The site deep links to the correct page of the relevant tour operator to save you scrapping around a second website, and there’s a pithy editors’ verdict supplied for each entry. Warning: the authors disclose that companies pay to be on the site, but assure us that every holiday is a cracker nevertheless.

YOUNG AND FREE

From 101 holidays to 20 days... www.20Days.co.uk says it can help you make the most of your precious 20 days of annual leave, plus the weekends and Bank Holidays in between. You need a friend to recommend you to the site, then once you’re a member you can team up with other users or organise your own group. It’s aimed at 20 and 30-somethings who want to plan days out, long weekends or big trips, with particular focus on singles and stag and hen parties.

HOMESTAYS

Homestays offer a unique insight into a country’s culture but booking them can be a bit of a minefield. A new site that’s offering a navigable path through the soup is www.homeandhospitality.co.uk, which launched in the UK at the end of last year. It features handpicked homes, B&Bs and self-catering options in Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, Himachel Pradesh and Uttarakhand, all of which have passed a set of safety and health standards. It also offers airport transfers, activities and Abta bonding – a perfect site for the intrepid, but cautious traveller.

LASTMINUTE RELAUNCHED

Lastminute.com is relaunching its site this week. The online travel agency has kept the pink design and added a bit more black to make the homepage less wordy – it’s also changed the flights and hotel search. It offers a predictaive text box that invites options as you type your inquiry and throws maps and pictures at you to inspire along the way. It’s great fun, but I can’t help but think that the traditionalists will be pining for the drop-downs of old.

BA BLOGS

New York and London are the subject of a new blog, www.metrotwin.com, backed by British Airways. It aims to highlight the hidden gems of the two cities and “twin” like-minded hotels, restaurants, museums, shops and more. We liked the twin function, but summarily give it a thumbs down - you can read our thoughts on the site here.

QUALITY COTTAGES

Travel on the web is exemplified when it comes to uncovering top places to stay - and I've long been an admirer of i-escape and Travel Intelligence for its boutique-style choice of accommodation, writes Steve Keenan. Now step forward OneOffPlaces, a new-ish site that offers glorious, individual places to rent. There are dozens of destination-specific sites that already offer quality cottages and villas, but this is a new breed of site bringing together a portfolio of perfect places.

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