Top 10 Most Useful Travel Websites
These are sites that MFT have found useful on our backpacking wanders and we certainly haven't taken any backhand deals to promote them here, they were just useful sites that should aid you on your way, especially if you are heading off travelling for the first time. Remember that all travel books and websites aren't necessarily upto date and often contain mistakes (except for this one obviously) so it's a good idea to check more than one source and failing that just go with the flow and hope for the best. Anyway here they are:
1. Couchsurfing
If you're too broke for hostels then why not stay for free with a complete stranger! Once you get going it's surprisingly easy to find a bed or couch to sleep on for absolutely nothing. Better still there's couchsurfing communities literally everywhere with a huge worldwide network of members. The idea is a little daunting at first but the whole idea works surprisingly well.
2. WWOOF
Wwoofing!!! This has become something of a phenomenon and a godsend to people who want to see the world on limited funds. It's a network offering volunteering opportunities on organic farms all over the world. In return for your volunteer help you get accommodation and food, as well a chance to learn about organic farming.
3. WikiTravel
WikiTravel is a relative newcomer built on the success of Wikipedia. It covers pretty much everywhere which is it's main advantage although much like Wikipedia accurate information is not always guaranteed. Don't take it as gospel but if it provides a good base for researching countries, deciding where to visit as well as tips on finding hostels and somewhere to drink.
4. RoadJunky
RoadJunky is a good site for the hardcore traveller. It covers all the things Lonely Planet hasn't got the balls to go anywhere near including some interesting destinations and a slightly hippy perspective on everything from finding work, travelling on a budget, to sex, drugs and love on the road. Anything goes here.
5. WhatsOnWhen
Cool site with an exhaustive list of festivals and events all over the world, from the weird to the wonderful to the truly bizarre, it's all here.
6. Skyscanner
Perhaps the best of the flight comparison websites, it searches almost every major airline and travel site, to find the cheapest upto the minute fares. Excellent if you haven't got a set destination in mind...New York to anywhere in March? It'll search the world and let you know where you can get to and for how much.
7. Hostelbookers
A good site for booking hostels. Doesn't charge a booking fee where as Hostelworld does, although sometimes it is more expensive whatever they may say. Also useful to check the reviews left by other travellers and a hostels overall rating. Somewhere with a fun rating of over 80% is almost certainly a party hostel.
8. Hostelworld
The other major site for booking hostels. Has some special promotions from time to time where you can get free nights accommodation. Pretty much the same as hostelbookers but it's worth checking both. If you are travelling in the low season and there is evidently lots of hostels with spaces it's probably not worth booking in advance but you can still use the site to decide which hostels to target when you arrive.
9. StaTravel
The original student travel company is still going strong with discounted flights for under 26's and students. Their staff are normally pretty good and will all have extensive experience of backpacking but alot of their organised trips and volunteering projects are actually expensive bordering on extortionate so you're much better doing your own thing or sorting something out when you arrive.
10. Seat61
You don't have to be a train geek to appreciate seat61 although it probably helps. If there's a trainline recently opened in Uzbekistan or Syria then the man in seat 61 will know about it. Extensive information on trainlines all over the world and tips on getting rail passes. Great pictures and reports from long distance train journeys. Did you know how to travel from London to Singapore by train?? We do now..thank you man in seat61!
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