(AP) -- Staying in great, comfortable lodgings while on a summer vacation doesn't necessarily mean that you have to spend a lot of money.
There are plenty of options, but you may have to compromise on travel dates and on how far from the action you want to be. For example, it may be a good idea to avoid such holidays as July 4th, when hotels in popular destinations hike up rates. Also, don't disregard such alternatives as apartment- or house-swapping. Of course, if you live in rural Ohio, you may be hard pressed to have someone switch with you.
Above all, be aggressive -- and creative, says Nancy Dunnan, editor and publisher of TravelSmart, considered the nation's oldest consumer travel newsletter.
"Discounts do not just apply to low-end hotels. They are available throughout the industry," she said. "It is important to be an active traveler, not a passive traveler."
She added, "You should not accept the original room price. Ask for a special discount."
Check out discounted hotel and air prices to Hawaii at Travel-Hawaii.com
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