Online travel tools for research and planning are incredibly important for travel, so I wanted to devote a blog to give you ideas on some websites you might not know about. According to 2014 Google study on travel, 88% of leisure travelers used the internet for researching on travel. No question, the internet is our main tool, especially for busy families. Some use the internet to ask friends for advice. I still highly recommend this option, just as an FYI.
I admit that I haven’t used most of these that I include below, but I did look at them online to see what each was about. They are recommendations from friends, who I trust, who also take really fun trips. If you need a reminder on why travel is so important, check out my previous blog.
AFAR This site seems more about cultural immersion, so that you can connect with locals. This definitely peaked my interest as we try to interact with locals wherever we go, especially so that our boys can see what it’s like to live in the place versus visiting.
budgetplaces.com Looking for something a bit more wallet-friendly (e.g., hostel or B&B)? This website compiles all of the more affordable options into one place. There are definitely family-friendly options on this site too, though, so don’t think it’s for recent college grad backpackers only.
Jetsetter.com is one I have checked out personally for options for travel, although we’ve never booked a trip. It’s a members-only community and, because of that, they are able to offer great deals to cool places. I’ve read it has something of a cult following.
Lonely planet I have always been a fan of these guide books. You know the ones – the big books that weigh 2 pounds that had everything about the city/country when you traveled internationally. Who carries books like that anymore? I confess I still do, but they’re ones already on my shelf. It’s now a website, which includes places to visit and hotel options.
Passported You can create a list of all the places you want to visit on your trip and the tool can map them out for your trip. You’re able to interact with other travelers and share with friends, once you’ve completed your trip plan. And, once it’s done, you can download it to your phone so that it’s at your fingertips. They also have city guides that already have tried-and-true itineraries.
Tablet Hotels This is a friend’s husband’s endeavor and I didn’t get any special deal to include it. I thought the idea of the website was really cool of putting the “glamour back in travel.” They have a team that visits locations anonymously, so experts are doing the rating. And, of course, you still get good deals.
Travelzoo My husband LOVES this website, although I don’t think we’ve booked on it yet (we will eventually, though, without question). We have seen some great deals, both last minute and far in advance.
Do you use one of these? What do you like about it? Do you have other online tools you use for research? Share them in the comments and add what you like about them. Happy and safe travels during this high travel season.
