The internet has transformed the way we live our lives, buy things and find information, and one area that it’s had the biggest impact on is travel. If you’re planning on going on a vacation this summer, then you should use technology to help you find the perfect break. We’ve put together some of our top tips for finding a destination and accommodation that suits all of your needs.
Watch travel vloggers on YouTube
Whether you’re witnessing it or not, YouTubers are changing the travel industry and introducing people to new experiences away from the traditional tourist approach. Nomads and serial couch surfers post videos every day sharing their favourite new digs and hidden gems in some of the world’s biggest cities like London, New York and Hong Kong, and thanks to cheap air travel and sites like Airbnb, their followers are getting involved and enjoying their own adventures off the beaten track. If you’re not sure where you want to go on your holidays, head on over to sites like YouTube and be prepared for some major holiday inspiration. You might just be surprised at the results, especially when you begin to price the trip and see it’s cheaper than mainstream travel.
Stalk celebrities on social media
Sites like Twitter and Instagram are also fantastic for finding some great holiday ideas; popular users, known as travel influencers, regularly post reviews, videos and images of new hotels and destinations that they recommend you go check out. Get following some influencers and some celebrities who you’re interested in, and consider taking inspiration from their travels to create your own dream holiday. One thing to remember about this method, though, is that a lot of high profile influencers get paid to visit and review hotels and tourist destinations, and because of that, their opinions and reviews may not always be genuine, especially if they’re on commission. Be wise and do your own holiday research before you book based on a single recommendation.
Use a price comparison website
Price comparison websites are fantastic for finding the best deals on flights, accommodation and things to do, so shop around and see how low you can get your holiday for. Sites such as Google Flights can even be used to find last-minute deals on cheap train tickets and flights, so you could go away at a moment’s notice if you want to take advantage of a special offer. The key to finding the best value travel and accommodation options is flexibility – if you’re only able to travel on specific dates, then you might not be able to get the right deal for your family. Make sure you’re free to travel over a longer period of time, and you’ll no doubt score a bargain!
Book direct with a holiday operator
Another way to find the right holiday is to book directly through a travel or holiday operator, who can recommend the right accommodation for your budget and requirements. If you’d like to get away and relax with friends, for example, then you could use a site such as Landed Houses to find party houses to rent. If you’d prefer to go abroad, then you can speak to a travel company such as TUI or Virgin Holidays to find an all-inclusive holiday that’s perfect for your needs. While booking direct is often the most cost-effective method, you should still shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal – the internet makes that possible in a matter of seconds.
There’s no denying that holiday search engines and user-generated content have transformed the way we look for and book our holidays. Wherever you’re planning on visiting this year, make sure you’re taking advantage of the tips we’ve mentioned here. Best of luck with your strategy!
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