With the unemployment rate at 6.7 percent, its highest level since 1993, many people have given up even looking for work. But whether you’ve recently been the victim of a lay-off or have been searching for awhile, there are plenty of websites and online resources that can help.

Decide where you fall and then use this handy resource guide to find a job.

“I’ll take whatever I can find”

CareerBuilder.com, Monster.com and Yahoo!’s hotjobs are massive search engines that list jobs in pretty much every field. If you’re well established in your career, you may have to get a bit more creative in order to find a suitable position, but if you’re open to anything, one of these sites may be a good place to start. You can create a profile, which allows you to save jobs you’re interested in and recommends postings based on your searches, but again, they may not be all that specific to your field. These sites also offer plenty of advice and reasonably priced resume-writing services. With all of the job resource sites cropping up online, there’s no reason not to cast as wide a net as possible. Check out Indeed.com a no-frills site seemingly modeled on Google, that also offers listings in almost every field, and Craigslist, which, with its web-based version of old-school newspaper classifieds, is a great place to find everything from full-time to freelance and contract work. Make sure to check out the job board for the city you live in — or the one you are looking to relocate to. Craigslist is available in major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

“I’m not looking for a career change”

In times of recession it’s sometimes a good idea to adapt basic job skills to a new profession. But the good news is, no matter what you do, you can find a job-seeker site that focuses on it. MediaBistro is a long-standing resource for media professionals and public relations specialists, and you can post your resume for employers to search through; idealist.org is perfect for do-gooders who want nonprofit work; TreeHugger is the place for green jobs (the Obama administration has given a particular priority to this sector and it’s expected to continue to grow); Coroflot allows designers to post portfolios and resumes, as well as search for jobs; HealthJobs.com was U.S. News’ No. 1 site for healthcare positions; and despite the shaky financial markets (or maybe even because of them) there are still some financial jobs to be found on eFinancial Careers. Many companies will also allow you to fill out an online application, which they can match with any openings they might have. You may even be able to work for the president at Change.gov.

“I just want to see what’s out there”

Job experts all agree, the best time to look for a job is when you already have one. If you’re uncertain where your company is headed or just plain old unhappy in your job, there are plenty of sites that let you see what’s going on elsewhere without launching a proper job search. Networking is so much easier when done from the comfort of your computer.Glassdoor.com is a great site where employees can list their salaries and give comprehensive research about their employees anonymously. LinkedIn lets you reach out to professionals in your field. They can see your resume and you can chat about their experiences. And LinkedIn can notify you of job openings that match what you’re looking to do. Jobster.com is definitely a job-search site, but their model is to help you network in order to find a job, so you can put out some feelers and get to know people in your field.

Many readers will be in the last category-just seeing what’s out there-but if you are searching, there are jobs out there, as long as you know where to look. If you want an extra leg up, try Vault.com, a full-service career-coaching website, and there are freelance opportunities to be had at All Freelance Directory, so hang in there. You’ve got the tools to get the job.

This may not be the year to charter a jet to Dubai, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great vacation. Pack up the car and head cross-country, taking in lots of Americana along the way. Follow the Oregon Trail where previous explorers have found cheap, comfy lodgings and restaurants to make your trip more pleasant.

Stop No. 1: Fall River, MA

If you’re starting on the East Coast, this little town is an inexpensive alternative to New York or Boston. It has a long history as a fishing and shipbuilding center, and it’s a stone’s throw from outlet shopping (the true American vacation experience).

What to see: The Lizzie Borden murderabilia museum, displaying the hatchet, blood-spattered pillowcases and other artifacts from the 1892 crime.

Where to stay: Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, the house where it is said she took an axe and gave her father 40 whacks. It’s also alleged that when she saw what she had done, she gave her mother 41.

Where to eat: Sagres Restaurant on Columbia Street offers up hearty Portuguese fare for $10-12 per person.

Stop No. 2: Oneida, NY

The next stop as you head west was home to a large and successful commune in the 1800s. Near the scenic Finger Lakes region, it’s easy to see why the free-loving sect would have chosen to settle here. These days, it’s still an idyllic area with just a touch of mid-century cheesiness.

