The Ultimate Guide To Orlando: Best Attractions, Eats & Experiences

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Orlando is one of the major cities in the country’s Sunshine State! When you think about the city we bet that theme parks are the first thing that pops into your mind. Our best things to do in Orlando guide is here to show you that there’s so much more to this epic city!

Spend your holiday getting up close with alligators at Gatorland, spinning your world upside down at the Museum of Illusions, and meeting your favorite celebrity at Madame Tussauds. See the city from 400 feet in the air on the Orlando Eye and ride the city’s famous Harry Potter ride at Orlando Universal Studios. There’s so much to do in Orlando the hard part will be fitting it all in!

What You’ll Get Out Of This Article

In this epic guide of the best things to do in Florida you’ll find:

Everything you need to know about two of the city’s most famous theme parks, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando.
A guide to Gatorland, where you can get up close with Florida’s scariest wildlife!
Tranquil things that you can do in Orlando’s downtown, like take a walk around Lake Eola or ride out into the lake on one of the city’s iconic swan boats.
The coolest attractions at ICON Park, like the Orlando Eye and Museum of Illusions.
Hotel recommendations which are great for a range of different travelers, from families to solo travelers. We’ve only included hotels that are close to our favorite attractions to minimize wasting time on travel!
A handy packing guide of things to bring on your holiday to the Sunshine State.
A questions and answers section where we answer all the most common queries about a trip to Orlando.

Our Favourite Things To Do In Orlando

aerial view over green trees and city buildings of orlando

Leave the research to us and spend more time getting ready for your adventure to Orlando! We have attractions for everyone in this guide as well as great hotel recommendations for every kind of budget.

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO ORLANDO

Where to stay: Book a stay at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, one of the official Universal Studios Orlando hotels! It has a gigantic pool with underwater music and rock music-themed rooms that the kids will love! Your room also comes with an express ticket to Universal Studios Orlando. We use Booking.com for all of our stays and use the Genius discount to get great deals on our hotel bookings. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
Must pack item: Famed for its sunny weather and heat, don’t forget to pack a hat and sunblock for your trip to Orlando!
Recommended tour: Get this self-guided audio tour to listen to whilst you walk around Lake Eola. It’s a great way to learn about Orlando’s history while exploring the downtown area that so many travelers skip!
Car rentals – Having a car is a must on your trip to Orlando. The theme parks are a while out of the city, so if you want to explore the city attractions and get to Orlando’s coolest theme parks, we recommend renting a car! Make sure you know about ways to save money with car rental coupon codes and always start your search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so you know what the best deals are.
Flights – If you are flying in from elsewhere use the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature to find the best deals from your local airport. Check how much it would be for you to get to Orlando International Airport!
Insurance – Not always required but always recommended! Make sure you’re covered with the best travel insurance. Our go-to is always HeyMondo for the best all-round coverage at a reasonable price, you also get a 15% discount by using our link.
Hottest deals – Never be without our frequently updated travel deals page.

1. Spend A Day At Walt Disney World

walt disney and mickey mouse statue in front of magic kingdom castle at disney world orlando

Of all the world-famous theme parks in central Florida, Walt Disney World is the best known! It consists of four theme parks and a water park.

Packed with adventures and entertainers dressed as all your favorite Disney characters that bring the park to life, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular attraction for all age groups!

Ride the park’s scariest rides, like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion!

In the evening watch the Happily Ever After display where fireworks burst into color above the Magic Kingdom and catch a famous Disney show, like The Lion King! Even adults can’t deny there’s magic in the air at Walt Disney.

In addition to Magic Kingdom, you’ll also want to make sure you leave enough time in the park to visit Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios.

Tired of going on roller coasters? Then head to Disney Springs. This open-air shopping area is packed with Disney shops as well as many popular brands, all set around a pretty water area and plenty of Disney charm! Shop til you drop, then enjoy a bite to eat at one of the mall’s resort restaurants.

