8 Quintessential Travel Planning Sites

These are my quintessential travel planning sites. I use each and everyone every time I plan a trip . . . which is often. Here's an 8 step process to ensure you're snagging up the best deals at the best cost!

1. http://www.smartertravel.com/. Start here to capture a broad overview of latest deals and choice destinations.
2. http://www.farecompare.com/. Then use this site to narrow down the cheapest airfare. You can track changes in fares and sign up for an e-mail update once a fare reaches your target price.
3. http://www.kayak.com/. Double check your FareCompare price with Kayak.
4. http://www.studentuniverse.com/. Triple check your fares here. You must be a student or in the education industry to take advantage of their prices. May not necessarily be cheaper.
5. Once you have triple checked your fares, go straight to the individual airline websites to see if they can offer you an even better deal! A real hit or miss!
6. http://www.seatguru.com/. Before you book your airline seat, make sure you visit the SeatGuru to get the best tips on where to sit!
7. http://www.traveladvisor.com/. Start your hotel search here by checking on-line reviews. Use the "top rated" hotel option at your destination to see reviewers' preferred hotels.
8. Then go to individual hotel websites for the best deals or try http://www.priceline.com/ (I'm a fan)!