Unspoken Truth of Travel #43: Exploring is great and all, but it sure would be easier to just stay home on the couch. (Like when an ice storm turns your long weekend in Aspen into 76 hours at the Denver airport.)

Universal Rule of Travel #1: Flying stinks. And it’s not getting easier anytime soon.

But dealing with the horror might, with help from FlightStats, our favorite travel companion. The site covers everything — from airfares, frequent-flier promotions, and airport parking to weather forecasts, flight status, security delays, and travel warnings. It makes arcane and baffling details understandable and just about bearable.

You can look up every flight between, say, LAX and Heathrow (there are 15 today), set up mobile and e-mail alerts, and even study flight performance summaries (if you’re really bored and/or truly geeky). Join the forums if you want to add your two cents about who sells the best pie at O’Hare.  

Because you totally respect Universal Rule of Life #4: Knowledge is power.
 

Available online at flightstats.com.