Travel Information Resources

By: Peter Knight

While many people use the services of a travel agent when planning their vacations, if you really want to get the vacation experience that you desire, there are a number of other resources that you should consult first before asking for professional assistance.

Internet

The Internet is an invaluable tool in searching out travel information.  Searches can be done on airline flights, hotels, car rental, tours, etc. in order to compare prices and if you wish, make reservations online.  Other information such as restaurants, shopping, recreational activities, climate and security warnings for a given destination can be found on the Internet.

Print Material and Other Media

Other resources for travel information include brochures that you can pick up from any travel agency, newspaper travel sections, television and radio travel programs, travel guides and books, videos, tourist boards and other government sources.

Medical Information

Your doctor can give you advice about medical precautions to take before traveling to a given destination as can the World Health Organization (WHO) website.

Other People

One very useful resource for travel information that people often overlook is other people.  These can be people who have visited the destination or resort property previously or even people who are natives of the destination. 

Government Sources

Government agencies will provide tourist information for their country and both the U.S. State Department and Canadian Foreign Affairs offices provide travel warnings regarding security and health issues to certain destinations.

Some important travel related websites are:

General travel info, flights, hotels, car rentals, reservations
www.expedia.com www.travelocity.com and www.travelnow.com

Destination information
www.insightguides.com

Personal anecdotes and reviews of destinations and hotels www.virtualtourist.com

U.S. State Department and Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html
and www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
 

travel   resources  

About the Author: Peter Knight is an author, video producer and translator who has traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America as well as visits to Europe, Africa and Asia. He has produced several travel videos and is author of the book "Extraordinary Travel for the Ordinary Traveler".