GENERAL TRAVEL SITESExpedia.com, Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com

Good for researching which carriers go where and at what price. Also, these sites may not have the lowest fares or the most detailed information.CONSOLIDATORSHotwire.com, Priceline.com, OneTravel.com

Offer the best domestic fares on the major carriers, but sites are not as comprehensive as those of the general travel sites.COMPARISON ENGINESFareChase.com, SideStep.com

These services search other sites. Nice way to compare published airfares and hotel rates side-by-side. But you may not get the lowest possible prices.AIRLINESAa.com, Continental.com, etc.

You might find slightly lower fares than at general travel sites, since you're dealing directly with the airlines. Best place to get frequent-flier miles. Visit them to sign up for e-mails that advertise special deals.HOTELHoteldiscount.com, Lodging.com, Quikbook.com

Good places to find cheap rooms, though you may do as well or better to call a hotel's toll-free number. Quikbook focuses on upscale accommodations.USENETGoogle.com/groups

Sign up and post a query about a specific place, tour operator, or online travel service. A great way to get lots of quick feedback, and it's free.