Something that we learned from our trip to Disneyland and also Disney World is that to enjoy it to the fullest, you really need to have a good understanding of how their Lightning Lane works, early-access, rope-drop and so many other little tips and tricks that only the pros know. Make sure to read our Disney World Secrets Revealed to be in the know.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Hours: All the theme parks at Walt Disney have their own opening hours. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the first to open and the Magic Kingdom is typically the last to close. The hours themselves change depending on the season.
Price: You can find all the best ticket deals and the prices of different tickets on their website!
Tips: Stay onsite to really immerse yourself in the magic of Walt Disney! We also recommend downloading the My Disney Experience app, which makes it super easy to make Lightning Lane selections, make dining reservations in advance, put in mobile orders, and access the interactive map to see ride standby times.
Parking: Anyone staying at the Disney Resort hotels gets the added perk of free parking! There are some charges for certain hotels, which so check ahead here. If you prefer valet parking, you’ll also have to pay extra!

2. Go On An Unforgettable Day Out At Gatorland

If you’re hoping to add some adrenaline to your vacation, a day getting up close with central Florida’s scariest wildlife is a must! Founded by local legend Owen Godwin in 1949, the park is still owned by his family today.

Whilst you are there, you can get up close with the park’s grunts, the baby gators, and the giant 14-footers that live in Gatorland’s marshes! The bravest adventurers can even try this Gatorland night tour, where you explore the park by flashlight!

Even though the park is most famous for its crocodiles and gators, there are also snakes, birds, wild cats, and capybaras that call the park home.

But it’s not just the unique wildlife that makes a trip to Gatorland one of the most unforgettable experiences in Orlando. There’s also the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, which is great fun for families!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837, USA
Hours: The park is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day, rain or shine!
Price: An adult ticket to the park costs around $35, kid’s tickets are $25. We think it’s a fair price for a day getting up close with gators, one of Orlando’s most unique experiences!
Tips: Pack plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen! There isn’t a whole lot of shade at the park, and you’ll be outdoors most of the day, so make sure you’re protecting yourself from the elements.
Parking: There’s loads of free parking on-site.

3. Walk Around Lake Eola Park In Downtown Orlando

swans relaxing lake side at lake eola park with view of orlando city

When people come to Orlando, they’re so swept away by the theme parks, that the city of Orlando often gets overlooked! But we think that spending a few hours exploring Orlando’s downtown neighborhood should be included in every visit to the Sunshine State!

Lake Eola is at the heart of downtown, and it’s our favorite spot in the area. The lake has a mile-long hiking trail that loops around it, so you can enjoy a tranquil afternoon stroll before heading out into the busy streets of downtown.

Every Sunday there’s a local Farmer’s Market which is a no-brainer for foodies and travelers looking to get to know the locals. We loved how friendly everyone was, there was a strong sense of community which you don’t always find in big cities.

Another awesome thing you can do whilst you’re at Lake Eola is go on a cruise on one of the famous swan paddle boats! Venture out into the center of the lake and enjoy views of Orlando’s skyscrapers and vibrant lakeside park from afar!

The boats are inspired by the five swan species that call the lake home, try to spot the different species before your travel buddy does!

Get this self-guided audio tour that you can listen to whilst you walk around Lake Eola. Learn about the city’s history and the significance of the lake.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801, United States
Hours: The lakeside park is always open, but you can only rent the swan boats from Tuesday to Sunday between 10AM and 5PM
Price: There’s no admission fee to visit the lake but renting a swan paddle boat costs $15 for half an hour. You can fit up to four people in them so it’s pretty cheap if you’re splitting the cost.
Tips: Sunday is the best day to visit the park because then you can combine it with a trip to the local Farmer’s Market.
Parking: The lake doesn’t have its own parking complex, but there is a nearby parking garage on Central Boulevard!

