travelwithjamesdean.ca

Here is a collection of some of my favourite website resources that I find most helpful in the search and planning of my next vacation.
Be open to signing up for email notifications and newsletters to be alerted to deals. Many send you previews of specials before being released to the general public, and you may get some perks that makes it more attractive to book quickly.

TripAdvisor

This is definitely THE best website I have found as a source for hotel, restaurants and tours.
The reviews are so extensive that it has very often helped find exceptional finds
(IMPORTANT Note: TripAdvisor is a great source if you ignore the top rated restaurants and tours etc, these tend to be the most touristy, advertised or written up in the New York Times. Best bets are Cheap Eats and Local Cuisine - it’s takes some work, but really look at reviews for special finds away from the ordinary.)

TravelZoo

This is an excellent website that collects travel deals and posts them in email notifications.
Sign up for their email notifications to find great travel bargains that are updated often. (Sometimes an early booking can get special early booking discounts.)

Expedia

This is another reliable website to search especially for flights.
There are also some good opportunities fordiscounts when booking hotels and rental cars together. (Prices change, so check often)

Booking.com

This is the world’s largest selection of incredible places to stay.
Including everything from apartments, vacation homes, and family-run B&Bs (Bookings can often be refundable with no prepayment required)

Google Maps

Google Maps has quickly become a newer source of reviews when searching travel suggestions.
While searching an area that you will be travelling in - click on restaurants, hotels etc. and scroll down to see the Review Summary. The large volume of reviews on Google Maps is another strong indicator of highly rated businesses to help with your planning.

YYZ Deals

This is a website using innovative travel search technology to find truly amazing travel deals.
Sign up for their email notifications, and you must jump on deals quickly as they are often VERY limited - even mistakes that pop up, and are quickly corrected if you do not move quickly.

In Your Pocket -City Travel Guides

Before online travel information, "In Your Pocket" always had excellent books for researching.
NOW you can find tons of city guides available for FREE on their website. (There is now more advertising, but their guides are still well worth a download and very informative)

Azores Getaways

This is a great website to book the best air-inclusive deals for travel to the islands of the Azores.
Also good for combinations including stopovers in Lisbon and Porto in mainland Portugal.

Get Your Guide

This is a website that is a great source for tickets and tours - even helps you find the unique and do-not-miss things to do at your destination. Book ahead and skip the queues at the biggest attractions

Viator

This is also a website that is a great source for tickets and tours - even helps you find the unique and unmissable things to do at your destination. Book ahead and skip the queues at the biggest attractions.

National Geographic

Of course, who would not have the National Geographic as a resource when thinking of future travel adventures. Unparalleled articles and extraordinary photography from around the world.
Through National Geographic Expeditions they also book excellently prepared, exclusively arranged tours (with “expert guidance”) - but, they do appear to be higher-end travel and therefore, more expensive.

Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys is an excellent site for extensive information, virtual tours and spectacular photo galleries on tourist destinations.
I find this a great resource for ideas on vacation planning - and they also book excellently prepared, exclusively arranged tours (with “expert guidance”) - but, they do appear to be higher-end travel and therefore, more expensive.

Tom’s Port Guides

Tom’s is definitely THE best website have found as a source for all things about cruise ports.
He has created amazing Port Guides that give all the information needed on dozens of cruise ports for independent travellers who want to create their own excursions, or just know about buses, car rentals and tourist attractions.

CruiseCritic

Excellent site for extensive info on ships, cruise itineraries and destinations.
It also has a large collection of reviews to get a good idea of different ships. Sign up for email newsletters for great travel deals

Airbnb

I am becoming more of a fan of Airbnb accommodations.
It does open up opportunities for meeting locals and experiencing a much more intimate stay - which is always my most favourite way to travel. You do have to be aware that some posted prices are not accurate - because I have found, even using “Instant Book“ for European properties, it does not guarantee the rate.
(I do not think it is malicious, just hosts that have not set up their account properly)

Rick Mercer a Travel Guide.??

I have added Rick Mercer to my travel resources - NOT because he is known as a travel guru like Rick Steves or Patricia Schultz - but because he has travelled to more places in Canada than anyone you can think of.
His charity, writing, comedy (actually satire) has been the catalyst for access to people and places across the country that most of us will never have the chance to experience. His website is packed with interviews, observations and most importantly his RANTS about Canada that should not be missed.