Eight web sites that could change the way you travel

Travel web sites: there are way too many to keep up with. In fact, the average person only looks at 4.2 sites before hitting Book Now. A lot of times it's the luck of the draw (and maybe booking on a Saturday) that help a value-seeking traveler find excellent rates or the coolest experiences. Here are a few sites that were highlighted by experts at last weekend's L.A. Times Travel & Adventure Show as being uniquely helpful when used wisely:

• CouchSurfing.com and MeetUp.com - "There are a lot of ways to meet new people and not spend a lot of money," said Rolf Potts. In addition to CouchSurfing.com the Vagabonding author suggests MeetUp.com, which groups everyone from San Diego Dachsund lovers to Albuquerque Motorcycle Riders, because taking your hobby traveling is a good way to get a fresh perspective on a place and give your trip a quest.
• GetHuman.com - Speak with a real, live person and get better deals (just ask for them). This web site, recommended by Johnny Jet, lists the magic numbers to dial.
• SmarterTravel.com's Ultimate Guide to Airline Fees is a user-friendly compilation, in grid format, of every major airline's baggage fees, drink fees, special seat fees and more. They also compare frequent flier fees.
• InsureMyTrip.com - "If you've never considered travel insurance before, this may be the year to do it," advised Pauline Frommer. "Many tour operators and hotels are teetering on bankruptcy."
• ThemeCruiseFinder.com - Suddenly a cruise sounds a bit more appealing with real NASA astronauts or a photography instructor at my side.
• The State Department - Even if you're not traveling on official government business, glance at this list of maximum per diem rates, set up by the Office of Allowances, to get a mental money gauge before you go.
• WorldTravelWatch.com - I have definitely boarded a plane for a far away country without checking the headlines there first. Looking back, that's irresponsible. A browse to WorldTravelWatch turns up a blogfull of current events with traveler safety in mind.