With travel costs dropping way down from their impossible heights during the past several years, now’s a great time for savvy seniors to do some homework. Turn on your computer and phone to get the very best possible bargains for springtime getaways. Forget list price, rack price, posted price, Vincent Price, deep discounts and last-minute deals. Go in with eyes and ears open for bargains and grab ‘em while they last.

If you’re a travel traditionalist and still trust your trusty neighborhood travel agent, you can still take advantage of all the deals. Not to slam your old pal who booked your first cruise in 1955, but just know that agents must add another 10 to 15 percent onto the price for their commissions. Of course, anything you order online is also geared to pay the internet agency similar percentages. In some cases, if you call the cruise line, airline or hotel chain directly, you may get prices lower than those quoted by agencies. But not always, so keep clicking on your computer.

Some of the more productive and cooperative websites include:

TRAVEL55PLUS.COM is not a travel agency, but lists all of the current offerings and bargains from other resources. We also post real-life stories from seniors who tell you about their travel experiences, good and bad. Come back to this new site and visit with us often. You’ll find interesting articles, how-to suggestions, our you ask-we answer column and the latest information and bargains about senior travel.

Hotwire.com is one of the most recognizable and successful online travel website, and the heaviest advertiser. It offers all kinds of travel deals and bidding opportunities, including cruises, city excursions, vacations, senior specials and just about everything else.

Expedia.com is another biggie in the internet travel planning and marketing field. The popular website offers everything, from the complete vacation experience to flights, hotel deals, cruises and scores of other services.

Travelocity.com. is also a big name in internet travel and price bidding, and friends who’ve had experience with travelocity say it comes through with great deals, discounts and customer reward programs. Next time you think of taking off, take a look at their busy website.

Orbitz.com is another biggie in the internet travel planning and marketing field. The popular website offers everything, from the complete vacation experience to flights, hotel deals, cruises and scores of other services.

In the highly competitive senior travel industry, take advantage of this year’s lower prices and other bargains. Unless you need a last-minute deal, take the time to shop around before you commit to a trip.