Technology is everywhere and it's impacting every aspect of our lives. Some would argue for good and bad, however regardless of your opinion on all that, it's here, and it's here to stay. Why not make the most of what's available to you? Well I'm not an expert on much but I am an expert on traveling and I've managed to stay with the times in this department and guess what now it's easier than ever to plan travel, and execute your next adventure. Welcome to traveling in 2012/13.
Getting There:
Be sure find the best-priced flight. I like Kayak for
getting a good idea on flight prices. http://www.kayak.com/
Then I usually book it on the company website. However Jet
Blue and Southwest are not on Kayak, and often have great domestic rates, so double-check
those first. Also when traveling internationally I also usually look on
cheapOair. It seems a little sketchy, but I have found great prices there
before. http://www.cheapoair.com/
My main message is to shop around and find the best rates. If
you’re flexible and willing to travel in off peak seasons you can find
unbelievable deals.
Where to stay?
All adventurous travelers should check out this website: https://www.airbnb.com/
Airbnb, which also has a great travel app, has all different
styles of accommodations everything from tree houses to mansions, guest bedrooms to couches;
there is something for every price point. Note, you need to set up a profile
first so do this before you leave home. Also don’t’ be afraid to only book your
first two nights of accommodation. Unless your going to a specific event, you can find
some of the best deals and places while actually out there on the road. Try it
you won’t regret it. Speaking of booking last minute, I highly recommend you
download the hotel tonight app. http://www.hoteltonight.com/
This handy I phone and now I pad app has great last minute
deals on really cool and swanky hotels. You can find excellent deals on amazing
places, but you have to wait until Noon on the actual day, so if you like adventure
this is for you. Check it out.
How to make your life easier while on the road:
The Number one App you must have before you travel is Viber.
This little gem was introduced to me by a friend from
Australia and basically turns your phone into an international phone for free.
It’s super easy, and it’s FREE! This is a must. When you’re in the US and you’re
on your cellular carrier it works with your normal data usage, and when you’re
on Wi-Fi it’s totally free! It also automatically imports all your contacts that have Viber direct from your phone. So make sure your family has it too. Also, once your out on your adventures you
can make friends from all over the world and they can give you their
international number and you can text and call while out on the road whenever
you have Wi-Fi. This is huge and a major game changer! Check out their website: http://www.viber.com/products/iphone/
Now go download that app! Did I mention it’s FREE!
My final and perhaps best advice is to
use your social networks for what they should be used for, helping you out.
Instead of taking an instagram pic of your grilled cheese, ask your Facebook
friends and twitter followers for travel tips. You will be shocked at all the
great info that will come flooding in. Websites, restaurant recommendations and adventure tips,
possibly even invitations to stay at your friends houses or chateaus you
didn’t’ even know they have. Also each
country you plan on visiting usually has a travel app, they can be very helpful,
so look that up before you go. But remember you may run out of power so a real
traveler always has their favorite guidebook in their backpack for when your
not plugged in.
Have a great trip and don’t’ be afraid to try something
different this year.
Safe Travels,
-Andy
Readers did I leave anything off, any advice you want to share with your fellow travelers that will help each other out?
