The vacation budget is often gone faster than the suitcases are packed: a family room, breakfast for four, parking, tourist tax – and suddenly the accommodation alone costs more than the journey. That's exactly why many are looking for affordable accommodation options for families. Not because they want to forgo a nice vacation, but because they prefer spending money on shared experiences rather than on a too-small hotel room.
We prefer to travel as a family in a way that makes everyday life on the road easier: with our own kitchen, space to play, and without constantly watching the restaurant bill. After several trips with children, it's clear to me: inexpensive doesn't automatically mean uncomfortable. You just have to look differently than you would for a classic hotel booking.
Why hotels are often the expensive standard solution for families
A hotel can be a wonderful option, especially for a short city break or when you want to consciously treat yourselves. However, it quickly becomes impractical with small children. One room for everyone often means: lights out early, hardly any storage space, no quiet coffee in the morning, and spending evenings in the bathroom while the children sleep.
On top of that is the price. Family rooms are limited in availability and particularly expensive during holiday seasons. Two rooms then often become the only realistic option – or an additional charge that turns a supposed bargain into a very costly week.
With alternative accommodations, the overnight price isn't the only thing that counts. Also factor in the kitchen, washing machine, separate sleeping arrangements, parking, and location. An apartment slightly outside the old town can ultimately be cheaper than a central hotel if you make your own breakfast and don't have to eat out every evening.
Apartment Exchange: The Strongest Alternative for Families
My personal favorite is apartment exchange. The idea might sound grand at first: strangers stay in our home while we sleep in theirs. In practice, it's surprisingly uncomplicated – and especially pleasant for families.
Instead of an anonymous room, you get a real home away from home. Usually, there are children's rooms, toys, a fully equipped kitchen, and often even bicycles, a garden, or tips from people who really know the area. This isn't a luxury you pay extra for. It's simply part of the host family's everyday life.
On platforms like HomeExchange, you either swap directly simultaneously or collect points when guests stay at your place. You can then use these points for your own future travels. This way, you don't necessarily have to swap with the exact same family at the same time. For us, this was the moment when home exchange went from a nice idea to a real travel hack.
Of course, it requires some trust and preparation. Good photos, an honest profile, and clear agreements are important. We always discuss beforehand how many people are coming, if there are any allergies, which rooms will remain private, and what's important to us in daily life. This doesn't feel like bureaucracy, but rather a friendly introduction before the trip.
The biggest advantage remains: accommodation costs lose their terror. Especially for two weeks of summer vacation or a Travel to expensive regions This can make a difference of several hundred or even thousands of euros.
Rent a vacation apartment: Flexible, but look closely
A rental vacation apartment is the most obvious alternative to a hotel. It's a good fit if you have specific travel dates, can't offer your own home for a swap, or want to try out for the first time how relaxing a vacation with a kitchen and multiple rooms can be.
For families, it's worth looking beyond just the nightly rate. Some apartments may seem inexpensive at first, but then charge high fees for final cleaning, bed linen, towels, or a hefty service charge. This is particularly noticeable for a one-night stay. For ten days, fixed costs tend to be more spread out.
Also pay attention to the description: Are there really two separate sleeping areas? Is a crib available or only upon request? Is the apartment located on a busy street? And how far is the nearest supermarket? A nice terrace is of little use if you have to drive twenty minutes to the bakery every morning.
If you outside of school holidays When you can travel, vacation apartments are often a real bargain. However, during the long summer holidays, they are not automatically cheaper than a hotel in popular regions. In that case, the amenities often decide: more space and self-catering can still justify the higher price.
Camping, Mobile Homes, and Glamping: Lots of Freedom for Little Money
Camping is no longer just for families with their own gear and a preference for raincoats. Many campgrounds offer mobile homes, small cabins, or safari tents. This is a good solution if you want to be outdoors but don't want to set up a tent every evening.
Children quickly make friends at a good campsite. Playgrounds, a swimming pool, short distances, and a relaxed atmosphere take the pressure off everyday vacation life. Parents benefit from the fact that no one has to show up for breakfast all primped and preened, and a sandbox is sometimes more exciting than any entertainment program.
The catch: During peak season, popular campsites can become expensive. Factor in additional costs for bedding, air conditioning, dogs, tourist tax, and sometimes even final cleaning. However, a two-bedroom mobile home is often cheaper than a family hotel – especially if you cook for yourselves.
Youth hostels and family hostels: Short, central, uncomplicated
For a weekend trip to Hamburg, Munich, or Vienna, I wouldn't dismiss youth hostels too quickly. Many places today have family rooms, modern common areas, and a breakfast that makes the morning considerably easier. Especially for city breaks, you save money on these compared to central hotels.
However, the comfort varies. Some houses are quiet and well-organized, while others have more of a school trip vibe. If you're traveling with a baby or need absolute quiet after long days of excursions, you should carefully check reviews and room locations. It can be perfect for two nights, but probably not for two weeks.
House or pet sitting: Cheap, but not always easy to plan
When house or pet sitting, you look after a home and often animals while the owners are away. In return, you usually stay for free. For families who love animals, this can be a particularly nice way to get to know a place: walking the dog in the morning, reading in the garden in the afternoon, and not living like typical tourists.
However, this option requires reliability. A dog needs to go out even in the rain, a cat needs routine, and spontaneous day trips aren't always possible. With older children who like animals, this can be wonderful. With a very full travel schedule or young children who still need a lot of care, I would only choose it if the tasks are truly manageable.
This is how you find accommodation that really suits your family.
Before you compare offers, decide on your priorities. Do you primarily want to save money, have a lot of space, live centrally, or have as little organization as possible? You rarely get everything at once. Those who want to live at the gondola in the mountains usually pay more. Those who accept a ten-minute commute often get a larger apartment, a parking space, and a balcony.
For us, a simple calculation works well: What is the total cost of the accommodation, and what expenses does it save us? A kitchen reduces breakfast and dinner costs. A washing machine means less baggage. Two bedrooms can sometimes save the whole family's sleep. Things like these don't appear prominently in a price comparison engine, but they influence the trip more than a fancy hotel photo.
Also, plan not to skimp on this. The cheapest accommodation is useless if you still have to organize keys for an hour upon arrival or if the nearest shop is closed. Especially with children, a straightforward start is worth its weight in gold.
Those who are open to home swapping often discover more than just a way to save money. You live in real neighborhoods, get recommendations for the best playground around the corner, and quickly realize that traveling can feel less like constant organization and more like arriving. That's exactly what makes a family trip worthwhile in the end – not the most expensive address, but enough space for shared days that can be relaxed.
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On my travel blog Wandernotizen I'll take you along on our family trips around the globe. Between wanderlust and everyday chaos, you'll find honest travel reports, tips, and plenty of material to ignite your wanderlust. 🧭 ❤️ 🏝️