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May 21, 2021

3 Ways the Internet Has Changed Travel

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.

Traveling is one of the most immersive experiences one can encounter. Since the beginning of time, individuals have been using travel as a means of education and amusement. From embarking on trips in a horse-drawn carriage to now flying 35,000 feet above ground in a first-class lounge chair, travel has surely evolved in immeasurable ways. One of the biggest influences on travel has been the invention of the internet. Continue reading to learn three of the biggest ways the internet has changed travel in the past decades.

 

  • Booking Travel on Apps

Many young individuals today would be shocked to learn you once had to call an airline to book a ticket. With the simple booking process offered on flight apps and hotel apps, it has never been easier to plan a vacation. App users get constant access to flight deals and information, hotel prices and packages offered. Even those who hate planning find it easy to book these trips by using these tools.

Not only can you book travel on these apps, but you can also sign up for newsletters or enable notifications that let you know when a flight or hotel has dropped its price. By taking advantage of these tools, you can ensure you are getting the best deal for your travels.

 

  • An Influx of Vacation Rentals

The internet has paved the way for vacation rentals to soar. Through listing properties on apps like Airbnb and VRBO, the market for vacation rentals has skyrocketed. Many individuals want a more authentic experience during their travels. Booking a property in a local village with authentic touches of design sounds much more appealing to many than booking a standard hotel room that looks identical to every other place you’ve stayed. In addition to these special touches, vacation rentals usually include a better living space, a kitchen and more. In many cases, especially in foreign countries, booking a property on Airbnb or VRBO tends to be less expensive than staying in a hotel.

 

  • Online Reviews

Before the internet, it was challenging to decide whether a hotel or destination was really worth the hype. Without having prior knowledge of an area, it can be difficult to decide whether you should stay there or not. Enter the Internet, where most individuals now go to investigate a property or travel destination. Whether looking on Google reviews, the Airbnb app, or a social media page, vacation-goers can now read honest reviews about other individuals’ experiences. Of course, there may be the occasional online troll that has nothing but negative things to say. However, if you muddle through these and educate yourself on the pros and cons of a place, you’ll be much more likely to have an enjoyable vacation. Online reviews have saved many from potential negative travel experiences.

Kathy Husser is a library professional who loves to travel in her spare time!

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