Online auction is one of the few examples of how e-commerce over the Internet can truly transform a business model, rather than simply transplanting it to a different medium. From the selling and buying of personal possessions among private individuals, it has grown to become a major alternative distribution channel for most commercial goods. While the travel and tourism industry may not be a natural fit for this model initially, viable markets are indeed emerging. In this article, actual development is surveyed, and a framework for comparative studies is presented in the context of market conditions for sellers and buyers. In particular, the methodology of maximum resolution dichotomy is introduced to analyze data available under the categories of Vacation Rentals, Hotels and Bed and Breakfast, and Vacation Packages on eBay.com.