Travel search engine Mobissimo is expanding its Recommendation Box option to its local websites in France, Italy and Spain after what it called a successful introduction of the "cheaper ticket" suggestion feature on its website in the U.S.

CEO Beatrice Tarka said that the feature provides leisure travelers who are willing to change dates or destinations an option of lower prices. In Europe, the suggestion box will give travelers a look at costs for rail travel as an alternative to air travel.

The option also includes theme-based alternatives. For example, the technology can show lower-priced options for beach vacations.

Business travelers can use the option to quickly find the cheapest fares for business class or nonstop airfare, the company said.

Tarka said as fuel costs push up the price of airfares, the option may salvage vacations that travelers might otherwise decide to delay or abandon.