Case on the Road: The Ultimate Travel Toolkit for Private Investigators

As a private investigator, you know that a lead can send you to another city or state with only a few hours’ notice. For you, travel isn’t a vacation. It’s a critical part of the job that demands speed, discretion, and efficiency. Last-minute assignments are common; recent industry reports show that a significant portion of business travel is still booked within a week of departure, keeping you on your toes.

This guide is your go-to resource for handling travel like a pro. We’ve cut through the noise to give you the best websites, tools, and tips for booking flights, securing vehicles, and staying safe on the road. Keep this page bookmarked for your next out-of-town assignment.

Booking Last-Minute Flights and Hotels

When you need to move fast, you don’t have time to hunt for deals. These websites search hundreds of sources at once, giving you the best options for flights and lodging in minutes.

• Kayak: A powerful search engine that compares prices from numerous travel sites. Its clean interface makes it easy to find flights, hotels, and rental cars quickly.
• Priceline: Famous for its “Name Your Own Price” tool and last-minute deals. This is a great resource when you need to find an affordable hotel room for an unexpected overnight stay.
• Hotels.com: Offers a vast inventory of accommodations, from major chains to independent motels. Their loyalty program offers a free night after you book ten, which is an excellent perk for frequent travelers.

Ground Transportation and Vehicle Rentals

A vehicle is more than just transportation; it’s often your mobile office and surveillance post. You may also need to contact rental agencies as part of a case, such as when tracking a missing person.

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car: With locations in nearly every city, Enterprise is a reliable choice for standard vehicle rentals. They are known for excellent customer service.
• Hertz: A global brand offering a wide variety of vehicles, which can be useful if you need a specific car type to blend in.
• Avis: Another major player that is conveniently located in most airports. Their app makes booking and managing rentals simple.
• AutoSlash: This free service finds the best coupons and discounts for your car rental. It will even track your reservation and re-book you automatically if the price drops.

Essential Tools for Investigators on the Move

Modern investigations rely on technology and information. These online resources are essential for planning, safety, and communication during your trip.

• U.S. State Department Travel Advisories: Before traveling, especially internationally, check this site for essential safety information, travel warnings, and visa requirements.
• TripAdvisor: Use this site to read real-world reviews of hotels and restaurants. You can find discreet locations or identify potential issues before you arrive.
• FlyerTalk: This is an online community focused on travel loyalty programs. Learn how to maximize your points and miles to save your agency money on future trips.
• The World Clock: An indispensable tool for coordinating with clients, colleagues, and sources across different time zones.

Cruise Line Investigations

Occasionally, a case may lead you to a cruise ship. You might need to investigate a theft, fraud, or even a missing person. You could also be hired to go undercover to gather information. Here are the top cruise lines you may need to contact.

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises

Pro-Tips for the Traveling PI

Generic travel advice won’t cut it. Here are tips tailored to the unique needs of an investigator.

• Pack Smart, Not Heavy. Tightly roll your clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles. Use a separate bag for shoes and always pack a portable power bank to keep your gear charged during long surveillance hours.
• Stay Secure Online. Public and hotel Wi-Fi networks are not secure. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your laptop and phone to encrypt your connection and protect sensitive case information from hackers.
• Go for the Left Lane. Studies of human behavior show that most right-handed people naturally turn right. When facing multiple lines at security or check-in, the line to the far left is often the shortest.
• Maintain Your Cover. When checking into a hotel, have a plausible reason for your visit ready. A simple cover story, like being in town for a conference or visiting family, can prevent unwanted questions.

Do you have questions or your own must-have travel tool? Share your thoughts in the comments below. For more helpful resources, check out our other Lists.

Sources

• Global Business Travel Association. (2025). 2025 BTI Outlook: The State of Global Business Travel. Retrieved from https://www.gbta.org/