by Marsha Sigman

Created on: November 24, 2008   Last Updated: January 23, 2009

If you are trying to plan a trip you may be at a loss in deciding where to go and how to get the best deal for your dollar. In today's economy this is of vital importance and in this situation the Internet is your best tool. With a few keystrokes you can navigate websites that highlight fantastic exotic destinations at a fraction of the price you would pay if you tried to book the same trip with your local travel agency.

Travel agencies rely on commissions from bookings so they may be motivated to guide you toward specific destinations or travel arrangements. For smaller trips they sometimes charge a flat fee for their expertise, relying on the lack of motivation to do the research themselves that the average traveler may experience. You are the best person to decide what would be the ultimate vacation for you. Who better to know exactly what you are looking for besides yourself? How will you know what is the best option if you are not presented with all the facts?

The Internet holds a wealth of information that you can peruse at your leisure while making the important decision of what destination would best suit you. The world is literally at your fingertips. Not only can you find websites that will offer multiple locations and packages but you can read through actual reviews from people who have been there and experienced everything first hand.

"Google it" has become the catch phrase of this generation and rightly so. You can type in layman's terms exactly what you are looking for in your Google search engine and the best results will be displayed for your choosing. There may be travel destinations and options that you have never heard of because they are not advertised as well as more popular, traditional locales.

Listed below are a few websites that are invaluable in choosing the right location, the best travel deal, and providing multiple reviews to help you make the decision that is perfect for you.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com

This website has it all from A-Z. They not only offer a multitude of destinations but they also list various travel packages with the best pricing, last minute online deals, options on how to reach your desired destination, and a forum with feedback from previous and current users of their site. Detailed descriptions and pictures are posted of locations and the best places to stay while there. Practical information on travel insurance and a travel checklist are also offered. If your destination is international, they also offer help and

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>