While I try to include my resources in the blog posts, here are a few of the websites I use when planning our trips:
Organization: To keep my travel itinerary organized, I use TripIt
It’s a very convenient way of tracking my daily itinerary. It has its shortcomings, but overall it works for me. I use the Pro version ($49 annually) for some of the extra benefits. There is a web version, as well as phone and tablet apps.
Transportation: For direct location to location transportation, we use Daytrip. It’s a private car service, not a taxi service. We have used it to move between towns in Italy, France and Portugal without a problem. The drivers are professionals and typically are locals in the area that you’re traveling in. You can also arrange for stops on your way to your destination to do some sightseeing.
Connectivity: To keep an internet connection while traveling, I have two resources – our phones and a Mobile WIFI device.
The first is Verizon Wireless, that’s our wireless provider and our service package includes an international plan for calls and data.
The second is a G4 Mobile WIFI device from GlocalMe. We use it to connect our phones and tablets to the internet when the hotel internet is down or slow or when we are performing financial transactions and want to help secure our connection. We also use it when driving in foreign countries for GPS apps.
Rail Travel: Depending on where we are traveling, I will either use that country’s rail app or Trainline. I like Trainline because it’s straight-forward and easy to use. It’s also in English, which makes it easier for us to quickly look at without translation worries.
I also use a website called The Man in Seat Sixty-one. It’s a great resource for European train travel. There is a lot of good information and it includes links to everything you need to book reservations. I have definitely learned plenty from using the site.
Guides: Though I’m stubborn about taking group tours, I do book individual tours when we are visiting a location. We have had good experiences using GetYourGuide and ToursByLocals. I like that you can choose the tour guide who most closely matches what you like or can find someone to create your own itinerary.
Itinerary Planning – Italy: For both of our wine trips to Piedmont, Italy, we used a wonderful travel planner named Valerie Quintanilla. Valerie not only helped us plan out a fabulous itinerary, but also, along with her team, made an extra effort to make sure we had a great time. We highly recommend her. She also does some areas outside of Piedmont.
Slightly Whirled - A Traveler's Tales 