The different types of travel resources include agents or consultants, tour group leaders, guidebooks and websites. Rather than just relying on one resource, many travelers use a combination to plan a trip. While travel professionals provide customer service and industry knowledge, websites in which other travelers post unbiased reviews on hotels and attractions can also be a helpful resource.
Travel review websites are a popular resource for those looking for what others who have stayed at a hotel or visited a tourist attraction have to say about their experience. Such unbiased reviews, when combined with other travel resource information such as that from guidebooks and agents, can help travelers decide where they'd like to stay and which attractions seem the most worthwhile. Bad reviews in these types of travel resources don't necessarily stop people from staying in those hotels or visiting those attractions. What is a negative to one traveler may be a positive to another, for example. Much of the time, good reviews about already popular travel venues only confirm to travelers that they do want to experience these for themselves.
Other websites contain informative articles written by travel writers. These pieces may be similar to those found in guidebooks or city guides. Some web-based travel resources contain much more informal, personal travel experience stories. Professional travel writers typically offer a lot of practical, useful information based on both personal experience and research. Guidebook articles may also include helpful travel resource material such as maps and what to pack for the weather in each season.
While not unbiased in terms of their feedback on attractions, since many of them work for or with these places, tour group leaders can be great travel resources for information about a particular city. Many of them have traveled extensively in the city and can offer travelers many tips based on their experiences. Similarly, travel agents or consultants are usually experienced travelers as well as professionals in the industry and have many tips to share.
A travel agent or consultant can save travelers time and money in calling airlines or hotels. He or she often gets price breaks that can benefit travelers. Consultants or agents are usually excellent travel resources, as they build relationships with clients to get to know their preferences and needs. Many travel agents and consultants are familiar with good resorts in different areas and can advise travelers in booking airline flights that offer the best value for them.