4. Take A Trip To The Magical Museum Of Illusions

Filled with interactive exhibits that will trip your mind into seeing the impossible, the Museum of Illusions is a fun day out for all age groups! It’s also our favorite spot for taking silly selfies and fun family pictures.

See the world upside down in the Reverse Room, shrink yourself to the size of an ant in the Ames Room, and take a trip in a swirling vortex tunnel!

We were a little unsure about whether we’d like the museum at first, but after spending a morning there we were glad we went! It’s amazing how the museum has found ways to turn our mind’s imperfect interpretations of visual cues into a playful and creative space.

You’ll learn lots about the latest discoveries in neuroscience whilst you’re there too. Families in particular will love this activity because it blurs the lines between fun and educational! Get your tickets for this family-friendly attraction in advance here.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: 8375 International Drive, Icon Park, Suite #250, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Hours: The museum is open from 12 PM to 7 PM on weekdays, and from 11 AM to 8 PM on weekends.
Price: You can get your ticket in advance here for just $30!
Tips: The museum is in the city’s famous Icon Park, which is also where the Orlando Eye Ferris wheel is! To make the most of your time in the area combine a visit to the museum with a ride on the Ferris wheel.
Parking: Icon Park has a free parking garage, which is super accessible and easy to get to.

5. Spend An Afternoon Exploring The Tibet-Butler Preserve

view from a boardwalk at the tibet-butler preserve

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando’s city streets and amusement parks you’ll find the Tibet-Butler Preserve. The nature reserve is on the shores of Lake Tibet-Butler, so you can enjoy views of the lake as you wander down one of the many hiking trails.

With more than 3 miles of trails to explore, there’s a hike for everyone! You don’t have to be super fit to enjoy the pine woodland walks at the Tibet-Butler Preserve. This is another reason we think it’s a great place to come if you’re traveling with kids. The park is packed with family fun!

When you arrive, head straight to the Vera Carter Environmental Center, where you can grab a map and talk to a wildlife expert if you have any questions! They’ll also be able to tell you about all the birds that call the nature reserve home, like woodpeckers and White Ibises.

Check out the exhibits and interactive games at the visitor center before you head into the reserve’s woodlands and marshy terrain.

Another thing we love about the park? There’s a butterfly garden! But funnily enough, the butterflies aren’t the main attraction. There’s also a little family of gopher tortoises that live there! Did you know they’re native to Florida? So come and say hi to these local creatures!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836, United States
Hours: The park is open from 8 AM till 6 PM every day of the week!
Price: Incredibly, the reserve is completely free! Another reason to add it to your Orlando itinerary.
Tips: Don’t leave the reserve without meeting the native gopher tortoises!
Parking: There’s free parking at the park.

6. Spend An Unforgettable Day At Universal Studios Orlando

famous universal studios globe sign sitting on lake

Ready for a day of epic roller coaster rides? With so many theme parks in Orlando, it can be overwhelming to decide which to go to! But we think Universal Studios Orlando has it all – step into the universes from your favorite films and get your adrenaline pumping on the park’s scariest rides!

One of the coolest areas in the theme park is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Whilst some of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is in the Islands of Adventure theme park, Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios. Here you’ll find the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride!

The two parks of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are connected by the Hogwarts Express. If you want to see both, you’ll need a Park-to-Park ticket. It’s an added cost, but we loved the Hogwarts Express and really recommend it, especially if you’re a big Harry Potter fan!

To save time on queues, we recommend heading to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (which is right at the back of the park and the furthest point from the park entrance) first. By exploring the park back to front you’ll avoid the worst of the crowds!

You can’t miss the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, which is a top pick for families! If you’re traveling with kids, you should also check out The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman Ride.

Another thing we loved about Universal Studios Orlando was all the shows. The Horror Make-Up Show is a personal favorite, but they have lots of flash-mob style shows on the park’s streets throughout the day. Check the schedules ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss anything!

