Accommodation is one of the biggest costs travelers face, and reducing this expense can lead to huge savings on your trip! I am sure most backpackers would sleep on the street just to have it for free! Oh, I have even set up a tent in national parks to save money!
But this isn't something you have to do.
Regardless of your accommodation preference, the one thing everyone has in common is that no one wants to pay a fortune for it. Since you need to stay somewhere every night, reducing this expense can help you save significantly on the total cost of your trip. In addition to finding cheap flight tickets, finding free or low-cost accommodation will have the biggest impact on your budget.
Fortunately, there are many ways to find cheap accommodation while traveling. Here are the best ways to do it:
Cheap Accommodation Tip #1: Stay in Hostels
Hostels are a very good option for those traveling on a limited budget. In hostels, rooms are dormitory-style and all facilities are shared. Many people think of hostels as "something for young people" and do not want to stay in a hostel. However, people often don't realize that most hostels offer small rooms, single rooms, and double rooms designed for solo travelers or couples.
I have met people in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s in hostels! The myth that these are dirty, disgusting accommodations designed for young people is no longer valid. Many hostels offer more amenities than hotels and are truly clean because young people expect more comfort. These are not the hostels you see in movies or the horror stories your family talks about. They come with Wi-Fi, tour desks, bars, curtains, lockers for your belongings, large bathrooms, and much more! I am constantly amazed at how hostels are getting better every day.
I think hostels are the best place for budget travelers. Yes, you have to share a room with many people, but if your budget is limited, this is the best way to save money.
While many hostels cater to young travelers and set age limits, some focus more on older or group travelers. I have seen families, tour groups, and older travelers in hostels all over the world. A hostel is truly for anyone who wants to meet other travelers regardless of their age.
Hostels are safe, secure, and cheap. Even if you are not part of the young backpacker crowd, don't ignore them.
My favorite hostel booking site is trip.com. They have the best inventory, deals, and interface. If you are going to book, book with them!
If you are going to Europe, consider getting a HostelPass. It is a discount membership that offers 10-20% off hostels in Europe (as well as discounts on activities and tours).
Cheap Accommodation Tip #2: Couchsurfing
Every year, millions of people leave their homes to travel. Millions of people also stay at home, thinking it is not the right time. But even if they stay at home, they look forward to people who will bring travel to them. There is an app that brings these people together on a single platform. And its name is Couchsurfing
You pay a low annual fee to become a member of this app, and suddenly you have homes all over the world where you can stay for free. You encounter people to make friends with and organize events together. I remember the times I stayed in a house for months for free. And I did this all over the world!
Cheap Accommodation Tip #3: Collect Points!
The best way to save on accommodation is to stay for free. If you don't want to use Couchsurfing but love free accommodation, start earning and using points and miles.
Collect hotel points through various programs and use them for free hotel stays. Most cards come with welcome offers that are equivalent to multiple free hotel nights. Best of all, you can earn points just by using your normal daily expenses. There is no extra cost!
Thanks to points and miles, I save thousands of dollars every year. This is the #1 thing you can do to lower your accommodation costs!
Cheap Accommodation Tip #4: Volunteer
Hostel staff rarely stay there for a long time, which means there is always a new hiring. A great way to meet other travelers while exploring a new destination is to do hostel work. In exchange for a few hours of work each day, you will have a free place to stay, which will allow you to save money and extend your travels.
In many hostels, there are no job postings for those looking for work. But it doesn't hurt to ask!
If you want to find opportunities before going abroad, check out Workaway. They offer travelers the chance to find volunteer experiences abroad. In addition to hostels, they can help you find experiences related to associations, homestays, and eco-projects all over the world.
Cheap Accommodation Tip #5: Stay in a Monastery
Want something completely out of the ordinary? Stay in a monastery. Accommodations in these monasteries are usually very simple; there is nothing more than a bed and a desk, along with simple meals prepared by monks and nuns. Monasteries are quite family-friendly and quiet (many also have a curfew). While the price per person per night for most monasteries is at least 50 USD (many have dorms for half that price), most only ask for a donation or are free, making them a great budget option.
Resources for finding a monastery stay:
Cheap Accommodation Tip #6: Stay on a Farm
WWOOF stands for "World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms," and doing WWOOFing worldwide is an incredibly popular way to travel long-term on a low budget. In exchange for working on an organic farm, travelers receive free room and board, allowing them to extend their travels without straining their budgets. You will have to work (and often work hard), but it is a fantastic and immersive cultural experience that will help you extend your travels and save a lot of money.
There are thousands of farms spread across more than 100 countries. Some stays can last a few weeks, while others can last for months. Just sign up, pay the small fee, and start searching for opportunities!
Cheap Accommodation Tip #7: Stay on Airbnb
It allows people to stay in furnished apartments while traveling. These apartments are cheaper than hotels and provide much more comfort. They are great if you plan to spend a week or more in one place. You will have all the comforts of home without spending a fortune.
These apartments are a nice bridge between a hostel and a hotel, but they can be a bit expensive if you are traveling alone. They are roughly twice as expensive as a hostel (if not more). However, if you are a group or a couple and are looking for a break after the hostel crowds but don't want a hotel room, this is your ideal accommodation option. By using this method, you also get a kitchen that allows you to cook and reduce your food costs.
Everyone uses phone apps now. Airbnb is a big platform and one of the primary ways people travel now. If you don't want a hotel but also don't want a hostel, this is the perfect middle ground.
You can also rent out your own home to travelers. I recommend taking a look at Airbnb to make money.
