to avoid overspending on family trips. XE Currency and Currency Converter Plus offer offline rates—perfect when traveling internationally.
Translation Apps
Break down language barriers with Google Translate and iTranslate. Download offline language packs before you travel—no internet required for basic translations.
Offline Maps
Download maps for offline use with Google Maps, Maps.me, or Citymapper. Essential for navigating cities without using data or finding WiFi.
Document Organizers
Keep passports, bookings, and travel documents organized in one place. Apps like TripIt and App in the Air automatically organize your travel confirmations.
Want More Expert Tips? 🎯
These resources are just the beginning. Explore our comprehensive guides, flight hacks, and family travel strategies to save thousands on your next adventure.