Watch a Replay of Our Live Chat: Travel Hacking for Your Next Getaway

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s starting to get warmer outside, which means that winter has finally starting to loosen its icy cold grip. So that means you probably need to start planning your summer vacation.

More than likely you’ve always felt like you were missing out on some hidden knowledge or secret technique when it came to making travel plans. Whether it’s how to find that one place that’s off the beaten path and doesn’t make you feel like a tourist or that special method to getting the best deal possible, there’s a host of tips and tricks you should know before you start pounding the keys on your computer and researching destinations.

Check out our past live conversation with a panel of travel experts, experienced world trekkers, and noted lifehackers, to talk about the dos and don’ts of travel planning.

Matt Rae is one of the co-founders of Tripzaar, a platform which connects travellers to awesome off the beaten path experiences with locals. He's often a step away from danger, and was recently voted in the top 15 sexiest male travel bloggers. When he's not out exploring the world he'll be writing his blog, planning the next big adventure, or designing Tripzaar and connecting with locals.

Alan Henry is a writer at Lifehacker.com, where he covers topics from food and health to travel and bargain hunting to science and technology. He can be found on Twitter at @halophoenix, and on the web at Novawerks.net.

Nancie McKinnon is a long time Expat, travelling the world with her camera, and her taste buds. An expert budget traveller, since 2009, she shares her travel exploits at budgettravelerssandbox.com; including the popular weekly link-up “Travel Photo Thursday”. When she isn't travelling, she's in Daejeon, Korea. You can follow Nancie on Twitter, @Ladyexpat.

[Pic via Flickr - John Spade]