Online Resources



50 Travel Sites

You've Probably Never Heard Of

Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and the road. For a true traveler the destination is only a minor detail in planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into an unfamiliar culture is paramount. Before you begin to crack the travel guides, pick a destination or plan a travel itinerary, visit some of these off the beaten path travel sites. Whatever level of expertise you tout, whether it is international travel, student travel, discount travel or just plain old USA travel, these sites are guaranteed to expand your horizons.

Social-Travel Networks

1.

Honest advice to get you going.

IgUgo definitely stands apart from other online travel communities that allow travelers to share photos and stories. Their newly added Travel Deals provides the best bargains in the coming week from a variety of travel sites, saving you the hassle of online booking research. IgoUgo rewards contributing writers and photographers with GO points, which can be redeemed at online retailers and used for frequent flier miles.

2.

Plan Together. Travel Together.

Triporama enables you to plan a group trip and share the details with your group. It's like your own personal trip website. Tools on the site include storing and sharing your research, manage invites, and posting messages to your group.

3.

Get the truth, then go.

has compiled over 5 million traveler reviews and opinions on hotels, vacations and more. Here you can find the honest truth about your destination, without feeling like you're being 'sold'. Reviewers have the option of uploading their own vacation pictures. The hotel website may show you a room with a view, but the travelers’ pictures may tell a different story...

4.

Tying Travel Together.

was created based on the idea that travelers make the best travel agents. By allowing travelers to share personal vacation itineraries, stories, and photos, everyone becomes someone else's agent. Unlike similar travel sites, you can easily pull pieces from other itineraries and make them a part of your own.

5.

Connecting Internationals Since 1998

Looking to get away, and stay away? offers information on internships, study abroad, and permanent positions available abroad. This site will help you find housing, hotels, and provide tips for working and living abroad.

6.

The Ultimate Resource for the Independent Traveler

BootsnAll features guides, stories, book reviews, and insiders from every continent. The site also has message boards, blogs, and travel deals. You can book flights, hotels, and even hostels through provided links; they really do live up to the nall when it comes to traveling.

7.

Where Are You Now?

(where are you now?) allows users to keep a log of their travels; past, present, and future. The idea is that you share them with other members, and maybe even meet some of them along the way.

8.

Your Unlimited Travel Guide to the World

Many of the most popular travel sites provide little information on U.S destinations. It may be hard to come across a site with detailed guides for U.S cities. That is what sets apart from other destination guide websites. Their ultimate goal is to eventually database every attraction in the world.

9.

Real People, Real Advice, Real Experiences.

Voted as one of the 12 Best Travel Sites by , Realtravel is an online community for all things related to travel. Featuring photos, blogs, member profiles, and links to the latest in travel deals, it is a great way for people to obtain and share advice on travel experiences.

Travel Booking

10.

Last minute vacation rentals...

Like to do everything at the last minute? Luckily, is there to help. All of the vacation rentals on the site are available for the next two weeks. The rentals are mainly U.S destinations. The property search is user friendly, and from there you can contact the owner for a more personal booking experience.

11.

Deluxe and Escorted Independent Vacations

Traveling to a foreign place on your own can be intimidating, not to mention confusing. Booking a guided tour trip can be useful when visiting places with lots of sites and landmarks to see. Not only do guides keep you informed, but sometimes they allow you to bypass long lines. is a great place for booking escorted tours and creating itineraries. Unlike most tour companies, Maupintours are all inclusive, so you know exactly how much your trip will cost before you go.

12.

Stay Independent

presents travelers with a unique lodging option in today's increasingly complex online travel arena. They provide travelers with alternative hotel options that will offer them something different in a hotel. Looking for a chic boutique hotel in Aspen, or a hotel with a golf course in England? can help you meet these specific travel needs without trying to sell you a stay at the Marriott.

13.

The best way to share a cab to or from the airport.

In many destinations cabs are the best way to get to your destination from the airport and back, but they can get expensive. is a web-based system, which conveniently connects travelers so that they can share taxis, and thus split the fare. So, whether you're interested in saving money, time, the environment, or just looking for a cab companion, can help.

14.

