(ARA) - America's wavering economy along with swelling gas prices have tampered with vacationers' travel plans throughout the summer, leaving many travelers in the lurch.

(ARA) - We all look forward to vacations -- the precious time to recharge our batteries and spend care-free days and fun-filled nights with family and friends. But visions of vacations may change this year with a recession looming, rising gas prices and basics like food and housing at a premium.

This article is part of the Open Web Awards , an open, international contest for the best websites and services. The Web has changed the way people travel – before, during, and even after a trip. Among the tools nominated for The Open Web Award in the travel category are sites for doing everything from price comparison to video tours to finding a couch to crash on for the most budget of ...