Need more leg room? Too close to the lavatory? Prefer an exit row?

Picking a good seat on a plane may not seem like a big deal, but for flights over 4 hours it definitely makes all the difference in the world to me. As an overseas traveler, I've am a huge fan of SeatGuru.com. For years, it's been my go-to source for helpful information about types of aircraft, seat ratings and on board amenities ranging from AC power outlets to internet access.

If you don't want to end up next to the lavatory on your next flight, use SeatGuru.com before making your seat selection. First, you need to know what type of aircraft you are flying. You'll generally find that in "Details" when booking your flight. Head to SeatGuru.com with this information. Begin your search by airline, and then select the aircraft you'll be flying from the fleet list. Bingo! You'll see a color-coded seat map for your plane that tells you which seats are good, average or bad.

In 2013, Trip Advisor, the world's largest travel site, purchased SeatGuru. New features have been added that provide even more comprehensive seat recommendations and airline advice. You can also find low airfares, pick your ideal seat on the plane, and get real-time flight alerts with the free SeatGuru app. Whether you're at home booking your flight or on the go, get the best seat on your next flight by checking out SeatGuru by TripAdvosor.

And do you know the best part? It's free! Technology is making it easier for you to travel in comfort, especially on long flights and crowded planes. Let SeatGuru and others like it do the work for you.

Which travel sites and apps do you use?

Posted by Shelley Laverty, IDEAS Recruiting and Placement. Contact me at [email protected].