Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when you’re travelling with kids. But with a few smart strategies, you can cut costs significantly without sacrificing comfort or safety. Whether you’re planning a city break, a beach escape, or a worldschooling adventure, here’s how to find great places to stay at family-friendly prices.
Compare Platforms—and Don't Stop at the First Rate
Start by checking popular booking platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, Agoda, and Hostelworld. Each may list the same property at different rates. Use comparison sites like Trivago or HotelsCombined to cross-check deals quickly. Contact directly the hotels if they don’t have their own websites.
Use Google Image Search to Find Better Deals
Here’s a clever hack: use Google’s reverse image search to see if the same accommodation is listed elsewhere.
Screenshot a photo from the listing (like the bedroom or kitchen).
Go to Google Images, click the camera icon, and upload the image.
You’ll find other sites where the same accommodation appears, sometimes at lower prices, or even a direct contact to book without platform fees.
Consider Last-Minute Deals
If you’re flexible and feeling adventurous, last-minute bookings can offer major discounts. On Booking.com, you’ll often find reduced rates within a few days of your stay, especially in big cities or tourist areas with lots of accommodation turnover.
Apps like HotelTonight are also worth checking for last-minute bargains.
Ask for Discounts on Airbnb
Many Airbnb hosts are open to offering a better price, especially for longer stays.
Message the host politely and ask if they can offer a discounted rate for your stay.
This works particularly well if you’re booking a week or more, or travelling during off-peak seasons.
You’d be surprised how often a friendly message can save you 10–30%.
In Bali, we once worked out a great deal by explaining we were nomads, not tourists. We stayed six weeks in a lovely hotel and paid just 600 euros for two rooms—a price we wouldn’t have seen listed online. You have nothing to lose by being honest about your situation and asking for a more affordable rate.
Book a Few Nights, Then Look Locally
This tip is especially useful in regions like Southeast Asia, Latin America, or Eastern Europe:
Book just 2–3 nights online to secure a base.
Once you’re there, walk around and check out other options.
You’ll often find better deals locally, and can inspect the room yourself before committing.
In Vietnam, we once booked an Airbnb in Hội An only to find out later that many similar houses were being rented locally for a third or even a quarter of the price. That’s when we realised how powerful on-the-ground research can be!
Use a VPN to Unlock Local Rates
Accommodation websites often show different prices depending on your location. Try using a VPN (Virtual Private Network, like NordVPN that we recommend) to change your virtual location and compare:
Prices from your home country
Prices from the country you’re travelling to
Prices from low-cost countries (like India or Indonesia)
You might spot significantly cheaper rates just by switching your location.
Consider House-Sitting or Home Exchanges
If your family travels long-term or slowly, consider house-sitting platforms like TrustedHousesitters or home exchange programs like HomeExchange. These allow you to stay in someone’s home for free (sometimes in exchange for caring for pets or plants), or swap homes with another family.
It’s an amazing way to live like a local and save on accommodation.
Think Outside the Hotel
Don’t forget to look at alternatives like:
Family hostels (many have private rooms)
Farm stays and eco-lodges
Cabins, tiny houses, or glamping sites
These options can be more affordable, unique, and memorable for kids!
Avoid Overly Touristy Neighbourhoods
Staying just outside the tourist zones can dramatically reduce your accommodation costs.
In Osaka, Japan, for example, you can stay in Nishinari Ward—a well-connected neighbourhood just a short train ride from the bustling centre. It is quieter, cheaper, and offers a more local experience. And no it is not a dangerous neighborhood, even the lowest part of Osaka is still ten times safer than most European or American cities
Often, a 10–15 minute commute can mean the difference between breaking the bank and staying well within budget.
Conclusion
Travelling with your family doesn’t have to break the bank. By using smart tools like Google Image Search and a VPN, asking for discounts, avoiding tourist traps, and staying flexible, you can keep accommodation costs low and focus on the adventure.You’re all set to plan your next getaway and book a flight. Happy travels!
