WebProNews

The Travel Channel has re-launched their Web site and has partnered with travel search firm SideStep Inc. The site has a new design, navigation and search pages allowing users to find information on specific destinations.

"The launch of the new TravelChannel.com marks the evolution of our site, expanding beyond a simple fan site for our viewers, to become a comprehensive travel resource that leverages our broad range of assets in travel-related content," said Pat Younge, president and general manager, Discovery Travel Media.

Visitors to the site can view travel video and book trips. They can also make hotel reservations along with car rentals using the sites "Book It" feature from SideStep.

The booking engine can search over 600 airlines, 150,000 hotels and 30,000 car rental locations throughout the globe.

New to the site is a video hub that has travel videos, video blogs and an in-page video player.

They have also added a multimedia destination guides for popular vacations spots and include information from Fodor.

Their "Share Hub" section has user-generated content that features vacation spot reviews and message boards.

Overall the site has added some interesting and useful features. Depending on what users are looking for the site is on par with tripadvisor or any of the other popular travel sites.