The internet has opened up the World to many of us – never before are we able to use the resources the internet provides to research and book our holidays. Google are rumoured to be looking to launch a beta version of Yahoo’s travel portal.

The acquisition of Fare Chase and Kelkoo has given Yahoo a massive advantage over it’s competitors, and it’ll only be time before Google steps up to the plate. Whereabouts MSN have gone for the easy option and have partnered with Expedia.

Google Local

Google Local is perfect if you know the location of your hotel or accommodation – type in the postal / zip code and a map will appear, you can view what shops, restaurants, and attractions are near your accommodation.

Click on the Satellite option and you can actually view the hotel, street and surrounding area, this itself is an excellent way of getting to know the exact location. I used Google Local when searching for my hotel in Prague, and it helped me made a decision as one of the hotels was located next to a major motorway, so the traffic noise could have been a problem.

Price Comparison sites

They are many price comparison websites, but my favourite is the Travel Supermarket – if you don’t have the time to search around the internet for the best priced flights, travel insurance, and package holidays then the travel supermarket is the place to visit.

Hotel Review sites

Why waste money booking a hotel to find out it’s located next to a building site – or the local nightclub is underneath the hotel. Visit travel review websites like Trip Advisor and type in the name of the hotel – reviews are left by people that have stayed in the hotel, and a rating is given.

Don’t rely on just the one review website though – have a search around the internet and read the views of different people, as it’s been known that hotels that are competing with each other to leave a bad review just to direct holidaymakers to their hotel.

• Choosing the right hotel
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• Save time and search on Car Hire comparison sites

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