Shannon,
I had no idea that prices sometimes modify based on the number of passengers. It of course doesn't surprise me at all given how crazy the airlines price tickets. Thanks to you and Shuji for that tip!

Shannon, the prices don't modify, The airline has a set number of seats available in each fare basis, and there are several fare basis' per class of service. If there are only two seats available in the lowest fare, but you have a party of four traveling, the system will show you the lowest fare that is available for all four passengers. This is common with all carriers.

Jonathan H. My rookie tip is to sign up for all the quarterly hotel promotions, even if you don't have travel plans. It's nicer to get a pleasant point surprise if you have a last minute trip, rather than not signing up because you don't have any plans, and missing out. Once you have travel plans use the hotel that gets you the most benefit that quarter. Many offer bonuses after multiple stays, other by number of nights. I rarely get many stays, but for work I tend to go for 2 or more weeks. I was very happy I signed up for Hilton's 4x promo when I stayed at a Homewood Suites for 4 weeks.

I'm a rookie too, but I'd like to share a tip. I'm searching for a better word than "complain," but don't be afraid to complain when you are not getting what you are paying for! Many budget-minded travelers often show up to their hotel/motel room and find hairdryers don't work, the tv doesn't work, outlets don't work, the toilet won't stop running, the air conditioning doesn't work, etc. I would guess most people chalk this up to "oh well, this is what I get for looking for the cheapest place to stay." Not true! Just because you aren't paying a ton doesn't mean you are not entitled to have a room with everything working as you expected it to when you booked. For example, I recently stayed at a Travelodge with no air conditioning (on a 90 degree Los Angeles day), broken tv, broken hairdryer, leaking shower, and an outlet that I thought was going to set my laptop on fire. After my disappointing stay, I emailed Travelodge and they not only refunded the price of my room, but offered to let me stay another time for free. Of course, complaining about stupid stuff like "the pillow wasn't fluffed enough" is being ridiculous, not frugal – but, if you have a truly disappointing stay and feel like you are not getting what you paid for, let the company know and give them the opportunity to make it right. – Leslie G.