1. in big cities: rent weekly apartments
Suppose you're dreaming of a family stay in London, maybe tacked onto a business trip... Hotel prices can be a rude awakening.
Instead, check Affordable London Apartments, or London Short Lets. Barclayweb offers serviced apartment/villa/cottages in many countries. Check the Family Travelers' Corner at their Web site.
Not only do these apartments cost less than hotels, you'll also save money by eating snacks and meals in your own kitchen (especially in a city like London, where even McDonald's ain't cheap.) Paris, Venice, New York-- same advice holds.
Furthermore, renting one place for a week means that you have a home base: young kids will feel anchored, and you can plan great day-trips.
2. in Europe: stay at hostels
The world is ever-changing, and hostels are no exception. Many people still think of hostels as dormitory-style rooms filled with backpackers...
Instead, many hostels now have private rooms for families. Read What are Hostels? to find out more.
Generally, you can expect to find a pretty spartan room with bunk beds-- but it is a private room, only for your family. Sometimes bathrooms are attached to your room; other times they're shared, but even in such cases you'll find the bathrooms close by, and clean.
Another plus, in addition to budget pricing, is that many hostels are located in centuries-old character buildings.
Often, breakfast is included with your room price and can be a friendly meal with other guests. (See photo above: Big mugs of hot chocolate, at this centuries-old stone building in Cortona, now a hostel.) Sometimes dinners are available, too.
Continue to more budget strategies:
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Page 2, Budget Travel Ideas
:
rent a vacation home
directly from the owner; share with another family; house swap; rent out your house. - Page 3, Budget Travel Ideasstay with local hosts; do a home-stay with a local family; try a volunteer vacation.
