There’s a couple of tricks I use to plan our trips that I thought I’d share with you.

WikiTravel is invaluable. Providing a different, more practical perspective from the bigger Lonely Planet or Frommers, WikiTravel is put together by travellers who have visited or locals who want to showcase their city. Chock-full of always up-to-date & practical info on what to see and do, how to get around and the best ways to get in and out. The restaurant recommendations leave something to be desired, bit the rest is solid, good info. I check it out first before I book anywhere now.

Pocket is brilliant for travel. Save the WikiTravel page of the place you’re visiting to your Pocket app on your phone and have a guidebook in your pocket for free!

Skyscanner’s app is absolutely brilliant for finding flights – it’s a great way to get an idea of how much flights might cost without having to look 5 different websites. In case you’re into that, I mostly use EasyJet but occasionally RyanAir, or smaller regional carriers like Norwegian or Air Malta if they’re a comparable price. Check WikiTravel to see how easy it is to get from the airport to the city.

Google Maps is invaluable – providing you can read a map. Make sure you check out where the train station/bus stations are. In Europe they’re usually the centre of town so you can orientate yourself from there. In 2011 I accidentally booked an apartment for one of our weekends 3km out of town… Not that great! Check the map and familiarise yourself with the area before booking.