From TikTok tips to digital nomad offices, here’s how the internet is transforming the way we travel, and how to make the most of it

Travel in 2025 is not what it was. Those are in our past now: Travel guides and thumbing through dusty brochures at an international travel agency. Organizing, reserving and even paying for your next experience these days is all via the internet. Punting sunsets along the beaches of Bali, scaling volcanoes in Guatemala or living out of the back of a van in New Zealand, the online world is at your side every step of the way, ensuring you get the best out of every experience.

And we’re not even talking about the self-evident stuff like flight finders and hotel apps. We’re talking about the nitty-gritty of how internet trends are giving real, concrete value to the traveling lifestyle. Online forums, side hustles you can run from a hammock, gem finders and sure, online casino bonus if that’s your bag on a drizzly day in Bangkok.

TikTok travel tips: Bite-sized travel tips with big rewards

Complain as much as you can about TikTok, but it’s also become one of the best resources for learning about off-the-beaten-path locations and travel tips from the smart crowd. Creators are sharing anything from how to fit three months’ worth of clothes into a carry-on bag to how to find secret infinity pools in Greece. And all of it is short, snappy videos that feel more like advice from a friend than a travel ad.

What’s so convenient is just how customized it is. The algorithm learns your taste. Budget backpacking enthusiast? You’ll be receiving hostel reviews and $10-a-day travel guides. Luxurious sort, on the other hand? Bring on five-star resorts and private island insider photos.

Pro tip: Take out a subscription or two on some of the most influential travelers who travel like you. It’s efficient and can lead you to some real off-the-beaten-path gems you wouldn’t find in the regular blogs.

Travel side hustles: Earning while exploring

One of the coolest things we’ve seen is how effortless it is to make money online on the move. You don’t necessarily need to be a full-time influencer. Scale down, like selling digital photo presets, freelancing on platforms like Fiverr, or teaching English on Cambly or Preply.

And then there’s content. Travel blogs are still thriving hugely, but YouTube channels and newsletters are also becoming popular. You can now make money from your travel life as passive income by reliving your experience in a way that feels authentic.

Oh, and for those nights you’re sitting in your Airbnb feeling a little lucky? Sites like Vegas Slots Online offer reviews of the top rated online casinos, some of which give you an online casino bonus just for signing up. If a little side fun money sounds good, that’s one way to liven up your downtime (but remember that gambling is not a way to make a living or earn money).

Digital nomad websites: Work anywhere, live everywhere

Remote work is no longer a trend, it’s a movement. But the technology that allows it is constantly changing. Websites like Remote OK, Nomad List and Workfrom not only list job posts, they provide a whole ecosystem for travelers that want to work while traveling.

Nomad List, for example, lets you compare cities on internet speeds, cost of living and quality of life. It’s a lifesaver when trying to decide whether to center your projects in Medellín or Chiang Mai.

And new platforms are emerging to offer short-term coworking and coliving space in picturesque environments, from surf hostels with fiber internet in Portugal to jungle hubs in Costa Rica.

AI-powered travel planners: Your personal digital concierge

If you are the kind to get stressed out planning a trip, AI planners are the ultimate stress-buster. Software like Roam Around and Kayak’s new AI buddy help you plan customised itineraries based on your travel style, budget, and preferences.

No more hours on Google trying to decide between two towns in Italy. These tools map it out for you, suggest restaurants you’ll actually like and even factor in your available time. It’s like having a travel-savvy friend who also happens to be a genius.

Travel forums and groups: Meet your tribe online first

Even before you get there, you can catch up with fellow travelers or locals on platforms like Couchsurfing Hangouts, Facebook Groups and Reddit forums. If you want someone to split a rental car with or just some tips on vegan food in Vietnam, these groups are the bomb.

Some of the most under-the-radar ones?

• Facebook groups like “Girls Love Travel” or “Backpacking Southeast Asia.”
• Subreddits like r/solotravel or r/digitalnomad.
• Discord servers dedicated to remote workers.

Being part of these communities not only ensures your safety but also makes solo travel a heck of a lot less. solo.

Smart budgeting tools: Travel farther for less

Let’s talk about money. Budgeting apps are smarter than ever. Apps like Trail Wallet or TravelSpend enable you to track your expenses in real-time, divide up the costs with travel buddies, and even track spending by category (so that you don’t accidentally burn through half your budget on lattes and knick-knacks).

And with built-in exchange rates, you won’t be doing math on your phone every time you buy street food in Tokyo. Combined with flight alert software such as Hopper or Skyscanner’s price tracker, money apps are assisting travelers to stretch their pennies and maximize their trips.

The travel lifestyle is getting smarter, are you?

The distinctions between offline and online are being drawn increasingly thin, especially for travel. The internet is no longer a tool for just helping us book flights. It’s helping us plan smarter, earning as we go, staying connected and even squeezing in a bit of entertainment along the way, whether that’s a virtual work opportunity, a niche travel network, or even an online casino reward during downtime.

So part-time vagabond, full-fledged nomad or simply someone scheming that next big break, take advantage of these web trends.