Finding affordable accommodation is often one of the biggest challenges for travelers. Luckily, there are many ways to find cheap accommodation when you travel. Here are the best ways to do so:
Key Takeaways
- Stay in hostels to save money and meet fellow travelers.
- Consider house or pet sitting to stay for free while taking care of a home or pet.
- Collect points through loyalty programs to redeem for free or discounted stays.
- Volunteer your time in exchange for free accommodation.
- Use platforms like Couchsurfing to stay with locals for free.
Stay in Hostels
Hostels are a fantastic option for budget travelers. While they're not as flashy as hotels, hostels are usually much, much cheaper. Plus, they're a great way to make new friends while traveling. Despite the horror stories you may have heard, hostels are generally safe and clean.
You can start by checking comparison sites like HostelWorld and YHA. Hostels offer good value for money, they are perfect for meeting like-minded travelers and typically have a convenient location. Most hostels have private and dorm rooms so there’s always an option based on your budget and needs.
Many people think of hostels as a “young person thing” and are not interested in sleeping in a dormitory. Yet people do not often realize that many hostels offer small rooms, singles, and doubles designed for solo travelers or couples.
House/Pet Sit
Every year, people with pets head abroad on their holidays and have to leave their pets behind. This usually means paying for expensive animal boarding or having to rope in friends/family to watch your pets. There is, however, another option: Trusted Housesitters.
House sitting is gaining in popularity, but it’s still a little-known landscape for so many travelers. You’ll need to pay to join Trusted Housesitters ($129 USD per year) but it will open up opportunities all around the globe. I know several travelers who pet sit full time, hopping from destination to destination while enjoying free accommodation along the way.
After paying for your annual membership you will get access to the biggest network of homeowners. They will gladly provide you with free accommodation in exchange for pet sitting. A win-win for both sides!
It pays off to register on TrustedHouseSitters, especially if you are an animal lover.
Homeowners are often very flexible and can adapt their travel plans easily! Good luck with your next housesitting adventure!
Collect Points
Collect hotel points through various programs and redeem them for free nights at hotels. Most cards come with welcome offers that are equal to multiple nights of free hotel stays. Best of all, you can earn points just with your regular day-to-day spending. It doesn’t cost anything extra!
Here are a few posts to help you get started:
Volunteer
Volunteering is a fantastic way to secure free accommodation while traveling. It's also possible to get free accommodation when signing up for a volunteering programme abroad. Organizations like Worldpackers and HelpX specialize in helping travelers find exciting opportunities. When planning to volunteer abroad, be aware of the dangers of voluntourism. Before signing up, make sure you have the required skills to make a long-term and beneficial impact.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Free accommodation
- Cultural immersion
- Skill development
- Making a positive impact
How to Find Volunteer Opportunities
Many hostels will have job boards up if they are looking for help. But it never hurts to just ask either! If you want to find opportunities before you head abroad, check out Worldpackers. They offer travelers a chance to find volunteer experiences overseas. In addition to hostels, it can help you find experiences with NGOs, home stays, and eco-projects all over the world.
Things to Consider
- Ensure you have the required skills
- Be aware of voluntourism
- Research the organization thoroughly
Volunteering and working in exchange for accommodation urges travelers to take a step back from their to-do lists and simply enjoy what the local area has to offer.
Stay in Hospitality Exchanges
One of the best ways to get free accommodation is by staying with someone who lives where you’re going. Stay with a local who will give you a free place to rest your head, local information, and someone to hang out with. This is one of my favorite ways to save money and one that nets a really awesome cultural experience too.
Popular Hospitality Exchange Platforms
There are a few websites that make this happen. Two of the most popular are:
- Couchsurfing
- BeWelcome
Benefits of Hospitality Exchanges
- Free accommodation: Save money on lodging costs.
- Local insights: Get tips and recommendations from your host.
- Cultural exchange: Experience the local culture firsthand.
Tips for a Successful Stay
- Be respectful of your host's home and rules.
- Communicate clearly about your plans and expectations.
- Show appreciation by bringing a small gift or cooking a meal.
Discover affordable stays: your guide to cheap accommodation in Turkey. Tips for securing deals, utilizing local agents, comparison shopping, homestays, and cultural exchange programs. Explore budget-friendly options like hostels, guesthouses, and alternative lodging.
Stay on a Farm
Staying on a farm is an excellent way to find cheap accommodation while immersing yourself in local culture. There are thousands of farms spread out over 100 countries, offering stays that range from a couple of weeks to several months. Simply sign up, pay the small fee, and you can start searching for opportunities!
WWOOFing
WWOOF stands for “Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms.” WWOOFing around the world is an incredibly popular way to travel long-term on a budget. In exchange for working on an organic farm, travelers get free room and board — allowing them to extend their travels without breaking the bank. While you will have to work (and often work hard), it’s an amazing and immersive cultural experience.
WorkAway and HelpX
Try WWOOFing, WorkAway, and HelpX. These are reputable resources to find free accommodation. These platforms remove barriers to complete cultural immersion and help you focus on things that locals do every day, things that excite them and give them joy.
The impact that these connections have on you will last much longer than the memories you have of racing through a bunch of attractions over a short period and spending a fortune on living a luxurious lifestyle.
Stay in a Monastery
Want something totally off the beaten track? Stay in a monastery. Accommodation in these monasteries is often very spartan, containing no more than a bed and desk, with simple meals prepared by the monks and nuns. Monasteries are very family-friendly and quiet (most also have curfews). While many monasteries cost at least $50 USD a night per person (many have dorms for half that price), most simply ask for donations or are free, making them an amazing budget option too.