Unusual Hotels of the World will help you book an experience, not just a hotel. Stay in an old railway car nested in an Alaskan mountain, a tree house in Sweden, or a hemp hotel in Amsterdam. The site features a detailed description of each hotel and member ratings.

15.

Your Inside Connection to Worldwide Travel

The world of online booking sites has become so popular that you may not even get a deal by logging on to big name sites. claims to have the lowest prices with the widest selections. You can also become a member and get below market fares, or use their name your own price feature. It's basically all of those popular booking sites out there rolled into one, without the big name.

16.

The Complete Online Cruise Guide and Community

Many online booking sites are offering vacation deals and packages, making it difficult to obtain objective travel advice. , the online expert in cruises, is not affiliated with any travel agent or booking company, so you're getting straightforward advice from cruise industry leaders, and fellow travelers. Users can search for cruises by destination or category, share information via message boards, and even plan to meet with other cruise mate members once you hop aboard.

17.

The travel search engine

Tired of figuring out which sites really have the best deals on flights, hotels, cruises, or rental cars? Well in you’re in luck because has the answer. Kayak is a travel search engine that allows you to search over 140 travel sites at once to find and compare results instantly.

Flying Airlines

18.

The world's finest and leading website about nothing but airline food.

Airline meals are probably the most hated food since Brussels sprouts, and yes-this site is really devoted solely to discussing them. Surprisingly, it really is quite fascinating. Quirky and user-friendly, the site provides images of meals from more than 500 airlines, as well as the latest news and trends in the airline food industry. Even if you're not at all concerned with your next airline meal, the site is a must see.

Don't Miss! - Meals from the 70's, 80's, 90's so you can prove, with pictures, that things were better, back in your day;

19.

Airline Seats Comfort Report

Discomfort has always been a frequent complaint of airline travelers; will give them an advantage even before boarding. This user-friendly site automatically locates the best and worst seats on your next flight. The airplane comfort guides consider factors such as seat width, seat pitch, seating plan, seat configuration, and legroom to determine overall seating comfort. is a great way to be informed, and make the best of your next flight.

20.

The Budget Traveler&'s Guide to Sleeping in Airports

Informative and quite funny, reviews most major airports in dozens of cities across the globe. The ratings range from hell to excellent, considering it's an airport. They are rated based on comfort and cleanliness by travelers who share their stories of spending a night in the airport. Some travelers had no other choice due to layovers and delayed flights; others just think that sleeping in the airport it's a good way to save a buck.

21.

Know When to Buy...

Most consumers don't have the slightest idea what goes on with airline pricing. You go online or call your travel agent, give them your travel dates and hope that you're getting the best deal. takes hope out of the equation. They predict where fares are going and show where they've been for more than 75 airports. If you're flexible with your dates, you'll be able to get an even better deal with the help of

22.

Lost Treasure from Around the World

If you've ever been a victim of lost-but-never-found luggage, somebody in Scottsboro, Alabama may be shopping through your bag right now. Unclaimed Baggage is the final destination for lost luggage, where it is picked through and sold directly to some very lucky consumers. If you can't make it to the store for some major bargain shopping, you can visit the website for some entertaining lost luggage tales.

23.

Visit to save money when parking at airports. By entering your airport and travel date, the site will direct you to the cheapest lots available. Lists of affiliates include other valets or off site self-parking, to help you save even more. For frequent travelers, there is a feature where they will notify you of upcoming parking deals at your local airport.

24.

The World's Most Popular Frequent Flyer Community

When it comes to traveling by plane, really does have it all. With forums on frequent flyer miles, travel dining, and airline news, it is a great place for regular travelers to receive and share information on air travel.

Travel Videos & Images

25.

Videos For Travelers

Want to see your destination before you even board a plane? Travelistic makes this possible with hundreds of traveler's videos from around the globe. The videos are arranged by location, top ranked, and most viewed, making it user friendly as well as informative.

Don't Miss! Videos from the Thirsty Traveler. A love for beer and a well-stamped passport make for some interesting clips.

26.

The Internet’s Largest Human Edited Travel Video Directory

has over 5,000 travel related videos covering hundreds of top global destinations. Users can watch, upload, rate and comment videos, placing them in top rankings.

