What is RSS, and why should I use it?

A simple explanation of RSS
Imagine getting the newspaper on your doorstep each morning, but instead of it being filled with articles that publishers think you might be interested in, all of the content (articles, classifieds, coupons, job postings, ads, and information) is completely catered to your interests. This newspaper contains everything that you want to know about and nothing you don't want to know about. What if this customized newspaper stayed up to date throughout the day as new related information was available and notified you? Welcome to the future of information aggregation.

RSS/XML make this all possible and is currently changing the way we stay informed. In the past, we've had to actively seek the information we're searching for (by visiting a hand full of websites, going to the library, or searching the internet). Now, with RSS/XML, all the information we want to know about can come directly to us, all in one consolidated format, on a medium that we choose (website, software application, palm pilot, cell phone, e-mail, etc...)

What is RSS?
RSS is an XML based standard for structuring information and content so that it can be accessed via the web and presented by multiple mediums in a customized format. It allows you to pull information (rss feeds) from multiple sources across the internet for viewing in a simple consolidated interface.

Getting Set up with RSS
So you've decided to get started using RSS? Good move! Here are some basic steps on getting set up:

1. Choose medium to gather and present the RSS/XML feeds that you will collect from around the internet. We recommend a web-based RSS aggregator so that you can access your feeds anytime, anywhere. There are many options to choose from and the list is growing daily. Here are a few of our favorites:
   
   Websites: Bloglines, My Yahoo
   PC Software: NewzCrawler, FeedDemon, RSS Bandit
   Mac Software: Shrook, Pulp Fiction
   
   
2. Once you've set up your new RSS aggregator, its time to go "build your custom newspaper". You can find RSS/XML feeds on most news sites, like newyorktimes.com, wired.com, or any any site that publishes content that also has an RSS/XML feed available. Simply look for the icon.
   
   
3. When you see the XML icon and click it, you'll usually get a page of RSS/XML data (looks like a bunch of code). Once you're viewing a page of rss/xml (click here for an example), just copy the url and paste it into your RSS content aggregator and it will start keeping track of updated content for you.

Using the hotel deal feeds on Lowtels.com
Lowtels.com has provided RSS/XML feeds of our hotel deals for each of our destinations so that you can stay up to date on the best hotel deals for your favorite vacation destinations. As soon as new deals appear on Lowtels.com, you'll know about it without even visiting the site! Just click on the XML/RSS icon at the bottom of any of the destination pages, copy the url of the rss/xml feed, then paste it into your favorite RSS aggregator.