originally posted on StopThinkSocial on 15th April 2011

As we approach the summer season, your thoughts might be turning to planning a holiday.  As the recession continues to bite in Europe, many people this year are either cutting out holidays altogether or spending less money on them.

So I thought it would be good to share with you some useful social tools that can help you get good deals and maybe even help you find some interesting things to do that you won’t find in the usual guide books.

So let’s get to it.  

Here are my 5 recommendations.

1. www.couchsurfing.com
   CouchSurfing is an online network that connects travelers with locals in over 230 countries around the world.  Build up a network and find yourself a place to stay for free in almost every country in the world
   
   
2. www.airbnb.com 
   Airbnb connects people who have space to spare with those who are looking for a place to stay. Search for a location that you are visiting and you will find a variety of places to rest your head at reasonable prices.  Listings are reviewed by people who have stayed there in the past, so you can find out what others have to say
   
   
3. www.flyertalk.com
   FlyerTalk features discussions and chat boards that covers the most up-to-date traveler information.  A great place to hear about the latest airline deals, from other travelers
   
   
4. www.nileguide.com
   Want to know more about the place you are visiting from those people who live there. Nileguide connects you to a network of local experts who can give you the inside info on interesting and off the beaten track places to see and things to do
   
   
5. Twitter.com
   You can’t go wrong with Twitter if you want to get the very latest information about your destination of choice.  With a little research you can find lots of Twitter accounts which you can then follow in the days leading up to and during your holiday.  You’re sure to hear about events and deals that normally wouldn’t be listed in the usual channels

These choices are just the tip of the iceberg, but well worth a look if you want to save some money on this year’s holiday, or perhaps see and do something different.  

Wherever you decide to go this year I hope you have a great time.

If you have used any other social tools to help plan previous holidays, please share the details with us in the comments. 

Pictures credits to http://www.flickr.com/photos/scubabix/