Photo: M. Newby
One of the biggest expenses when you vacation can be your lodging. Getting creative with where you stay can not only save you money, but also give you a chance to see sights off the beaten tourist path. While staying in a hotel or resort is an obvious choice there are other options that might save you money, not only on your lodging but on other aspects of your trip, like meals.
Hotels
Hotels are a proven choice for vacationing and there are loads of websites out there to help you find deals. Dealbase, Travelocity, and Expedia are some of the large sites that let you search for hotels rooms by city. Make sure you check the hotel’s own website too, because sometime deals are posted there. If your plans are last minute, try Priceline and Hotwire. We used Priceline for a trip to New York City and ended up staying at the Waldorf Astoria for less than $100 per night.
It’s also worth a call directly to the hotel. Managers have flexibility with giving deals and upgrades. If you’re a loyalty program member, make sure to mention that both when you book the room and when you check in.
Bed and Breakfasts
When I think Bed and Breakfast, I think an adult only, romantic weekend escape. Bed and Breakfasts also offer options for families. Although some have stipulations that they prefer only adult guests, many welcome families and children. BNBFinder.com allows you to select ‘family vacations’ as a search criteria. Bedandbreakfast.com also lists thousands of bed and breakfasts, but it’s not as easy to search for ones that are family friendly. Bed and Breakfast owners are often very familiar with the surrounding area. Ask them for advice on what to see, where to eat, family friendly activities, and local deals.
Hostels
I'll admit, when I first think of hostels, I think backpacking through Europe, sleeping on bunk beds, and communal bathrooms and showers. Some modern hostels now cater to families, with larger sleeping quarters and in-room bathrooms available. Hostel Bookers and Hostelling International and Hostelworld.com offer extensive lists of hostels throughout the world. Read reviews carefully to make sure the hostel is a family friendly destination. Many hostels offer kitchen facilities, allowing you to do your own cooking and save money on meals.
Vacation Homes
If your travel plans include staying in one place for several days, consider renting a vacation home or condo. Most likely your rental with include a full kitchen, allowing you to buy groceries and eat meals in. It will also probably be larger than a hotel room. Most rentals do not include daily service as you would get at a hotel, so if the thought of making your own bed or not getting clean towels each morning makes you feel less like you're on vacation, consider a different option.
Several websites offer listings of vacation home and condo rentals. Some are listed by the home's owner. Some are managed by property management groups. Make sure you read any contracts, understand down payments and cancellation charges, and discuss details like smoking and pets.
Discover Vacation Homes is run by the Vacation Rental Managers Association. It offers extensive property listings along with advice on how to go about renting a property and and testimonials from past guests. Newcomer Viscape lists both rentals and vacation homes for sale. If you are suddenly hit with the urge to go on vacation, and like getting last minute deals, check out Next Week Vacations. This site lists deep discounts on properties that have openings from the next four weeks.
Other options
The website Servas connects travelers with local residents who have agreed to open their home for a night or two. You are given lodging and possibly the evening meal as a guest of the host. You are also given the opportunity to see your destination city more intimately by learning about the city from a somebody who lives there. The company interviews travelers and hosts and has other safety precautions in place, but do your own research and due diligence and weigh the risks and benefits of staying in a personal home.
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