1. Google has quietly
launched a search-within-search box on some keyword searches. This second
search box allow users to search within the website of specific companies,
where the keywords entered by a user has led Google to a specific site. For
example, a second search box appeared when I searched for Ryanair
London flights. The development, spotted by travel technology news site Travolution,
is not across the board - searches have found that Ryanair fares better than
easyJet or Flybe, while Thomas
Cook has got a search box, but Thomson and Cosmos have not.
2. A popular US-based adventure travel site has launched a UK site for
travellers looking for adventure breaks. iExplore.co.uk
sells its own holidays but also searches the databases of other adventure
travel companies including Exodus, TrekAmerica (which along with iExplore is
owned by TUI Travel) and The Adventure Company. The list isn't exhaustive,
but it's a good place to start your search. There's itineraries, prices and
trip notes in full - but for live availability you'll have to wait for an
email from iExplore or just go to the adventure tour operator direct.
3. You don't need to be inclined towards obssesive compulsive behaviour
to want to steer clear of Britain's
dirtiest hotels - and that's not the saucy kind. The list is compiled by Tripadvisor
from ratings provided by its users over hotel cleanliness. Among the horror
stories from the ten named hotels, one reviewer told of a used cotton ear
bud under his bed, and another said his friend woke up with a toe nail stuck
to his cheek - urgh! If that hasn't put you off hotels altogether and it's
the saucy ones you're after, The Sunday Times compiled it's own list of hotels
for dirty weekends away - with any luck there won't be a bed bug in
sight.
4. Brits anxiously searching the web to find a cheap summer holiday
this year and being offered a screen break by an online travel agent that
has launched an email service that alerts users to holidays that match their
preferences. Directline-holidays.co.uk
will allow users to be as specific as they want with their request, from
holiday destination, to arrival and departure airpot, durations, minimum
hotel star rating, or hotel room types required. The Abta-registered and
Atol-bonded company will also allow users to select which day of the week
they'd like to receive the email. The site searches the websites of tour
operators including Thomson, Thomas Cook, Virgin Holidays, Cosmos and Kuoni.
The option to receive the email appears with the holiday search results
under the link: "Email me holidays like this".
5. Cutting through the green wash that threatens to dampen our
enthusiasm for eco travel, is a site that we hope will stand up to its green
credentials. Green Escapes
is a new site that promotes non-flight holidays and places to stay that are
run by people dedicated to caring for the environment. Because the site is
new, content is a little sparse at the moment, but we like the clean and
simple design, with holidays searches by destination or holiday type. If
you're committed to reducing your carbon footprint, this is definitely one
to watch.
6. The Cheapflights.co.uk
website has gone through a subtle relaunch, making small changes to improve
the site useability. It's kept the sparse design, with a simple two-box
search on the homepage, which gives way to a results listing that has been
aesthetically improved to make it easier to compare prices and link through
to the relevant operator. There's still the tabs allowing you to pick travel
periods, or a move to a specific date-led search. The site has also added
information on 500 destinations worldwide. It remains one of the most simple
and comprehensive flight search websites in the UK.
7. Whether you're helping an elderly relative with their travel
arrangements, or you are a disabled traveller yourself, the Tourism
for All website is a goldmine of information for travellers with
reduced mobility. The organisation's new website borders on the garish but
is simple to navigate and has links to accommodation providers that cater to
disabled and elderly guests, and advice for travellers.
8. Like the sound of a hotel with a floor devoted to computer games,
where a technology butler is on hand? If so, the Best
Geek Hotels in the World listing on HotelChatter
is for you. It also includes the Google Hotel in California, the Sydney
hotel where parts of the Matrix were filmed and "Facebook Hotel"
in New York - get there now before there so... over.
9. If you lose your wallet abroad and want to explain to the hotelier
how you intend to pay your bill, or perhaps find yourself being quizzed in
an unfamiliar langauge over the validity of your visa, wouldn't it be great
to have a translator on hand? A new site is selling a subscription service
that offers just that - CallUma
is a new translation/interpretation service that can offer assistance in 140
languages, 24 hours a day. Annual membership costs from £19.50 a year.
10. For those travellers who eschew guidebooks in favour of electronic
guides might want to check out www.city.mobi
on their mobiles. It's a database of 600 free city guides, designed to be
browsed on a mobile - which is why the site looks so basic viewed on a
computer screen. The city guides list hotels, restaurants, shopping,
transport and entertainment. There's not a lot of inspired or witty comment,
but it's handy for the basics and contact details when you're on the move.
Have you seen www.myholidaylet.com!
Catherine, London,
Oh come on. Do you have to mention the same websites over and over again! Cheapflights, Trip Advisor etc etc. You need to expand your RSS reader a little ;)
Darren Cronian, Leeds, West Yorkshire