General Links
Find below a listing of general links which I have found helpful when planning for trips overseas.
N.B: Click on either the name or icon below to be linked directly to each site.
General Travel/Tourism Sites
Tripadvisor
Everything that could be covered in a travel site is covered here. If you have even entertained the idea of travel, you have probably already been here. I personally find the two sections I gravitate to the most is the travel forum and hotels. The reviews are usually a very guide as the standard of accomodation, however, always check is the amount of reviews that the establishment has received. The forum is a great place get a general feel for the area you are considering.
Smarttraveller
The Australian Govt. website that provides international travel information for the Australian public. The areas covered include travel alerts, assistance, basically anything that falls within the realm of what you would expect a government to be involved with. Look it up before you travel as it may be of help.
Dark Tourism
Let me state from the outset, the name of the site can be easily taken to represent something it doesn’t. To quote from the site, “What IS endorsed here is respectful and enlightened touristic engagement with contemporary history, and its dark sites/sides, in a sober, educational and non-sensationalist manner“. The website features 116 countries (some at the present time are unavailable to western travel) and while it may not suit everyone, it’s definitely worth a look.
Points Hack
Points Hack is one of those sites that provides the reader with a variety of information across a range of different topic areas. These include reviews on airlines, flight classes, lounges even through to frequent flyer points. The material is up to date and well worth a visit or two. As you can also see by the image, you can also find Points Hack on a range of different platforms.
European Best Destinations
Like a range of sites that provide a summary of services, European Best Destinations highlights a range of cities and the services that are provided. The website will provided ideas based on a range of thematic approaches including cultural, shopping, ecotourism and even Christmas travel. Some great ideas that you can use for a starting point to a overall trip or just a day visit to a city.
Transport
The Man in Seat 61
What Bradshaw’s is to Michael Portillo, The Man in Seat 61 is to anyone who is even entertaining the idea of rail travel. Primarily as a guide through Europe, the site provides information relating to train travel beyond the European continent. Visit the site and have a look for yourself, as it would take a page to even begin to attempt summarising all that it has to offer.
Show Me The Journey
A website that that professes to provide “All you need to know about making European rail journeys“. I personally don’t think it’s as extensive as The Man in Seat 61 but having said that, I still think it is a very good site for train travel in Europe. It provides images, information and really handy links to arm you with the information you need. While one website is great, throw one more into the mix and you are right to go.
Always wanted to know what seat you have been assigned on your flight and if you will be happy with it? This site will help you choose the seat that suits you best. It will also provide testimonies from previous customers as to the suitability of specific seats. A handy tool when given the option to select your home for how many hours the flight takes.
Webjet
I find that webjet provides you with a guide as to the cost of flights across a range of choices. Play around with how many legs you are willing to take, dates and the airlines you would prefer to travel with.
Star Alliance is the world’s largest global airline alliance, created in 1997. Members of the alliance include ANA, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, Thai Airways among the 26 airlines that make up the group.
One World
Oneworld is the other major airline alliance that services Australian airways. Formed in 1999, airlines such as Qantas, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific & Qatar are among the 13 full members that make up Oneworld.
Social Media - Tik Tok, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram
Noel Philips
Flight & Rail Adventures
Noel Philips is a site that I stumbled on one night while was watching video grabs on social media. I was instantly taken by his enthusiasm for travel and the different adventures he undertakes. The links to his different media outlets can be found at the base of the home page.
Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
DennisBunnik Travels
DennisBunnik Travels is a site that provides a variety of reviews across a range of airlines and flight classes. The beauty of the channel is that it will provide information that covers various carriers. Watch, learn and be informed in your choices.
Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Paul Stewart Aviation
As the name alludes to, Paul Stewart provides you an opportunity to check out different carriers and a range of different class seats. If it is only to dream, why not as it is all part of the fun that is travel. For those who are interested in aviation, Paul has a secondary youtube channel that goes into more detail with a range of video. Can’t get enough of honest review channels.
Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Paul Lucas "Winging it"
If you are interested in a range of travel options, this is a site that will offer some interesting takes on a variety of travel options. Paul offers his enthusiastic take on air, rail, bus & ferry travel covering different countries and even continents.
Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Nonstop Dan
One of the things that I like to do is check up on the modes of transport after (as well as before) I have booked them. Nonstop Dan will take you through a review of an airline or particular class of travel. Not only does this and other sites add to the excitement of travel, it can help with the selection process if you are the type that likes to research. The link provided is to Nonstop Dan’s website.
Youtube, facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Trek Trendy
A quote from Trek Trendy’s twitter page best summarises its approach, “I make luxury travel videos”. A range of travel reviews from around the globe from a variety of contributors. While other sites focus on largely one form of transport, this site will provide videos and deals covering a range of cities and styles of travel. You never know, there may be a deal just waiting for you.
Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Global Explorer is a site that provides you with a range of things to do and places to see in a different destinations. If you haven’t been to a city, these types of sites can provide ideas that can assist you during the planning stages of a trip. Anything that provides you with an idea can’t be all bad, especially when it could help you uncover hidden gold.
Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Website