The internet is a fascinating place.  Not only can you find videos of singing cats or little people in drunken bar fights, there are actually useful sites that offer intelligent information, like good travel deals.

If you’ve got that travel itch, here are several sites you should bookmark for trip planning ideas and in some cases, some great prices as well:

 

Cloud 9 Living

Website:  www.cloud9living.com

Similar in set-up to “Groupon”, this site offers a wide variety of travel and dining experiences, tours, and adventures, sorted by region or city.  For example, how about a food tour of Baltimore’s “Little Italy”?  Weekend tours make three to four tasting stops that allow participants to learn about the great Italian food and culture of this classic ethnic neighborhood.  Prices start at $62 per person.

 

Last Minute Cruises

Website: www.lastminutecruises.com

If you’re spontaneous and just want to get away by sea, then Last Minute Cruises offers some astounding deals for cruise travel – as long as you’re flexible with your travel dates.  They even offer great deals on cruises that may not depart for a few months.  How about a five night round-trip cruise to Bermuda from Baltimore, MD aboard Royal Caribbean’s ‘Grandeur of the Seas’?  Inside cabins start at only $564 a person and include all port charges.  That’s $113 a night – for a cruise to Bermuda!

 

REI Adventures

Website: www.rei.com/adventures

If you are more adventurous and like to be active on your getaways, then REI Adventures may have the dream trip you’re looking for.  They offer guided hiking and biking tours of many worldwide destinations, from the mountains of Peru to the rugged coast of Italy.  Led by professional, local travel guides, these small group tours offer the chance to see the world from a different perspective.  For example, how about a ten day hiking tour of Ireland from coast to coast (Dublin in the east to Doolin in the West)?  The price is $3,999 per person, which includes all accommodations (at small inns or B&Bs), meals, transportation to and from each day’s hiking, all guides, entrance fees to all the parks, and luggage transportation.  If you are into a rugged vacation experience with a personal touch, then give REI Adventures a look.

 

Travel Zoo

Website: www.travelzoo.com

Check out their “Top 20”weekly deals, which feature many travel destinations, their timeframes, restrictions, and booking details.  For example, how about non-stop, round trip airfare to Iceland from Washington, D.C, including three nights at a three or four star hotel, daily breakfast, a boat tour to witness the Northern Lights, and a spa experience – all for $694 per person (double occupancy).  Wow!

 

Trivago

Website: www.trivago.com

Yes, as that annoying white haired guy on TV tells you, Trivago really does offer you the chance to compare hotel room prices – and the differences are alarmingly real.  You pick your destination city and it will tell you the available hotel rooms in the area and the website to get the best price.   You can comparison shop in one place and book straight from the links offered on the site.  I’ve used this site many times and have always been amazed at the price differences for the exact same room.  For example, how about a “family suite” (sleeps four) with fireplace, balcony or patio, and a separate sitting room at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA.  It’s originally valued at $490 per night.  Trivago lists a link to Hotels.com that offers the same room for only $200 a night.

 

Of course, this is just a sampling of what is out there for anyone to research.  Take the time to look around the internet at these and many other travel sites.  You never know when your dream trip might suddenly appear!