27.

Traveling the World

Take a photo tour of hundreds of world destinations at . Users can upload their travel photos with a brief description of each. Fun and informative, it’s a great way to get a fellow traveler’s view of a location before you decide to travel to there.

Specialty Travel - Interest – Lifestyle

28.

Explore Your Literary Imagination

Created by a husband and wife team with a love for literature, brings readers inspiring, informative articles about writers, creative artists, and the places that they’ve lived and traveled. Whether you’re planning a trip to NY and would like to see it through the eyes of Walt Whitman, or are interested in exploring the many homes of Hemingway, Literarytraveler has something for all lovers of the written word.

29.

The Best Travel Stories From Writers on the Move

Travel author and blogger Tim Leffel (World's Cheapest Destinations & Practicaltravelgear.) created an online publication featuring brilliant travel stories from writers on the move. The contributing writers chose both their topic and destination, so while you may not get advice on your exact vacation spot, you’ll surely be moved to create your own travel experience.

30.

101 Car Travel Games & Road Trip Ideas for Kids

The road trip mom has put together a lengthy list on ways to keep the little ones busy while traveling. With printable car games, ideas for keeping babies busy, and the license plate game, momsminivan may actually eradicate the are we there yet; road trippin' parents hate to hear.

31.

Your online source for all things coaster since 2000

What started as an online photo gallery, by roller coaster enthusiast Ted Cromwell in 2000, has now turned into an entire network for all things coaster. Images, videos, discussion forums, and member profiles make up this site, which will no doubt delight coaster fanatics in search of new loops and twirls.

32. Whereintheworld.co.uk

Travel Adventures and Events You Never Knew Existed

It’s pretty safe to say that when most people think vacation they see themselves relaxing on a beach, sightseeing, visiting relatives, and maybe even some scuba diving here and there. What about those people who seek a little more adventure? Whereintheworld.co.uk is the site for them. It provides information on booking dozens of off the beaten path trips&' that involve, for example, crossing the Andes by mule, dog sledding, and exploring the ancient temples and palaces of Thailand.

33.

Vegetarian and Environmentally Friendly Travel

Donna Zeigfinger, President and owner of Green Earth Travel, LLC, and seasoned traveler, started to share her experiences with other vegetarians/vegans looking for travel advice. The site caters to travelers who wish to maintain their lifestyle while adventuring throughout the world.

34.

Vacations for 18 to 35 year olds

The youth travel industry is booming. More and more young people are leaving their local hangouts behind to go out and experience the world. Contiki holidays are the worldwide leader in vacations for 18-35 year olds. They offer specialty tours in hundreds of destinations that are created to carefully blend old-fashioned site seeing and culture with fun and socializing. They also have two all-inclusive resorts located in Bali and the never-ending party island, Mykonos. Bottom line: this isn’t your grandmother’s idea of a vacation.

35.

World-wide pet travel guides for dogs

If you love to travel with your entire family and that family happens to include a furry, four-legged friend, then this site is essential to planning your itinerary. It’s as easy as picking a destination and will show you dog friendly lodging, parks, attractions, stores and outdoor restaurants. And whether pooch is a Maltese or a Newfoundland, you’ll find travel guides for all sizes and breeds, so he’ll never be left out of your vacation plans again.

36.

Explore Your Literary Imagination

If your one and only requirement for your vacation destination is always that the snowboarding is stellar, and then don't miss this site. World Snowboard Guide gives it to you straight and isn't afraid to give a resort a bad review if you're going to get snowplowed by skiers. offers detailed info about top spots to snowboard around the world. Get the skinny on the slopes, number of lifts, whether or not they use artificial snow, and more. Check out the daily top 10 most popular Snowboard Resorts.

Budget Travel

37.

If you think that budget is a four-letter word, then logon to Budgettravelonline and you just may be surprised. The online version of the popular magazine Budget Travel, offers up to date travel deals, advice, and vacation planning. Unlike other deal sites, they stay true to their magazine roots with great travel stories and real life tips on everything from airline security to a shoe lover's guide to travel.

38.

