Getting good rates for lodging in the US

Here are a few tips to getting better rates than the published ones:

• Be a member of AAA to get good rates (often similar to AARP rates).
• Check the rates online, because sometimes there are promos (with AAA or online rates) that the front desk doesn't tell you about. For example, you might be able to get some discount coupons towards lunch.
• Ask for the "lowest available rates," not the "best available rates." They sound the same to us, but they do split hairs and give you different rates.
• Be nice to the hotel staff. (There are front desk equivalents to spitting at your food.)

Group lodging

If you are traveling with a few other people, you might get better deals by renting an entire house or a section of a house. There are sites like VRBO and Vacation Home Rentals. 

Alternative lodgings

Well, there's the usual youth hostel, but if you're not up for cramming with other people, some hostels have "upgrade" versions where you can rent a private room (and a shared a bathroom). 

Or you can try AirBnB, which lists rooms that are being rented out by home owners. It can be fantastic for very expensive places like San Francisco. Read the reviews before you book. The rooms can be a private in-law/studio, a bedroom, or just a sofa to crash in. In general, you have access to the kitchen (verify with the owner), so you can keep your travel costs down by dining in. 

If you are traveling on your own and you have concerns about safety, perhaps consider the mainstream hotel route.