Text by Christian Camerota
Reports vary, but it's safe to say there are 200 million+ websites in existence, a number that changes faster than Mount Washington's weather.
Here are five travel sites you probably don't know about but should. They're great for everything from killing those extra ten minutes of prepaid Internet cafe time to prepping diligently for your global adventure.
1. gethuman.com
So Delta overcharged you for your tickets to the Mayan Riviera. But the last thing you want to do is spend time, better served zip-lining and free-diving, navigating an overgrown phone tree. Fear not. Gethuman.com gives you numbers and specific instructions on how to get a real, live person on the phone at over 1,000 different business...so you can therapeutically scream at them and try for some free coupons. No guarantees on them speaking your native language well, though.
2. points.com
Airline points are great, that is, until you've collected 100,000 of them and realize they're relatively useless. Points.com will fix that, though. This site allows you to take that ostensibly valueless currency and turn into something more tangible: miles, flights, hotel stays, you name it. You can even exchange points and miles with other users to find the airline you want. Kinda like an airline mile barter depot. Now all they need is electronic wampum.
3. mizpee.com
Aptly named, considering its appeal to women (guys, generally, can find a functional alleyway or take a knee just about anywhere), mizpee.com will guide you expertly to the nearest and nicest waterclosets just about anywhere in the country (and British Columbia, too). They're rated by a five-roll toiletpaper system, tell you whether or not a purchase is required to use them, and also exactly how far you're going to have to walk with your knees locked together. Oh, and not to forget the "Flush of the Year" section, which will point you toward's the nation's most memorable spots to answer Nature's call.
4. The Universal Packing List
Wow. Unless you revel in making your travel item checklist (and inevitably forget stuff anyway), this site is a godsend. Put in information like your trip duration, your luggage type, your accommodations, and even how many kids you're bringing, and the Universal Packing List will generate an itemized and personalized register of everything you're going to need. Heck, it even includes necessary vaccines for international travel and what you ought to do before you leave (shave, turn down your home's temp, etc.).
5. Mangolanguages.com
Covering twelve different tongues, Mangolanguages.com will arm you with free quips and catchphrases for just about any country. Whether you want to be able to say "Get me to a bar, stat" when you land in Spain, or whether you want to figure out how to tell the Internet cafe owner he's overcharging you for a prehistorically slow online connection, this site will help you out. Sadly, Chris Kattan and his infamous SNL skit of the same name are not included.
For 25 more sites you didn't know you needed but can't live without, look here: (http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/03/30-useful-websites-you-probably-didnt.html)
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