Want to save money on lodging but don't know where to begin? The thought of staying in a hostel can be intimidating if you've never roughed it before. is an online network of independent hotels and hostels. They offer a wide arrange of accommodations for travelers who are interested in seeing the world for less.

39. Vegas

Las Vegas on 25 cents a Day.

If you like to gamble you'll probably make it to Las Vegas at some point. Before you do, you should visit this site. The writers prefer to skip the overpriced meals, attractions, and shops, and spend money on Vegas' intended purpose - gambling. They offer tips and advice on how to do just that, including a list of low price and even free attractions. also offers the dish on the cheapest meals, hotels, and gambling.

40. Upgradetravel.

Living the First Class Life, At Coach Prices.

Not quite a budget traveler, but can’t afford luxury stays? Learn how to travel like you can. Mark Ashley, a Chicago based frequent traveler, reports on travel news, tips, and trends, for the traveler looking to maximize comfort, style, and convenience, without paying high prices for it.

Travel Advice

43.

Arguably second only to Google, Wikipedia has become an online source for information. They have compiled over 10,000 unbiased destination guides and articles submitted by travelers. In true 'Wiki' fashion, the page offers dozens of links on anything and everything related to travel and each specific destination. Each year they have a Wikitravel Get Together in a different vacation spot. Anyone can sign up to go, and the purpose is to gather information to improve Wikipedia’s guide for that specific location, and to have fun while doing so.

44.

The Art and Science of Traveling Light

Do you envy that traveler strutting onto the plane with that one little carry-on bag? might be able to offer some help. With tips on how to go anywhere, for an indefinite amount of time with one single carry-on bag, there simply has to be an art and/or science involved. So even if you can't get down to a carry on, at least you can make the most of the one you have.

45.

Travel Smart Travel Sense

is a one-stop site for packing tips, advice, and news. Articles range from Traveling with Children---Pets---Handicapped---Teens; to How to Avoid Travel Scams. It's easy to navigate, loaded with information, and not at all sales motivated, so you get all of the advice you need without feeling like you're being sold on a week in Disney.

Travel Blogs

46. Hotel-

Guillame Thevenot is a former Parisian, now working in the hospitality industry in London. He was tired of all travel sites out there being sales driven, only focusing on booking flights and hotel stays, so he created the hotel-blog. Thevenot blogs about how to book last minute travel, understanding the hotel market, and unique hotels around the world. Before you book, let Hotel- give you the insider's scoop.

47.

One stop Travel Guide to Business Travel

Travel for business doesn’t have to be all work and no play. , is part of the network, provides detailed tips and information for making the most of your work related stay and keeping you up to date on travel news.

48. Practicaltravelgear.

Review of travel gadgets and travel clothes that pull their weight

Tim Leffel has circled the globe three times and travels internationally several times a year. He is the author of World’s Cheapest Destinations and . On his blog, Tim reviews everything from water purification tablets to duffle bags. Who better to review travel gear than a man who knows how to travel?

49.

Travelogue of a Blogger

This is a neat little travel blog written by The Traveler. Not sure who the traveler is, but he or she sure does provide some great travel tips, stories, and news. Articles like Affordable Tokyo and Child Friendly Asia are written in several different parts, so that they are very thorough and informative.

50.

In 2001, 24-year old Ramon Stoppelenburg, left his home in the Netherlands with a backpack filled with clothing, a digital camera, a laptop, and a mobile phone. For the next two years he traveled the world with no money, by staying with hospitable strangers. This site may not inspire you to head out on a similar adventure, but will assuredly provide intriguing stories and beautiful photographs that tell a tale of the generosity of the human race across all cultures.

Other Fun and Interesting Sites

Air Couriers Sign up at ($45 registration) to carry shipping documents and fly on the cheap.

Airline Food contains the musings and tray-table photos of a Dutch graphic designer obsessed with cabin cuisine.

Airports lists shops, restaurants, and transportation options for more than 60 airports worldwide, plus industry news and flight schedules.

Cruises On , you can book sailings on 28 lines, search for last-minute deals, and view pictures and deck plans.

Ecotourism Find news, tour operators, and links to conservation organizations on .

