Whether you are planning a short trip or have already embarked on an epic journey around the world, being able to plan ahead and to keep your accommodation costs to a minimum will certainly help you to stretch your travel budget.
There are many different ways to approach this challenge, and the most important step of planning is determining how much you actually want to spend, while also considering the standard of accommodation you would like.
Here are my tips on how to find cheap accommodation around the world!
10 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World
The actual destination of your trip can play a big factor in cost, so I've compiled a list of 10 budget-friendly travel destinations around the world!
Read More!
How to Budget for a Trip as a Couple
From figuring out what kind of trip you're after to who pays for what to ways to stretch your dollars—here's how to budget for a trip when traveling as a couple!
Read More!
Hotel Comparison Sites
There are plenty of different online comparison sites that allow you to see deals for different hotels, hostels, and other types of accommodations. It is worth making sure that you check on several comparison sites, as not each website will be offering the same room for the same price.
My favorite platform is Booking.com!
The search options available mean that you can search for accommodations based on price range, as well as searching for places within a certain distance of particular attractions, or to the city center of your final destination.
Location, location, location!
Helpful Tip:
If you are going to be visiting Europe or North America, you will usually find that even family-owned bed and breakfasts are now listed online.
Travel Review Websites
Many of the leading travel review websites, such as TripAdvisor, will have links on their pages that allow you to find cheap deals on certain hotels or hostels. You can find hidden gems and learn about other travelers’ experiences at these establishments, and some tips that may come in handy during your stay.
Apartment and Room Rentals
If you intend to stay in a destination for a longer period of a month or more, it may be worth looking into an apartment rental once you have arrived. This can often prove to be a cheaper option if you intend to stay for several days, and also offers many more of the comforts of home that come with having your own space.
It is usually best to book a hostel bed for the first night or two, and then to look for a rental once you have arrived, although sometimes you will find reasonably priced options on websites such as Airbnb too.
Airbnb allows people to find houses, apartments and private rooms all over the world that are available for short and medium-term rent.
If you are planning on staying with the owner (shared place), you should always read up on the reviews posted by other people who have stayed there before.
Using Airbnb For Apartment Rentals Around The World
Airbnb allows people to rent apartments, homes or rooms from local people. Here are some tips for using Airbnb for apartment rentals around the world!
Read More!
Coolest Airbnbs
From treehouses to uniquely decorated abodes to water towers that extend 40-feet up, here are the coolest Airbnbs to stay at!
Read More!
Couch Surfing
One of the better-known budget methods of finding accommodations around the world is Couch Surfing, where you can host or stay with people for free. People likely to host you couch surfing are travelers themselves who know what it’s like to be on the road.
Some people may be worried about their safety when staying with a stranger, but use your best judgment and have some trust in fellow humans.
You’ll probably meet some of the coolest people out there!
Homestays
In addition to renting an apartment or room for a long period of time, you also have the option of a homestay, which can be an even cheaper option if you make the most of it!
There are websites like Homestay.com that help play matchmaker and connects guests with live-in hosts who open their homes to travelers.
You get to connect with locals, have comfortable accommodations and save money all at once!
3-Day Homestay Tour in Sapa, Vietnam
While traveling solo through Vietnam, I had prearranged a 3-day homestay tour in Sapa led by a woman named Hong to visit the local villages.
Read More!
HomeExchange
HomeExchange is a global community that lets you trade homes with fellow travelers around the world.
Remember the movie The Holiday with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet? That iconic house swap? It was inspired by this very platform!
From sleek city pads in Los Angeles to storybook cottages in the English countryside, there’s no shortage of dreamy stays to choose from.
How to Travel Without Paying for Accommodation
Discover how to explore dreamy destinations worldwide without splurging on accommodation. Meet HomeExchange, your new favorite travel hack!
Read More!
Researching Accommodations that Aren’t Online
There are many different ways to find accommodation, and if you are traveling in South America or Southeast Asia, many of the cheapest hostels and hotels won’t be posted online.
The main reason is that they operate on narrow margins and the commission taken by comparison sites means they wouldn’t make a profit.
If you are traveling in this area, it is worth using sites such as TripAdvisor or the Lonely Planet forums to find out where the people already in the country are staying.
While they may not have a website or cannot be found through the hotel and hostel comparison sites, you may be able to find a telephone number and call ahead to book a bed.
The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Southeast Asia
If you are thinking of taking your first trip to the region, here are travel tips for first-timers interested in backpacking Southeast Asia!
Read More!
The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking South America
As a large and diverse continent, you will have different experiences wherever you explore. Here is my beginner's guide to backpacking South America!
Read More!
Great Post!!! very usefull and everything is true, i use airbnb i think is the best options for me
Couchsurfing is one of my favourite ways to travel.
I’ve done a lot of hosting here in Melbourne over the past year or so and now lots of my upcoming Europe trip is planned around catching up with them.
It’s such a great way to meet people, experience a new culture and save money on accomodation. The locals will always be able to show you the out of the way food places that are delicious, the small unknown museum that is absolutely amazing or some random neighbourhood of a city that will just wow you.
When I’m not couchsurfing I use a combination of hostels and air bnb. I would really love to look into house sitting though.