Takeout Taxi - Available in 15 states, this genius online food ordering system consolidates menus from dozens of local restaurants, lets you order whatever you choose from any or all of them, and brings everything to you straightaway. This is a perfect way to get to know some of the local cuisine if you’re really crunched for time, or if you don’t want to be shackled to the hotel’s in-house restaurant.

Creative Loafing - Available in 6 great cities, this is THE online spot for everything leisure-related you can imagine. Food, drink, dancing, arts, entertainment, coffeehouses, concerts, exhibits, museums … you name it, Creative Loafing lists it. It’s a great “zoom-in” to target exactly what you want to see and do before you hit the streets. Perfect for planning or on the spur of the moment.

More tips after the jump!