Navigating the World of Travel Activity Planning

Planning the perfect vacation involves more than just booking flights and hotels. The experiences you have at your destination—whether it's a guided tour of ancient ruins, a cooking class with locals, or an adrenaline-pumping adventure—often become the most cherished memories of your trip. But finding and booking these activities can quickly become overwhelming.

Fortunately, the digital age has revolutionized how we discover and book travel activities. Gone are the days of thumbing through guidebooks or taking chances on random storefronts at your destination. Today's travelers have access to a wealth of specialized apps and websites that curate, review, and simplify booking everything from food tours to museum tickets.

These platforms offer more than just convenience—they provide peace of mind through verified reviews, secure payment options, and often flexible cancellation policies. Many also unlock special access, better rates, and unique experiences you might never find on your own.

In this guide, we'll explore the best travel activity apps and websites for 2025, covering major marketplaces like GetYourGuide and Viator, city specialists like Florencetown and Ahoy New York, and food-focused platforms that connect you with local culinary traditions. Whether you're a meticulous pre-trip planner or prefer to book experiences on the go, these tools will transform how you experience your destination!

Activity & tour groups are broken down into these three categories below. Scroll to your desired section!

Large Platform Marketplaces — Destination Specific Tours — Food Focused Adventures

This blog post contains affiliate links. For more informations, see my disclosures here. I will never recommend something I haven’t tried myself & would recommend to those closest to me!

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide stands as one of the most user-friendly platforms for discovering activities worldwide, with over 60,000 experiences across 150+ countries. Their intuitive mobile app makes booking on-the-go seamless, while their industry-leading free cancellation policy (up to 24 hours before most experiences) offers peace of mind for changing travel plans. What sets them apart is their curated "Originals" collection—exclusive tours designed with insider access and smaller groups. Whether you're looking for skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum or a sunset cruise in Santorini, their verified review system helps you book with confidence.

Viator

As TripAdvisor's activity booking platform, Viator leverages millions of traveler reviews to curate over 300,000 bookable experiences worldwide. Their powerful filtering system helps you narrow options by price, duration, and special interests. Viator excels at offering various price points for similar experiences, allowing budget flexibility without sacrificing quality. Their 24-hour customer service and lowest price guarantee add extra security to your bookings. The platform particularly shines with its photo-rich listings and detailed information about accessibility, what to bring, and meeting points.

Project Adventure

Project Adventure carves its niche by focusing exclusively on adrenaline-pumping and outdoor experiences across six continents. Their comparison tool stands out, allowing travelers to evaluate similar adventures based on intensity level, physical requirements, and included amenities. What makes Project Adventure unique is their adventure matching quiz, which recommends experiences based on your comfort level and previous adventure history. From beginner-friendly experiences like guided kayaking to extreme adventures like heli-skiing, they specialize in connecting travelers with qualified operators who prioritize both excitement and safety.

Florencetown

Florencetown has established itself as the premier local specialist for Florence and Tuscany experiences since 2006. Their intimate knowledge of the region translates into exclusive access experiences—like early-morning entry to the Accademia Gallery before the crowds arrive or after-hours tours of private Renaissance palaces typically closed to the public. Their small-group policy (maximum 8 participants) ensures personalized attention, while their local guides—all native Florentines with art history backgrounds—provide context that generic tours miss. Their signature Vespa tours and cooking classes in centuries-old villas capture the essence of the Tuscan lifestyle.

LivTours

LivTours specializes in premium, small-group experiences across major European and Mediterranean destinations. Their strict six-person maximum policy ensures intimate, personalized tours even at major attractions like the Vatican Museums or Louvre. What distinguishes LivTours is their selection of guides—all certified professionals with advanced degrees in relevant fields like archaeology, art history, or culinary arts. Their "Skip the Line" access at major monuments saves valuable vacation time, while their specialized family tours include interactive elements and age-appropriate storytelling to engage younger travelers. Their audio technology allows participants to hear guides clearly even in crowded locations, and their expanded offering of private tours allows for fully customized itineraries based on specific interests.

Ahoy New York

Specializing exclusively in New York City's diverse neighborhoods, Ahoy New York offers insider experiences beyond typical tourist routes. Founded by former NYC tour guides, they've cultivated relationships with local businesses in all five boroughs. Their signature food and culture tours through neighborhoods like Arthur Avenue in the Bronx or Sunset Park in Brooklyn showcase authentic local eateries while explaining the immigrant histories that shaped these areas. Their knowledge of public transportation and timing strategies helps visitors navigate the city efficiently, and their small-group walking tours (10 people maximum) create an intimate experience even in the bustling metropolis.

Culinary Backstreets

Culinary Backstreets approaches food as the gateway to cultural understanding, offering deep-dive walking tours in 14 global cities from Istanbul to Mexico City. Founded by food journalists, their experiences focus on generational establishments, family recipes, and the stories behind local cuisines. What distinguishes them is their commitment to narrative—each 5-6 hour tour weaves through multiple neighborhoods and establishments, telling the city's history through its food evolution. Their guides are food writers, chefs, and culinary historians who provide context beyond just what's on your plate, making these tours as intellectually satisfying as they are gastronomically rewarding.

EatWith

EatWith pioneered the social dining movement, offering communal food experiences hosted by local chefs in more than 130 countries. Their platform features everything from rooftop dinner parties to immersive cooking workshops, all centered around connecting travelers with locals and fellow travelers. The social element distinguishes EatWith—you'll share a table with other curious travelers, often resulting in unexpected friendships. Each host undergoes a rigorous vetting process, including taste-testing of their signature dishes. The platform's transparent review system and secure payment process eliminate the awkwardness of cash exchanges, while their messaging system allows you to connect with hosts beforehand about dietary needs or special occasions.

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Traveling Spoon

Traveling Spoon facilitates authentic home cooking experiences by connecting travelers with vetted local hosts in over 150 cities across 60+ countries. Their experiences range from market tours with home cooking lessons to multi-course meals in family homes. Each host is personally vetted through an application and interview process, ensuring authenticity and food safety standards. What makes Traveling Spoon special is the intimate setting—most experiences accommodate just 2-6 travelers, creating genuine cultural exchange opportunities. Their platform excels at accommodating dietary restrictions and customizing experiences, making traditional cuisines accessible to all travelers.

The platforms we've explored in this guide—from comprehensive marketplaces to specialized local experts and culinary connections—represent some of the best tools available to modern travelers seeking meaningful experiences. While each platform offers its own unique advantages, they all share a common purpose: connecting travelers with authentic, memorable activities that transform an ordinary trip into an extraordinary adventure. Whether you're looking to skip the line at major attractions, discover hidden gems with local experts, or share a meal in someone's home, these digital tools make it possible with just a few taps or clicks.

As you plan your next journey, consider bookmarking these websites or downloading their apps ahead of time. Many offer destination-specific deals or early booking discounts that can stretch your travel budget further. And don't forget to check their cancellation policies—many now offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity, providing valuable flexibility in these unpredictable times.

The true value of these platforms extends beyond convenience—they open doors to experiences that might otherwise remain hidden, allowing you to dive deeper into the culture, history, and daily life of your destination. After all, the most treasured souvenirs aren't things you can pack in your suitcase, but the memories you create along the way.