Travel Resources

Thanks to some friends, an extensive amount of Internet browsing, and some luck I have stumbled upon some very useful travel related websites.  Each heading is a link to resource, so give it a click and check it out.

Kayak

When you ask people where they usually search for airfare, the answers vary.  My boyfriend and I discovered Kayak while planning for this trip, and I fell in love.  Kayak is unique because it can search all of the airfare search engines we usually hear about, as well as some others that aren’t as well know.  For those of you who to prefer to fly with a certain airline, be it because of personal preference or your frequent-flyer miles program, you can opt to only look at those.  There are a number of ways you can narrow down your search to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Another awesome feature about Kayak is that when you’re searching for hotels, unlike Hotwire, you can see what hotel you’re booking while you’re doing it, which I really like.  You can also find rental cars, special vacation deals, and so much more when you use Kayak.

WikiTravel

WikiTravel, just like its parent site, is a free, user-edited encyclopedia full of travel information.  Each page has the same general outline: Get In (which features how you can get into the city, whether plane, train, bus, car or boat); Get Around (means of transportation you can use while in the city); See (recommended things to see while you’re there), Do (things you should do while you’re there); Learn (schools and colleges); Work (an idea of places you can work); Buy, Eat, Drink and Sleep (all of which include options for any budget); Safety; Cope and Get Out.  Also, given the nature of any Wiki page, the content changes.  That being said, don’t be afraid to add something you find particularly interesting or an experience you learned from.

HelpX

HelpX, or Help Exchange is a network geared toward travelers who want a little more from their trips.  HelpX has a number of hostels, organic and non-organic farms, lodges, ranches, home stays, farm stays, jobs teaching English, and more that invite volunteers to work at their locations in exchange for room and board.  I know what you’re thinking- work on my vacation!? Seems a little crazy until you look into the opportunities this sort of vacation can give you.  Given the fact that your helping hands are essentially your rent (which includes food), the cost of trips go down significantly.  For those of you who enjoy giving back or learning more about a culture than what’s in the guide books, this would be perfect for you.  And for those in need of some resume boosting extra curricular activities or volunteer hours, I can’t think of a better way to earn them.  There largest network is in Europe, but they also have networks for Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and an International network that includes locations in South America, the Pacific Islands, and a lot more.   Though you do have to pay to use it to its fullest potential, but it only costs €20 for 2 years of service.  With the paid membership you’re able to look at and contact all hosts and read host reviews.  For me, I consider it €20 very well spent.