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Created by Stacy Kitsis, Arlington High School Librarian. Last updated: October 10, 2012.
Use these sites and your research packet to plan the vacation of your dreams. Remember to keep track of each site you use!
Agenda
Day One
Choose and research a country to visit. Keep track of your answers and sources in your research packet.
Day Two
Plan your airfare, accommodations, and transportation, and begin to plan your day-by-day itinerary. We will also discuss the value of a variety of trip planning sites.
Day Three
Plan the day-by-day itinerary for your trip, including detailed budget information. We will also discuss the concept of purchasing power, using examples from your research.
Day Four
Set up your budget sheet in US and foreign currency. Tutorial on Excel.
Country Information & Travel Safety
Before traveling anywhere, always check on requirements for U.S. travelers and important safety information! These sites can help.
U.S. Department of State International Travel - Check for Travel Warnings or Travel Alerts as well as Exit/Entry Requirements for U.S. citizens. The U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts are also listed on country pages. When countries are dangerous or unstable, the State Department warns Americans to "avoid or consider the risk of travel" to those places.
CIA World Factbook - Great stats on history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, and more, from the Central Intelligence Agency.
World Geography and Culture Online - Database for culture, cuisine, statistics, and more. Be sure you're looking at the entire article, not just the first page. Password required!
Encyclopaedia Britannica - Try their World Atlas (bottom right of your screen, under Reference Desk) as well as the regular encyclopedia entry for your country.
Travel Guides
As you use these commercial sites, think about who writes for them and why.
Lonely Planet - Destination information and travel advice on hotels, popular sites, and more.
Rough Guides - Another popular travel information site.
About.com Travel - Comprehensive trip planning tips from About.com authors.
TripAdvisor - Reviews and advice from travelers.
More Health & Safety Information for Travelers
Travel Sites
Remember that sometimes you can get a better deal going to airline or hotel sites directly.
Exchange Rates & Purchasing Power
Travel Exchange Rates from OANDA
Big Mac Index (The Economist)
Questions, comments, concerns? Email me at skitsis@arlington.k12.ma.us.
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