February 14, 2006
10 Travel Web Sites Worth a Click
By Carol Sottili
Every year, as more travelers use the Internet to plan and pay for their vacations, more players are trying to get a piece of the action.
In 2005, more than 64 million Americans bought or reserved an airline ticket, hotel room, rental car or package tour online _ up nearly 20 million from 2004, according to the Travel Industry Association of America. And with each leisure traveler spending an average of $1,288 online, real money is changing hands. We took a look at several dozen sites that have come online during the past year. Most weren't worth more than a cursory glance, but several broke new ground, fit a niche or at least accomplished what they set out to do. Here are 10 sites worth checking out.
Turnhere.com
WHO IT'S FOR: Visually oriented individuals who want the inside scoop on offbeat and interesting neighborhoods and topics.
PROS: Professional videos that, as of last week, profiled places in four foreign countries, 12 states and D.C. (Dupont Circle and Shaw); the site plans to add 20 to 50 additional films to its Web site each week. Films are short (two to five minutes), but they get inside the heart of each place. Videos can be downloaded to iPods and other mobile devices. Also includes links to various tourist sites.
CONS: More color than facts. Don't click on the site unless you have time to kill: It's addictive. |