DIY Trip Planning With Internet Resources

Gone are the days when guidebooks were the main source of destination info. Online resources are abundant and helpful. From finding the best flights and accommodations to mapping out must-see attractions, the internet offers many tools to help you design the perfect itinerary. In this post, we’ll explore some top platforms.

1. Itinerary Planners:

  • Reddit (r/travel): Engage with a community of travelers for advice, tips, and recommendations.
  • Lonely Planet Forums: Connect with fellow travelers and gain insights on various destinations.
  • TripIt: Automatically organizes travel plans into a master itinerary by forwarding confirmation emails.
  • Sygic Travel: Create detailed itineraries, add sightseeing spots, and access offline maps.

2. Flight and Accommodation Search Engines:

  • Skyscanner: Compare flight prices from various airlines and booking platforms.
  • Kayak: Search for flights, hotels, and car rentals with a user-friendly interface.
  • Booking.com: Offers a wide range of accommodation options with user reviews.

3. Budgeting Tools:

  • Travel Mapper: Create a visual map of your travel routes and expenses.
  • Mint: Track your spending and manage your travel budget in one place.

4. Packing Lists:

  • PackPoint: Generate a packing list based on your destination, length of stay, and planned activities.
  • Google Keep: Create and manage customizable packing lists.

5. Language Translation Apps:

  • Google Translate: Translate text, voice, and images in multiple languages to help communicate and understand local signage.
  • iTranslate: Offers translation and dictionary features for various languages.

6. Travel Safety and Health:

  • Travel Insurance Comparison: Compare travel insurance options to ensure you’re covered in case of emergencies.
  • CDC Travel Health: Provides health information and vaccination requirements for different countries.

7. Navigation and Maps:

  • Google Maps: Offers detailed maps, directions, and real-time traffic updates.
  • Maps.me: Offline maps and navigation for when you don’t have internet access.

8. Local Recommendations and Reviews:

  • TripAdvisor: Find reviews on restaurants, attractions, and accommodations.
  • Yelp: Discover local businesses and read reviews for dining and activities.

9. Booking and Reservation Tools:

  • Airbnb: Book unique accommodations and experiences hosted by locals.
  • Expedia: Offers a comprehensive platform for booking flights, hotels, and car rentals.

10. Time Zone Converters:

  • World Time Buddy: Compare time zones to schedule calls and activities with ease.
  • Time Zone Converter: Quickly convert time zones to coordinate with others globally.

11. Travel Documentation and Organization:

  • DocuSign: Manage and sign important travel documents electronically.
  • Evernote: Store and organize travel documents, notes, and itineraries.

12. Customizable Travel Apps:

  • Roadtrippers: Plan road trips with customized routes, attractions, and accommodations.
  • TripHobo: Create custom itineraries and explore pre-made itineraries based on your interests.

14. Weather Forecasts:

  • Weather.com: Stay updated on weather conditions at your destination.
  • AccuWeather: Provides accurate weather forecasts and severe weather alerts.