We would never be able to travel as a family of 4 without the magical VRBO.

Vacation Rentals By Owner – Have you tried VRBO??

Think of any place in the World and VRBO has it covered. And in lots of Price Ranges.

The VRBO site is very easy to navigate.

Select the PLACE you want to visit…United States, Europe, Caribbean, Anywhere.

Scroll through the Choices…by Price, Number of Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Availability.

Carefully read all the information. And the reviews. And gaze at the photos.

Pick One that fits all your Needs.

Contact the Owner by Email or Phone. Negotiate the deal. Done.

It’s that simple.

We have traveled far and wide using VRBO. But, like anything, it’s not for Everyone. If you’re looking for a hotel experience with turn-down service…VRBO is probably not for you. If you’re in need of a bed-just-for-the-night…nope…skip VRBO. Maybe Travelocity or Hotels.Com.

If you’re looking for a Living-At-Home Experience when you’re Far-From-Home…Hooray…Go VRBO!!

Here are My 6 Tips for Family Travel on a Budget with VRBO

1. Rent a House.

A house for family travel is almost mandatory. A house gives you space to move around, a kitchen for cooking, bedrooms for sleeping, and laundry facilities. With a house, you don’t have to live out of a suitcase. Hang the clothes. Use the dressers. Make it feel a little like home when you’re far away. Before I book a vacation, I’m always looking on websites like rentalcloud.com for holiday rental ideas. I always find it so hard to choose where to stay but every property we’ve been to has been amazing. Not to mention, when you opt for vacation rentals such as this, you might feel that you are spending a lot, but in turn, it is the opposite where you save money on breakfasts and other meals of the day. Thus, booking something like Capitola vacation rentals (if you would want something near the beach in California!) or something similar could work in your favor and cut out a chunk from your expenditure!

2. Shop with the Locals at the Grocery Store.

Try the “native foods”. Take chances. Have fun.

Eating out every meal gets expensive real fast. And who really wants to get dressed for breakfast…right?!

Red Bell Peppers and Broccoli were exotic for this crowd.

3. Cook at Home.

Sure, you’re still cooking, but the whole family can be in the kitchen together making memories.

Cooking Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with pan-seared steak in the Caribbean.

4. Live like a Local.

Rent a car. Buy a bus pass. Take the subway. Walk. Ride bikes. Go to the museums. Meet the Locals. Try to speak the language. Become enamored with the neighborhood restaurants. Fly a kite.

5. Keep Tourist Sites to a Minimum.

Tourist sites are fun, but can be expensive.

One-hour pony ride on a Turks beach…Leader takes your photo…$110/person. $440 for family of 4

6. Pack Light.

Don’t burden your load. Do some laundry. Save room for the cool stuff you want to bring back.

Here are Some Memorable VRBO Trips that we’ve taken…See How it’s Worked for Us:

Turks & Caicos in the Caribbean!

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos 2 Bed/2 Bath Home From $110/night

VRBO Listing #584346

All-Inclusive Resort in the Turks averages $1,000/night. 6 night stay $6,000. Our 6-night stay $1,300.

Our House in the Dunes. Our view from the House looking out to the Atlantic.

Caribbean Adventure – Jamaica!

Jamaica Runaway Bay 3 Bed/4 Bath From $157/night 3 night minimum

VRBO Listing #127959

Private Villa in the Caribbean. Included in the price are Meals prepared by a Personal Cook, a Driver for airport shuttles and tours, and a Groundskeeper.

Sea Rose Villa, Runaway Bay Jamaica House

Entry and Sitting Room.

Master Bedroom with En Suite

London!

London Edwardian Townhouse 2 Bed/1.5 Bath From $389/night 6-night minimum

VRBO Listing #173394

In Central London – close to Paddington Station and Abbey Road

The Townhouse – Street Level – Entrance to the Right.

Two Happy, but Tired Travelers after a 10 hour Flight…at the Front Door of the Townhouse.

Formal Sitting Room

Kitchen with Washer/Dryer and the best Electric Tea Kettle…Teatime was great.

Northern California!

Bolinas, California 3 Bed/2 Bath From $400/night 2-night minimum

VRBO Listing #56744

Stunning views overlooking the Pacific, Northern California…on the Bluff.

Living Room and Dining Room – wall of windows and the Pacific

BOSTON!

1 Bed/1 Bath Sleeps 4 From $100/night

VRBO Listing #7062848ha

Lovely Brownstone in the Fort Hill section of Boston.

Sunny Kitchen – Huge Island

The neighborhood.

Remember – Family Vacations are to Breathe, Relax, Enjoy the Adventure…

and all the Silly MAGIC…TOGETHER.