How To Find The Best Accommodations For Spring Break

Holiday lights, snow covered hills and nights cozied up by the fireplace, there’s only one thing on everyone’s mind. SPRING BREAK. Okay, so maybe not, but it should be! As we head into the new year, now is the best time to score some major deals for spring time travel.

While the mature adult in me scowls remembering the 20 hour bus ride I used to take to Florida each year where we’d then spend a week in a partially abandoned hotel, I’ve stepped up my game. Recently, AirBnB has gotten all the hype for vacationing stays near and far. And while you can score some awesome deals on this home/apartment/cottage/couch-sharing app, it’s not available everywhere. Here are some of my favorite resources when you want to stay at a place that feels like home, no matter how far away.

HomeAway
This vacation rental marketplace is perfect for when you want more than a place to sleep and shower with a larger crowd. Allowing users to rent out their homes, cabins, condos, etc., HomeAway has accommodations in unique and exciting places across the globe tailored to your budget. As a part of a twosome, this has been our best resource when we travel with other couples, especially when we’d rather not share bathrooms but enjoy having a common living space outside of the bedrooms. Instead of purchasing separate hotel rooms, we can find the residence that fits our particular needs. Many rentals also include the perk of the overall unit itself, such as a gym or pool to use at your leisure!

VRBO
As part of the HomeAway family, VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) allows you to view rental options without needing specific dates. If you’re lucky enough to have a flexible schedule, you can find beautiful locations in the off season for a fraction of the price. You can also communicate with the owner directly to strike a deal.

BedandBreakfasts.com
Looking for a quaint cottage over a noisy Motel 6? Since many search engines skip over these small town businesses and fail to advertise for them, BedandBreakfast.com opens you to all the local B&Bs in numerous areas. Not sure where you want to go? Sign up for their weekly Hot Deals email in your inbox to ignite your travel bug on a budget.

WorkAway
If you’re looking to stay for free, WorkAway is an amazing option that pairs you up with a job or need in exchange for boarding. Once you create a profile, WorkAway allows you to search for hosts who fit your need, and vice versa. Interested in exploring Costa Rica but can’t afford the steep prices? Register to volunteer at a hostel and receive all the perks just for donating some of your time. WorkAway also gives you the opportunity for longer stays to truly immerse yourself into a new culture.

Tripping
The Kayak of vacation rentals, Tripping allows you to compare millions of properties from the aforementioned sites. By establishing your price point beforehand, you’ll be shown only the rentals that fit your budget. Letting you compare prices from various sites will ensure you get the best price on your booking.

Where do you begin when looking for a place to stay when going on vacation?
While AirBnB used to be my go-to, I was having trouble finding cheaper options in obscure locations. Since we’re now planning a week in Key West, this tiny island had many more options on HomeAway and I could find a cozy condo right near all the action. It pays to research!

Stay up to date on Juliette’s adventures by following her on Instagram –julietteelise & twitter @JulietteElise_ !