Making travel plans is getting easier, thanks to the Internet. Two Irish websites are particularly helpful for those holidaying here or abroad.

Although it is designed for tourists to Ireland, www.ireland.travel.ie, offers excellent search facilities for accommodation everywhere from a working farmhouse to luxury hotels and guesthouses. It also includes a handy itinerary planner and map.

As an alternative to booking flights over the phone, Ryanair has developed an Internet-based flight information and booking service at www.ryanair.com. Flights are listed by number, day and time of departure and the booking may be made online.

Meanwhile, www.autofinder.ie is a new service allowing people to buy and sell cars over the Internet. The site will be updated weekly with listings from Motormarket magazine.

Motor dealers throughout the State can also update the website directly with their new listings. Browsers unsure of how much their chosen car will cost them per month can use the online finance calculator from TSB Quickstart.