Are you traveling in the United States, and looking for inexpensive accommodations? Here's a tip that we often use while traveling. We have a 5-year old daughter, and it is a good idea for us to find places to stay with yards, and in good neighborhoods.

When we have a destination in mind, I locate a university in the town that we're headed to. I look on their website for housing resources. Often, they will have a section for short-term housing. I peruse the offerings, see what is a good fit for us, and send out emails to the advertisers.

We traveled to a wedding in Minneapolis last summer. On the University of Minnesota's University Housing website, there were 11 options that fit our requirements. I emailed with them, and we settled on a lovely home near Lake Calhoun. The house was owned by a personable couple, and we had the use of a suite of rooms, wireless internet, laundry facilities, the yard, and daily breakfast (which was delicious!). All this for $225 a week. We had several rooms, a yard, a lovely neighborhood (with Turtle Bread and two lakes within walking distance) - perfect for traveling with a child.

See what you can find for alternative housing at university websites- you're sure to be surprised by the offerings!

Also, please see our review of MBT Shoes.