There's no doubt that the Web has made some aspects of life much easier, and online travel sites are just one example of that. Back in the pre-Internet days, you either had to pay a travel agent to arrange your travel itinerary or you had to call the airlines, car rental companies and hotels all by yourself, hoping for the best and taking what rates you could get.

Thanks to the Web, the world of travel has definitely changed. Consumers can now compare rates from multiple airlines, car rental services and hotels with the click of a button. Sites like Orbitz and Expedia, two online travel companies highly recommended by StarReviews, allow you to compare rates and book the best deal online. There are even some companies, such as Farecast.com (which was recently purchased by Microsoft) that predict if airfare is going to go up or down, letting you know when the best time to buy is.

But convenience isn't all the online travel companies have to offer. One of the best things about online travel websites is the "word of mouth" factor. Some sites allow you to read reviews left by other consumers who have stayed at the hotels you are thinking of visiting and have eaten at the restaurants near your travel destinations. Reading online travel reviews is somewhat like having millions of friends who have "been there, done that" in the world of travel. If a hotel is dirty or a restaurant has rude staff, these reviews give you a heads up, allowing you to make other travel plans.

And online travel sites aren't done evolving. With "all-inclusive" packages becoming available and cruise and pilgrimage companies getting into the online travel game, it's no wonder that more and more people are turning to the Web for all of their travel needs.