Planning and booking your vacation online can save you a lot of money – if you know what you are doing. However, a few classic blunders can get you in some hot water, financially, so be sure to do your homework. You can start by reviewing this list of helpful tips:

1. Use A Dedicated Travel Search Engine That Is Reputable

Typing a destination spot into a random search engine will get you nowhere, literally. Websites like TripAdvisor.com specialize in providing information on travel destination spots. You can find information on lodgings, restaurants and much more. Start compiling a list of reputable travel sites from word-of-mouth, referrals from friends, or just scour the net for reputable travel sites. Reputable sites will offer you the best deals and won’t scam you out of your money.

And when you are using these sites, try to be as specific as possible so that you get what you really want. For example, don’t just type the phrase “theme park” into the search engine. If you want to get to the good stuff, you have to be a little more specific, like: “Family-friendly theme parks” or “pirate theme parks.” Just don’t get too specific. Running a search for “theme parks with rollercoasters that go backwards and upside down” might be a little counterproductive.

2. Sign Up

The more you frequent travel sites, the more they will ask you to sign up for free membership. Here’s some good advice that will help save you time and money: Do It! Signing up for these websites will allow you to create and save a profile. This profile will help auto-fill certain category boxes on the site, which will save you time. For example, if you sign up and create a profile, the website will always remember what airport you always travel out of and what airline you prefer.

Signing up can also save you money on certain occasions through special promotions and offers only given to members. You will also receive newsletters and important information on great deals by signing up for these travel sites.

3. See What Others Are Saying

The internet is a fantastic tool where you can connect with a vast amount of people and their experiences. Join travel forums and review sites to get advice on how to save for your trip and avoid making any disastrous decisions.  One person’s horrible experience at a hotel can be enough to make you change your decision and look for accommodations elsewhere. On the plus side, one person’s fantastic dining experience can be enough to make you alter your itinerary on your future trip.

4. Check The Actual Company’s Website

With the abundance of travel websites available, it can be really easy to overlook an actual company’s website. This goes for restaurants, rental agencies, hotel companies and airlines. For example, a travel website may be offering a great hotel getaway deal for two. However, a quick scan of the hotel’s actual website might show that you can get the same rates, along with complimentary meals from the hotel’s dining amenities. Always, always, always check out the rates and specials at the actual company’s websites before making any final decisions.

5. Get The Package Deal

When planning or booking your vacation online, always look for package deals. This is just a basic part of the game. People traveling to an island resort are obviously not going by car. Hotels know this; airlines know this; and car rental agencies know this. Search the internet and see what travel websites are offering full packages that include airline transportation, hotel accommodations and car rental services.

There’s one catch – make sure the package deal is really saving you money. Double-check that if you booked all these services separately, or just opted for two out of three, the money spent would be less than the package deal. Sometimes companies use package deals as gimmicks to mask a hike in prices. Travelers be warned.