The Internet is an on-line cornucopia of travel information. Unfortunately, its millions of Web pages are scattered randomly across thousands of computers in 100 or more countries. It's easy to see why the Internet has been described as "the Library of Congress without a catalog."

Finding useful travel sites on the Web can be a hit-or-miss effort with the leading on-line directories and search engines. Search on the phrase "Venice restaurant," and you're likely to find a Denny's in Los Angeles when you're really looking for a trattoria in Italy. To save time and frustration, you need a convenient starting point for your on-line explorations -- and that's the role this book is designed to play.

Because I've done the legwork for you, Buying Travel Services on the Internet can cut your Web search time by 75 percent or more, but that's just the beginning. This book will also help you find high-quality information that you might miss if you were surfing without a guide. So, prop this book against your computer monitor, reach for your mouse, and start planning your next vacation or business trip on-line.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

Buying Travel Services on the Internet is organized into five major topics:

1. Getting started: On-line travel agencies, guidebook publishers, maps, passports and visas, packing tips, health information, and worldwide weather forecasts;

2. Getting around: Traveling by air, rail, bus, road, and water at home and abroad;

3. Getting settled: Accommodations, ranging from five-star hotels to campgrounds where the only stars are overhead;

4. Special-interest travel: Web sites devoted to theme parks, accessible travel, family trips, gay/lesbian vacations, and active/adventure travel;

5. Destinations: A guide to the leading sources of travel information for North and South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, and the South Pacific.