With proper planning and a little homework you can save hundreds of dollars on your next trip by staying at Military lodging. For example, on a recent trip to Pensacola, Florida, I got a very nice room in a practically brand new on-base billeting facility for only $29 a night. It cost me less to stay two nights in billeting than it would have cost to stay one night off-base, which runs about $90 a night.

I have been using this system over the last 20 years or so and have saved hundreds if not thousands of dollars on lodging. In my opinion, lodging at Air Force billeting facilities sets the standard. Their room rates are usually the lowest and in most cases are the best overall. The Navy Lodge has decent digs but the price point is not much better than staying outside the gate.

So by now you are probably asking, “What’s the catch?” There really is no catch, but it helps to get familiar with the rules. In order to make military lodging work you are going to have to “retrain” your brain a bit. “No” does not always mean no anymore. Here are a few tips that will help get you headed in the right direction:

1. Call Ahead - Many billeting locations will take reservations in advance depending on the occupancy rating and your status (Active, Reserve, Retired etc.).

2. Get on Standby - If you are told there is “no room at the inn,” ask about their standby or space-a policy. Many locations will have you check back at 1800 after they are able to determine who did not check in that had reservations and how many unused rooms they have. Much of the time if you show up at 1800 you have a decent shot at getting a room. The front desk staff will usually give you an idea if you have a chance or not.

3. Pad Your Reservation - Don’t be shy about making a reservation for enough days. If you are not sure how many days you are staying (think space-a air travel) make sure you reserve enough days. You can always check out early if you don’t need to stay the entire reserved time.

Although this system is not bulletproof, it’s a good 90 percent solution that will net you better results than flying by the seat of your pants. On a recent stay at Scott Air Force Base, I was initially told they were full and would have no rooms available. Instead of just looking elsewhere I stuck with the rules (rule 2 actually), and had an Air Force Lodging key in my hand by 18:05.

Using these tips has helped me and countless others like me to stay in style and comfort while saving money by not paying the civilian off-base lodging rates. Remember, success is where preparation meets opportunity!

Find military-only travel deals, Space-Available travel info, discount travel offers, and more at Military.com's Travel Center.