Post by Rod Wood - We are heading into the busy summer travel season and I know many of you will want online access to information as you plan your trip.

Here are six sites that Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine says can help you find bargains and make traveling more comfortable and trouble-free.
 
FOR LAST-MINUTE DEALS: travelzoo.com
It digs up discounted prices for airfares, resorts, vacation packages and cruises.

FOR TIMING YOUR TRIP: farecast.com
It can help you decide whether to buy your airline tickets now or wait for prices to drop.

FOR THE BEST AIRLINE SEATS: seatguru.com
It can help you spot the seats with more reclining ability, more leg room, more width and, sometimes more padding than the other seats have.
The site can also help you avoid rows missing a window.

FOR TRAVEL REVIEWS: tripadvisor.com
It can tell you what recent guests have to say about a hotel, for instance.
You can also post questions in travel forums; check reviews of local restaurants, attractions and activities.

FOR ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS: johnnyjet.com
Think of this site as an encyclopedia, with hundreds of travel Web site links in an easy-to-navigate format.
 
FOR GREAT TRAVEL GADGETS: magellans.com
This is a one-stop shopping site for items like a doorstop alarm to alert you if someone opens your hotel room door, or a lightweight travel robe....and tips on everything tech related.