Budget Travel: Tips on Saving on Lodging

Booking a hotel room might be the easiest accommodation to book for your trip, but it's rarely the most economical.  Considering that most families spend 1/3 to half of their trip cost on accommodation.  This is one area that you could save big.

Think outside of hotels for accommodations.

Book a house or condo directly from the owner on sites like Homeaway.com, vrbo.com, or book a timeshare rental from Redweek.com or Disboards (Disney Timeshares)

It may take a little more effort and back and forth communication, but your per night costs are usually significantly lower than staying at a hotel.  Even if you pay the same price, you forgo maid service in exchange for more room and kitchen facilities.  Kitchen facilities allow you to save big time on eating out and you’ll have space to stretch out.

“We got an entire house 15 minutes from Disney in a gated community for $80 (including taxes, fees, etc) in peak season by booking a rental directly”

– Superoo Mamacheaps.  Check out her budget tips from a recent trip to Disney.

“We saved over 50% doing this and stayed in the brand new Bay Lake Towers last year right near to Magic Kingdom.”

-    Superoo Meb123

Going to a big city? Look into renting a unit at a luxury apartment.  If you know someone living in one, you can ask them to check into it for you.  Otherwise, call the leasing office and they will sometimes rent out their guest  unit at a significant savings from a equally luxurious hotel. 

“Chicago's modern apartment complexes. Many of them offer rooms for rent for guests of residents and much better prices than hotels. For example, Streeter Place near Navy Pier is one of the premier modern apartment complexes just off the Mag Mile. They offer 2 bedroom suites with full kitchen for far far less than you'd pay a dumpy hotel for. The full kitchen will allow you to save on meals and you can enjoy all the great amenities while you stay, including outdoor pool, full gym, hot tub, sauna, pool tables, free wi-fi and business center. “

-    minnemom

Photo by: flickr/sweetviscape

Save more than 1/3 of your vacation costs by doing a Home Exchange

By exchanging your home, you basically get accommodations for free.  If you’re flying, you might even be able to work out a car exchange and save on that.  When you exchange with a family, you get the added benefit of not having to lug around toys and other kid gear.  It may  a little time to warm up to the idea, but everyone I know who’s done it raves about the experience. 

“We've had a great time meeting new families and living in absolutely lovely homes by participating in home exchanges. In addition to great vacation memories, we also have lifelong friends as a result.”

- Cavaletta, Superoo and Destination Guroo for Southern Florida

Sign up for deals from a resorts and hotels you’ve got your eye on

“I have found some of my very best deals right through the resorts themselves. If you have an eye on a place and have a little flexibility, be sure to sign up for their newsletters. Some have special newsletters for called a Last Minute Club. When hotels/resorts get a last minute cancellation, they spread the savings on to you. Sometimes they offer things like "one day sales" for their loyal customers as well and you can snag a great rate.”

- BAT

Photo by: Flickr/Discount Vacation Rentals Online

More on Budget Travel: Family Vacation on a Shoestring

• Budget Travel: Tips for Saving on Attractions and Activiites
• Budget Travel: Tips for Saving on Meals

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LiLing Pang (TravelPangs) is co-founder and contributing author on Trekaroo - - a reviews website dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.

Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA