Planning a vacation or just need to get away? Start packing your lightweight luggage and begin planning. You can read books, travel magazines or research your plans on the web. You'll find all of the information you need about airlines, trains and buses. You can also do your research on the computer. You can check on what to expect as far as weather goes at www.weather.com. You can research something in your price range or splurge. You can check out the tourist highlights, restaurants or the best beaches. Whether you like kayaking or horseback riding or golf, the web will point you in the right direction. You can begin with airline websites. There's www.aa.com for American Airlines, www.nwa.com for Contintental Airlines, www.usairways.com for US Airways, www.delta.com for Delta Airlines, www.ual.com for United airlines and www.icelandair.com for Islandair. There's also www.ba.com for British Airways, www.Southwest.com for Southwest Airlines, and www.jetblue.com for Jet Blue Airlines. Many of these sites have specials available by web only. You can also call the reservations department of any airline, but there's generally a saving of $10.00 for making your reservation on line.

While you are looking over your favorite travel accessories, check out some of these web sites. They also offer frequent e-mails. Arthur Drummer's Budget Travel is www.frommers.com, Travel & Leisure magazine is www.Travelandleisure.com, and Conde Nast Traveler is www.concierge.com. If you are on a budget, there are fare alerts that will alert you to specials. Check out the e-mail services from www.expedia.com, www.forecast.com, www.kayak.com, www.travelocity.com and www.orbitz.com. Some of these will search for specific dates, and others will search for hotel and airfare packages. Do your research and check them all thoroughly before booking.

You've chosen your discount luggage and are anxious to go on your trip. You know the type of vacation you're looking for and you've chosen what to pack. You'll still want to peruse these very important websites. Begin with www.smarterliving.com, www.Travelocity.com, www.Lowestfare.com, www.Quixo.com, and www.travelzoo.com. Other very popular websites are www.Hotwire.com, www.priceline.com, and www.travel.nextag.com. You'll also need the information available on airport terminals and transportation when you arrive from www.Worldairportguide.com. The best and worst seats by jet type can be found at www.Seatguru.com. Resort information is available from www.Luxurylink.com and gym information for the so inclined is at www.Heathclub.com.

For the last minute traveler information can be obtained at www.Site51.com or www.Sidestep.com. Driving information and destination maps are available for North America and Europe from www.Mapquest.com. If you prefer to rent a house or condo, you can get assistance from www.Rentvillas.com and www.Resortquest.com. Electrical voltage information and phone information is available at www.Kropla.com. If you wish to travel by train throughout Europe there are interactive route maps and point-to-point information available at www.Raileurope.com. You can also receive information on rail pass tickets from that site. Are you in the mood for a cruise? Check out www.Icruise.com, www.Cruisesonly.com, www.smartcruiser.com and www.cruises.com. With all of these websites available, there's no excuse not to plan ahead and have a great trip!

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