At The Wise Traveller, we like to keep a finger on the pulse of travel. So here are a host of travel sources to use and keep ahead of the curve for your next journey.
1. Phone tips
The mobile phone is the lifeline for travellers. So, CN Traveller produced an excellent article on how to make it work harder for you when abroad. Everything from downloading destination maps, offline translation, setting urgent ID settings, and how to find your phone when offline is explored here.
2. Packing must-dos
If packing gives you a cold sweat and fear being charged for overstuffed luggage, take hints from this article. It tackles how to prep for a stress-free journey, including how to dress appropriately when embarking on a trip which could challenge cultural boundaries and climates.
3. Pushing for a free hotel upgrade
A holiday isn't complete without finding a freebie, whether it's an upgrade to a better room or hotel services at no extra cost. It can sometimes feel like a minor victory. So how can you make Lady Luck work for you? CN Traveller picks the brains of experts for their advice on maximising a free hotel upgrade here.
4. Swerving hidden airport fees
The pain of any traveller is attached to their holiday budget, or lack of it. One of the biggest headaches lately is navigating so-called too-good-to-be-true offers, which are often filled with hidden fees for seat selection, overpriced meals, or even carry-on luggage. To keep those money leeches away from sucking up your holiday spend, try these useful strategies.
5. Best days and times to book flights
Booking your seat on an ideal flight for the least amount of money is an art. Now, Expedia experts put their finger on it with their Air Hacks 2026. You can find the details here, but the hints are: book 31-45 days out for both domestic and international flights, and for a last-minute holiday, book 15-20 days ahead. Sunday is the best day to book cheap flights.
6. When's the best day to travel
We turn again to the science of Expedia's Air Hacks 2026. According to the report, Tuesday is the least busy day to fly, with Friday the busiest. January is the least busy month to fly while August is the busiest; the calmest individual dates are 4, 5 and 9 March and 31 December, and the peak dates are 24 May, 22 August and 24 and 25 October.
7. Best price comparisons
MoneyWeek, a magazine that helps readers with their money decisions, recommends Google Flights or Skyscanner Price Alerts to monitor ticket prices. Also, check out travel price comparison websites such as Kayak and TravelSupermarket.
8. Travel trends
If you want to stay at the cutting edge of travel and get to places before the masses, explore this. Here you can find the best places to visit, from Mũi Né in Vietnam to Manaus in Brazil.
9. Best options for airlines
If an airline is good enough for a business traveller, it's good enough for an ordinary person. But where to look? One option is the Business Traveller Awards, which highlight the best carriers and provide inspiration for the best in hotels, car rental and luggage brands. For a full rundown, check this out.
10. On the rails
One of the biggest trends in travel is the desire to journey by train. While a multitude of excellent sources cover the aviation sector, global rail coverage is still emerging. Yet, one of the most reliable sources of train travel is the Man in Seat 61 website. Packed with up-to-date information, you can find the link here.
Andy Probert is a British-born, Cyprus-based journalist who covers aviation, hotels, travel, and various topics for publications worldwide.
