General tips
Save time searching for travel products online. Many websites use the same search engines which display same results but with a different look and feel which can be misleading.
Choose websites that use different search engines.
To find the best price, search 3 or more websites by clicking the service icon on our matrix and compare prices.
Make sure you use the same search criteria with each website.
Some sites charge handling fees so make sure to add this fee when appropriate.

Airlines tickets tips
When comparing Flights consider:
Airport location – Some cities have more then one airport so search flights to all airports in your destination city
Departure/Arrival time – Some websites provide you with the option to search by arrival time instead of departure time
Number of stops – Flying direct is your best option to increase flight experience and shorten travel time. However to reduce flight cost consider one or more stops in your route. Stops and transit will add to your flight mileage and time
Connecting airport – Your connection airport location might influence your flight length. For example flights via Chicago O’Hara airport might have a higher chance of delays due to thunderstorms
Weather – Check for storms or weather hazards in your flight route, destination and departure
Time at connecting airport – While searching for flights, make a note of the number of stops as well as the time at each stop. Some websites do not provide the length of time at each stop. Make sure you have enough time to change planes and try to avoid overnight stay at the connection airport (to avoid extra travel expenses)
Earning points – Some websites sell tickets that will not allow you to earn airline mileage

Hotels tips
When comparing Hotels consider: Hotel rating – Number of stars or luxury level Check-in/Check-out time – See what time you can check in/out, compare these times with your arrival/departure time and if needed call the hotel and ask for early check-in and/or late check-out Location relative to points of interest – Some hotels are located far away from points of interest which translates into long a long commute and additional costs which will influence your bottom line. Try to pick a hotel close your points of interest Hotel facilities – Amenities/Services provided by the hotel which will make your stay pleasant Room features – In room amenities like high-speed internet, coffee maker, fridge, wet bar, etc’…

Car Rental tips
When comparing Cars consider: Car size – Determine the number of passengers, luggage and fuel consumption Pick-up/Drop-off Location – Car rental counter in terminal or outside of terminal. If counter is outside the terminal, allow for at least 30 minutes until you get into your rental car Counter hours of operation – Some rental car companies do not provide 24/7 service at all airports. Make sure you can pick up or drop-off your car if your flight is delayed

Cruises tips
When comparing Cruise consider: Destinations and itinerary – Cruises may vary in destination ports and number of days at sea Departure and return date – Match your departure and return date to flights to/from home port if necessary Length – Cruises vary in length, normally 7 to 15 nights on board Cabin location – Cabin with a view will cost more Flight to/from departure/return city – Most cruises do not include flights to home port, you will need to add flying cost and might need a night or two in the home port Gratuity policies – Cruise lines have gratuity policy, so make sure to take enough cash before boarding the ship Ship restaurant dress code – Some restaurants require certain dress code, check if you need to pack a suite or other formal attire

Packages tips
When comparing Packages consider: Keep in mind that some packages can only be purchased during certain dates (i.e. b/w June - Nov) and travel must also take place during those dates. So, plan in advance Match your needs – Packages very with flight, hotel and car combinations; make sure you pick the combination best suited for you.

Vacations tips
When comparing Vacations consider: Match your needs – Flight, hotel and car combinations; make sure you pick the combination best suited for you

Weekend getaways tips
When comparing Weekends consider: Weekends are normally packages that usually must be booked within one month of travel. Travel sites will refer to weekend travel as last minute travel or package Flight itinerary – To ensure your will have a whole weekend to enjoy, ensure that your flight will arrive at the beginning of the weekend and your departure will not be too early on the last day of stay Match your needs – Flight, hotel and car combinations

Travel deals tips
When comparing Deals consider: Deals are normally travel promotions that include one or more product packages with limitation in length and/or purchase time. Destination – Search by preferred destination Compare deal details – flight, hotel, car or cruise

Group travel tips
When comparing Group Travel consider: Group travel is normally designed for corporate travel or big groups. Most websites have a limit on the number of tickets you can purchase. To purchase more tickets than the allowed number on the website, you might need to choose the group travel option or use group travel providers.. Group travel websites normally require filling a form with contact information and then having a travel specialist contact you via e-mail or phone.

Travel auctions tips
When comparing Bids consider the following: Product Retail Price –  Can you find the same travel services at a lower cost without bidding Closing date and time – Submit your bid close to closing time; if you submit your bid too early you increase the chance of higher travel costs Bid incremental – What will be the price increase to outbid the current winning bid be Entry bid – What is the minimum required price to enter the bid Set maximum cost – Make sure you do not exceeding your budget… Bid policy – Check when you can bid again on the same travel product because some websites do not allow second bids within 24 hours of the 1st bid. Check the cancellation policy! Booking policy – Once you win the bid, understand all you need to do in order to book your trip (i.e. blackout dates, availability, etc.)