Travelers seeking information about how to plan their trips and sharing experiences on the web continue to get plenty of new options.

Published: 17 Jul 2006

Travelers seeking information about how to plan their trips and sharing experiences on the web continue to get plenty of new options.

In an initiative, termed as “the first trip planning tool of its kind available from an online travel agency”, Expedia.com is now offering a free tool that plans customised travel itineraries based on their personal interests, trip preferences and travel style with a “virtual guidebook” tool through an exclusive partnership with Home&Abroad.

Sally McKenzie, general manager, Expedia.com, said, “We are the only online travel agency to offer such a complete, personalised traveler service that matches destination information and activities with a traveler’s personal preferences. This is just another way Expedia is delivering innovative tools and information to help travelers plan the trip that’s right for them.”

Through Home&Abroad, Expedia.com is offering consumers access to highly personalised and customised itineraries for more than 50 of the most popular travel destinations in the world, including information on thousands of activities in each destination, compiled by city experts and accomplished travel writers.

Mark Schroeder, chief executive officer and co-founder, Home&Abroad said more than 60 percent of leisure vacations include a visit to a cultural or historical site.

“Expedia customers will benefit by planning in advance how to spend their vacations thanks to Home&Abroad’s customised itineraries,” said Schroeder.

The company says one needs to visit Expedia.com Activities (http://www.expedia.com/activities) or Deals and Destinations (http://www.expedia.com/dealsanddestinations) pages and click on the “Virtual guidebook” link to plan customised trip itineraries with personalised recommendations based on information they provide about their interests and travel goals.

The traveler simply fills out a questionnaire indicating their destination city, who is going, trip purpose and specific interests. Then they receive a recommended itinerary based on their personal preferences.

The initiative from Expedia follows on other features such as Personal Trip Guide, which provides customers with detailed destination information.