The Traveler's Web: An Extreme Searcher Guide to Travel Resources on the Internet

Citation

Neville, K. (2008), "The Traveler's Web: An Extreme Searcher Guide to Travel Resources on the Internet", Library Review, Vol. 57 No. 8, pp. 643-644. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530810899658

The Traveller's Web is the latest addition to the arena of travel handbooks and provides a very current, easy to read handbook on new and existing travel websites covering a wide range of areas. Like most travel guides, the intention of the book is to “help you get somewhere and make the most of your time there” (p. xxiii) and to increase awareness of internet resources that can help travellers. The intended audience is both private and business travellers. Although there are more resources listed for leisure travellers, many sites are suitable for both categories. Websites are assessed on criteria such as popularity, uniqueness, positive reviews, coverage, searchability, longevity and overall reputation. Aimed at the world tourist market, the majority of websites are USA and to a lesser extent UK, yet the global marketplace ensures the information is suitable for travellers from many countries. An added bonus is the websites that were selected are nearly all free or offer free resources.

There are chapters relating to online travel guides (Chapter 2), reservations sites to book flights, hotels and car hire (Chapter 3), cruises (Chapter 5) and outdoor travel (Chapter 7). There is a chapter on “special groups” and “special needs” (an often overlooked group of tourists), including handicapped, families and the growing area of senior travel. Resources listed in this category include a directory (special travel index) that lists over 400 specialty travel operators, that is a useful resource for satisfying the travel needs of special groups. Exploring countries and cultures (Chapter 7) includes some interesting websites and reference resources from well‐known sites like Google Earth and Wikipedia to lesser known sites such as the Perry‐Castaneda Library Map site where searchers can download intriguing historical maps such as a map of Dublin in 1610.

Museum sites, festivals, discussion groups, news‐sites – nothing is overlooked in this well‐researched and useful guide. Chapter 10 ties together the information with details on passports, visas, time differences, weather, currencies, airports and subway information. One disadvantage of this style of book is the rapidity with which the information goes out of date. The author has attempted to overcome this by the provision of a website “The Extreme Searcher's Web Page” (www.extremesearcher.com/travel) that supports the book and is updated regularly to provide corrections to URLs and changes to the website content of sites evaluated in the book.

There is a wealth of useful, easy to read information suitable for both the experienced internet‐savvy traveller as well as the novice. The author Randolph Hock has a background in libraries and teaching, and he uses his internet searching knowledge to track down the best travel sites on the web. This volume is highly recommended to tourists of all ages, including the armchair (or internet) traveller.