Resources for Finding a Monastery Stay
- Monastery Stays
- How to Stay in a Monastery
- 15 Great Monastery Stays
Benefits of Staying in a Monastery
Monasteries offer a unique and peaceful experience that is hard to find elsewhere. They are perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Additionally, the cost is often minimal, making it a great option for budget travelers.
Things to Consider
- Monasteries are often very quiet and have curfews.
- Accommodations are usually basic, with simple meals provided.
- Some monasteries may require a minimum stay or participation in certain activities.
Staying in a monastery can be a transformative experience, offering a chance to reflect and find peace in a serene environment.
Stay in Airbnb
Airbnb is a fantastic option for finding affordable accommodation, especially if you're planning to stay in one spot for more than five nights. You can find local people listing their rooms or apartments for rent, which often come with more amenities than a hotel. This makes it a great middle ground if you don't want a hotel but also don't want a hostel dorm.
Benefits of Airbnb
- Cost-Effective: Airbnb rentals are generally cheaper than hotels and offer more amenities.
- Local Experience: Staying in an Airbnb allows you to experience the local culture more intimately.
- Flexibility: You can find a variety of options, from single rooms to entire apartments.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals
- Book in Advance: The earlier you book, the better the deals you can find.
- Read Reviews: Always check the reviews to ensure the place meets your expectations.
- Communicate with Hosts: Don't hesitate to ask questions to clarify any doubts.
Saving Money with Airbnb
- Split the Bill: If you're traveling with friends or a partner, splitting the cost can make it even more affordable.
- Cook Your Meals: Most Airbnb rentals come with a kitchen, allowing you to save money by cooking your own meals.
- Shop for Groceries: Avoid eating out at restaurants by shopping for groceries locally.
Staying in an Airbnb can save you a lot of money while providing the comforts of home. It's a great way to experience a new place without breaking the bank.
Use Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is an appealing concept, primarily used by backpackers and budget travelers, allowing you to stay with locals for free. It's a great way to save money on accommodation and see the destination from a different perspective.
How to Get Started
- Sign up on the Couchsurfing website or app.
- Create a detailed profile with your interests and travel plans.
- Search for hosts in your destination.
- Send personalized requests to potential hosts.
Benefits of Couchsurfing
- Free accommodation
- Cultural exchange
- Meeting new people
- Local insights and tips
Safety Tips
- Use your judgment when picking a host.
- Read reviews and references.
- Communicate clearly about expectations.
- Have a backup plan.
Couchsurfing is not just about saving money; it's about experiencing a place through the eyes of a local. You'll end up making friends around the world and discovering hidden gems that aren't in any guidebook.
Alternatives to Couchsurfing
If Couchsurfing isn't for you, consider other hospitality exchange websites like BeWelcome. These platforms also offer opportunities to stay with locals and enjoy similar benefits.
Book in Advance
Booking your accommodation well in advance can save you a significant amount of money. Good hotels can be booked up long before you're looking for any last-minute deals, so it's always worth comparing the price of these last-minute deals to the price on the hotel's official website or on hotel comparison websites.
Compare Prices
It's worth comparing the prices before you go ahead and book flights and hotels separately. This way, you can ensure you're getting the best deal possible.
Use Incognito Mode
Since hotel prices change depending on demand, marketplaces may show a higher price when they know you've been searching for other hotels in the same area. Similar to when booking cheap flights, it's a good idea to clear your browsing history before making your booking. You can also use an incognito browser for the same effect.
Rebook if Prices Drop
Have you booked a hotel, but since seen it has dropped in price on the same site? If you have a free cancellation policy, you can cancel and rebook it for the cheaper price. However, always read the terms and conditions before you cancel your existing booking. Make sure your cancellation is actually free to avoid any charges.
Craft a flexible itinerary, pack light, strategize bookings for savings, and consider alternative accommodations for a memorable journey.
Conclusion
Finding affordable accommodation while traveling doesn't have to be a daunting task. By exploring a variety of options such as hostels, house sitting, collecting points, volunteering, hospitality exchanges, farm stays, monasteries, and Airbnb, you can significantly cut down your travel expenses. These tried and tested methods will not only help you save money but also enhance your travel experience by allowing you to immerse yourself more deeply in the local culture. So, the next time you plan a trip, remember these tips and make the most of your travel budget. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of staying in hostels?
Staying in hostels is a great way to save money, meet fellow travelers, and often enjoy communal facilities like kitchens and lounges. They are generally budget-friendly and located in central areas.
How can I find house or pet sitting opportunities?
Websites like TrustedHousesitters, HouseCarers, and MindMyHouse connect homeowners with travelers willing to house or pet sit in exchange for free accommodation.
What are hospitality exchanges?
Hospitality exchanges involve staying with locals for free. Websites like Couchsurfing and BeWelcome allow you to connect with hosts willing to offer a spare room or couch.
Is volunteering a good way to get free accommodation?
Yes, volunteering can be a great way to secure free accommodation. Websites like Workaway, WWOOF, and HelpX connect travelers with hosts who offer free stays in exchange for work.
How can I collect points for cheaper accommodation?
You can collect points through hotel loyalty programs, travel credit cards, and booking platforms. These points can be redeemed for free nights or discounted stays.
What are some tips for booking accommodation in advance?
Booking in advance can often secure lower rates. Use comparison websites, set price alerts, and consider booking during off-peak seasons to find the best deals.
