Forbes: Travel Guidebook, Resort Sites Out - People In

An article in Forbes today opines that traditional travel guidebook sites, along with resort-sponsored websites, are on the outs as traveler-driven websites gain in trip-planning popularity. I partially agree -- I'll always consult sites like Lonely Planet before I go, but it's true that my last several trips have been accompanied by sheets of paper I've printed from a wealth of travel websites run by (extra)ordinary travel experts and those with input from regular travelers; my first trip to Mexico's Riviera Maya was accompanied by a regular guidebook stuffed with a good 10-12 pieces of paper printed with driving tips downloaded from traveler forums. My next trip to Europe is being planned with the help of hotel-owned websites, expert opinion and ordinary traveler feedback; I need to see the prices and pix from the sites, I need to read data from travel pros and I want to hear what people are saying right this minute about a particular hostel.

Forbes lists a few of its fave travel web sites, and among them are some of those without which I don't plan travel:

• Kayak -- an excellent aggregator pulling together the big and little fishies' airfares
• Mobissimo -- a fine fare finder run by humans who search out the best specials
• Seat Guru.com -- airplane seat maps

Some other sites I would list in my own top travel planning resources:

• Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Travel Forum
• Travelpost.com Insider -- traveler tales and insightful site host tips and commentary
• About's travel sites, like About's Europe for Visitors, offer a combo of a specialized travel expert's opinions and experiences and facts, and provide forums for user-generated input

Read the Forbes article

Find my favorite travel guidebooks