In our previous features, we’ve focused on how to find the best getaway deals; as well as tips when vacation-shopping online. You’ve booked your hotel and flight, and now you’re looking for things to see, places to visit, and food to eat.
There are many websites online with reviews from real and unbiased past-vacationers. Keeping in mind that this is just the tip of the iceberg, here are some of my personal favourites:
1) SeatGuru – http://SeatGuru.com
Most of us have experienced those times when our feet were too cramped in our airplane seats, or the seat didn’t recline down. The key to being comfortable, is selecting the perfect seat on the aircraft.
For those who don’t travel often, SeatGuru is the ideal website to get you in the know about the best and worst seats aboard the flight. On their website, you simply plug in the airline as well as your flight number; and just like that, an interactive seat plan is displayed with a variety of helpful information. You can see the in-flight amenities including the power plugs, Internet access, and other helpful information; and the map also displays a seat’s notorious proximity to a washroom, an emergency exit, and even loud noises. To top it all off, you will find helpful travel tips including explanations about bulkheads, frequent flyer tips, and a comprehensive list of the TSA’s “Permitted and Prohibited Items List.”
2) TripAdvisor – http://TripAdvisor.com
TripAdvisor is the ultimate website for reviews and advice on hotels, resorts, restaurant, flights, vacation rentals, and travel packages. Real vacationers rate and review the different restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions; so you can rely on getting honest user reviews. They are described as the world’s largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip.
3) VirtualTourist – http://VirtualTourist.com
VirtualTourist is described as a worldwide travel community where real travelers and locals are able to share their advice and experiences. They pride themselves as being one of the largest sources of unbiased, user-generated travel reviews; a resource travelers can use when seeking for their next vacation with photos from people who have been there, and done that.
BT Toronto’s Segment Producer April Kalloo recommended this website to me for my upcoming trip to Europe. She told me, “I love VirtualTourist.” Kalloo continues to tell me that “VirtualTourist has the best pictures – not ‘Photoshopped’ – and from real people who have been there!” You’ll fall in love with the extensive images users have uploaded firsthand, along with their reviews and commentary.
If you have a vacation question, you can post it in their forums, and it is said that over 90% of their forum questions are answered. VirtualTourist is described as a friendly and tight-knit network willing to help each other out.
VirtualTourist by the Numbers
– 1.2 million registered members from more than 220 countries and territories,
– 1.8 million travel tips on more than 72,977 locations worldwide,
– 3.7 million photos,
– 90% of forum questions are answered.
Finding interesting things to do is the key to making the best of your vacation. Be sure to take a look at these websites and let us know what you think! If you have any favourites of your own, please feel free to let us know in the comments below.
Repost from CityLine.ca
