My husband’s family lives in Texas. That’s a fair distance from Iowa, so any visit involves a few nights away from home. When we first married we would stay in the guest room at my in-law’s home. But as our family grew, the single room available to us just wasn’t an option any longer.

As most hotel rooms are both costly and small, I’ve looked into a few other lodging options to make trips “back home” both more comfortable and affordable.

Consider a Casino

Not a slot machine in sight at Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa

It’s not really a gamble to choose a nearby casino hotel. Rooms are usually less expensive, to attract gamblers, and the breakfast buffets can often be had for only a few dollars each. Request a room as far from the gaming floor as possible and you will probably forget you are in a casino at all.

Cozy Up in a Cabin

Many state and county parks offer cabin rentals year round, often at half the price of a hotel per night. You’ll find most of the comforts of home, including a small kitchen, and have the added benefit of nature out your front door. Cabins are especially popular during summer vacations, so book those dates early.

The cabin’s distant cousin, the yurt, is also making an appearance in many parks. Usually a single large room, these generally do not have indoor bathrooms but will include electricity and a small kitchenette.

Relax in a Vacation Rental

Ocean Perch, our "home" in Scituate

If you’re traveling off season a vacation rental may be an amazingly affordable option. In 2009 my family had a short-term relocation to Boston, Massachusetts. We rented a lovely house in Scituate, just 500 feet from the ocean, for under $600 a month. We were there from 3 months, February thru April, obviously not prime rental season, which afforded us the great deal.

Vacation rentals are also a great option for multiple families to share, and split the cost. You’ll have all the comforts of home and plenty of room for the kids.

Swap Your Home

Travel Mama's Home Exchange House

Also known as a home exchange, this no-cost option is certainly attractive. Colleen Lanin, the Travel Mama, has done a few successful home exchanges. She recommends reaching out to friends and family first, but if that doesn’t yield results there are quite a few Home Exchange sites you can join.

Colleen has plenty of tips for both finding a home exchange and doing a home exchange the right way. Though she has a had few small glitches she would do it again, “Absolutely. The extra room, better sleep, homey conveniences, and huge travel savings outweigh the risks of doing a home exchange for me.”

Take Early Retirement

Full kitchen and dining area at Leahy Grove

An option I hadn’t experienced- or even heard of- before this fall was renting a room in an Independent Living Facility. During a weekend in Hampton, Iowa my family and I over-nighted at Leahy Grove in a roomy apartment style 2-bedroom suite, complete with full kitchen, dining and living area. According to Morgan Presholt of ABCM Corporation, unoccupied rooms may be available for rental at any of their locations for $50 per night.

While I’m not sure how many other facilities like this offer such a stay it’s definitely worth looking into. No wild, late night parties in the room next door, lots of room to spread out and a few extra grandmotherly types who will adore the life your kids bring to the place.

Where do you stay when you travel “back home”?