If you're traveling with family or several friends, there's one way to go that is not only better than staying in a chain hotel, it's cheaper too. No matter where you're going, if you're staying in one spot for a few days, it can pay to look into renting a house.
Renting a house lets you live like the locals do and lets you immerse yourself completely into the local lifestyle. Look for one that's close to shops, restaurants, the farmer's market. As a bonus, renting a house can be much cheaper than renting several hotel rooms to accommodate your group. Look for websites specifically geared toward vacation rentals (like homeaway.com), or check Craigslist in your destination town. Want to save even more and share the experience? Consider home swapping!
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That kitchen. WAAAAAAANT!
Me TOO!
Also check out VRBO.com, they have global rentals also.
What color would you call that shade of teal? I would LOVE to add that color to my home.
we always do this in Europe and it rules. SO much fun to have your own apartment and always cheaper too.
My family did this when my cousin was having a wedding on the opposite coast :p
Along with all of my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and some friends, we rented a 12 bedroom 4 story house (more like a mansion!) right on the beach. (Imagine the trip to be like the family in Home Alone, except three times the size, and more fun!) It was cheaper per family than a hotel, and it was THE best family vacation I think any of us had been on. Totally worth it!
LOVE the blue! should have been in the article for blue kitchens a few weeks ago
Another good site is: http://www.vacationhomerentals.com/
There are homes all around the world.
Unfortunately, you can't sort based on what you are looking for (ie-number of bedrooms or price) but it is well worth taking the time out.
@horsegal148, I'd call that blue aqua. It was very popular in the 50's. The photo is charmingly anachronistic.
I love airbnb.com for this sort of thing -- have rented apartments and houses with friends (and studios for myself) in various states, and have always gotten amazing spaces for next-to-nothing prices.
airbnb.com is the very best. No other serive can beat, seriously. And, I agree, I love renting an apartment so much more than stating at hotels. I love checking out local markets&grocery shops and it's painful not to have a kitchen back at where I stay.
We have really loved renting a house where we travel, especially with our young kids. They get that homey feeling and it's so nice for nap time (no maid-service coming a-knocking). You save lots on breakfast and other meals if you're so inclined. We have used VRBO successfully before and we're trying airbnb for the first time this fall.
I want that kitchen!
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There are a million good reasons to rent a place instead of stay in a hotel, particularly when travelling with kids. Thanks for this good post!
first got in this habit when the kids were young. makes for a much more relaxing and inexpensive stay overall, IMO.
AirBNB is another site too.
We do cloth diapers and this is the best way to accommodate a family and have kitchen and washing facilities guaranteed