Today's post has nothing to do with search engine optimization, but in my surfing I've run into a couple of new very cool free tools.

As I have been involved in the hotel and hospitality business for a while now, I pay particular attention when something cool and new hits the Internet that related to the tourism industry.

Check out Kayak Buzz

This site lets you look months in advance and for general areas... like for example Europe. So if I know I would like to go to Europe in the fall, but my destination and dates are flexible, the Kayak Buzz will pick out cheap flights to an array of destinations so I can choose.

Very cool! Apparently there is a cheap flight to London in September, or I could go to Paris in October for less! For those of us without a set plan, this tool is really perfect!

Another fun one: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com

For the fitness minded, this fun little system lets you use Google Maps to pinpoint a particular route and identify the number of calories you burn. (Essentially, a pedometer hooked into Google Maps.)

I plotted out my route to work which I walk everyday here in Calgary, and apparently I burn a whole 70 calories walking there. Not much, but every little bit helps!

For the fitness buff, if you want to know EXACTLY how long your route is, just zoom in and start putting in way points. I'm not sure the calorie count is 100% accurate, but it seems reasonable.

Besides, now I can eat another cookie once I get to work....