Happy Valentine’s Day eve! The snow is falling here in Michigan, and visions of school closings are dancing in our heads. 🙃 I hope that wherever you are, you’re warm inside or dreaming up some romantic (or, eh, family friendly) plans for tomorrow.

I’m keeping things simply—yet dreamy—this week, and dishing on five of my all-time favorite Airbnb views that cost less than $199 a night. Because, let’s be real. A stunning balcony view or backyard vista is pretty to share, but what we all really want to know is HOW MUCH did you spend to stay there? (And if you’re anything like me, you simply assume that it cost an arm and a leg.) Well, that’s not necessarily so…

Five amazing Airbnb views for less than $199

I’m sticking to my guns on this one. There’s nothing more convenient than vacation rentals when you’re traveling with little kids. A kitchen to whip up some butter noodles. A backyard for running about. A washer and dryer in case of emergency. And the convenience of a separate bedroom so that bedtime for the tike doesn’t mean bedtime for mom and dad.

But the best part, perhaps, is that it’s not difficult to score a fantastic deal when scouring sites like Airbnb or VRBO, especially if you’re looking for an off-season stay.

As proof, I’m sharing my favorite five views that cost us less than $199 per night. (Perhaps this was the nudge you needed to get back to researching that European vacation?)

📍 Pienza, Italy (Shown Above) - $195
In Tuscany, this 17th-century farmhouse located within walking distance to Pienza’s Old Town overlooks an olive grove amid rolling hills. The traditional home sits at the top of a staircase—fitting, since it once served as a watchtower—but on the lower level, a newly renovated kitchen and bedroom up the ante for modern flair.

📍Kotor, Montenegro - $170
This might rank as my favorite view of all time. Montenegro surprised me in a million ways, but this charming, renovated historic home really blew me away. It overlooks the Bay of Kotor and the mountains that rise above it, with views to the right of Old Town, where in the evening you can see the lighted hike up to the Old Kotor Fort. Just beneath the balcony and beside a narrow street, fishing boats bobbed silently and lounge chairs stretched.

Note: Two concrete staircases reach the main living and bedroom floors of this home, and both lack solid walls that would protect babies or small toddlers from crawling through. For that reason, this home is best suited for families with older kids.

📍Chamonix, France - $177
A French chalet overlooking Mont Blanc? I’m sorry, whaaaaat?! We devoured this view, living, eating and playing outside all day so that we could simply soak it in. From here, you could follow the river—a 20-30-minute walk—toward the town center where shopping, restaurants and ski lifts await.

📍Porto, Portugal - $199
Looking out onto the main throughway of Praca da Liberdade and you’ll be granted sweeping views of the city bustle from this penthouse loft. Standing grand, however, is the gorgeous Baroque Clérigos Church with its 75-meter bell tower that’s an iconic symbol of Porto. The balcony may be tiny, and the interior may be snug (it’s a loft style space), but the proximity and views are hard to fault! Note that the listing now has a total capacity of 3 (we traveled with a toddler and infant).

📍Lake Hawea, South Island, New Zealand - $159
Outside of the charming town of Wanaka, you’ll find this Earth home, offering sweeping views from its mountainside vantage point. You’ll find goats on the property (as well as close neighbor-hosts), but the backyard shown above feels private and expansive. Views of the lake and teeny-tiny town are vast, and the setting is REMOTE. If you’re looking to get off the grid, this is the place to do it.

Need more ideas? The Kid-Friendly Stays travel directory is the perfect first stop in your next family vacation adventure, wherever you wanna go(!), offering a curated collection of hotels, resorts, Airbnbs and VRBOs for your perusal.

Things I don’t NEED to buy my kids…

My post-holiday mantra goes something like this: "My kids don’t need more things. My kids don’t need more things. My kids don’t need more things.”

But darn-it if Target’s Hearth & Home line doesn’t get me every time. This wooden adventure play set runs $29.99 and it’s the perfect little something for your camp-ready toddler or kiddo, or for a birthday gift (pair it with a children’s book on National Parks!).

If you’re in the mood to shop, you can find all of our favorite adventure-inspiring gifts on the Amazon Shop, as well as our favorite gear for all ages.

Have a great day!

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