Ease and efficiency of transactions – from booking through to check-in – are important for business and leisure travellers alike, and Cheapflights.co.uk, the UK’s leading flight comparison website, has compiled a guide to e-services on most of the world’s leading airlines.

“I take advantage of e-services wherever I can,” says Francesca Ecsery, Global Sales Director of Cheapflights. “For the savvy traveller, it’s the quickest, most efficient method not only for finding the best deals but also for booking them, when arriving at the airport for check-in and planning extras on your trip. Most airlines offer online booking and check-in services, but there are a wealth of other niche services allowing holidaymakers to get on with their holiday with ease and minimum fuss.”

Cheapflights.co.uk’s latest tips page outlines 21 of the world’s top airlines, comparing five key online services including booking, online and mobile check-in, refunds and car rental.

Only four of the 20 global airlines researched offer all five areas – BMI, British Airways, Emirates and Singapore Airlines. The three US flagship carriers – American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines – also offer all five online options but their mobile check-in option is only valid for the US.

A relative newcomer to the world of mobile check-in is budget airline easyJet, which will offer the service from October 2009.

Most services across all airlines are offered free of charge, with the exception of online refunds, where four airlines carry a fee.

2. Adler Dolomiti Spa & Sport Resort, St. Ulrich (Southern Tirol)
The Alder Dolomiti offers its guests multiple wellness and nature baths. Located in Grodnertal in the north of Saint Ulrich, this five star resort offers a unique experience in the middle of the Dolomites. In Aguana guests can relax in the 35 degrees warm saltwater pool, enjoy the large outside swimming area and hot whirlpool, which includes a panoramic view of the Alps. Inside the hotel the water fun continues: A saltwater pool, an indoor pool with crystal water and an aromatic steam bath are available for guests. The hotel also has a lot to offer; stylish architecture, luxurious rooms and local cuisine make a mountain vacation in the Adler Dolomiti an unforgettable experience.

3. Ubud Hanging Gardens, Ubud (Bali)
At the Ubud Hanging Gardens on Bali numerous pools extend over multiple levels like hanging gardens. Hotel guests do not only bathe in impressive surroundings; each room has access to its own private pool. This resort that consists of private luxury villas is located in the exotic Ubud gardens, in the artistic centre of Bali. From the rooms and terraces of the resort, guests have a magnificent view of the surrounding nature. A private aerial ropeway grants guests access to the luxury resort. Holidaymakers experience a mixture of Buddhist and Hindu culture everywhere on the Indonesian island: In the south-west of the island the Hindu temple Pura Tanah Lot can be found on a petruding rock in the sea and at 950 metres the mother temple of all Balinese temples “the Pura Besakih” can be found on the volcano Gunung Agung.

4. Gran Hotel La Florida, Barcelona
The infinity pool at the Gran Hotels La Florida high above Barcelona has amazing views far across the touristic Spanish metropolis. In the 37 metre long pool made entirely out of pure metal guests can relax in the highest located hotel in Barcelona.  The five star hotel lies on the mountain Tibidabo 500 metres above the city. After an eventful day in the city this is the perfect spot to relax in the evenings. A Buddhist spa, the restaurant L’Orangerie as well as its exclusive design make the hotel a high-class destination.  The original building from 1925 has undergone a complete renovation. Behind the historical walls, a new modern design with contemporary art now awaits guests.

5. Cavo Tagoo, Mykonos
The five star Cavo Tagoo on Mykonos captivates travellers with its white interior and luxurious atmosphere. At the lounge deck by the pool, guests are under the illusion that the pool merges with the horizon. Holidaymakers are able to relax to the sounds of lounge music on sun loungers at the edge of the pool or float on wooden blocks on the surface of the water. At night minimalistic lighting effects set the scene. Guests can then enjoy a cocktail at the pool bar and admire the fish in the integrated aquarium. The architecture and the colour palette of the hotel reflect the typical construction style of the island. The buildings on the Greek island are illuminated in white.

