Traveller's forums 'are a tremendous resource'

People planning their gap year abroad should make use of traveller's forums to find out more information about where they are going, according to an industry expert.

Simon Calder, speaking on behalf of Octopus Travel, said that travel and the internet are "made for each other".

"There are some extremely good online sites for getting reviews from other travellers and then there are a number of very good competing websites for hotel bookings," he added, stating that it is "tremendous" that we have so much access to other people's opinions.

Mr Calder also said that family and friends are an important advice resource, while guide books are a must-have to carry out research.

According to research from Octopus Travel, 42 per cent of people rely on online reviews for an honest opinion of a hotel or hostel booking, while 15 per cent will use official websites for reviews.

For more information on gap year planning.

( Last Updated: 2010-05-04 09:38:42)