Traveling and hotels go hand-in-hand; the hotel you stay in can make or break your trip. Whether it’s an expensive, prestigious property or a cheap hostel, your accommodation can affect everything from the ease of getting around to how much you spend on meals.

But how can you know what’s best for your budget? That’s where a little research goes a long way. Here are some tips for booking your next getaway without blowing your entire vacation fund.

When to book

Many factors can impact the price of a hotel, including seasonality and events in the area, so knowing the best time to book your room is crucial to ensuring you get the most bang for your buck. In fact, Hayley Berg, an economist with the travel site Hopper, says that booking well in advance is the key to getting the lowest rates.

Check-in tips

If you’re arriving before the hotel’s official check-in time, call ahead and ask politely if you can drop your bags. This is especially true if you’re traveling with kids. Some hotels are accommodating and will keep your luggage until you’re ready to check in, so you can start exploring while they take care of your stuff.

While post-pandemic “revenge travel” has peaked, business travelers are still taking trips to maintain relationships and build cultures that would have otherwise been satisfied by a day in the office, said Zach Demuth, global head of hotels research for JLL. He notes that hotels are repurposing ballrooms, suites and even guest rooms into conference spaces for business groups.