6. Rogner Bad Blumau, Steiermark
Two springs feed the thermal springs of the hotel Rogner Bad Blumau in the Steiermark. Inspired by the artist Hundertwasser the hotel is a piece of art by itself. Its colourful design is noticeable right away. In between this, hotel guests can relax in the warm water of the thermal spring. The spa invites guests to relax in the salt cove, enjoy a rose pack or decide for a more active approach to relaxation such as an ayurvedic cooking course. The Steiermark is not only famous for its healing thermal springs, but the Austrian state also offers vast amounts of hiking and trekking paths, as well as wild water rapids. Also golfers get to practice their swing on a glorious 25 hole golf course. The old town of Graz invites for romantic walks.

7. Rio Calma, Fuerteventura
Rio Calma is located on the sandy beach of Costa Calma. The hotel which has been built in a colonial style matches the dune landscape and offers 384 cozy rooms and suites. On the extensive grounds of the four star hotel, guests do not only find an amazing pool, but also a saltwater lagoon. When sunbathing at the beach in the lagoon guests have the impression of being able to swim across the Atlantic to the horizon. The white beaches of the peninsula Jandia go on for miles and different types of water activities are offered for every taste. Fuerteventura is also a popular destination for surfers.

8. Golden Nugget, Las Vegas
Guests at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas experience a different kind of adventure: The waterslide goes through the middle of the aquarium “The Tank” past sharks and other marine life. Only a glass wall separates the swimming pool from the sharks that watch the holidaymakers. The hotel is located in downtown Las Vegas, in the old district of the city Nevada. There is a showdown every night: The Freemont Street Experience consists of twelve million LEDs that transform the Golden Nugget and the surrounding buildings into an ocean of lights. Las Vegas is not only known for the innumerable amount of casinos but also for the large number of wedding chapels, that many vacationers use for a quick wedding in Vegas.

9. Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa, Sedona (Arizona)
The Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa in Nevada lies in the midst of spectacular Red Rocks. The architecture matches the smoothness of the Boynton Canyon Mountains, as the small bungalows look like caves spread around the area. In the centre of the resort the bathing oasis with panoramic views of the historic rocks can be found. At Mii Amo Spa guests do not only experience some of the finest wellness treatments, but can even get a glimpse of the their own future: “Connect with Spirit” is a highlight of the hotel where tarot cards tell guests more about their aura. Guests are located in their own small house including a kitchen, Haciendas, Casitas or Junior Suites with a living area and king size bed.

10. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
The flagship of the hotels on the artificially made island The Palm in Dubai is The Atlantis with a water park, dolphin bay and aquarium. A signature of the resort is the waterslide that plummets 28 metres into the water. At dolphin bay guests can get up close with the popular sea creatures: Dolphin fans can swim with dolphins for 30 minutes. In the lost chambers guests will understand where the hotel got its name – the real Atlantis which according to legend sank more than twelve thousand years ago.  65 thousand marine creatures in an underground aquarium make for a spectacular scene. The water attractions at the Atlantis are not only available for hotel guests; special daily offers are available for the general public.

However a surge last-minute holiday bookings this summer has led to tourists reporting of huge price inflation, and in some cases not being able to find a suitable car.

Shortages are most prevalent in holiday locations in Spain, France and Italy, according to Hertz. In the UK, Scotland and the Lake District have also reported shortages.

This has led to prices in Spain rising as much as 70%, whilst on the Balearic Islands they have almost doubled.
“There’s a seasonal shortage of rental cars every summer, but it seems to be more acute this year because carmakers have cut production due to the uncertain economy,” said Michel Taride, president of Hertz Europe.

“There has been a big increase in domestic and US inbound travel, and holidaymakers are deciding to go away at the last minute.”

John Lewis, chairman the car rental industry body Lease Europe said: “Small cars in particular are in very short supply, and it’s often cheaper to take a larger car, rather than the small ones people go for because they presume they’ll be cheaper,” Mr Atkinson said.