Another thing that families definitely need to know about is the park’s Child Swap areas! To make sure that the adults don’t have to miss out on the fun, they allow families to queue together for rides that kids can’t go on.

Once you reach the front of the queue, one parent can take the kids to the Child Swap area whilst the other has a blast on the ride. Hop off the ride, head to the Child Swap area, and switch places with your partner, so they can have a turn!

We recommend getting an Express Pass so you can skip the queues. If you choose to stay at a Universal Studios Hotel they come included with your room, there are three parks in the Universal Studios Resort, so you could even stay for a couple of nights and visit all of them! If not, you can get your Universal Studios Express Pass here.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Hours: The park opens its gates at 9AM and closes at 8PM but this also changes depending on the season. We recommend getting there before the official opening time and getting to the front of the queue so you can get on the most popular rides before the huge crowds arrive!
Price: There are lots of tickets you can choose from, check out the prices of the park’s official website. If you decide to visit another of the theme parks in the Universal Studios Resort you can also get combo tickets!
Tips: Save yourself time getting lost at Universal Studios Orlando with the Universal Studios Orlando App! We recommend checking it out before you visit and getting to grips with the different areas of the park and what rides are where. It’s also a great thing to have on the day as the app gives you the queue times for all the rides in real time!
Parking: Their prime parking costs up to $60, and their regular parking is $32.

7. Meet Your Favorite Celebrity At The Madame Tussauds Museum

kung fu panda wax figurine at the madame tussauds museum

Madame Tussauds is a wax museum that has life-like wax sculptures of your favorite celebrities! Their walkthrough exhibits are different from most museums because you can get up close with the wax figures and take awesome pictures with them!

Sing with Beyonce, kick it like Lionel Messi, or go on an outer space mission with Neil Armstrong! This is your shot to meet your idol. From historical leaders to pop stars, they’re all there.

Hang out with The Rock on set, Dj with Mr. 305 on a yacht, and snap some holiday pictures holding up a helicopter with Superman! With more than 90 wax figures in the museum, we bet you’ll meet some people you didn’t know too.

If you’re traveling with young kids, they will also love the wax cartoon figures like Kung Fu Panda! They can immerse themselves in their favorite films and let their imaginations run wild as they explore the exhibits.

What are you waiting for? Grab a ticket to the museum here!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: 8387 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
Hours: The museum is open from 11AM until 7PM on weekdays, and stays open until 8PM on Saturdays and Sundays during the winter and autumn months. In spring and summer, the museum stays open an hour later each day.
Price: Grab a ticket to the museum here for $32!
Tips: The museum is very popular and can get pretty crowded so if you want to beat the masses, visit on a weekday. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the quietest days.
Parking: You’ll find free parking for the museum on the 4th to 7th floors of the ICON Park complex.

8. Take In The City From Above With A Ride On The Orlando Eye

street view of the orlando eye lit up in different color lights at night

The epic Orlando Eye is in the ICON Park complex. It towers over the rest of Orlando, rising to 400 feet above the ground! Hop in one of the pods and let it take you up to soaring heights, where you’ll get the best views of Orlando and the central Florida landscape in the distance.

Looking for ideas for a special date? Then take your partner on the Orlando Eye at golden hour. Catch the sunset together hundreds of feet in the air, and enjoy a moment away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.

At night the city lights up and you can catch the colorful firework displays that the surrounding theme parks set off from the comfort of one of the Orlando Eye capsules. If you decide to go on the Orlando Eye in the evening, you’ll also see it lit up by 64,000 color-changing lights that will add a sparkle to your ride!

If you’re scared of heights the 20-minute ride will definitely get your adrenaline pumping! But you’ll have cool holiday pictures that you’ll relish for a lifetime.

Stop by the goodies-filled gift shop once you hop off and grab a drink at the Sky Bar.

