Reduced accommodation costs can result in big savings for travellers! Many backpackers will sleep in a shed if that’s the cheapest option! I’ve even slept in hammocks at national parks in order to save money!
You don’t have to do that.
Everyone wants to save money on their accommodation, no matter what they like. You have to sleep somewhere every night, so reducing the cost can help you save a lot on your total trip. Finding free or cheap lodging is the best way to save money.
There are several ways to get cheap accommodations when travelling. Here are some of the best ways:
1 Stay in Hostels for Cheap Accommodation
Budget travellers can also consider hostels. Hostels have dormitory rooms with shared facilities. Hostels are often associated with “young people”, and many people do not want to sleep in a shared dormitory. Many people don’t realize that hostels have small rooms, doubles and singles for couples or solo travellers.
I’ve met people in hostels who are in their 50s and 60s. Some were even in their 70s. It is no longer true that hostels are gross, dirty places for young people to stay. As young people demand more comfort, many hostels are cleaner and offer more amenities. They’re not the horror hostels that you hear about from your parents or the ones in the movies. These hostels have Wi-Fi, tour counters, bars and curtains for your belongings. They also have big bathrooms. I am always amazed by how hostels improve each year.
Hostel dorms offer the best value to budget travellers. You will have to share a room with many people, but it is the best option.
While many hostels cater to young travellers and even set an age limit for them, other international chains like YHA or Hostelling International are more focused on older travellers or groups. In hostels around the world, I’ve seen older travellers, families, and tour groups. Anyone who wants to meet fellow travellers can stay in a hostel, no matter their age.
Hostels offer a safe, secure and affordable environment. Do not overlook hostels, even if they aren’t popular with the backpacker crowd.
My favourite hostel booking website is Hostelworld. They have the best deals, inventory, and interface. Book with them if you are going to book!
If you are planning to travel to Europe, consider purchasing a HostelPass. This discount membership offers hostels and activities in Europe at 10-20% off.
2 House/Pet Sit: Cheap Accommodation
People with pets are forced to leave behind their pets every year when they travel abroad. It is usually necessary to pay for expensive boarding of animals or to ask friends or family to look after your pets. However, there is another option – Trusted housesitters.
This website matches travellers who are looking for accommodations with locals who need pet sitters while they’re away. This is a great opportunity for those who want to take their time and spend several weeks or months in a particular destination. You’ll need to take care of someone else’s pet, but in return, you can access a house with a laundry room, a kitchen and other amenities. If you are a frequent traveller, this can be a great way to save money.
The popularity of house-sitting is growing, but many travellers are unaware of the opportunities. Joining Trusted Housesitters will cost you USD 129 per year, but this will give you access to opportunities around the world. I know of several full-time travellers who pet sit and enjoy free accommodations while they travel.
You may need some time to start as you will have to build your reviews. But once you do, you can find amazing sitting gigs all over the world!
3 Cheap accommodation – Collect points!
Start earning points and miles to earn free accommodation. Hotel points can be collected through different programs and redeemed for free hotel nights. Many cards offer welcome offers, which are equivalent to free hotel nights. You can also earn points with regular purchases. You don’t have to pay anything extra.
Here are some posts that will help you start:
- The Beginner’s Guide to Points & Miles
- Best Travel Credit Cards
- What is the best credit card?
- The Ultimate Guide to Points & Miles
- You can earn free travel by paying your rent
Points and miles help me save thousands every year. You can reduce your hotel costs by doing this!
4 Cheap Accommodation – Volunteer
The hostel workers are rarely around for very long. This means that there is always demand for new staff. This is a great opportunity to meet new people while you explore a new place. You can save money by working a few hours each day in exchange for free accommodation. If they’re looking for volunteers, many hostels have job boards posted. It never hurts to ask!
Worldpackers is a great resource to use before travelling abroad. The site offers travellers the chance to volunteer overseas. It can also help you find volunteer experiences in NGOs, eco-projects, and homestays around the world.
Sign up for Worldpackers (it costs USD 49/year) and browse the opportunities. It is super easy and fast to use. Sign up using my link and get $10 off!
5 Cheap Accommodation – Stay in Hospitality Exchanges
Staying with someone local is a great way to get a free place to stay. You can stay with a local who will provide you with local information and a place to relax. It’s one of my favorite methods of saving money, and it also gives you a great cultural experience.
A few websites make it possible. The two most popular ones are:
- Couchsurfing
- BeWelcome
In order to find the best host for me, I apply these criteria:
- The profile must include a photo. This shows me it’s real.
- Filling out the profile is required. This shows that they are involved and interested. The majority of people won’t take the time to complete this if they don’t feel comfortable having strangers in their homes. If someone doesn’t bother to fill out their profile, I assume they don’t use this site.
- There should be reviews. If other people have had a positive experience with the host, you and your belongings will likely be okay. The more positive reviews, the better.
- Verification is helpful. Knowing a person’s ID has been verified by Couchsurfing reduces the chances that they will be a psycho killer. I’m fine if someone has many reviews but isn’t confirmed.
- They must be active. If they haven’t been active in the last few months, I will not waste my time.
You should always use your judgment when choosing a host. You will usually end up messaging the hosts to get an idea of what they are like and their expectations. You’re not obligated to stay if it doesn’t feel good.
Once you try Couchsurfing for the first time, you’ll soon realize that you have nothing to worry about. If you Couchsurf frequently, you’ll save hundreds of dollars in accommodation costs.
This article will give you more information about how to dominate these services. This article will provide you with tips on how to safely find a host, as well as how to locate one.
6 Cheap Accommodation – Stay on a farm
WWOOF is “Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms”. WWOOFing all over the world has become a popular way for budget travellers to travel. Travelers can extend their trips without spending a fortune by working on organic farms. You will need to work, and often hard. But it is a wonderful and immersive experience that can help you save money and extend your travels.
In over 100 countries, there are thousands of farms. Some stay for a few weeks, while others may last for several months. Sign up and pay a small fee to start looking for opportunities.
Check out this article for more information on how to start WWOOFing.
7 Cheap accommodation – Stay at a monastery
Do you want to do something completely off the beaten path? Stay in a monastic establishment. The accommodation in these monasteries can be very sparse, consisting of a bed, desk and simple meals prepared by monks or nuns. Most monasteries have curfews and are family-friendly. Many monasteries charge at least USD 50 per night for each person. (Many offer dorms that cost half as much). However, most only ask for donations and are completely free. Find a monastery to stay at using these resources:
- Monastery Stays
- How to stay in a monastery
- 15 Great Monastery Stays
My favourite accommodation resources
Here are my favourite sites for finding great accommodation deals. These are the websites I check first when I am looking for cheap accommodation.
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