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Kayak.co.uk: Kayak.co.uk first to offer flexible search function for weekend escapes; New Weekend Search Unveiled as Part of Kayak 2.0(M2 PressWIRE Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) RDATE:03092007 Looking for something for the weekend? Something that doesn't involve putting up shelves, walking the dog or watching TV? Kayak.co.uk has become the first travel website to offer a flexible weekend search function, reinforcing its position as the top travel site for airfare. Kayak's "Weekend Search" allows users to compare prices for upcoming weekends or all weekends within a specified month. The number of UKtourists opting for weekend getaways has risen sharply over recent years and Continental Research's 2007 Holiday Online Planning Report found that the short break market is estimated to grow even further in 2007. Steve Hafner, Kayak.co.uk co-founder and CEO said; "Several recent studies show travellers all over the world are taking shorter vacations, typically opting for long weekend trips, yet, no travel site has effectively offered a search specifically for the flexible weekend warrior until now. Only Kayak.co.uk's Weekend Search allows the user to specify days of the week and preferred times in the search parameters, resulting in relevant search results." To compare fares for weekend travel, users can specify timeframes or simply browse upcoming weekends. Core results are organized by price while an interactive Weekend Snapshot box offers an overview of dates and prices. Users can also save favourite itineraries to the top of their search results for easier comparison. Weekend Search comes as part of a series of series of design enhancements and functionality launches based on user feedback, which have resulted in Kayak 2.0. A new display for flights and hotels has been launched after testing more than 300 mocks for Travel 2.0 functionality. Flights results can now be displayed in either the traditional List View displaying itinerary information, a Matrix View offering an overview from all airlines or a Chart View displaying Kayak's Best Fare Trend Graph, which shows the best fares found by Kayak users over the past 90 days. Hotel results are now displayed in List View, a Map View which integrates search results on a Google Map showing hotels near a chosen location, or a Photo View offering slideshows of properties. A car rental search facility has also been added, enabling consumers to cross shop for rental cars on one page. Users benefit from Kayak's signature filters and enhanced search options, searching by price, brand, location and vehicle features, to suit them. Steve Hafner said; "Kayak.com has a reputation for innovation. That's why we continually enhance our site each month and why after only two years, we've completely redesigned the user experience to unveil Kayak 2.0. We are the only site to offer personalized search results for different types of users-from our Google Loyalists who wanted a bigger map to people begging for more photos and those who love our signature clean, clutter-free look and feel." Here are Kayak's top ten picks for a weekend getaway this autumn. For the best fares check and hotels check out (link to be inserted) Munich- Quality beer, friendly locals and a city park that feels like you are in the heart of a Bavarian forest. Budapest- A bohemian haven boasting stunning architecture and a laid back atmosphere Marrakesh- Exotic, yet accessible for an unforgettable weekend Antwerp- Perfect for shopping, make your friends jealous with cutting edge designer names such as Dries van Noten Marseilles- Catch a Rugby World Cup game in this vibrant and fast changing port Hamburg- Perfect for getting that festive feeling and visiting Christmas markets as we head towards winter Reykjavk- Clean air, lively culture and fun filled nightlife make for a perfect weekend escape Kiev- A rapidly up and coming Eastern European city Obzor- The gem of Bulgaria's Black SeaCoast, with fresh mountain air and a warm sea breeze to wind you down for the weekend Milan- Soak up the city's bustling fashions and if that gets too much, LakeComois only half and hour away About Kayak Kayak.co.uk provides the industry's most powerful flight, hotel and care hire search in addition to Kayak Buzz. Already one of the UK's most popular travel sites, Kayak.co.uk was named #26 on the Observer's "50 Essential Travel Websites" shortly after launching in February 2007. Air search is currently in Beta testing in Franceand Germany. Kayak.com, the world's largest travel search engine, displays results from 404 travel sites, providing prices and itineraries for hundreds of airlines, more than 158,000 hotels, all leading rental car companies and 17 cruise lines. Kayak.com has been named "Best of the Web" by US News & World Report, BusinessWeek and Forbes.com; "50 Coolest Websites" by TIME Magazine; "Best Travel Search Engine" by the Associated Press; and "Best Search Aid" by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Launched in 2005 by co-founders of Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia, Kayak.com's investors include General Catalyst Partners, Sequoia Capital, America Online, Inc and London-based Accel Partners. For more information, visit www.kayak.com or www.kayak.co.uk. CONTACT: Matthew Wright / Tim Duncan, Trimedia Harrison Cowley, UKPR for Kayak Tel: +44 (0)20 7404 6777 e-mail: [email protected] ((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected])). Copyright 2007 M2 Communications Ltd. |