is there really a difference? i check different sites and they are all in the same ballpark usually. so what i do is find out what airline from expedia etc... and go direct to that airlines website to avoid the fees.

 

There's very little difference due to the fact that these sites are buying package trips from the same travel packagers/consolidators. There are fewer consolidators than there are travel sites. . .

Airlines alone are great if you just want to get somewhere. If you need extra stuff, try your preferred site and/or a real travel agent.

 

Some of the airlines in Canada (http://www.westjet.com) have opened up travel branches that offer complete travel packages including accommodation. They don't just fly within Canada either.

 

I've had good luck with both of the following:
http://www.worryfreevacations.com/
http://www.funjet.com/

They have a specific set of destinations that they offer packages for, but if those match your interests, then the deals they offer are pretty good. Do your homework, though. A lot of their hotels are budget hotels, and not very impressive.