Web Sightings: Packlate helps lower rental costs

The economy has kept domestic airline and hotel prices down, and now Packlate.com is helping keep vacation rental costs down.

Prices of available properties decrease the closer you get to their dates of availability. Because Packlate specializes in last-minute bookings, travelers can watch prices change on several properties before they commit. Join the site - membership is free - and get the address of the rental, too. Packlate launched in January with a focus on ski towns in the Rockies, but it plans to expand to Florida within four months. We particularly liked the Google map that compared locations of available rentals and offered such extras as local coffee shops and restaurants.

But be careful of the final cost. When you click from the search results page to the single property page, you can view the full price. Sometimes, the taxes and fees (which vary from property to property) can pack quite a punch. But it's easy to log into the site and ask Packlate a question. The small company often answers questions within the hour, a far cry from e-mailing property managers and wondering when or whether you'll hear back.

Packlate.com

DESCRIPTION It keeps a lid on vacation rental costs

TARGET AUDIENCE Those looking for last-minute deals

BOTTOM LINE Watch the taxes and fees