Recommended Travel Planning and Resources

Trip planning can eat up hours of research. To make it easier, I’ve pulled together the exact tools I rely on—so you can save time, stretch your budget, and book with confidence.

Be sure to also check out my Gifts & Travel Essentials pages for gift ideas, packing lists, and must-have travel gear I actually use on the road.

(Some links are affiliates. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—thanks for supporting Dohrn Travels!)

I like to start with Google Flights, then check Southwest separately.

• Google Flights → My first stop for airfare searches. It lets me compare airlines side by side, track prices over time, and quickly spot the cheapest travel days using the calendar feature. I never book here, but it’s the best research tool before I buy directly with the airline.
• Southwest Airlines → Their fares don’t appear on most search sites, so I always check separately. They include two free checked bags, have no change fees, and let you reprice your flight if the fare drops (they give you credit back). Their Low Fare Calendar is a must for flexible travelers.
• Book “Backward” (Be Flexible) → Instead of starting with dates or destinations, I start with price. By using flexible date searches or exploring alternate destinations, I often score huge savings. Adjusting just one thing—dates or destination—can make the trip far more affordable.

 

With flights figured out, the next step is finding the right place to stay.

Pro Tip: Compare total costs, including fees, before booking.

• Booking.com → My go-to for hotels, motels, and small inns. They offer tons of options, filters like free cancellation, breakfast, or parking, and a helpful map view to stay close to the action.
• Vrbo → Best for whole-home rentals like cabins, condos, and lake houses. Ideal for family trips, fishing weekends, or when I want a little extra space. Always double-check service and cleaning fees and read house rules before booking.
• Expedia → I cross-check here to catch occasional promos or bundle discounts (flight + hotel). Their filters help, but I always compare the total cost after taxes/fees and cancellation terms before committing.

How I decide: I start my search on Expedia, check Vrbo if I want a cabin/house, then compare on Booking.com. If the prices are close, I book the option with the fairest cancellation policy.

Once your stay is set, it’s time to add some adventure to the trip.

Looking to add experiences to your trip? These are the platforms I use to find and book activities—from guided tours, to fishing carters, to cruise-port excursions.

• Viator → My first stop for tours and attraction tickets. Easy filters (small-group, pickup, duration), lots of recent reviews, and flexible cancellation (often up to 24 hours). Great for cruise ports and weekend getaways where timing and reliability matter.
• GetYourGuide → A strong option in big cities and Europe. Reliable mobile tickets, skip-the-line passes, and clear refund policies.
• FishingBooker → Best place to compare fishing charters. You can read captain reviews, see what’s included (gear, bait, licenses), and confirm available dates. Perfect for Alaska salmon trips, Florida deep-sea outings, or Midwest lake days. I love it for narrowing down which charters are trustworthy before committing.
• Tripadvisor → Helpful for comparing similar tours and reading up-to-date reviews before booking. I look for consistent high ratings and pay attention to the most recent feedback. I usually skim Tripadvisor before locking in a tour on Viator or GetYourGuide—it’s like a final confidence check.

How I decide: I start my search on Viator, cross-check GetYourGuide, book fishing charters on FishingBooker, and skim Tripadvisor reviews for a final confidence check. I choose the option with the best start time + cancellation policy.

If you’re planning a trip by sea, here’s how I approach cruises.

• CruiseDirect → My go-to for browsing cruise itineraries and comparing prices across lines. Their filters make it easy to search by ship, dates, and length, and they often offer promos like onboard credit or free upgrades. It’s the fastest way to get a big-picture look before I narrow down and book.

 

For land-based travel, reliable wheels are just as important.

• DiscoverCars → A simple comparison tool that pulls results from major brands. I like how they clearly list fuel and mileage rules, deposit amounts, and cancellation terms so there are no surprises at pickup.
• Rentalcars.com → Another great aggregator that often has flexible cancellation options. I use it as a second check to make sure I’m seeing the best total price.

How I decide: I price both, then book whichever option has the best total cost after taxes/fees and the fairest cancellation terms.

 

Every good trip needs a safety net—this is where travel insurance comes in.

• VisitorsCoverage → A fast and reliable way to compare travel insurance plans for cruises and international trips. They show coverage options for trip interruption, delays, and medical emergencies. Policies arrive by email in minutes, but always read the fine print.

Beyond protection, I like to make travel more affordable—here’s how rewards cards help.

I use these cards for everyday spending and trips—points and cash back help fund future travel. Offers change and approval is required (terms apply).

• Capital One Savor → Great for dining, entertainment, and streaming—everyday purchases that quickly add up to big rewards.
• Capital One Venture → Simple, flexible travel miles you can redeem against nearly any travel purchase—perfect for flights, hotels, and car rentals.

I put daily expenses on these cards, then redeem miles or cash back to cut costs on future trips.

 

Of course, the right gear can make or break a trip—these are my go-to essentials.

Most of my go-to items (from bug spray to fishing gear) are in my RockPorch page and Tips & Gear posts with direct links to the exact products I use.

View my RockPorch page → https://app.rockporch.com/prflink/DohrnTravels

See My Travel Gear Guide → https://dohrntravels.com/travel-essentials/

• Peet’s Coffee → A road-trip staple I keep in my cabin bag and at home. It’s bold, reliable, and keeps me fueled on long drives or early morning fishing trips.

You made it to the end—thanks for reading!

This Playbook is your travel toolbox. Bookmark it, check back often for updates, and follow me on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for even more insider Travel Tips!

Adventure Awaits — Book It.
– Brian