Travelling Overseas? Don't Leave Home Without Reading This First

CDC    

The US Centers for Disease Control's website has area-specific medical guides.  If you are planning a trip to a third world country, its great advice that will help you stay in good health.

Biodiversity Hotspots              

Unfortunately, humans have had a negative impact on the planet since the year dot.  Unsustainable farming practices, global warming and large scale harvesting of native forests will inevitably mean that many plant and animal species will perish.  Conservation International has mapped out 25 "Biodiversity Hotspots" around the world.

Journey Woman                   

This is an online magazine with women in mind.  The guides are fun-packed and easy to follow.  There are classified ads, suggestions and articles on how to deal with difficult situations and has a treasure trove of facts, tips and excellent advice.

Lonely Planet    

An excellent resource for a traveller on a budget.  There are condensed versions of the lonely planet guides which can be accessed via the home page.  The "Travel Features" pages are also worth a read.  It is recommended that you click on the Bluelists for a gossiping session and check out the "Thorn Tree Forum" for feedback from travellers who are still on the road.

Frommers    

Also an excellent resource.  This website provides information that is just as comprehensive as a guidebook and lets you decide what is worth seeing and what's not.  Gives invaluable advice and tips too.

Trip Advisor    

Every holiday-maker or traveller should take a look at this site.  Type in your destination and you will receive information about where you're going to, images and main attractions.  Click on "Traveler reviews" and obtain feedback from people who have stayed in different types of accommodation and any setbacks they may have experienced along the way.

Travel

Here you can compare car hire companies, airlines and hotels to get the best price.  Click on the airline-hotel-car hire operator, you might get a cheaper deal.

Last Minute

This site is full of bargains.  You can shop here for package holidays, flights and hotel rooms.  If you don't have a lot of money to throw around and you're stretched for time, it would be well worth the time spent to have a browse and click on destinations to see what's on offer.

Via Michelin

Similar to your navman or google maps of the world..go to this site, click on "Travel" and then click on "Route Planner".  Enter your starting destination and the server produces a complete set of instructions to help you get to your final destination.  It's truly amazing because it gives you a schematic view, motorway routes, exits to take, motorway toll costs and how much it will cost you in petrol to get there.

Dfat:  Government

Must see "Travel advisories" and information regarding how to stay safe while you're travelling.  Will give you the names of places where there are terrorism risks as well as natural disaster areas, scams etc etc.

Wotif

Want to know where empty rooms in B & B guesthouses, motels, hotels are located?  This is the place to go.

Oanda

To find out how much you get for your dollar go to "Fx converter" under the "Currency tools" tab.

Adventure/Outdoor websites - National Geographic, GORP., Outside Magazine.