Everyone has their list of travel tips for using the internet. I’m using this blog to present five atypical internet tips for travel planning.
Now, I’ve seen many top 5 or top 10 list of tips for using the internet in planning a trip. In many of these, the first thoughts that come to mind in using the internet for a trip include: rental cars, plane or trains tickets, hotels, etc. My list is a bit more functional, and while may not be an epiphany for the reader, I’m hoping there are a few nuggets that you can leverage. Or maybe give you a new perspective on how to leverage the web.
Disclaimer: I receive no compensation for any website I mention in this post and all opinions are my own.
In no particular order of priority, here are my five atypical internet tips for travel.
Tip # 1 – Map applications
So, map applications…hmmm…what’s the possibility of creating a new buzz word if I call them mapplications? Probably as likely as integrating Sheldon Cooper’s word “prevening” into the vernacular, but I digress.
Map applications are functional in almost every country and serve as a bit of a Swiss-army knife in that they have several uses. (My personal favorite is Google maps, but don’t tell them that.)
The most obvious use of these apps and websites is the GPS functionality. Seeing where a point of interest is located and finding the most effective route from point A to Point B are understood.
The mapplications (subliminal reintroduction) can also play the role of your forward observer, or man on the ground. Zooming in on your map can show you everything that is around your original location, such as your hotel, or where you are at a given time. You can find nearby restaurants, pharmacies, laundromats, bus/subway stations etc. Once you find what you want…BOOM! The directions on how to get there from your base location can be immediately generated.
As you see below, the second image zooming in around the Hilton Berlin shows more detail of stores, restaurants, etc. The third image shows more as the zoom factor increases.
Courtesy of Google maps
Most applications also link to the appropriate business’ website. This is great if you are looking for restaurants. You can link to see the menu and cost to help decide where you want to put on the feedbag. You also won’t be surprised by the potential cost.
Street view functionality is great as it allows you to scope out the neighborhood of your destination. It can also be a great help in finding the storefront of the place to which you are going. That quaint little place may have an understated entrance that may be easy to walk past.
I’m not saying that this will supplant the front desk, or concierge for local advice, but its self-managed supplemental tool.
So…mapplications? Yes? No?
Tip # 2 – Weather applications
This may be a no-brainier, but weather applications are crucial for knowing what to pack. Additionally, they create an opportunity for creating a list of hip-pocket options for last-minute sites to visit.
Packing – Most of the time, you plan a trip for months in advance. However, the clothes you put in the suitcase are really determined a few days before you leave. Weather apps allow you to search the cities along your itinerary during your stay. The variety of your wardrobe can dramatically depend on how diverse your itinerary may be, like a Norwegian cruise or hiking in the Alps or Rockies.
Hip-Pocket Options – First off, I think I need to explain the reference of “hip-pocket”. When I was in the Army, we used to refer to “hip-pocket” training. These were training options that we would have available to take advantage of downtime. In the context of vacation planning, this would be having a ready list of options to take advantage of in case your original plans get impacted.
Weather applications can give you the foresight to look at your itinerary to show where you might need to look at inside museum days, as opposed to outdoor plans. Always good to have some options in each town/stop to take advantage of a potentially disappointing situation.
Tip 3 – City websites
I hate to rehash but I suggested this tip in my Blog on my Berlin trip. When travelling to foreign cities, people always plan on the big touristy points of interest. Don’t stop there!! When planning your itinerary, check out the city website. There is usually a calendar of events in the city to help supplement your experience.
There are always exhibitions, festivals, theatrical performances, concerts, etc. going on. Remember that locals like to do stuff too!! Do some research to see what’s happening. You might just get lucky and find something to keep you from just hanging out in the hotel, rinsing out socks and watching CNN International.
Tip 4 – Dining websites
When you travel in Europe, you may be surprised by the need for reservations at many restaurants. This applies to dining establishments across the spectrum and not just to those you consider upscale, white tablecloth establishments.
You’ll find that OpenTable.com is available in many European countries. As in the US, it’s a good site for searching based on location and cuisine.
As I mentioned above in the mapplications section, you can link to the restaurant website through those sites, and many provide the opportunity for you to make ressies from their pages.
Tip 5 – Search engines
Ok. Unless you’re new to traveling, this may be a bit of a no-brainer as well. Search engines are great tools for those open-ended questions about a location. Here are some suggested queries to enter in your favorite browser:
- What is there to do in ___?
- What is there for families to do in ___?
- Are there day tours in ___?
I can go on, but assume you get the idea. Ask anything that pertains to, be it families, limited mobility, or disabilities, or even language? As they say, the only stupid question is the one that isn’t asked.
It’s your trip. Ask the questions that suit your situation and interests to make the most out of your experience.
Well, that’s my five atypical internet tips for travel planning. I hope you found a nugget that you can take advantage of…including mapplications.
Until the next time…
Travel well. Pursue Experiences
O.M.I.A.H.