With this ticket, you can soak in the panoramic cityscape views from the Orlando Eye and combine it with another attraction, like Madame Tussauds for just $32!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: 8449 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
Hours: The Orlando Eye runs from 2PM to 8PM Sunday to Thursday, then it runs from 2PM to 11PM on a Friday, and from 12PM to 11PM on a Saturday! You can check their up-to-date schedule here. It’s rare for the Orlando Eye to be closed, but if there are any severe weather events it does get shut for the day.
Price: Buy your tickets in advance to save money! On their website you can pick up a single ticket for $30, or the best thing to do is save and get a combo ticket that includes entry to SeaWorld and Madame Tussauds for just $50.
Tips: Bring some binoculars to zoom in on different attractions you can see from the Orlando Eye!
Parking: Like the other attractions in the ICON Park complex, you’ll find free parking for the Orlando Eye on the 4th to 7th floors.

Where To Stay In Orlando

Whether you’re traveling as a family or on a romantic trip, here are our top pick hotels in Orlando:

BUDGET

Castle Hotel Autograph Collection

The Castle Hotel Autograph Collection looks like a giant white castle from the outside and has intriguing castle decor in the interior! There’s a big outdoor pool you can cool off in, and it’s conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from ICON Park! Universal Studios Orlando is just 4 kilometers away from the hotel, so an easy drive if you prefer to park.

MID-RANGE

Sonesta ES Suites Orlando

Sonesta ES Suites Orlando has elegant hotel apartments that are great for families. They have everything you’ll need for a short stay, including a little kitchen! It’s so close to ICON Park you can see the ferry from your window. And it’s only a short 3 kilometers drive from Universal Studios Orlando and is our top pick for families. There’s an outdoor pool and hot tub too, which the kids will love!

MID-RANGE

exterior front view of embassy suits by hilton orlando at dusk

Embassy Suites by Hilton

Embassy Suites by Hilton has luxurious rooms in downtown Orlando. Situated just a street away from Lake Eola, it’s the perfect place to explore from. Enjoy their included cooked breakfast and the cozy living room area inside every room. If you really want to splash out you can book their Presidential Suite with a lush outdoor patio with lake views!

LUXURY

large outdoor pool at the back of universal hard rock hotel

Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel

Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel is one of the official Universal Studios Orlando hotels. Sleep on the doorstep of this iconic theme park and enjoy your free Universal Express ticket that comes with your room. You’ll also get to go into the park an hour before everyone else. The kids can go wild in the 12,000-square-foot pool that has underwater music. They’ll also love the rock music-themed rooms!

Orlando Packing Guide

Wondering what to pack for your trip to Orlando? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! This handy packing guide includes everything you should bring:

Casual clothes: Most of the top things to do in Orlando involve getting outdoors or going wild in a theme park! So make sure you bring comfortable and casual clothes on your trip. Because of how hot it tends to be in Florida, we really recommend packing a few pairs of shorts too!
Binoculars: Bring some binoculars so you can get a closer look at some of the attractions, and the landscape views you can see from 400 feet in the air on the Orlando Eye!
Pack a hat: Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing! Orlando is blessed with an extraordinary number of sunny days and warm weather. But when you’re out all day exploring, you’ll need a good hat to protect you from the sun.
Bring plenty of sunblock: Make sure you have a bottle of sunblock with you at all times. Add it to your daypack when you’re out and about sightseeing and reapply it throughout the day to avoid getting a nasty sunburn!
Your best camara: With so many epic attractions and things to do in Orlando, you’ll want to snap some pictures of your adventure! You might want to consider accessories like selfie sticks too, especially if you’re visiting Universal Studios Orlando. For reflection-free photos look into getting a lens hood.
Comfy walking shoes: A trip to Orlando’s coolest attractions and theme parks will involve a lot of walking so make sure you pack some comfortable trainers. You might even want to consider bringing a pair of walking sandals too so you can wear those on extra warm days.
If you’re visiting from another country, remember you’ll need a travel adapter and a voltage converter. In the US they use plug types A and B, so maybe bring one of each just in case!
- As the US runs off 120V electricity outlets, if you have electronics that run off 240V it’s worth investing in a voltage converter. They’ll save your electronics from getting destroyed!
Anyone who isn’t a US national should also be up to date with VISA requirements before organizing a trip to Orlando. You can find out more and check if you need a VISA or ESTA here.

