Site Scene

PROS: Lots of reviews of individual chain hotels, especially handy for driving vacations. You can keep your blog entries private or share them with the world. Upload your photos and plot your travels on a personal travel map.

CONS: Part of the hotel review database is purchased from a research outfit, so the reviews sound stilted, with frequent similar phrases, such as "this place made me feel entertained."

· Turnhere.com

WHO IT'S FOR: Visually oriented individuals who want the inside scoop on offbeat and interesting neighborhoods and topics.

PROS: Professional videos that, as of last week, profiled places in four foreign countries, 12 states and D.C. (Dupont Circle and Shaw); the site plans to add 20 to 50 additional films to its Web site each week. Films are short (two to five minutes), but they get inside the heart of each place. Videos can be downloaded to iPods and other mobile devices. Also includes links to various tourist sites.

CONS: More color than facts. Don't click on the site unless you have time to kill: It's addictive.

· Newyorkology.com

WHO'S IT FOR: Visitors who want to experience New York City from an insider's perspective.

PROS: Chock full of info, this sophisticated travel blog is run by freelance writer Amy Langfield. It's peppered with New York-related news stories and offers links to just about every New York-involved Web site. Best are Langfield's "Newyorkology Basics" on subways, fun places to drink, etc.

CONS: Not enough original material. Separating links from articles is confusing. The "ology" theme is carried a bit far -- "Etceterology"?