On the Beach in Barro Portugal
Vacations are supposed to be fun, not a full-time job. Yet, with endless options, planning the “perfect” trip can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube… blindfolded. Fear not! With a little strategy, humor, and a dash of spontaneity, you can curate experiences that make your trip unforgettable.
After jetting around 30+ countries, Jodi doesn’t just use the tools in this blog to plan other people’s trips (or to make herself sound super organized in a blog post)—she swears by them for her own adventures too. Because even travel pros need a little tech magic to survive airports, trains, and questionable street food.
Start With a Curated List
The easiest way to kick off your adventure? Start with a curated list from Jodi @ Wandering Company (sorry… a little self-promotion). These are hand-picked experiences tailored to your city and style—so you don’t have to spend hours researching.
Don’t see the city you’re visiting? No problem! Want Jodi @Wandering Company to start the process and put together a list just for you? She’ll do the scouting, and then all you do is click, reserve, and instantly become a travel experience curation rockstar.
Mix Big Attractions With Hidden Gems
Sleep in a Lighthouse in Alesund Norway
Yes, you need the Eiffel Tower selfie. But the secret magic happens in the quirky stuff: hidden cafés, street markets, local workshops, or that alleyway that smells like fresh bread (heaven!).
Balance = iconic sights + hidden gems + unexpected adventures = insta-worthy memories + personal stories to brag about later. Like an unexpected stop in Barro Portugal for a peaceful and beautiful sunset over the Atlantic ocean.
Timing Is Everything
Planning too much is like trying to eat an entire buffet in one bite—overwhelming and regret-inducing. Schedule wisely, group activities by location, and leave pockets of free time for spontaneous discoveries (or extra naps… you deserve them).
Personalize Like a Boss
Jodi on Sunrise Tour of Taj Mahal
Add the little touches that make a trip yours: a sunrise tour to avoid crowds, a private guide for a deeper dive, or a hotel (or a lighthouse) that’s within walking distance of everything you love. Tiny tweaks = big adventure points.
Pro-tip: Experiences you can’t replicate at home—like cooking classes, local performances, or sand-in-your-toes beaches—are gold.
Travel Tools to Make Trip Planning Fun (Yes, Really!)
Prefer to plan your own adventures? Want to be your own travel maverick? (Believe me, I get it—I’ve charted my own path to over 30 countries.)
Flights? Hotels? Transportation? Tours? eSIMs? There’s a tool for just about everything—don’t worry, a few are listed below. Sure, planning a trip can feel like juggling flaming swords—but with the right tools, it can actually be…fun.
Me? Yep, I’ve used every single one of these tools. And heads up: some links below are affiliate links—if you click and book, I earn a little something for my piggy bank. No extra cost to you, just a tiny cheer for me!
- Flights & Air Travel
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Google Flights – Compare dates, track prices, and find the best deals without losing your mind.
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Skyscanner – Great for spotting budget flights—even that one you didn’t think existed.
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AirHelp – Flights delayed? Canceled? They’ll fight for your compensation while you sip coffee.
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Stays & Accommodation
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Booking.com – Hotels, apartments, and hostels with filters so picky you’ll finally sleep well.
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Expedia.com – Your all-in-one passport to flights, hotels, and adventures—click, book, and go!
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Hotels.com – Frequent traveler? Rewards make it feel like free nights are practically magic.
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Transportation
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DiscoverCars – Rent a car anywhere, anytime. No stress, just scenic drives.
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Omio – The easy way to hop trains, buses, and flights across Europe—plan, click, and ride!
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Rome2rio – Trains, buses, ferries…find the best route without becoming a human map.
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Experiences & Tours
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GetYourGuide – Skip the line, join a cooking class, or pet a llama (yes, really).
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Viator – Explore, adventure, and tick off bucket-list items with ease (check out some curated experiences from Jodi @ Wandering Company. Looking for a different city? Reach out).
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Klook – Perfect for Asia or any destination with a “wow” experience.
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Planning & Itinerary Magic
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TripIt – Consolidate bookings into one neat, organized itinerary.
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Pro-tip – the free version is amazing!
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Google Maps – Pin your must-sees and avoid wandering like a confused tourist.
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Pro-tip – not sure of your internet situation where you’re going? No problem, download our map in advance.
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Roadtrippers – Plot epic road trips with scenic stops included.
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Connectivity
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Airalo – eSIMs mean data everywhere—no SIM swaps, no stress.
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Local SIM cards – Sometimes cheaper, but you’ll need a little research.
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Extra Life Hacks
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PackPoint – Packing lists tailored to your trip, weather, and activities. Yes, I use the free version.
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Polarsteps – Track your adventures around the globe like a digital scrapbook—share memories, routes, and epic moments without lifting a finger (well, except to snap the photos).
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Pro Tip: Just because all these tools exist doesn’t mean you need to use them all. Pick your favorites, click, reserve, and instantly become the travel-planning rockstar you were born to be.
Leave Room for the Unexpected
Even the best-laid plans should have wiggle room. Maybe you stumble into a street festival, a quirky shop, or a hidden viewpoint. Some of the best memories happen when you throw the itinerary out the window (just don’t throw your passport too).
Find your view of a city that unexpectedly captures your heart, or happen upon an abandoned Olympic bobsleigh and luge track or find yourself in front of the Taj Mahal.
Olympic Bobsled Track in Sarajevo
Final Thoughts
Pena Palace in Sintra Portugal
The perfect vacation isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing what you love, laughing at the mishaps, and letting magic happen along the way. Start with a curated list from Jodi, personalize, and leave space for surprise adventures. You’ll return home with more stories than souvenirs.
Wander Happy! (and hoping some of these tools keep you from loosing
your mind when planning your next trip). But, if you start pulling your hair out, stop and contact Jodi @ Wandering Company. She’ll help you keep your hair and get your vacation planned (and at no cost to you!).
