We’re back again with more of our unique travel hacks!

For past travel hacks, see Part One of this column here and Part Two here and Part Three here and Part Four here and Part Five here and Park Six here.

• Looking for interesting, affordable lodging, often in prime, historic areas? Consider monasteries, which are still out there keeping the centuries-old tradition of hospitality alive. But remember: while monasteries exist to welcome the weary traveler, this is not a “the customer is always right” type of situation. Monastery stays have traditionally been offered as a courtesy to travelers. Keep your expectations in check, pay more if you can afford it, and don’t expect the monastery staff to cater to your every whim. In short, don’t be an entitled a**hole, ruining the wonderful monastery experience for the rest of us.

• And on the subject of monasteries, the above link should be just the starting point for your search. Most monasteries are not technologically savvy (which is part of what makes them so wonderful: they’re set apart from the typical tourist experience). The greater point is, to find the truly great monasteries — not to mention convents and other religious lodging — you’ll probably have to do your own research in the locations you’re planning to travel. And no, you don’t have to be religious to stay in these places, but you do have to respect religious traditions. Again, don’t be an a**hole.

• Also check for lodging at the local university.

• Tired of paying for that expensive VPN? Your anti-virus software — Norton or McAfee — now includes a VPN that is probably good and consistent enough for your security needs, including using it for your streaming services overseas.