Resources

Helpful resources for world travelers:

Passports, Visas, and International travel info 
travel.state.gov - The U.S. Dept. of State's travel website, providing information on passports, visas, international travel, travel alerts and warnings, emergency assistance, and a list of U.S. Embassy's and Consulates from around the world.


Flights
kayak - Domestic and international flights, hotels, cars and trip ideas

vayama - My favorite for international flights

airtreks - These folks specialize in round-the-world tickets and have some incredible deals if your itinerary is flexible.

orbitz - Another go-to site for cheap flights, hotels, and cars


Hotels, Hostels, and Homestays
homestayweb - For those looking for a unique non-touristy experience.

hostelbookers - You can book hostels around the globe

agoda - Domestic & International hotels, with reviews, photos and comparison shopping

orbitz - hotels

tripadvisor - My favorite resource for honest reviews, photos and traveler tips.


Travel Insurance
These are the two companies that we have used in the past. Fortunately, we've never had to use their services, but the peace of mind to know that you are covered in any sort of emergency is priceless.

worldnomads

travelguard



Guidebooks
lonelyplanet - The go-to guides for any budget. Number one choice of backpackers. My favorite for logistical and practical information.

roughguides - Similar to Lonely Planet, but with a wider variety of mid-range options

frommers - Seem to be geared towards mid/upper range travelers. A good choice for older travelers or families.

eyewitnessguides - My favorite for amazing photographs and excellent city/museum/site maps. Definitely geared more towards business, mid & upper range travelers. Budget travelers will not find the hotel sections very useful.

tripadvisor - My favorite for reviews, photos and activity ideas.



Tour Groups
Intrepid - Traveling in groups is not really our style, however, we would use Intrepid Travel for traveling to places where culture shock, langage and logistics are out of our reasonable comfort zone. I also find their site to be a great resource for sample itineraries, routes, and must-see/do activities.