Briefly

Magazine evaluates travel Web sites

New York — The Internet has become an essential planning tool for most travelers. But what sites offer the best deals? Which are easiest to use? And where do you start when you type a destination into Google and your search returns thousands of options?

Travel + Leisure magazine can help. Its October issue offers a guide to the top 35 travel Web sites.

For basic domestic airfares, Travel + Leisure recommends the big three — Orbitz.com, Expedia.com and Travelocity.com — but notes they excel in different areas. The magazine found Orbitz offered the best deals on domestic flights, while Travelocity was slightly better for international fares. Expedia’s “Book Together and Save” had the most convenient and numerous options for travelers who want all-in-one deals for hotel, transportation and tickets to local attractions.

Travel + Leisure recommends that budget-seekers check the prices at Hotwire.com and Priceline.com, while luxury trips at discount prices can be found at luxurylink.com. Adventurous vacationers, meanwhile, should check iExplore.com.

For a complete list of Travel + Leisure’s top 35 travel Web sites — including sites for cruises, spas, ecotourism and other types of vacations — see www.travelandleisure.com.

Autumn activities abound in Arizona

Flagstaff, Ariz. — With the heat of summer gone, fall is the perfect time to plan a trip to northern Arizona.

Activities in the area include a car rally at the Arizona Snowbowl, Oct. 22-24, (702) 353-7175; a program on the Oct. 27 lunar eclipse from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Lowell Observatory; Fiesta Days, Oct. 30-31, at Flagstaff’s Museum of Northern Arizona, a celebration of Mexican arts, crafts and music, including folk, Spanish and contemporary traditions, (928) 774-5213; and a daylong excursion to the Grand Canyon via a classic diesel locomotive, departing from the Williams Depot (800) THE-TRAIN.

Consider a bike trip up Bill Williams Mountain in the Kaibab National Forest or the Route 66 Bike Trail. Or drive a 144-mile round-trip scenic route that starts and ends in Williams. Hike the canyons and red rock country surrounding Page and Lake Powell or check out the Oct. 23 Pumpkin Festival in Page.

For more information, visit www.arizonarocks.com.