Jan 17 2009
Travel Resources
Below are some links that I have found helpful while planning my travels and in my efforts to become a published travel writer. I hope you find them as helpful as I have.
Travel Resources
This site is a wonderful collection of unique travel articles with practical and somewhat edgy topics. It also provides opportunities for travel writers to contribute, forums for travel advice, and social networking with other travelers.
The best site to look for airfare. I love that it gives you several options (different airlines, different times of travel, alternative dates, etc.) to truly find the best deal.
This is a great site for booking accommodations in Europe (and beyond). Searching options are easy and helpful (can search by location, for example if you want to be near a certain landmark) and all hotels, B&B’s, etc. are reasonably priced. It’s also extremely helpful to read the user comments and reviews.
A classic in the travel industry. Once I have a destination in mind, I use this website to find background information on things to see and places to eat. I particularly enjoy their “Frommer’s Favorite Experiences,” where specific enjoyable things ”to not be missed” are mentioned, and “Suggested Itineraries,” where city experts give suggestions on what to do if you are in a certain place depending on how much time you have there.
My search for information on Nairobi revealed that Frommer’s and Fodor’s do not have information on some of the less-developed countries and cities (although it is still a major tourist destination). Lonely Planet had good information on Kenya and many other cities and countries.
I find this site a little confusing, so I generally use it as a back-up to research possible accommodations and restaurants to see how other users review them.
http://www.tripinsurancestore.com/
My trip to Africa was the first time that I really needed travel insurance and this website was extremely helpful in understanding everything. It allowed me to compare different plans, understand what was included, and gave several different options. Most importantly, I found the customer service to be top-notch: friendly and fast. Consider travel insurance for any major travels. A blog has recently been added http://www.tripinsurancestore.com/blog/with lots more travel information–answers to travel insurance questions, helpful travel tips, and healthy living tips.
http://www.startbackpacking.com/
A great website with lots of information on backpacking, vagabonding, and other forms of travel. There’s a great step-by-step guide on planning a long adventure and some good writings.
Writing Resources
Jen Leo, a well-known published travel writer, and her crew have put together a great site for travel writers. It is basically a blog with information about travel books, markets, contests, etc. updated frequently.
A helpful place for information on press trips, market info, etc. You do pay a fee for some services, but it is possible to communicate with other travel writers on their forum and receive their newsletter without paying the fee.
http://www.thewriterslife.com/ and http://www.thephotographerslife.com/
Both websites make a few promises that sound a bit too good to be true, but the content on the site and in their newsletter is extremely helpful. There’s information on upcoming workshops, how to sign for their class (which I am taking), and, again, chat with other writers and photographers in a forum.
Probably the most well-known magazine out there for writers. It covers all aspects of writing, but there are many articles on writing, grammar tips, and other resources.
A writer won’t be published if their articles don’t appear in markets. This website helps you find those markets and has up-to-date information on all of them. Again, there is a fee required, but it is almost a must-have for any writer.
