PRINTSocial Networking
March 13, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
When travel season rolls around, the Internet can be your best friend for booking flights, hotels and rental cars. Now it also has the resources to organize your travel companions. You can hit up friends, relatives or even strangers with travel networking sites that are popping up on the Web.
Traveling for business and want to make a social connection?
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Dopplr is a Web site for the businessperson on the go. Flying to Boston on business for two days? This site helps you keep up with personal travel plans as well as co-workers on the same flight. FInd out if your plans coincide with others and set up a meeting. Dopplr can also serve as a reminder of those friends and colleagues who live in the area.
Helpful Feature: Dopplr keeps a journal of where you have been and where you will be going.
Consolidating your schedule
When your travel files get disorganized, Tripit saves the day. Although many travel sites focus on foods to eat and pictures to take, Gregg Brockway, president of Tripit, says this site focuses on the nuts and bolts of traveling. Travelers forward confirmation e-mails from airlines, hotels and the like to Tripit, which puts it all together.
Helpful Feature: Tripit includes maps of travel destinations, as well as weather information.
Just the girls
If you are a chica on the go but unsure about flying solo, then Tango Diva is for you. This site’s mission is to give women the courage to travel alone. Tango Diva is a two-for-one — think travel networking site meets magazine. Along with the ability to connect with other women, you can also read articles on wellness, culture and style.
Helpful Feature: Tango Diva sends women who have contributed to their communities on special trips.
The group getaway
From spring break to travel-wedding plans, TripHub keeps group vacations organized. If you’re planning multiple-person trips, this site helps you stay in touch by sharing travel maps, planned accommodations, flight information and confirmed travel companions.
Helpful Feature: Your family members can debate online about where to go and what to do on vacation.
