How to Vacation Like Royalty, on a Budget

Kate and William took a relaxing trip to the town of Viens in Provence, France, back in 2012. It may not have been their best vacation ever — it's where photos of Kate Middleton topless were taken by a wily paparazzo with a long-lens camera — but it certainly was a beautiful getaway. They stayed at the Chateau d'Autet, a mansion owned by William's uncle David Linley. It's not likely travelers can rent a room from Viscount Linley, but anyone can explore Viens thanks to Airbnb. Single rooms in the region rent from $56 a night, while whole houses can be found for $270 a night.

The Middletons make an annual trip to the ultraluxurious Caribbean island of Mustique every January to celebrate Kate's mother's birthday. The family — including Prince William and baby George this year — rented the $18,000-a-week Rocina villa. Of course, one doesn't have to pay the price of a small car to visit Mustique, a destination also loved by Queen Elizabeth's late sister, Princess Margaret. One of the island's best deals can be found at The Cotton House, where rates — while only relatively inexpensive — start at $450 a night.

Prince William and Kate Middleton were welcomed to Ibiza, Spain, in 2006 by her uncle Gary Goldsmith, who has a reputation for truly loving to party and even nicknamed his house "Maison de Bang Bang." Uncle Gary rents the house for many thousands of dollars a week, but it's possible to stay in the exact same neighborhood for $64 a night thanks to Airbnb.

The British royal family has a history of heading to Klosters, Switzerland, for ski vacations; William and Kate have hit the slopes there together multiple times. During a 2009 visit, William and Kate reportedly booked a private chalet that is available to rent for the steep price tag of $60,500 a week. Even a favorite hotel of Prince Charles, the Walserhof, seems like a relative bargain with rooms starting at $250 a night. Klosters is an exclusive resort town, but bargain hunters may still be happy to find accommodation at Sport Lodge for $100 a night.

When William and Kate want to get away from the hustle and bustle of London, they head northeast to their country house Anmer Hall in the region of Norfolk, England. The area has special family importance, as Queen Elizabeth's Sandringham Estate is nearby and William's mother, Diana, was born nearby. Accommodation at the royals' homes is obviously unlikely, but Airbnb comes to the rescue with an adorable cottage on offer for $85 a night. William and Kate enjoyed a 2014 date night at the Kings Head Hotel in Bircham, England, where a recent search of room rates showed prices starting around $134 a night.

Queen Elizabeth spends a portion of every year at Balmoral Castle, her estate in Scotland, and William and Kate have visited on occasion, even bringing Prince George along. The castle is located in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park, where budget-friendly lodging in charming guest homes abounds. The Callater Lodge has rates starting at $60 a night, and those seeking a regal feeling can splurge at the nearby Dalmunzie Castle for $220 a night. Touring Balmoral itself is possible from April to August.