Lodging for the budget traveler

Two coupon guides for hotels/motels have recently gone online. One is Roomsaver.com/ and the other is Travel Coupon Guide. We use these whenever possible and have been fortunate to find good accommodations at reasonable prices. These do include some of the more upscale properties, too. We like using the coupon guides since we know what we'll be paying.


Donna

The only problem with online coupons is it's a bit tough to use them spontaneously unless you have access to a printer.

True, but if you have an idea of where you might be staying, you can get online at home before you go. I printed up a few coupons for areas in which we are heading for - and then some a few miles in either direction (in case we fall short or go further than we expect).


Donna

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Originally Posted by HyundaiTripper

I've taken 2 long road trips in the past 2 years, and I've saved a LOT of money by getting rewards credit cards before the trip. For example, the Priority Club Visa (from Chase I think) gave us points for getting the card, and more points for using the card one time. We had enough points to stay free twice during our trip.
You must join the hotel rewards programs, which you can do for free on their web sites. Join all of them, and keep your ID number and password in your wallet on the trip. NEVER STAY AT A HOTEL WITHOUT JOINING THE REWARD PROGRAM. Even if you don't get a free night soon, you'll end up getting one later.
We did the same thing with another card for the next trip, and were able to stay at Comfort Suites free also. We used the cards for gas on our trips, which saved us from carrying hundreds of dollars, then we paid off the balance after our trip. Free stays, free credit, and no charges, can't beat that!

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Definitely agree with the always getting a rewards program whenever you go out and stay in a hotel. My credit card company has got agreements with some rewards programs so I can use the points I earned from my credit card towards a free night or two at a hotel that's part of their rewards program.

Great advice re credit card rewards points. I did that for a long time. But since its usefulness is predicated totally on the amount you spend on your credit cards, and that those cards come at considerable cost, you need to make sure your spending makes it worthwhile.

On my income and spending these days it would take years just to earn one night's accommodation. By then the fees on the card will be equivalent to many hotel stays. I now have a non-reward, fee free credit card.

Lifey

Hello, facts here have given me a great deal of ease in planning out my next vacation. I’d like to also share some of my resources to you guys, especially for those who wish to go to Hawaii during their next vacation, perhaps you can share your experiences and ideas. Thanks in advance.

In September Motel 6 started providing free WiFi for AARP members. Every M6 we stayed at during our big Fall trip honored this benefit. They are our first choice on the road, with Red Roof and the next choice.
-Pat

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Originally Posted by Pmount

In September Motel 6 started providing free WiFi for AARP members.

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Four days I was in a Motel 6 in Dubuque IA, last September. Free wifi was part of the deal. No membership of any organisation requested. It was the way it was advertised. Over the years, when I have stayed at a Motel 6, I have always had free wifi. It is the first thing I look for (that, and fridge/micro). I had it all for less than $60 (incl tax) per night.

Lifey

Hi Kathy, and Welcome to the Great American Roadtrip Forum.

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Originally Posted by kathycolmenero

Hello, facts here have given me a great deal of ease in planning out my next vacation. I’d like to also share some of my resources to you guys, especially for those who wish to go to Hawaii during their next vacation, perhaps you can share your experiences and ideas. Thanks in advance.

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So great to hear that you have benefited from the information found within these pages. Even better to hear you are willing to share your experiences. Check out the various forums, and see where the most appropriate place is to place your posts. Or simply respond to other folks' queries.

Lifey

Motel 6's wifi policies vary by property. Generally, company operated hotels charge for wifi and franchises offer it free.