Nowadays, planning a vacation is a piece of cake. Everything you need is at a push of a button away. And I do mean that literally. As long as you have an internet connection, you can plan an entire itinerary from the comfort of your own home. There are several tools you can use and make your life easier. Here are just a few of them.
Booking sites
I know that booking sites are not news for most people, but there is quite a number of individuals who still use travel agencies. Otherwise, the business would be dead by now. They use it out of convenience, maybe they don't want to bother handling the situation themselves. However, a booking site not only will be more cost efficient, but it will spare you from going to one of those traveling agencies, which means you don't have to get out of the house. For a flight, all you have to do is complete a form on a site, put in your credit card information, and the flight confirmation will arrive via e-mail. I find it more comfortable to use than other methods.
Apart from plane tickets, you can also book accommodation, tours, and pretty much whatever you want. Planning a vacation moved to the online world, and I bet travel agencies will soon be a thing of the past.
Online Visas
Some countries still require a visa for you to get in, but there are countries who added an online visa service. India, for example, allows people to use an e-visa. And so do a lot of other states. You need to complete an online form, upload some information like photos, passport information, and credit card information and the visa will be in your inbox in as little as 18 hours. It's completely affordable, and it can spare you a trip to the consulate. I assume nobody likes standing in line for a traveling permit.
Passport photos
A passport is required by most countries unless you are a European traveling in Europe. It needs to be done before you plan your trip, and if you already have one, make sure that it will not expire while you are on vacation. You get in, but you must be able to get out as well. The internet can help you with that too. There are services which can provide passport photos online. You just need to pay a small fee, stand in front of your webcam, and the pictures will arrive in your mailbox in a matter of days. It's simple, elegant, and you don't need to go to a photo studio. It comes in handy for people who are working all day or don't want to get out of the house more than it's necessary.
Travel Blogs
The beauty of such blogs (like this one!) is that you will no longer be surprised by what you'll find at the destination you choose. People from all around the world share their experiences, the good and the bad of a particular location. That way you will know for sure if you want to visit a country or not. There are few surprises anymore. But that is a good thing because not all surprises are pleasant.
