Web Watch: Customizable postcards and an upgraded Amtrak.com

ByABC News
December 8, 2008, 11:48 AM

— -- hazelmail.com

What it offers:Customizable postcards that can be created online and delivered by mail

What we like:Overseas travelers waste lots of time browsing through postcard racks, then schlepping to a post office just to send a keepsake to friends and relatives back home. Hazelmail lets you upload your own images, create a personalized message and then mail your custom card almost anywhere in the world for a flat fee of $1.50. In addition to the convenience, and rather than buying a generic shot of some tourist attraction, the card you send can be of a great meal or a loved one in the midst of a memorable moment. The site connects with photo blog site Fotolog, so users of that site can access any image there for a custom postcard.

What needs work:The major issue is not with the site but with the concept: If you're not traveling with a laptop, finding a cybercafe and uploading an image could potentially be just as time-consuming as buying, writing and mailing a card the old-fashioned way. Also not the site's fault: Stamp collectors will miss out on the chance to add to their international collections, as cards are mailed from local distribution centers close to the recipient.

Amtrak.com

What it offers:Newly integrated hotel, rental car and activities booking options

What we like:Amtrak.com has long been frustrating for travelers who could make their train reservations but had to turn to another site to book other portions of their trip. The upgraded site now lets travelers find hotel rooms, rental cars and side activities as they buy train tickets. Featured hotels have a handy display showing how far each is from the train station, and rental cars are preselected for locations at or within 1 mile of the train station.

What needs work:Though the hotel/car options are integrated with Amtrak's booking, there are fewer options than you'd find on a general booking site like Expedia. Returns are uneven not every destination shows the same range of add-ons. After you've selected one add-on, it is confusing to access others, and using your browser's back button while booking may purge your search.