Travelers looking to spread a little Christmas cheer while booking online through such Web sites as Expedia, Hotels.com, Priceline, Luxury Link, Carnival Cruise Lines, and STA Travel can make a donation to a favorite charity in the process.

AidMaker software, which is free at www.aGoodCause.com, automatically identifies more than 800 sites where retailers will donate a percentage of the sale to a user-selected charity. More than 200 charities including ASPCA, Alzeheimer's Association, American Cancer Society, the Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, The Nature Conservancy, United Way and The Salvation Army among others are included in the program.

The beauty is that the 800 participating e-commerce sites will donate a percentage of the sale at no cost to the user.

"With AidMaker, online shoppers become the catalyst for retailers' donations, potentially directing billions of dollars of contributions annually," explained Mads Ellegaard, co-founder of aGoodCause.com. "It's a win-win solution, particularly in this very challenging economic climate. Retailers want to increase customer loyalty and maximize their positive impact on society through corporate social engagement tactics, while consumers are looking for ways to extend their charitable giving beyond what they would ordinarily be able to afford to give, especially during the holidays."

AidMaker is available for free download at www.agoodcause.com. Once users download AidMaker, they can choose their favorite charity from a list and begin shopping.

On the Web

Budget-minded travelers looking for deals might want to check out the newly enhanced Web site www.away.com. The site, which is a brand of Orbitz Worldwide, provides comprehensive trip planning tools, more robust content and easier search navigation which makes it easier for travelers to research and plan a trip according to their specific preferences. The site contains more than 2 million pages of content and destination guides to more than 35,000 locations, searchable by lifestyle and interest including such categories as Family, Beach, Active and Adventure, Parks and Outdoors, LGBT and Ski.

Top 9

Airport and Airline Web sites

1. Farecast.com: Predict the ideal moment to buy a ticket.

2. Yapta.com: Get your money back if a fare drops.

3. Delaycast.com: Find on-time flights at 60 U.S. airports.

4. Seatguru.com: Snag a seat with the most legroom.

5. Insidetrip.com: Increase your odds for a hassle-free flight.

6. Aboutairportparking.com: Secure prime parking at more than 500 airports globally.

7. Kayak.com: Get the best deals on flights and hotels

8. Sidestep.com: Find the best deals on flights and hotels.

9. Wegolo.com: Book low-fare carriers within Europe.

SOURCE: Travel & Leisure Magazine