Abstract: A lowest rate on a multi-night lodging stay is achieved by obtaining lodging rate information for a first lodging location from a plurality of lodging rate sources. The information is correlated with each night of a window during which a consumer is available to travel. A block of nights within the window having the lowest lodging rate is identified. Then, a plurality of lodging reservations corresponding to the identified block are generated, wherein at least two of the lodging reservations correspond to different nights of the multi-night lodging stay and are placed through different lodging reservation systems. A block having the lowest total cost of travel can also be identified by considering the cost of other travel related expenses in conjunction with the lodging rate for the block.

Abstract: An itinerary can be scheduled interactively by assisting a user in identifying which destinations or attractions can be visited during a vacation based on a specified location where the user intends to be during the vacation. A database of information about each possible destination or attraction as well as about available transportation between such destinations and attractions can be maintained. This information can identify many different criteria that can be used to determine whether it would be desirable or feasible for the user to visit the destination or attraction based on an intended location of the user. The information can be compiled based on input from locals or other experts that are familiar with the destinations or attractions. Once an itinerary is scheduled, reservation requests can be automatically generated for any destination and/or mode of transportation that was selected for inclusion in the itinerary.