Best Travel Websites To Use

For finding the best hostels:
1. http://www.hostelworld.com/

For finding cheapest flights:
1. http://www.ryanair.com/en
2. http://www.kayak.com/

FOR EVERYTHING: http://www.tripadvisor.com/
Trip Advisor is amazing and you can get real people opinions and feedback before you go. Make sure you use this!


For Planning
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/27/travel/useful-travel-websites-bt

1. Bing Travel
Buy plane tickets at the best possible time.
Like other booking sites, Bing lets you comparison-shop for tickets across more than a hundred sources. Yet unlike most other sites, it also analyzes historical data to predict whether the price you see on the screen today is likely to rise (or drop) in the coming week, clearly marking the bargains with a big, green Buy Now icon. What's more, Bing is the only airfare search site to have its predictions independently audited. With an accuracy rate of 75 percent, it's not perfect -- but those are better odds than blind guessing gets you. bing.com/travel.

2. AutoSlash
Lock in the lowest rate on rental cars.
Here's how it works: Reserve a vehicle from a favorite agency through the AutoSlash site, and the site will instantly begin tracking rate changes for your reservation. If a sale pops up later -- snap! -- it automatically locks in the lower price on your behalf. You can even use AutoSlash if you've booked independently. Just enter your confirmation number, and the site will notify you when it's found a lower rate (which you'll have to rebook on your own). Neither AutoSlash nor the company you first booked with charges a fee for the service. autoslash.com.


3. Fly or Drive Calculator
Determine the cheapest way to reach your destination.
Coupon site befrugal.com crunches data from sources such as AAA and Google Maps to power its Fly or Drive estimator (found in the site's Tools & Calculators tab). The more details you supply -- the make and model of your car, the number of travelers in your group, whether you'd be springing for a taxi to the airport -- the more accurate the estimates. For the eco-minded, it even includes a carbon-footprint estimate for each mode of travel. (Note: The calculator only works for trips within the continental U.S.) befrugal.com/tools/fly-or-drive-calculator/.

4. Plnnr
Get instant itineraries tailored to your tastes.
Whether you have a full week or a few hours, Plnnr can craft a (free!) customized point-to-point trip guide for 20 popular urban destinations across North America and Europe. You supply the length of your stay, desired activity level, and interests (such as outdoors, kids' activities, and culture), and the site spits out a fully formed itinerary, factoring in each attraction's opening and closing hours and travel times between spots by taxi or on foot. You can further fine-tune the results by adjusting the priority level for even more specific subcategories -- architecture, breweries, and even cemeteries -- or reject individual suggestions outright. (Plnnr won't get its feelings hurt.) plnnr.com.

5. Hipmunk
Find a hotel you'll fall in love with.
The folks behind Hipmunk's airfare and hotel searches know that good trips are about more than mere numbers. That's why they've incorporated an "agony" scale for flights with multiple legs and long layovers, and an "ecstasy" rating for hotels based on a combination of a property's amenities, rates, and user reviews on TripAdvisor. Even better, Hipmunk's hotel search tool has built-in color-coded heat maps to display a given destination's best spots for dining, shopping, nightlife, landmarks, and -- ahem -- "vice." So you'll always end up in a neighborhood that fits your specific needs (or noise tolerance). The site displays real-time prices available on Orbitz, Getaroom, Hotels.com, HotelsCombined, or Airbnb and links out to the appropriate site to close the deal. hipmunk.com.



On the road

6. TripIt
Keep every last confirmation number, arrival time, and prepaid reservation fee straight.
Don't have an über-organized type among your travel crew? Don't worry. TripIt consolidates every important detail of your vacation into a single handy document, which you can access on the go via laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Just forward each email receipt from booking a flight, hotel, rental car, or cruise to your TripIt account, and the site will cull and compile the flight numbers, gate information, and other relevant items so you never show up in the wrong place at the wrong time -- or with the wrong confirmation code in hand. Not satisfied? The site also supplies seat-selection advice for flights, links to check in online, flight status updates, weather forecasts, and driving directions. tripit.com.

