Americans spend a significant portion of their income on summer vacations. According to Isar Meitis, President at Last Minute Travel Club and a ten year veteran of the travel industry, studies show the average vacation expense per person in the United States is $1,145, or $4,580 for a family of four.

“Forty-three percent of all travel in the United States is now booked online, with leisure travelers frequently booking their own travel,” said Meitis, “and what they don’t know about booking online can cost them money.”

“Booking vacation travel has definitely become more do-it-yourself because of smart phones, tablets and travel apps,” said Meitis. “Knowledge is definitely power in booking through online travel agencies (OTAs).”

He cautions Do-It-Yourselfers against these five pitfalls:

Relying Upon Low Price Guarantees.

Assuming OTA Sites are Competitors.

Ignoring the Fine Print.

Forgetting to Use a Discount Club Membership.

Millions of Americans join retail discount clubs to gain access to member-only rates, and the same is true within the travel industry. Many of the best prices on travel are negotiated with the stipulation that they cannot be advertised. Consider joining a discount travel club to cut vacation travel costs. Last Minute Travel Club (JoinLMTClub.com) is currently offering an annual membership (normally $50) for $10 with a $15 coupon on the new member’s first hotel booking.

Limiting Lodging Choices.