Shopping for the Perfect Christmas Getaway: The Best Sites

There are dozens, no, hundreds, of travel websites out there that promise the very best. So, when it comes to striking a good deal (ie. an inexpensive vacation) this holiday season, things get can a little overwhelming. Instead of bogging yourself down with paranoid thoughts of "Did I get the best price?" or "Should I keep looking for something different?" consult this comprehensive list of reviews on travel websites. You'll find some good ones in here. And that's a promise.

Expedia.com
Oh, Expedia, you are tried and true. Expedia.com is one of the most established travel websites out there. Likely because of it's easy to use interface, variety of vacation types and yes, handsome prices. You can search by price, by location and also by type of trip (all inclusive, cruise, business, packages, flights, cars, etc.).

LicketyTrip.com
If you're the type who likes to plan last minute (or always ends up doing so), browse around LicketyTrip.com. You'll find loads of U.S. vacation rentals available for the next two weeks with their easy searching tool. You can also read reviews, contact the owner of the rental and, should you choose, list your own property for free.

Kayak.com
If you're looking for the absolute lowest fares on flights and hotels, Kayak is probably your best bet. That's because it's a comparison website that doesn't actual sell plane tickets or hotels itself. Instead, Kayak shows you fares from hundreds of airlines and hotels all at once and then directs you to the website with the cheapest fares. The fact that it's the largest travel search site out there should boost your confidence.

ContikiTavel.com
Contiki has found its niche: Travelers between the ages of 18 and 35. They offer vacation packages and tours that allow young travelers to see the most for less money. You can travel alone, with a friend or even bring a group. Visit all the major sites in Egypt or spend a week enjoying all things Beer Fest in Germany (among hundreds of other options, of course). Contiki also helps you find flights from your area.

Dogfriendly.com
It's hard to leave your precious canine behind, so why not bring the lovable pup with you? DogFriendly.com offers plenty of dog-friendly attractions, including events, restaurants, beaches, parks and even campgrounds. If you want to bring Spot with you this holiday travel season, throw DogFriendly.com a bone.

UnusualHotelsoftheWorld.com
As the website URL implies, Unusual Hotels of the World helps travelers find and book the coolest lodging facilities in the world. You can book a few nights at the wildly romantic Ice Hotel in the Netherlands or spend a thrilling weekend in an eco-friendly treehouse in India. And that's just scratching the surface.

Cruisemates.com
There's nothing that compares to a relaxing cruise getaway. Use CruiseMates.com to find great prices on cruises of all types (family, luxury, gay/lesbian, romance). You can also read plenty of reviews on cruises or learn about the various types of cruises via their cruise guides.