I always say that you have to ask the right questions to get the right answers. In this case, that means looking for very specific information when booking accommodations that could potentially save you time, money, and effort during your actual trip. Before you lock in, here are five questions every traveler should ask.

1. Is the hotel in a safe, walkable area?

Since I’m often by myself, one of the first things I often consider when looking for a hotel is how safe and comfortable i’ll be coming and going. I need to know that there will always be other people coming and going and that the entrance is on a main street rather than an alley or dimly lit area. I always research the neighborhood i’ll be in by viewing maps, checking customer reviews, and exploring the location on the hotel’s official website or a site like Expedia.

2. How much is the incidental fee or security deposit per night?

A hidden cost people often overlook is the incidental hold charged at check-in. This temporary fee is meant to cover damages in the event you destroy hotel property during your stay. This fee can range from a flat rate of $25 for the entire stay or hundreds of dollars per night depending on the property. That money is tied up on your card, so it’s important to know how much it will be and to make sure you have room on a credit card for this fee to be temporarily held up.

3. What amenities do I actually need, and what’s just nice to have?

Hotels sell you on things like rooftop pools and access to day parties—all the fun and exciting things. Those amenities are great, but you also should consider what you actually need for your trip. If you work remotely like I do, you’ll need fast Wi-Fi. Are you a gym that can’t break your routine? You may want to check that the gym is 24/7 and has the equipment you need. Maybe give some thought to whether you’d like daily complimentary breakfast, room cleaning services, or access to TV streaming service. Prioritize whichever amenities will make your stay feel like home and allow you to keep some semblance of order and normalcy. Skip all the fluffy stuff that you probably won’t use.

4. How close is it to the things on my itinerary?

No one wants to spend half their trip in traffic, and you also don’t want to spend $100 to Uber every time you leave the hotel. Before you book your hotel, map out the attractions and restaurants on your itinerary to see how close they are to your hotel and to each other. It might seem like you’re getting a deal on a hotel, but transportation may end up costing you more than what you planned to spend.

5. What’s the hotel’s cancellation and refund policy?

Life happens. Your flight may be delay, the weather could be bad, you might unexpectedly go through a breakup with the person you planned to travel with. You never know. You should make sure you’re aware of the hotel’s cancellation terms, which can be different place to place. I look for options like Expedia’s reserve now and pay later or places with flexible rates and policies that allow free changes or refunds within a certain window. On this note, depending on the logistics of your stay, it’s always worth considering travel insurance that will cover the cost of a cancelled trip for certain legitimate reasons.

When I travel, I usually spend more time out and about than I do at my hotel, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want it to be nice and convenient. Hotels are just as much part of the travel experience as all of the fun activities on your itinerary. Asking these questions can help you find a sweet spot that’s safe, comfortable and has everything you need.

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