With the dollar at an all-time low, a trip to Europe may seem daunting but you can save money and enjoy Germany for as little as eight euros a night by staying at one of Germany's hay hotels (heuhotels). Hay hotels are located on farms, and are just what they say they are - you sleep in the hay in the barn or one of the outbuildings of the farmer that is hosting you. Hearty breakfasts are included and dinners and lunches are available. Hay hotels are a great option for families and people that enjoy the outdoors. If you are going to be in Schleswig Holstein, Neidersachsen (Lower Saxony) or around Lake Constance, there are plenty of options for hay hotel stays. The kids will love it, you will see another side of Germany and you can combine it with cycling, horseback riding or hiking. Germany is not that big, so you can spend a few days on the farm and a few days in the city for a well-rounded vacation that the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Photo courtesy of Neidersachsen Tourismus GmbH