by Bill McGee, USA TODAY
Let's say you're shopping for a vacation. You visit three different online travel agencies (OTAs): Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity. You compare prices among four budget hotels: Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Super 8, Travelodge. You compare rental rates at Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty. You even consider a cruise on Carnival, Holland America, Princess.
But since you haven't clicked the "about" pages on these sites, you're unaware all the brands within these four sectors are sister companies. In fact, the wide world of travel is much smaller than many consumers realize, with the latest consolidation occurring in online travel.
The incredible consoldating travel industry
