If you're soon to go traveling or on vacation, there's something to be said for not planning much and seeing where the journey takes you. But sometimes it's sensible to do your research in advance: get the cheapest flights, book the best restaurants, and scout ahead for must-see sights.

That's why we've rounded up these fantastic travel sites that you need to bookmark before your next trip, many of which will also come in handy during your travels.

1. Wikivoyage

wikivoyage philippines page

Wikivoyage is part of the Wikimedia Foundation. Like sister site Wikipedia, that means it's a free, editable database that anyone can contribute to. Wikivoyage offers tips on sightseeing, activities, cuisine, and accommodation.

You can use Wikivoyage to get both a broad overview of somewhere you want to travel and information about specific aspects like climate and cell reception. Plus, once you've completed your trip, you can contribute to Wikivoyage to help future travelers.

2. Lonely Planet

lonely planet explore western usa

Planning your next big trip? Then you need to use Lonely Planet, which provides detailed guides on a huge number of popular destinations. You'll get tips on when the best time to travel is, details on entry requirements, advice on how to keep kids entertained, and more.

Plus, you can use Lonely Planet to find the best sights, restaurants, and shopping. While ultimately the company does want you to buy one of its guidebooks, there's plenty of information to soak up on the website.

3. Time Out

time out

If you're seeking activities and events to occupy your time on vacation, Time Out is the website to visit. It details upcoming events for cities across the globe, both free and ticketed, so you don't miss out on any one-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Alongside local news, Time Out also details the best eateries, culture, theater, and markets. It's essentially the ultimate cultural hub, perfect for when you want to immerse yourself in a new location.

4. Tripadvisor

tripadvisor

Tripadvisor isn't exactly a hidden gem. It's known the world over as one of the ultimate websites for user reviews on hotels, restaurants, and experiences. It's simply unmatched when it comes to finding out what other people think about their travel experiences.

Alongside user reviews (often complete with photographs), Tripadvisor also offers travel advice, lets you find cheap hotel bookings, lists things to do in a location, and hosts popular forums where you can speak to other travelers and locals.

5. ToursByLocals

toursbylocals

One of the best ways to discover somewhere new is to get shown around by someone who lives there. But if you don't know anyone local, you usually end up roaming around with a large tourist group, stuck on a fixed route that isn't tailored to what you want to see.

For a more personalized tour experience, check out ToursByLocals. It offers private and customizable tours, hosted by passionate guides who love nothing more than imparting their knowledge and showing you around their city.

6. In the Crowd

inthecrowd

Crowds are inevitable when traveling, especially to popular tourist destinations. If you lose track of your group, it's sometimes tricky to find them again; describing your position in unfamiliar territory when surrounded by others isn't an easy task. It's even harder if you have a dodgy cell connection.

That's where a handy, simple tool like In the Crowd comes in. It flashes your entire screen in a color of your choosing. Pick a color with your group beforehand, then use this site and hold your phone high when you need to find each other. It's not fancy, but it works.

7. Airbnb

airbnb

Whether you want to stay in a barn, national park, chalet, campsite, bed and breakfast, or anything in between, Airbnb is one of the best platforms for booking accommodation. Locals list their properties on the platform, many of whom are keen to ensure you have an authentic local experience. It's more personal than a generic corporate hotel.

Even if you've never used it before, it's simple to book your first vacation on Airbnb. Select your destination, dates, and number of guests, and Airbnb will show you everything that meets your criteria.

8. Google Translate

google translate

If you're traveling to a foreign country, it's customary to learn some basic phrases so that you can communicate simply with locals. There are plenty of great language learning apps that can help with that. But for anything more advanced, use Google Translate.

It can translate text, documents, and websites between two languages instantly, alongside speech in some browsers. Whether you're trying to purchase an online ticket, order food, or engage someone in conversation, Google Translate is here to help.

9. OpenTable

opentable philadelphia

Eating well is an essential part of any trip and OpenTable helps you achieve that. It lets you book tables at restaurants quickly and easily, without the hassle of navigating through individual restaurant sites or trying to speak a foreign language on the phone.

OpenTable lets you filter by aspects such as seating options, price, cuisine, and more. Of course, not every restaurant is on OpenTable, so you may not wish to use it exclusively—it's always fun to stumble across a charming local eatery in person.

10. Skyscanner

skyscanner

For many destinations, flying is the only reasonable transport option, but it's often expensive and a headache to trawl through all the airline's websites. Save yourself the hassle and use Skyscanner, which is a flight comparison website.

Simply input your departure city, destination, dates, and preferred cabin class, and you can compare trips across all the airlines and deals sites. Use the filters to refine your search further, like if you only want direct flights or those departing at a reasonable hour.

Enjoy the Wonders of the World

Traveling has so many benefits, exposing us to the wonders of the world and educating us about other cultures. Use these websites to ensure you're saving the most money, staying in unique places, and having an authentic local experience.

Can't decide where you want to travel to? Get a globe, give it a spin, and let your finger choose somewhere randomly. Let fate guide you to some unforgettable memories.