7. Tripping
Connect with the locals -- through a trustworthy community.
While any old travel site can add some social-networking features and call itself "the Facebook of travel," Tripping paves the way for true face-to-face interactions in about 130 countries across the globe. Primarily a homestay network -- but just as effective for setting up a casual coffee meeting or a video chat with a looped-in local -- Tripping manages the risk factor with its stringent membership policies and strong user-reference system. (To join, users must display a passport via Skype and prove a home address.) When you're not traveling yourself, you can earn some good travel karma by playing tour guide for visitors to your own hometown. tripping.com.

8. Google Maps
Expertly navigate unfamiliar territory.
Thanks to constant refining by its mapmakers and graphic designers, Google's gold-standard mapping tool just keeps getting better. Live traffic information was recently added for 13 European countries; the site's maps for New York City, London, and other major cities now have public transit options; markings for tunnels and highway signs become easier to read every year; and you can plot your route by car, bicycle, or foot -- although the latter two options are still in beta. There's simply no more comprehensive and user-friendly way to explore. maps.google.com.



Once you're back

9. Award Wallet
Never let another frequent-flier mile expire.
Consider it the loyalty-program counterpart to TripIt's travel-info collector. Award Wallet streamlines your family's assortment of frequent-flier and loyalty programs, compiling them in a single, simple, point-tracking package. The setup takes minutes. For each account, just enter your log-in information; Award Wallet automatically pulls your points balances and expiration dates -- so you know to take action if you're on the verge of losing them. And because the site saves your log-in information, you only need one password to access all your accounts. awardwallet.com.

10. Blurb
Preserve your photographs in a format that people can't keep their hands off of.
Custom book publisher Blurb lets you design and print a soft-cover or hardcover travel photo album using impressive design tools and high-quality inks, paper, and binding. Most important, it also leaves you broad creative control. (No floral borders or faux photo-corners necessary.) Price is based on size, paper stock, cover material, and shipping fees, but single copies start at $11 for a 20-page book. Think your book has potential beyond your own coffee table? Blurb can also share your images as a free online slide show or sell copies of the book through its online shop. blurb.com.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

I looked up flights from Dublin to Amsterdam (kayak flexible date search: http://www.kayak.com/#flights/DUB-AMS/2012-02-24-flexible/2012-02-28-flexible) and they will range from $200 - $300 for a long weekend.

Amsterdam is a must do for you this semester because there is a possibility they are going to outlaw tourists from smoking in Amsterdam. Which is ridiculous, because that is how that city makes money. Anyway, its still totally safe and fun now so you should go enjoy it while you can!

Coffeeshops - so chill

HOSTEL

This is the hostel I have stayed in several times before: Youth Hostel Meetingpoint

Warmoesstraat 14, 1012 JD, Amsterdam, Netherlands

It is in a great location, great prices and very safe!
http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Youth-Hostel-Meetingpoint/Amsterdam/5052?sc_sau=avdc
*Make sure you book in advance!

Favorite hostel!

WHAT TO DO/SEE

- Rent bikes! Cheapest transportation and SO FUN!
- Walk around and explore the city
- Van Gogh museum

Spring 2012 - Semester Schedule

Can you put in the semester sched?

Southern France (Nice, Cannes)

I didn't go to the South of France my semester abroad, but next time I went back this was the first place I went! I wouldn't put this region at the top of your list, but it would be great to spend a few days exploring the southern cities.

Paris, France

Paris is amazing, beautiful, magical... I definitely recommend spending a weekend here! There is so much to do, see and explore. I would spend just one day wandering and eating your way around the city. It's so fun to get lost in the streets and not be worrying about a map. There are cafes on every corner with amazing food, this will be one of your most favorite days!

HOSTELS






WHAT TO SEE/DO

Ah can I go back in time and study abroad again? At least I get to live vicariously through you...

