Best of the web: Travel planning

A round-up of the best links from the blogosphere on hotels, transport, planning tools and advice.

• Going to SXSWi (aka spring break for geeks)? Austin local and SXSWi veteran and speaker Sheila Scarborough shares her tips at Every Dot Connects on how attendees can get the most out of the conference and enjoy their time in Austin, Texas.

• If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the perfect time to plan your summer holidays. I tell you why at EcoSalon.

• Kim Wildman at Wild About Travel + Writing shares relationship advice -  how to manage travel with friends and partners.

• Pam at Nerd’s Eye View reviews accommodation on the Washington Coast near her home of Seattle.

• If you are in the US, check out this sweet deal on airfares to Africa on offer until the end of March - Intelligent Travel brings you the 411.

• Need help making sure your next trip is as environmentally friendly as possible? I discuss the green initiatives of travel booking websites at EcoSalon. I also write about why I love train travel and how city breaks can be one of the greenest travel options.

• Christopher Elliott at MSNBC shares his nine essential tips on travel planning in 2009. Kim at Wild About Travel + Writing also has tips on how to ensure your travel dreams don’t fall victim to the recession.

• A San Francisco hotel hooks you up with volunteer activities during your stay – writes Chitowngirl on Personal News Network. (link via @jenleo).

• National Geographic Traveler brings you a guide to free things to do in Sydney (my home town).

• Thinking about taking a cruise? If you care about the environment, you should think twice – it’s worse then flying, according to Responsible Travel.

Photo by: dlemieux on Flickr, published under a Creative Commons licence.