In case you haven't noticed, I'm a strong advocate of frequent hotel and frequent flyer programs. How else could I afford to hop the globe so frequently? That said, many people find it difficult to adhere to a frequent hotel program. Either the rates of the given hotels are too expensive, or the hotel chain lacks a sufficient number of properties in the desired destination.

Now, Hotels.com has an ideal solution. It's called the Welcome Rewards Program. All you need to do is book a hotel on hotels.com ten times a year. After your 10th stay, you get one night free! There are no restrictions or blackout dates. The only caveat: Your room must be more than $40 a night, which in this economy, is no challenge.

Go for it!