What alternatives are there to Booking.com for travel in Europe and Asia? Is it better to use the site,.locate a hotel you want to use, and then try to contact the hotel directly through their own website (if they have one)? I've heard of Agoda (IIRC) for travel in Asia but Booking.com is the one I've heard recommended for Europe, especially for short term home rentals. ETA: Thanks for the tips!