not related to this, but check out the interface at cleartrip.com...I love their clean look. If you do end up making this website, it would be great if you can make it neat and clean looking, unlike the botched up, complicated mumbo jumbo of most large websites.
I like the idea though. Traveling alone is just plain boring at times
You may want to look at this website too:
http://www.couchsurfing.com/
Its for travelers who let others stay in their homes for free.