Chicago is a terrific place to visit-especially in the summer while it’s warm and the lakefront is full of activities. But, it can also be an expensive destination. Inevitably, there will be cab rides to pay for and meals to buy. One way to enjoy Chicago without the sting of a high credit card bill, is to find low cost accomodation. Save your money for that game at Wrigley Field or to attend a taping of Oprah, and book a cheap hotel.

Here are some budget hotels to choose from:

1. Arlington House: This is a great option for its cheap rooms and terrific location. It has clean rooms  and is located in a convenient neighborhood, right next to Lincoln Park. This could save you a lot on cab fare!

2. Sheffield House: Again, nothing fancy. But, the rooms are clean and you are two blocks from Wrigley Field. You can actually hear that “swing, batta batta, swing”!

3. Heart of Chicago Motel: This is an old staple for cheap and dependable lodging. It has free wireless and free breakfast (can you really ask for more) and is located in one of Chicago’s old stately neighborhoods. You can walk about at night and pretend you live in one of the million dollar homes.

Chicago has plenaty of cheap accomodation options if you are willing to forgo some luxuries. Saving money on your hotel will free up some cash for all the great sights and scenes that Chicago has to offer. So, what are you waiting for?

Thanks to Dan Taylor for hotel bed picture!

Nothing beats a weekend in California’s wine country for romance and relaxation-that is, unless you are worried about the second mortgage you took on your house in order to finance the trip! It is true that it is easy to part with money here. However, it is also entirely possible to spend a weekend in wine country that doesn’t take a bite out of your check book–only a nibble. This starts with finding a cheap hotel!

My suggestion would be to stray a little more north of the highly frequented Napa and Sonoma valleys. Drive a little further and you will enter the Russian River Valley and Dry Creek Valley area with small towns such as Healdsburg and Guerneville. Here, you have many more economical options. Here are several I found on UpTake.

1. Creekside Inn in Guerneville. They have charming cottages that are good for one couple to a small group. You can easily get a two bedroom with a kitchen for around $175 a night. Split between friends or couples, this is a terrific price, especially if you consider how much you will save cooking in a kitchen versus forking over a lot of cash at a pricey restaurant.

2. L&M Motel in Healdsburg. Not precisely a hotel, but, worth mentioning here. The rooms start under $100 and while basic, are very clean and comfortable. The staff is friendly and you can walk the few short blocks to the main plaza in town. They are pet friendly as well, so can save you the cost of boarding your furry friend.

3. Amerisuites in Healdsburg. Again, no frills-but it has a great location and a terrific price. Save your money for a vineyard tour.

These cheap accommodations will help you plan a more price conscious trip. I have found that the winding back country roads in this area are filled with small, family owned wineries that have a unique feel and tasty wines . Plus, these vineyards are far less likely to charge high prices for tastings-which is an easy way to spend a lot of money. What you save on paying for tastings you can make up for in actual bottles of wine! Here is a good California Wine Guide that will make it easier to narrow down which wineries to visit.

The true splendor of wine country is also it’s beautiful setting. It does something for the soul to gaze at the rolling gold hillsides supporting bountiful vineyards and gnarled stately oak trees. The best part about this: the views are free!

Thanks to Rdesai for the vineyard picture.