What to see: The World’s Smallest Church, officially named Cross Island Chapel. At 51×81 inches of floor area, the nondenominational church is in the middle of a lake and seats two.

Where to stay: You’ve got to stay at a Super 8 Motel at some point along the way. With access to a beach and plenty of casinos, this Tudor-style beauty should be the one.

Where to eat: Throw back a slice and pitcher at Ye Olde Pizza Pub, a dark and homey college joint.

Stop No. 3: Niagara Falls, NY

Niagara Falls, NY. Spanning the Canadian border, this little city is all kitsch built to serve tourists to the falls. It’s not glamorous, but it is the quintessential road-trip destination.

What to see: Duh. That admission-free natural wonder, the falls.

Where to stay: Bring your passport and cross over into Canada to the Caravan Inn, for around $80 a night. Why? Heart-shaped Jacuzzi. ‘Nuff said.

Where to eat: You’re about 30 minutes away, so head to Anchor Bar in Buffalo-it’s the original home of the Buffalo wing, and 10 for $10 should fill you up.

Stop No. 4: Cleveland, OH

Once rather a dowdy city, Cleveland now boasts boutique shopping and a warehouse-turned-arts district. It still has a small-town Midwestern feel, but microbreweries and rock and roll keep things lively.

What to see: You’ve got to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, but also make sure to see the world’s largest rubber stamp, sculpted by Claes Oldenburg.

Where to stay: Stay in a 19th-century-home-turned-luxury-B&B. BrownStone Inn is downtown and costs $65-95 a night.

What to eat: Grab a burger at Swensons, a classic drive-in that’s almost 75 years old.

Stop No. 5: Alexandria, IN

Alexandria, IN. This town’s one big attraction has put it on the map, attracting news crews and even a filmmaker. Other reasons to stop by are antiquing and gospel singer Bill Gaither’s studio and museum.

What to see: Set up an appointment to see Mike Carmicheal’s “ Sitting in Mike’s garage, it comprises more than 21,000 coats of paint and weighs 2,700 pounds.

Where to stay: The prices at Country Gazebo Inn ($60-75 a night) can’t be beat-and that includes croquet and shuffleboard.

Where to eat: Options are limited in this tiny town. Try John’s Diner for, well, classic diner fare.

Stop No. 6: Dyersville, IA

Dyersville, IA. Known as the Farm Toy Capital of the US, this town of 4,000 is also home to a Roman-Catholic basilica. It’s filled with small-town charm. Take a tout to see it all.

What to see: You’ll hear the cornstalks gently whispering “if you build it, they will come,” as you make your way to the town’s main attraction. Yep, Field of Dreams was filmed here, and you can still see the field.

Where to stay: The cozy Uptown B&B is clean and homey.

Where to eat: Shot Tower Inn, as it turns out, does not serve shots. But there is plenty of pizza, potato skins, onion rings and even salads.

Stop No. 7: Mount Rushmore, SD
Feeling patriotic after the recent election? This landmark attraction is pure Americana.

What to see: Those guys on the side of the mountain. Chances are, US presidents have been on your mind lately anyway.

Where to stay: Happy Holiday Motel is rustic log cabins starting at $35 a night, and campsites are about half that.

Where to Eat: Also in a log cabin, Flying T Chuckwagon serves up barbecue and live music. Splurge and try the buffalo.

Stop No. 8: Thermopolis, WY

With cowboy culture and a hot spring, this town is a must-see on a trip cross-country. Get out of the car and go for a hike through red-rock mountains to stretch your legs.

What to see: Fifty life-size wax cowboys ‘n’ Indians make up 20 scenes of Old West life at the Old West Wax Museum. Stop by the hot spring, too.

Where to see: Stay with the Old West motif at the Elk Antler Inn and Fudge Shop. They do, indeed, sell fudge, and they also offer activities like tubing and rafting.

Where to eat: A&W Restaurants aren’t always easy to find, but there’s one here, and it serves homemade pies in addition to the signature floats. Oh, and dinner, too–but you’re on vacation.

Stop No. 9: Blackfoot, ID is a little bit like an oasis—its trees, parks and lakes appear after miles of desert driving. Once a depot for the potato industry, this town also has a great historical vibe.

