To want to travel cheaply with DD?

[GetYourRosariesOffMyOvaries]

Just wrapping up an amazing week away with DD(6) and already itching to book something else but I'm just not satisfied with a week a year. Is there any cheaper ways to explore the world with a young child (as a single mother)? Has anyone else found a way? Work is flexible but money is mediocre-definitely not enough for more than a week with DD and a cheap country weekend plus any non DD travel (city breaks with friends etc)
I do already prioritise breaks away over many other things which allows me a bit more leniency but what else can I look into? House swapping? I have my own 2bedroom home in an expensive non U.K. city that people seem to always want to visit, definitely not a show home but it would do the job for the right person I'm sure!

What other avenues can I look down? Is there a better way of booking? Any great websites? I'd love to hear how other people manage! Or is it just not so possible with a child (as obviously she's not old enough for slumming it too much)

[KERALA1]

House swap! Changed our lives we travel most school holidays as only have to pay travel costs. Swapping to Paris oct half term can't wait. We use homelink nice "normal" houses some of the luxury house swap sites abit intimidating.

[WyfOfBathe]

Youth hostels often have private double/twin rooms. More expensive than dorms, but cheaper than hotels.

In some cities, Airbnb offers basic but decent accommodation cheaply. In other cities it doesn't seem any cheaper than hotels. Airbnb has been good for us as a family of 3-4, but I'm not sure if it would be the cheapest option for just 2 of you.

Could you go on holiday with another family or relatives and split the cost of an apartment?

[sukitea]

I've definitely got the travel bug but not enough money. I found hostels to be more expensive than budget hotels. I met a woman last holiday who uses couch surfing to travel the world, wouldn't consider that though and perhaps not an option with DC.

Where are you just back from OP? I love a good holiday thread

[RavingRoo]

A caravan?

[LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett]

House swap! We did it for a couple of years, doesn't work so well now we have a clingy dog, but it's an amazing way to get cheap travel.

[GetYourRosariesOffMyOvaries]

Thanks for the replies! Kerala I'm so glad house swapping has been such a success for you, I felt it was a shame leaving my place dormant when we were leaving because it really would be a great base for anyone wanting to visit this country (☘️) and that's when the swap idea hit me but you're so right, I was definitely intimidated by the absolute luxury being shown on most sites main pages! Will definitely check out homelink!

Yeah Airbnb has been very hit and miss for me wyf amazing huge apartment for very little in Budapest but couldn't even get a tiny room reasonably in Copenhagen! Hostels private rooms are a great idea (though still v expensive Copenhagen) they hadn't really been on my radar since but will keep them in mind!

A caravan seems like more of a commitment and initial expenditure than I'm really willing to have at the moment raving but I've lots of fond memories of them as a child!

Sukitea Were still here, leaving tomorrow DD is fast asleep but I'm buzzing with excitement to plan our next move! We've been in Greece, Rhodes. It's really beautiful but I wish we'd stayed for longer, NOT done all inclusive (it seemed the cheaper option overall and gone to Marmaris for a day and Symi!

[GetYourRosariesOffMyOvaries]

Deloghted with all the house swap suggestions! Thanks Lonny I remember those days well and I have to stop myself from getting another dog especially as DD spends time at her dads and I am "free" so I have to remind myself that her dad won't take a dog too (or pay maintenance for it)

[Bblu3Sky]

Megabus round Europe very cheap if you book in advance. Also train round Europe, sleep on train each night as you travel to the next city, check out monthly pass

[madwomanacrosstheroad]

Interrail? Children up to 11 years go free

[KERALA1]

The problem is "cheap" travel often involves roughing it (camping) or discomfort (great long bus or train journeys). Not great if you on your own with a child and that's not your thing.

Seriously op if you have an adventurous outlook and think the best of people swapping would be ideal for you. We swap with people with similar aged kids so there are toys and pets in the houses (we had a kitten once you can imagine how that went down!). You properly live in a place rather than closeted in a hotel or hostel. We have done well over 10 swaps now. The other swappers are usually teachers/doctors/engineers etc.

[Sleephead1]

What about doing eurocamp type thing you could just use it as a base but see all around the area they have them in italy, france, spain ect we are looking into booking for italy as always wanted to go. Other option what about a camper van then you could do all over uk and travel in france ect. My cousin is single but he has been all over and stays in hostels and he always has great time so may be worth looking into.

[operaha]

I just did 2 weeks interrail with an 11 year old. Twas magnificent. Combination of airbnb and cheap hotels. Loved it.

[GetYourRosariesOffMyOvaries]

Yes I've been researching interailing, I think if planned well it could be amazing!

What route did you take opera?

Yes sleep I think that's an idea alright! There's something about driving and renting cars in other counties that I wasn't a fan of but I'm starting to see how many doors it would open up as the Eurocamps always seem to be quite a bit away from things!