Keeping track of travel itineraries can create a headache. The internet has largely replaced travel agents, but this convenience crowds a traveler's email inbox with reservation confirmations for airline tickets, hotel stays, and car rentals. Print them all out and you're stuck carrying a wad of papers.

TripIt (tripit.com) fixes this problem with a staggeringly simple solution. Set up a free account, then forward your emails to that account as they come in. TripIt parses nearly any travel reservation email and puts the pertinent information into one unified itinerary with confirmation and flight numbers, times, and dates. It even includes maps and driving directions for your destination.

Android, iPhone, and Blackberry apps make it possible to look at your itinerary on the fly. You can share your travel plans with friends who also use TripIt and be alerted if your travel plans take you near a friend. A pro account ($69 per year) will automatically forward your information to your assistant or family, track flight changes, and help you make alternate arrangements if necessary. And TripIt keeps track of your travel, so you can see how many miles you've traveled and how many countries you've visited.