Starting Out

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Web sites

Many sites such as Expedia, Travelocity and Cheap Tickets will help the independent traveler plan all aspects of a trip and they also provide total travel packages. The sites are commerce sites and support all the travel related decisions before traveling. They are geared to the traveler who may want to make the majority of the travel arrangements before leaving home. They are also targeted to the majority of travelers who travel to more popular destinations or who travel in a more customary fashion. These sites are already well known. This site will reveal the less commercial sites. Most sites will have little or or no advertising. They are developed from passion and out of the love for travel!

Here are some of my favorite travel guides for the independent adventure traveler. The links will take you to the web site.

When selecting a guide book take a look at when it was published. Many of the following travel guidebooks are updated only every few years. I usually take a look at a couple of options and then compare the information.

Rough Guide	This guide is excellent for the independent solo traveler. The guide provides a range of choices for accommodation from budget to higher end. Opinions are given on accommodation. Also, the guide includes a section on culture and history. Attractions for each destination are outlined with costs and transport options. In addition, transportation options to and from each destination is also helpful.
Lonely Planet	This guide is excellent for the independent off the beaten track solo traveler. The guide provides a range of choices for accommodation from budget to higher end. Also, the guide includes a section on culture and history. Attractions for each destination are outlined with costs and transport options. In addition, transportation options (and costs) to and from each destination is also helpful. The Lonely Planet maps are one of the better guide book maps. Thorn Tree is my favorite online travel forum as it has such a large number or participants.
Let’s Go	Let’s Go is geared to students and younger travelers. The listings are geared to budget and party oriented travelers. They do provide good information about budget accommodations.
Rick Steves	These travel guides (Europe focused) provide itineraries, have great walking tours for the major cities, and excellent historical information. Accommodation options generally are mid range, smaller family run pensions, which offer great value. Each guide will also profile several off the beaten path destinations. The web site has good information about travel. There are many links to Rick Steves products, but those can be skirted in order to get travel information.
Frommer's GuidesFrommer's Budget Online	Frommers used to be the standard and is still popular with many original users. It lists a range of budget hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing ideas. The suggestions seem to focus more on the mainstream and popular tourist destinations and attractions. The Web site has some useful ideas.

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