I have listed some websites that I use, have used or ones that I think might be useful whilst travelling and for planning trips. This will continue to be updated. If you have any suggestions, please contact us at info@independenttravelhelp.com:
Accommodation
Cultural Exchange and/or lodging
Couchsurfing
Great for meeting local people as well as other travellers, at home and abroad; gives you the opportunity to live with local people in residential rather than tourist areas.
Helpx
This is a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and help others in exchange for board and lodgings.
Women Welcome Women Worldwide
This is about promoting friendships with other women around the world. There isn’t a set subscription but a recommended minimum donation and an annual renewal fee.
Charities and Social Enterprises
http://stuffyourrucksack.com
When you are planning your trip, this website helps you search to see if there are any projects listed, in the place you are visiting, that would benefit from certain items they don’t have. If so, you could pack whatever it is they need and take it to them during your travels. This sounds like a great way of helping others whilst travelling and is definitely worth checking out.
Health
When it comes to health matters, you should always consult your physician for the most up-to-date and relevant information. In addition to that, here are some websites that have some travel health information you might find useful.
Government Websites
Travel Health
A very useful website by the UK government for people thinking of travelling and/or living abroad. It has a wealth of information and is worth checking out.
Travelers’ Health
This is another very useful website but this time by the US government for people thinking of travelling abroad. Some of the web pages haven’t been updated for a few years. That is possibly because there is no new information but I thought it was worth pointing it out.
Fit For Travel
This is a website provided by NHS Scotland and has been compiled by a team of experts from the Travel Health Team at Health Protection Scotland.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads
This is one of the many online companies that offer travel insurance. They are a bit more flexible than most, which is great for independent travellers, because you can buy a policy, extend your policy and claim online while you’re still travelling.
Local Information
Events
joobili.com
If you don’t know where to go or what to do for your next trip, it might be worth checking this site out for a bit of inspiration. All you have to do is select your travel dates and filter by location or interests, if you so wish and it will give you a list of events or things to do. I have had a little play on the website and it seems really good. I especially like the fact that they have an ‘unusual’ filter. So, where are what are you going to do on your next trip?
Transport
Boats
aferry.co.uk
Extensive worldwide ferry information, which includes alternative routes, prices, times and booking. There is an app available.
Buses and coaches
busstation.net
A comprehensive resource for bus, tram. trolleybus and transit web links worldwide.
Flights
indie.bootsnall.com
A multi-city flight finder. You can book up to 25 flights with it.
General information
http://www.fcowidget.com/
If you’re planning to drive abroad this year, it would be worth checking out this new widget. It has motoring and travel advice for a number of countries around the world.
Trains and metros
Seat 61
For detailed information on train travel around the world.
imetro.nanika.net
A metro journey planner for over 400 cities worldwide (even shows on the map where the station is, length of journey, where to change and all the stops on the way).
tubemap.com
London Underground and links to a number of the world cities’ metro websites.
Walking
walkit.com
Walking routes (London only at the moment)
