Traveling frugally... where do you stay?

[seekingtruth]

I'm planning to spend a month in south Florida this winter with my 3 kids; dh will be there some of the time. Maybe it doesn't exist, but I'm hoping I'm just missing it: Where do I look for an inexpensive but safe place to find housing during the time we'll be there? Any suggestions?

[mattemma04]

Maybe not ideal in all cases,but we have rented out vacation homes and trailers at camp grounds.This was in Panama City Beach Florida.

[Knittin' in the Shade]

homeaway.com and vacationrentals.com are ones we've used for 1-2 week long trips; they often quote monthly rates.

[SunRise]

My sister used craigslist and found a nice apartment near Disney world.

I have used airbnb dot com ... You may find something suitable for long term.

Rent a camper. Camp / Tent? (when I was a kid, my family took us to Florida for several months (30yrs ago) one winter, living in a camper - there is a HUGE horse circuit that goes on in Florida so many horse people are living in campers @ parks and showing their horses.)

A hotel suite.

Sounds like fun!

[StarJune]

When we went to Jamaica earlier this year, a friend had arranged a condo rental through Vacation Rental By Owner:

VRBO

It was for three weeks and the owner made arrangements for a housekeeper to come once or twice according to our schedule. The only thing I would suggest is to be sure that there are lots of pictures to be sure it is what you are expecting.

When we went to Florida a few years ago, we were there for 2 weeks and stayed in a hotel but it had a weekly rate which was much cheaper than per night. But for a month, it would probably add up.

[redbirdlady]

Have to second vrbo.com.  Especially in Florida, you will likely be able to find a place that will give you a monthly rate.  If they don't have one posted, definitely ask.  (The selection may be limited if you're looking for THIS winter, but it's worth taking a look at.)

[NiteNicole]

Read the fine print when you use VRBO.com.  We've used them often and everything has been great but there are some pretty hefty fees tacked on top of the daily/weekly rental price.