Ah, the month of May and all of its extended weekends, known here as”ponts” or “bridges”! It forces us to think about the upcoming summer season, and the vacation we need to organize. Nothing’s easier than doing this on the Web... If all you’re looking for is an outgoing plane seat, then surf to the airline site of your choice (for instance, airfrance.com, britishairways.com or klm.com). There, you can pick the flight you want, for the price that’s right for you. You’ll be able to tote up your “frequent flyer” miles, and purchase e-tickets. However, if you’re scheduling a trip to somewhere that needs extra planning, one of the following “e-tips” will help you find just the right package deal, tell you a bit about your destination, or give you ideas as to how to get the most out of your next weekend excursion.
Ebookers.com
This site claims to be Europe’s largest online agency, serving potential passengers in 11 European countries. Here, the specialty is cut-price travel on a huge scale — 2 million fares offered by 120 European airlines are literally at your finger tips. Listing discounts offered by every airline that springs to mind, as well as standard fares from over 500 other firms... This website allows you to compare them all swiftly. Thanks to their “Flight Watch” you can enter vital details such as arrival and departure status, that will be sent directly to your mobile phone. There’s also “Fare Alert,” a service that enables you to indicate the destination and tariff you want to pay. You’ll be notified as soon as the fare drops...
Degriftour.com
A much featured site with lots of ideas — you can check out some 12 000 travel packages, indicating when and where you want to go, select a price range and choose from various travel options (from prestigious Relais & Châteaux circuits to plane and tour bus combos), or pick a theme (family outing, snow, “deluxe and charming” or “discovery”). They also suggest restaurant and hotel tips, as well as night-on-the-town outings throughout France.
Promovacance.com
Here’s where you’ll find stacks of special weekend prices, along with family holiday deals, spas, “couples only” trips, and island options. This site features 360 degree virtual visits that enable you to check out hotel rooms, swimming pools and beaches. You can also arrange to have late-breaking travel info delivered direct to your cellphone, or Palm Pilot.
Petitfute.com
If you speak French, this is a great place for extra travel data. You won’t be able to book flights here, but you’ll find photos of 57 destinations worldwide, as well as extensive info, about visiting France — including monument and sightseeing details, things to do, metro maps and “what to look for” in the way of regional gourmet food.
Abcvoyage.
Since 1986, this agency which is now on the Net, has been offering travelers set on France great deals, on all fronts... from “fly & flight” to hotels, villas, cottages, and seasonal apartments, plus fare and cruise info. Type in the destination and day, then “airpricer” will do a search covering all airlines serving the two cities involved, and check out price options. Click on the “ok” button, then surf to seal the deal on the airline’s
