24. About Getting Travel Information with Google

BEFORE YOU BEGIN	SEE ALSO
Perform a Basic Google Search Perform an Advanced Google Search About Google Search Operators	About Power Searching Strategies Find Local Information with Google Local

Google is great at many thingsbut when it comes to travel information, it's not always a spectacular success. It has some exceptionally strong points as well as some weak ones, so the key is in knowing when to use it to get travel information and when to stay away.

If you're looking to find flight information, ticket prices, package deals, and cut-rate hotel bargains, there are better places to go. Sites such as www.expedia.com, www.orbitz.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.travelocity.com, www.hotwire.com, www.priceline.com, and www.bookingbuddy.com are better than Google for ferreting out this kind of pricing information.

That's not to say that you shouldn't use Google for researching any of your travel plans. Google does a great job of finding off-the-beaten-path information, for example. Let's say you're looking to rent a house on the big island of Hawaii. Travel sites tend not to have this kind of information; they're better at finding hotel rates and package deals. So doing a simple search such as house rentals big island Hawaii leads you to plenty of resources.

And, of course, you can use Google to research any place you're planning to visit or considering visiting using the normal Google search tools.

Where Google really shines for travel information is with Google Local, formerly known as Google Maps. The site does far more than merely enable you to find maps and driving directions. It also helps you find any kind of local sightseeing information, restaurants, information, and resources. If you're looking for Cuban restaurants in Cambridge, Massachusetts, or museums and art galleries in Orem, Utah, Google Local is the best place to go. For details, see Find Local Information with Google Local.

Looking to find Cuban restaurants in and around Cambridge, Massachusetts? Google Local (formerly known as Google Maps) is the place to go.