Travel Information
My family is planning a vacation this summer, but we can't agree on where to go. What online travel sites do you recommend to help people research popular destinations, and find good deals on reservations? |
Travel Brochures
In business for over 20 years, and online since 1996, TravelInformation.com was one of the first travel resources on the Internet. It's also refreshingly different from any other travel-related site I've seen. Instead of trying to sell you airline tickets, hotel rooms and rental cars, this site offers free Official Tourism Guides and kits from tourism bureaus & cities.
Browse through descriptions of the most popular vacation destinations in the USA and Canada, select up to 25 vacation guides, maps and travel planning kits, and they'll be mailed to you at no cost. Most of the kits include detailed descriptions of vacation areas, attractions, and lodging, with four color pictures and toll-free phone numbers. Some include state maps, calendars of events, lists of B&Bs, suggested itineraries, beaches, ski areas, trails and other info that will help you plan a great getaway.
You might think it strange that I'm recommending an offline service for travel planning, but in my experience the good old-fashioned color brochures you can feel and touch offer a higher quality of information with less hassle. Once you've decided where to go, some of the other sites in this article may help you find additional info and some good deals on reservations.
Other Travel Sites
Whenever I write about travel, a bunch of people will email to ask why I didn't mention their favorite online travel or reservation site. Well, yes, there are a bunch. There's Travelocity, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Orbitz, CheapTickets, Hotwire, Priceline and more. Slap a dotcom on any of those and you'll end up at their website. Try 'em all, and stick with the one you like best. In my experience, there is very little difference in pricing across the board.
I think Travelocity is one of the best, but you can find LOTS more related sites by starting at Yahoo Travel or Google Travel. You'll find links for everything from Backpacking to Virtual Field Trips. Enjoy your trip, whether it's real, virtual, or a little of each.
Online Maps
But before you head out, make sure you plot your course. These online map services will get you from point A to point B. MapQuest provides free easy-to-read online maps, driving directions and destination info you can view, print, or download to a wireless device. The RoadTrip Planner also helps travelers find restaurants, ATMs, entertainment and attractions along the route. Google Maps offers a similar slate of features, including online maps, and point to point driving directions. Interactive maps allow you to pan and zoom for detail on any portion of the trip. The total distance and approximate travel time are also displayed. You can even view satellite imagery superimposed on your street-level map, which is VERY cool.
Leavin' on a Jet Plane?
If you're going to be travelling by air, the Internet can be a big help. My related article Airports, Airlines, And Airplanes will help you find find airports, get airline information, estimate airport wait times, and view real-time flight tracking data.
Got any travel tips to share? Post your comments below...
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Posted by Bob Rankin on 24 May 2006
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Article information: AskBobRankin -- Travel Information (Posted: 24 May 2006)
Source: http://askbobrankin.com/travel_information.html
Copyright © 2005 - Bob Rankin - All Rights Reserved
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Most recent comments on "Travel Information"
Posted by:
Tom Hunt
25 May 2006
It's a recent addition to the web, but roundeurope has covered many european destinations for backpackers in a personal and no-nonsense style, and is great for practical ideas for how to get to airports without using taxis (how to walk there in one case!), where you can use ATMs and whether seven day rail tickets are a good idea.
Posted by:
Sharon M
25 Jun 2007
These are great starter resources, but have you tried:
http://www.sidestep.com/ or http://www.kayak.com/
They compare many of the online travel sites for you, so you can get the best deal.
Also, if you're traveling at the last-minute, try:
http://www.site59.com/ or http://www.11thhourvacations.com/
Oh, and if you use a map site, you might want to confirm the directions with someone who is familiar with your destination. Both MapQuest and Google Maps have sent me on a wild goosechase or two, but it's definitely better than no maps at all!
Posted by:
johndouglas
04 Jun 2010
Well, it’s amazing. The miracle has been done. Hat’s off. Well done, as we know that “hard work always pays off”, after a long struggle with sincere effort it’s done.
Posted by:
Smile Travel Insurance
07 Jun 2010
Smile Travel Insurance has covered many european destinations for backpackers in a personal and no-nonsense style, and is great for practical ideas for how to get to airports without using taxis (how to walk there in one case!), where you can use ATMs and whether seven day rail tickets are a good idea.Oh, and if you use a map site, you might want to confirm the directions with someone who is familiar with your destination. Both MapQuest and Google Maps have sent me on a wild goosechase or two, but it's definitely better than no maps at all!
Posted by:
Smile Travel Insurance
07 Jun 2010
My family is planning a vacation this summer, but we can't agree on where to go. What online travel sites do you recommend to help people research popular destinations, and find good deals on reservations. It's a recent addition to the web, but roundeurope http://www.roundeurope.cxx has covered many european destinations for backpackers in a personal and no-nonsense style.
EDITOR'S NOTE: How's the weather in New Delhi?
Posted by:
Budget Travel
14 Jun 2010
This post is really very appreciable. I think some new things if you add to your post like current affairs will increase It is popularity. your post is very advantageous for me and very good. Thanks a lot. Budget Travel - http://yourbudgettravel.cxx
EDITOR'S NOTE: Interesting that this was posted by a user in New Delhi, India. Perhaps a paid link placement attempt? (I obscured the URL.)
Posted by:
Vivek shukla
16 Jun 2010
Now these days my faimaly palannig to selibrate holiday, this website give us good help. http://travelinsuranceshopper.cxx
EDITOR'S NOTE: Just wondering... How far will you be able to travel with the money that the owners of the "travelinsuranceshopper" website pay you?
Posted by:
Travel Insurance
16 Jun 2010
Along with it being much safer, traveling in groups is cheaper too. You can split things w/ your friends and/or people that you meet wherever you are. Just because you are alone, doesn't mean that there aren't those that are wanting to go or do what you are. Split the cost. There are so many nice people out there that are just as willing as you.
http://travelinsuranceshopper.cxx
EDITOR'S NOTE: Hmmmm... a pattern seems to be developing here. Another paid link attempt from India. This one from the city of Raipur, in the Chhattisgarh region.
Posted by:
Smart Brains
05 Jul 2010
Awesome Awesome Information given on the website.Thanks a lot for providing such a useful information.I didn't even knew which are the best destinations in India. Guys A MUST USEFUL information for any Traveler visiting India.