by J Mock

Created on: February 20, 2008   Last Updated: July 23, 2010

When the time comes around for vacation planning it can be difficult to know what are the options available for sourcing travel planning information. You can visit your local travel agency and scour through the available offers, but, though this is an ideal option for some vacationers, it can restrict the number of destinations to those supplied through the travel agency. Or you can use the Internet to search for travel planning providers.

In terms of availability and individuality, the Internet provides unlimited resources to the consumer to match personal ideals for the perfect vacation.

A variety of websites are available, at the click of a mouse, that provide the complete holiday package, or the ability to search for your own particular travel and accommodation arrangements.

Popular websites include:

* www.lastminute.com - The name itself provides a clue to this provider. Specializing in last minute vacations, it also offers an in-depth analysis, recommendations and bookings for entertainment venues, restaurants and theaters.

* www.lonelyplanet.com - Complete with travel guides and tips for worldwide destinations, and true experiences through travel blogs and stories.

* www.expedia.com or www.expedia.co.uk - This is an on-line travel agency covering flights, transfers and accommodation, and a reward system for all Expedia customers. Search for individual air travel or holiday packages, and the latest deals and offers.

* www.travelocity.com - Covers all types of vacation package, with an emphasis on city destinations.

* www.orbitz.com - Travel planning for the complete vacation experience.

* www.travelsupermarket.com - Compare the prices of travel providers worldwide. Enter your requirements, flights, hotels or travel insurance and it will search the availability.

* www.travelzoo.com - Provides up-to-date information for travelers to find the latest vacation deals. A middle-man company that distributes data for the travel companies. To book you can go directly to the provider.

In the highly competitive tourism industry several providers will compete for your custom. Allow yourself time to search adequately before booking a particular holiday, due to the increasing competitiveness and the ability to locate special offers and discounts.

Most travel websites provide the same destination and type of vacation, but with one providing the option to save a little extra expense. Discounts are always ideal and it can mean that little bit more money to spend on yourselves,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>