Unforgettable Memories In The Coolest City In The Sunshine State

We’re sure that after reading about all the best things to do in Orlando you can’t wait to get out there yourself! Whether you’re traveling solo or taking the kids, there’s so much to do you should plan to be there for at least a few days.

Hop from museum to museum at ICON Park, soak in the cityscape views from 400 feet in the air onboard the Orlando Eye, get your adrenaline pumping on theme park rollercoasters, or brave the state’s alligators at Gatorland!

Orlando Frequently Asked Questions

Is there anything to do in Orlando besides Disney?

There’s loads to do in Florida! Disney is always the first attraction that pops into everyone’s mind when they think about a trip to Orlando. But the city is home to a whole host of theme parks, like Universal Studios Orlando, which is part of the Universal Orlando Resort trip that includes the Volcano Bay water park and Islands of Adventure.

Not a fan of theme parks? Then head to downtown Orlando, where you can go on a boat ride along Lake Eola, or make your way to the ICON Park complex where you can museum hop and ride the Orlando Eye!

If you want to get up close with the local wildlife and immerse yourself in nature, head to the Tibet-Butler Preserve and enjoy a gentle stroll. Adrenaline seekers will also love Gatorland, where you can get up close with Florida’s scariest beasts!

What can you do in Orlando Florida when it rains?

Even in the Sunshine State, there’s plenty to keep you busy on a rainy day. When the weather turns, skip the theme parks which are more fun on a sunny day, and visit the city’s awesome museums.

Meet your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds, where you can get up close with wax figures of famous sportsmen, historical figures, pop stars, and even superheroes! They have loads of interactive exhibits which will keep you busy for a few hours.

After that, head to the Museum of Illusions where the impossible is made possible! Using the latest neuroscience, the museum has designed room after room of interactive exhibits that trick your mind into seeing the impossible. Get ready to hang upside down and shrink to the size of an ant!

And that’s not all you can do on a rainy day. The Orlando Eye has weatherproofed capsules that protect you from the elements whilst you take in the vistas of the city and Florida’s wild landscapes from 400 feet in the air!

How many days do you need in Orlando, Florida?

If you want to go to Disney and Universal Studios Orlando and have enough time to see all the main attractions in the city itself, we recommend spending 3 nights and 4 days in Orlando.

Just there for the theme parks? Then 2 to 3 days is enough! And if you’re planning on skipping the theme parks altogether (which we don’t recommend because they’re awesome!) then you can see Orlando’s top attractions and wildlife spots in 2 days.

Is Orlando good for solo travelers?

Orlando is a great destination for solo travelers! It’s super safe and there’s loads to do. You’ll be able to skip the long queues at the theme parks by making the most of their single rider’s lines and you can plan your trip without making any compromises.

Enjoy a tranquil walk by yourself in the Tibet-Butler Preserve, face the alligators at Gatorland, and explore the museum exhibits in your own time at ICON Park.

In fact, there’s not a single attraction in this itinerary that you can’t do if you’re traveling alone!

What is the cheapest month to go to Orlando?

Orlando is a popular destination so hotel and flight prices can get pretty competitive in the peak season. If you want to save some money, visit in the off-peak season. September to mid-November are quieter, and so is January to mid-February.

Another advantage of coming in the off-peak season is fewer crowds at the theme parks, so you’ll spend less time queuing for rides.

If you’re hoping for a budget-friendly trip the worst time of year is in summer and around Easter!

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

Gigsky: Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 5% discount!
RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

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