Electric & Phone 's comprehensive listings of electrical and telephone systems worldwide help you figure out which plugs to pack.

European Trains & Ferries lets you book passes or individual tickets on trains throughout Europe. London-based sells tickets for more than 20 ferry operators.

Frequent Fliers Everything you need to know about mileage you can find at , including program rules, double-mile promotions, and tools to keep track of your miles.

Health Clubs lists hotels with the best athletic facilities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and Australia.

Internet Cafés More than 4,000 Internet cafés in 149 countries are listed on .

Maps has the most comprehensive driving directions and road maps for North America and Europe.

Opinions The hotel and destination reviews on come from travelers as well as the site's staff and stringers. compiles reviews of North American and European destinations from guidebooks and other travel publications.

Spas Make reservations worldwide at and read articles from its sister magazine.

Travel Advisories The U.S. State Department's travel warnings and information sheets on every country in the world are at travel.. Supplement them with the British versions at .uk, which are more comprehensive and less politically fraught.

Vacation Rentals contains many good choices in North America, but it lacks the global range of 1001-villa-.

Best Websites for Travel

During the past year, we’ve scoured travel websites looking for the best of the bunch, from tried-and-true classics to brand-new standouts that are revolutionizing the way we plan and take our trips.

The major booking engines—Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity—all debuted smart new services in an attempt to stay ahead of the competition in 2010. Expedia’s Unpublished Rates feature, for example, offers discounts of up to 55 percent on more than 25,000 hotels. Orbitz’s new hotel search now incorporates everything from street-view images to amenity filters. And Travelocity now offers users “top secret” listings for rooms that are up to 45 percent off rates, revealing the hotel name upon booking.

And, after more than two decades of DIY online booking, we finally have some serious quality filters: membership-only sites and personalized trip planning are making sure your vacation doesn’t turn into some kind of web-special nightmare. , a free invitation-only site by Travel + Leisure and LuxuryLink, offers members up to 60 percent off top hotels around the world. You can get travel perks with for $495, and expert travel advice from starts at $275.

A new crop of websites and mobile-based services offers coupons and daily deals at restaurants, bars, and spas in cities across the country. posts a new bargain each day; features great spa promotions in cities throughout the U.S.; and New York City–based aggregates listings from deal sites in one daily e-mail.

Ever ahead of the digital curve, Google continues to offer great ways to help you travel. Google Translate can decode a menu, phrase, or travel site within seconds, and the new Google Voice gives you a free voice-over-Internet phone number that can receive forwarded calls. You can even make international calls from your smartphone at rock-bottom rates.

Some of the best digital travel innovations aren’t even websites. Today, it’s even possible to create your own Wi-Fi hot spot—no matter where you are—using small devices that connect to mobile networks, such as Clearwire’s superfast 4G iSpot and Virgin Mobile’s prepaid MiFi 2200. As an alternative to exorbitant roaming rates, new affordable rental services like XComGlobal's MiFi Global Hotspot give you unlimited personal Wi-Fi around the world for $17.95 a day.

No matter where you go these days, the web can go with you and make travel easier, more affordable, and definitely more fun.

Search for Flights:

Find Bargain Fares in Europe:

Sure You’re Getting the Cheapest Flight:

Compare Flights:

Make the Most of Your Miles:

Pick the Right Seat:

Stay on Top of Airfare Deals:

Track a Flight:

Find Your Way Around an Airport:

Great Values on Luxury Properties: Vacationist

Score a Cut-Rate Room:

Find Out What a Hotel is Really Like:

Pick the Perfect Room:

Manage Your Vacation:

Shop Around for the Right Cruise:

Get Free Driving Directions:

Learn (or Brush up on) a Language:

3 Top Travel Sites for Trip Planning and Reviews

1. – Frommer’s is a user-friendly online resource for travel planning. They inform readers about accommodations, restaurants and attractions in various price ranges for destinations all over the world. Frommer’s online forums and travel articles are top notch. The site is easy to navigate and provides a wealth of information in one place. Booking through Frommer’s is not recommended. Research destinations here, and then shop on other sites for the best price.