Love, Stephanie

Making Your Life Easier with a Travel BACKPACK

Update: WOO Convinced Jaclyn to get a backpack! Will make traveling frequently so much easier and save so much time! I really do recommend that everyone get a backpack for studying abroad.


Hey Jac Monster - this first post is to convince you to purchase a travel backpack for your long weekend trips in and out of Ireland! (I figure you'll be bringing a huge suitcase as well to carry all of your stuff for 6 months but the backpack should be for weekend trips).

When I studied abroad - I lugged around a heavy ass, wheeled suitcase. I vividly remember traveling around Venice going up and down up and down stairs and it was just AWFUL. I just got my backpack a year ago and it was the best thing to happen to me.

Reasons why backpacks make your life easier and make you a better traveler:

1. Backpack distributes the item weight evenly, making it easier to carry (no more one sore shoulder)

2. You can carry it on the plane - you will save so many hours by packing for carry on

3. It will teach you how to pack appropriately - need to learn how to pack lite and not overpack

4. Its small so it's easy to store when you're not using

BACKPACK SPECS:

> WOMEN'S TRAVEL BACKPACK

> BUDGET: LESS THAN $200

> WEIGHT: 3LBS OR LESS

> GEAR CAPACITY: APPROX 3,200 CUBIC INCHES

> FRAME TYPE: INTERNAL

Kelty Women’s Pawnee 50

http://www.kelty.com/p-423-womens-pawnee-50.aspx

> COST: $135

> WEIGHT: 3LBS, 70Z

> GEAR CAPACITY:  3000 CUBIC INCHES

> COLOR: BRIGHT BLUE

Kelty Women's Lakota 65

http://www.kelty.com/p-420-womens-lakota-65.aspx

> COST: $145

> WEIGHT: 4LBS, 10Z

> GEAR CAPACITY:  4000 CUBIC INCHES

> COLOR: CHARCOAL

REI Flash 50 Pack - Women's

http://www.rei.com/product/778472

> COST: $149

> WEIGHT: 2LBS, 10 0Z

> GEAR CAPACITY:  3051 CUBIC INCHES

> COLOR: GREY W/ GREEN TRIM

REI Flash 65 Pack - Women's

(GREY W/ GREEN)

http://www.rei.com/product/778471

> COST: $169

> WEIGHT: 3LBS, 20Z

> GEAR CAPACITY:  3966 CUBIC INCHES

> COLOR: GREY W/ GREEN TRIM

Deuter ACT Lite 60 + 10 SL Pack - Women's

http://www.rei.com/product/795606

> COST: $189

> WEIGHT: 3LBS, 120Z

> GEAR CAPACITY: 3650  CUBIC INCHES

> COLOR: DARK & LIGHT BLUE

Athens & Greek Islands, Greece

Greek Islands

I studied abroad in Athens so obviously this is one of my favorite cities ever. You only need 2 days in Athens then you have to go to at least 1 island to see the beauty. The hostel that I love in Athens overlooks the Acropolis and is the best location. I'll also give you easy directions to catch a ferry from Athens, and help you plan out the 2 days in Athens. You might want to consider a longer weekend for Greece (if available - maybe spring break?).

 

Athens, Greece

Love,

Stephanie

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin Castle

I'm sure you will make a few weekend trips to Dublin over the semester. Dublin is amazing and so much fun.
These are hostels that I have stayed at that have been great  for price & location.

HOSTELS

WHAT TO DO/SEE

Prague, Czech Republic

So you've been to Prague recently so you might not come here this Spring. I would recommend trying to go to another city that you haven't been. But it is always fun to go back to a city that you really love, so you never know!


If your friends want to, you could loop a couple days in Prague into another trip. When I traveled to Vienna, Austria we flew into Vienna and took a train to Prague.

> Train Travel Info: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g190454-i147-k801580-Train_from_Vienna_to_Prague-Vienna.html



Things to see in Prague:
- Old Town Square
- Wenceslaus Square
- Lennon Wall
- Sex Machines Museum
- Museum of Medieval Torture
- Beer Gardens
- Astronomical Clock
- Staropremen Brewery Tour