Traveling with your family doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when it comes to where you stay. Accommodation is often the biggest expense on a family trip, but with the right strategies, you can enjoy safe, comfortable places without spending a fortune.
Here are the best family travel tips for saving money on accommodation without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Choose Vacation Rentals Over Hotels
Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com offer:
- More space for less money
- Full kitchens (so you can save by cooking meals)
- Laundry facilities
- Family-friendly amenities (cribs, toys, Wi-Fi)
Plus, renting an apartment or home often feels more comfortable than squeezing into a small hotel room with kids.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
If you can avoid school holidays or peak tourist times:
- Prices for family accommodations drop significantly
- There’s more availability, meaning more options to compare
- Hosts and hotels may offer better deals or discounts
Tip: Consider traveling mid-week instead of weekends for even more savings.
Use Discount Sites and Cashback Apps
To save even more, compare prices using:
- Aggregators like Trivago, Kayak, or Google Hotels
- Coupon & cashback tools like Honey, Rakuten, or Capital One Shopping
- Travel rewards programs from hotel chains or booking platforms
You’d be surprised how often a quick search turns up an instant 10–20% discount.
Book Accommodations with Free Extras
Some family-friendly stays include:
- Free breakfast
- Free parking
- Free kids’ meals
- Complimentary cribs or extra beds
These perks save you real money, especially on longer stays with larger families.
Join Loyalty Programs and Collect Points
Even if you don’t travel often, sign up for:
- Hotel loyalty programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, etc.)
- Booking platforms that offer points or member-only rates
- Credit cards with travel rewards if you’re a frequent flyer
Loyalty perks can include free nights, upgrades, and discounts — perfect for families on a budget.
Consider House Swapping or Homestays
For adventurous families, try:
- HomeExchange.com
- TrustedHousesitters.com
- Couchsurfing.com (with caution and research)
These platforms allow you to stay in a local’s home, sometimes for free, in exchange for your own home or services like pet sitting.
Compare Nearby Neighborhoods
Staying a few blocks (or even miles) away from tourist hotspots can slash prices. Look for:
- Safe neighborhoods with good public transportation
- Areas with parks, family-friendly restaurants, and grocery stores
You may get larger spaces at a much lower cost just by widening your search area.
Final Thoughts: Smart Stays for Smart Families
Saving money on family accommodation doesn’t mean settling for less. With smart planning and a few hacks, you can enjoy comfortable, family-friendly lodging on any budget. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or the whole extended family, these tips will help you stretch your vacation dollars further — and make room for more adventure.
💬 What’s Your Favorite Way to Save on Family Travel?
Share your go-to tips in the comments!👇