2. – Lonely Planet has the same excellent quantity and quality of travel information as Frommer’s. They cover a wider range of accommodation budgets though. They supply all the necessary practical information travelers want, where to stay, where to eat and how to get around. Their recommendations are right on the mark. The site includes blogs and forums as well, to add real traveler feedback. They have booking services but they may not be the cheapest option.

3. – This is the ultimate review site. Tripadvisor has the largest traveler-generated review database on the web. They have reviews of accommodations, restaurants and tourist attractions. There are many sites that imitate or republish Tripadvisor's reviews. Stick to the original site. If you find a great deal on an all inclusive resort or hotel, check out the reviews on Tripadvisor prior to booking. Keep in mind; some travelers are never happy so look at the average rating. Many hotels have over fifty reviews. The hotels are ranked for travelers who don't have the time to sift through reviews.

Best Travel Website for Backpackers

– For travelers on a budget, this website is the key to finding hostels worldwide. You may get better deals directly through the hostel; otherwise, booking through gets you a good price. They also have a small data base of travel information on the practicalities of various destinations, particularly European cities. Also included is information pertinent to the younger crowd, plus reviews and blogs.

Top Website for Outdoor and Adventure Travel

– For travelers who love the outdoors and adventure this is a great site jammed packed full of great ideas. The best feature is their top 10 lists, top ten hikes, top ten bike rides, top ten adventure rafting trips, top ten camp grounds and top 10 nature get-aways. The site will showcase places people never knew existed. They also have super articles and gear reviews. A must-visit site for all adventurous travelers.

The internet can be overwhelming with its excess of travel information. These top sites will save travelers lots of time on the web and can make planning a trip easier. These sites will inspire and inform travelers so they can make travel plans for a great holiday.

Best One Stop Online Travel Website

and Expedia.ca – Expedia is biggest and best one-stop shopping for travel reservations. Airline tickets, hotels, car rentals and entertainment can be booked on one site. The company has a great staff that offers top notch customer service. The web site has all sorts of extra features that keep track of your itinerary, flight status and has no booking fee. A great feature on Expedia is flexible payment options, travelers can pay the balance only 30 days before departure or they can split the payment between two credit cards. This is very handy when two companions are booking together but paying separately.

Note: As of January 3, 2011, American Airlines does not list flights through Expedia. In many cases, AA, formerly offered the cheapest flight options, therefore it is worth consulting for flight quotes.

Best Discount Airfare Websites

– Kayak is a giant airfare booking agent. They search a database of over 100 airlines for the best possible airfare. A great site for discount airfares. They don't have some smaller airlines in their data base, however. Although they proclaim to have discount vacation packages, airline tickets are their specialty.

– A Canadian company that advertises themselves to offer North American deals, however, they also offer discount European airfares. Flight Network often offers lower airfares than Kayak. Note that for domestic flights within Europe there is a no refund policy. Always check this site out for discount fares.

Cheapflights.co.uk – A popular website for UK and other European travelers. Customers who care about getting airplane tickets cheap like booking through the Cheapflights.co.uk website.

Discount Vacation and All Inclusive Packages: Cheap Caribbean Trips

– This is a great site for Caribbean packages. The best deals will be found by subscribing to their newsletter. Last minute discounts on all inclusive packages are sometimes unbelievable. Remember to review the resort on Tripadvisor to ensure good value for the money.

This site offers consistently low fares on beach destinations. Although Selloffvacations often has the lowest discounted packages they also have a no refund or cancellation policy. However, when booking 3 weeks prior to departure time, many travelers don't mind that policy.

Best Adventure Tour Company Websites

– Great low cost tour company with amazing customer service. An Australian based company with agents around the globe. Booking online with Intrepid is backed by a wonderful Intrepid staff. They are only an email or phone call away. Subscribing to the newsletter alerts travelers to great deals and contests.

– Although more expensive than Intrepid Travel, Iexplore's has a good reputation. The website is user-friendly and makes searching for the right tour a pleasant experience.

The websites in this article are recommended for the discounts, customer service and ease of use. There are many great websites online and these are, but a few reliable sites. Always Google a review of unknown booking sites or resorts. Internet travel booking can be cheap and easy.

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