Smart Ways to Save on Accommodation While Traveling

Accommodation, food, and transport are the biggest expenses when traveling. This article covers various budget options to consider.

Back in 2008, I stayed in a simple tiki hut in Fiji.

Budget Accommodation Options

Many locals offer their couches for FREE, and users can leave reviews on their profiles. This platform also fosters a community for events, meet-ups, and social groups. For your safety:

Get references from friends when signing up.

While searching for a home in California, I couchsurfed and made a great friend who was also exploring the globe:

Hostels

Hostels are fantastic for meeting fellow travelers. You rent a bed in shared dorms accommodating 3-20 people, complete with shared showers and lockers. (Don’t forget your shower shoes and a reliable lock!) Private rooms and female-only dorms are available too. Most hostels have kitchens and some provide complimentary breakfast. It’s like college again, minus the classes. Prices range from $6 (Asia/Central America) to $50 (NYC).

Check out hostels and their reviews on

or

. Book directly with the hostel to avoid fees. If you plan a longer stay, only pay for the first few nights upon arrival to ensure you like the place.

People list rooms and couches in their homes for a fee. They create profiles and guests can share experiences. A well-known platform verifies hosts, ensures secure payments, and offers 24/7 customer support. It’s ideal for areas lacking hostels. Always request a referral from a friend when signing up.

During my time in California, my roommate and I rented our living room Ikea futon for $75/night and met some interesting travelers. Last year, I found a room for $35 in Albuquerque and shared a nice room in Burlington, Vermont, for $70 in October. All were enjoyable and budget-friendly stays.

House and Pet Sitting

I'm the go-to house/pet sitter in Austin, Texas, specializing in charming parrots, playful cats, and energetic dogs. My roommate's lease ended just before my trip, and several friends needed sitters while I was between places. It was a perfect arrangement for everyone.

This option helps save on rent before your travels and provides free accommodation on the road. A friend of mine house-sat for months when she moved to Australia. Always leave the place in better shape than you found it. ?

Staying with Friends or Acquaintances

As you travel, your network grows. Your friends may have connections in your destination. Reach out before your trip or post on social media to see if anyone can host you.

I’m incredibly thankful to those who’ve welcomed me into their homes. They’ve significantly enriched my travel experience. Before this journey, I took a two-week Amtrak trip along the East Coast and stayed with friends except for one night in Vermont. When I moved to Australia, I contacted a woman I met at a wedding about meeting up in Sydney. She generously offered me a place to stay until I found my own accommodations. The kindness of others is remarkable.

Most people will gladly offer a spot for you to stay. When asking, I always say, “If it’s not a good time, I completely understand.” This allows them to be honest without feeling pressured. I like to leave handmade cards for my hosts or treat them to a drink and add them to my postcard list.

Remember, karma counts. Open your couch to friends and their acquaintances. Sign up for

!

A simple guesthouse room in Southern Thailand.

Four Key Accommodation Tips

1. Know the seasons.
Prices can skyrocket during holidays and peak seasons. Book ahead and be aware of national holidays in your destination. It’s easier to negotiate during off-peak times, but the weather may not be perfect. Travel guides typically provide seasonal insights. Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter are peak times.

During the off-season, I thrived on $15/day in Khao Lak, a beach town north of Phuket, Thailand. Cheaper than anywhere I’ve lived in the States.

2. Skip A/C.

Air conditioning isn’t standard in many places outside the U.S. Choosing a room with just a fan or cold water can significantly lower costs. You should be out exploring, not cooped up in your room! Trust me, you won’t miss hot water in the tropics.

3. Pay in local currency.
Whether paying online or in person, using local currency is generally cheaper. Currency conversion rates are often higher due to added fees.

4. Share a room.

Private hostel rooms often cost the same per person as a dorm bed or less. Guesthouses are also a solid choice, providing fewer amenities than hotels but offering private rooms with baths.

I once shared a three-bed room in a guesthouse in Laos with friends for just $4 a night EACH. This included a lovely private balcony, a bathroom, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Seriously. Traveling can be more affordable than you think.

Step outside your comfort zone and explore the world!

Next Post: Tips for Saving on Food Costs