How about lookin' at some cool travel sites tonight?
http://top20.travelzoo.com/JoinSB2.aspx?source=daycantxt1
Sign up to receive their weely email and get the top 20 deals of the week. Great site with some great deals - you never know when the *travel bug* will hit you and you want to go some where new, but not spend a lot of money!
Next -
This site is awesome. I use it all the time to research hotels. Travelers post their reviews and opinions regarding hotels and restaurants. There are also pictures that you can look at that are posted from both the hotel and travelers. Next time you travel, put in the city you are going to and read reviews first!
Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotels.com -
I like to compare prices (yes, I am a bargain shopper!) and by looking at all three of these sites, you will see that for the most part, all the internet providers have basically the same rates. HOWEVER, don't book until you look at the actual Hotel's site, or even call the hotel directly. You will be surprised that sometimes they will offer an even better rate.
Same goes for airline tickets. Check the above sites out, but don't book until you go directly to the airlines site. I can't tell you how many times I've gone directly to United and saved over $50, sometimes even up to $100.
Make sure you sign up for all the airlines frequent flyer programs. And car rental frequent driver programs, and oh, don't forget hotel clubs too! In many cases, you can have your car rental points go to your airline for points - the same goes for hotels too. I recently stayed at Hilton, but had the points go to United towards air miles as I don't always frequent the same hotel chain.
Priceline.com - I haven't actually used them, but know several people that have and gotten some incredible deals. Emily, our secretary at work who just moved to Florida, got an incredible deal on a rental car. Her first price was turned down, but her next one, $12/day was picked up by Hertz! Also had a friend who put in $99 for a hotel room in San Diego and ended up with the Omni. You just have to be prepared - if they accept your bid, they charge you right then and there, so do your homework first!
Also, if you park at LAX, the Parking Spot (yellow buses with big black polka dots) is a great place. They have a frequent parking program as well and you can earn free parking.
The great thing about traveling for work is that they allow you to sign up for these programs, but you get to keep all the miles, parking, etc, etc.
Not even going to go into the whole American Express, Visa and Mastercard programs. But, I'll leave you with this - sign up! You will earn, earn, earn and be amazed at what you can get for free!!
now, go book a trip somewhere!