Page 34 - Oxted Local August 2025

34 August 2025 • Oxted Local 
info@oxtedlocal.co.uk www.oxtedlocal.co.uk www.facebook.com/oxtedlocalmagazine www.instagram.com/oxtedlocal
Are you dreaming of sandy beaches, historic cities,
or tranquil countryside escapes this summer?
Planning a holiday can feel overwhelming, but
technology and the internet have made it easier
than ever to organise your perfect getaway — right
from your sofa with a cuppa in hand while imagining
it is a glass of wine on a beach in Spain.
Planning and Booking – Gone are the days of
flicking through travel brochures or visiting a travel
agent. Now, a quick online search can help you
find everything from destination ideas to travel tips
and weather forecasts. Price comparison sites such
as Skyscanner, and Expedia help you hunt down
the best deals. Most airlines, hotels, and holiday
sites offer websites or apps, so you can easily
complete your booking or change it on the go.
Many platforms now include filters for pet-friendly
stays, accessibility features, and facilities such as a
gym, spa etc. If you’re staying in the UK, trainline
apps like National Rail or Trainline can help you
find the best rail deals and routes. Websites such as
TripAdvisor or Google Reviews allow you to browse
other travellers’ experiences before you commit and
T I P S
TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY
YouTube is packed with travel vlogs (video blog)
and walking tours to help you get a feel for a place
before you get there.
Transport and Day Trips - Want to hire a car in
the Highlands or book a vineyard tour in southern
France? Technology allows you to arrange
excursions, airport transfers, and local transport
before you even arrive. Apps such as GetYourGuide,
Viator, and Eventbrite help you to book activities,
tours and experiences. If you need some help
navigating, Google Maps, Citymapper or Waze will
plan your route and help you avoid those notorious
summer jams (although they will not tell you if the
jam goes on the scone before the cream or after).
Possible Pitfalls - While the internet makes life
easier, it’s not without its issues. Take the time to
double-check that websites you use for booking are
legitimate — look for secure payment options and
verified reviews. Also check their registration with
associations such as ABTA and ATOL and review
their cancellation policies. Wi-Fi may not be available
everywhere, especially in rural areas or abroad, so it’s
wise to download booking confirmations, maps, and
key documents in advance. And don’t forget travel
insurance — especially if you’re booking activities
online.
Stay Connected – Once your trip is underway, your
phone or camera will capture all those precious
memories. Consider backing up your holiday snaps
to the cloud (Google Photos, iCloud, OneDrive), so
nothing is lost if your device takes an unexpected
dip in the sea.
So, whether you’re planning a last-minute city break
or a two-week staycation, let technology take the
stress out of organising your summer holiday.
Happy Holidays
© Martin Middleton
I.T.Aide
(see page 31 for contact details)
Get away from it all