What to see: The motto is “We give taters to out-of-staters” at the Idaho Potato Museum, where you can see such wonders as the largest Pringle ever made.

Where to stay: For $99 a night, you’ll have your choice of the Paradise, Victorian or Abe Lincoln Log rooms at Stout Street Bed & Breakfast.

Where to eat: Take a break from diner fare with authentic Mexican at El Mirador.

Stop No. 10: Portland, OR

Consistently named one of the top cities to live in, Portland has plenty to see and do. The people are friendly and it’s easy to get around, so you’ll want to stay a few days and explore. Be sure to take in one last roadside attraction to cap off your great journey west.

What to see: A glorified traffic island that happens to be the World’s Smallest Park.

Where to stay: Starting at $90 a night, the Jupiter Hotel is well-located and uber-trendy for the price.

Where to eat: Get a waffle sandwich with gourmet fillings like Black Forest ham at the FlavourSpot. You’ll probably be set for a few meals.

Tell your friends you’re going backpacking in Southeast Asia and they may smirk at the suggestion you’re getting in touch with your spiritual side. But there’s another kind of inner peace you may discover, the kind that can only come from saving money while still having the time of your life.

Southeast Asia is beautiful, culturally rich and a place where its easy to live off of $20 or less a day. You won’t even feel guilty eating greasy street food–the cheapest way to dine–because you’ll burn off all the calories on the trail. Go now and you’ll avoid the crowds that come in peak season but still benefit from the cooler weather.

Your biggest expense will be the airfare—getting there can be pricey, but Cathay Pacific’s All Asia Pass gives you 21 days to fly to four destinations and starts at $1,199. Here are some of the hot spots included—and why they belong on your itinerary.

Mae Hong Son

This northwestern Thai mountain region draws fewer tourists than Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, but it still has everything a backpacker would need. You’ll find basic necessities like ATM machines and Internet cafes in the town of Mae Hong Son. Make this town or Pai your home base, but head to hill tribe villages for unforgettable culture and Thai food cooked fresh over an open fire. Hire a guide who can arrange your meals and campsites, or check into a Pai  hotel for less than $30 a night and go on day hikes.

Currency: baht

Peak season: November to April

Ho Chi Minh City

Hostels can cost as little as $10 a night in the city’s backpacker ghetto, Ngu Lao. Spend a day trekking the Cu Chi Tunnels, a piece of Vietnam War history outside Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), before getting out and going north along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Hop-on, hop-off buses cost about $20 to take you all the way to Hanoi. The one place you’ll want to make sure to get off the bus is Dalat valley. See coffee and silk being made, and take in waterfall views.

Currency: dong

Peak season: November to March

Phnom Penh

This Cambodian city draws a slew of tourists gawking at French colonial architecture and learning grim Khmer Rouge history on the Killing Fields just outside the city. The real attraction is Angkor Wat (near Siem Reap); a spectacularly preserved temple that was first built as a Khmer castle in the 12th century and has served as religious center for both Hindus and Buddhists. The less spiritual among you may recognize the temple as the site used in the 2001 movie, Tomb Raider. Siem Reap is backpacker-friendly with a number of inexpensive restaurants, Internet cafes, and places to burn CDs of your trip photos. Hostels in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap cost $10 and up a night, while buses between the two are $5–10.

Currency: riel (US dollars are widely accepted in cities)

Peak season: October to June

Bangkok

Southeast Asia’s own Sin City is the ideal place to celebrate the end of your long trek. The Guardian ranked The Dome Bangkok’s best bar, and it’s true that the swank rooftop lounge is a good way to indulge. On the other end of the spectrum, you can kick back with a beer in the aptly named Cheap Charlie’s, a shack surrounded by massage parlors (I’m not here to judge). Rest your head at Bangkok Centre Sukumvit 25, touted as the world’s largest budget accommodation ($9 a night in a dorm-style room), close to all transportation and equipped with WiFi.

Currency: baht

Peak season: April to August

Now that you have climbed Buddhist temple stairs, stood on the killing fields and partied in Bangkok, you can spread the word to all those smirky friends that backpacking in Southeast Asia isn’t just for college kids trying to find themselves. Or you may want to keep the information to yourself so it will still be affordable next time you go.