From Deseret News archives:
New travel Web sites are really going places
Here is guide to some of the sites for vacationers
Sure, you can go online to one of the biggies like Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity for hotel, rental car and airfare. But there's a whole new collection of Web sites for savvy travelers. Some are aggregators, following the successful model of Kayak.com, which pulls data from a variety of sources so you can compare airfares. Others combine social networking and consumer reviews, such as VibeAgent.com. Some are improved versions of old favorites, like OrbitzTLC Traveler Update, which allows travelers to share information about conditions at more than 40 airports in the United States.
Here is a guide to some of the new or reincarnated sites, with one important caveat: Some of these sites do not yet offer the comprehensive database of reviews and information available on older sites like TripAdvisor. So don't be surprised to find minimal listings and reviews for some destinations, especially obscure ones, as you explore what's new in the next generation of travel Web sites.
• vayama.com: An online booking agency for international air travel with flight and fare options to about 190 countries. Allows travelers to enter preferences for connecting airports and travel time. Also has information about obtaining visas, passports and immunizations.
• VibeAgent.com: Combines user-generated reviews, meta-search capabilities, and social networking (think TripAdvisor plus Kayak plus Facebook) for personalized hotel recommendations and booking at the best prices. Personalizes hotel searches via three categories: "Ambience," "Activities," and "Recommended For," such as a romantic hotel near the beach for gays and lesbians. Users can create custom groups or become members of existing groups, such as marathon travelers, to exchange stories, tips and recommendations. Connects you to the Web site with the best price for booking from among 120,000 hotels.
Comments
- Eagles, Reid agree to extension 5:52 p.m.
- Ashanti's mom gets lewd messages 5:49 p.m.
- Corbin Bleu to join 'In the Heights' 5:48 p.m.
- Hollywood breaks revenue record 5:47 p.m.
- 'Biggest Loser' sheds 239 pounds 5:46 p.m.
- Strong heading to Louisville 5:42 p.m.
- Kids left outside in cold, police say 5:42 p.m.
- Dartmouth apologizes to Harvard 5:34 p.m.
- TCU's Hughes wins defensive award 5:29 p.m.
- I-15 expansion in Utah County 5:28 p.m.
- Hot Rod behind mic for Lakers
- Cougars use depth to beat ASU
- Max Hall wants to look ahead
- Non-BCS schools not given fair shot
- Panel passes BCS playoff bill
- Snow brings big chill
- Doctor calls Mitchell 'naive,' 'inept'
- Palin signs books, chats with fans
- Small plane crashes near Lehi
- Jazz go up against 'the best'
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
291 - Letters: Global warming a lie
226 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
206 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
178 - Cougars going back to Vegas
150 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
145 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
135 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
121 - Max Hall wants to look ahead
108 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
100
Is Angels Landing perhaps Utah's single most dangerous hiking trail? The...
Anyone remember the great moments on the radio the bantor back and forth with...
She sure will be missed. Her family has taken a huge lose. She is in heaven...
With the accessability of weather forecasting today who in their right mind...
NO ONE worships Palin, NO ONE has been told to support Romney. Is it...
Who needs soap operas anymore? With "reality" TV, the exploits of J-Lo,...
No felon should ever be allowed to own a gun.
Suspend Him and do not let him Graduate, For a comment like that he should...
I truly believe Rod quit. He was put high in the stands. Gary Gerrold (He...
Forget raising the spending on ads... Let's spend more enforcing the bans we...
My gun has a window scraper attachment.



You can be the first to comment on this story.