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. RSS allows you to get information about everything that you want to know about and nothing you don't want to know about, and stays up-to-date.

IIn 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, 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, desktop software, cell phone, e-mail, etc...)

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. Our favorite is Google Reader.
   
   
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 RSS 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.