Where To Find Free And Cheap Travel Accommodation

There are many cheap hotels available all over the world. Save money by using these free and affordable sleep options.

It is a common misconception that to travel the world, you must be wealthy. This is not true.

Learn how to find cheap flights, and use alternative options for overnight accommodation.

Traveling is expensive only if that’s what you want to do.

We assume that the only option is to use expensive PR budgets for marketing.

There are plenty of places that you can stay for free or even at a low cost when you travel.

My goal is to share with you my experience and tips so that you can find the best travel accommodations for your budget and save money.

The Best Accommodations for Cheap

1. Budget Backpacker Hostels

COST: $5 – $30 per night

Budget-conscious travelers will find backpacker hostels to be a great option. The rooms and bathrooms are shared between multiple people, which keeps costs down. Average hostel rooms can accommodate 4-10 people and are often furnished with bunk beds. You can store your personal belongings in a locker. Breakfast is included, usually a very basic one (toast & cereal).

Hostels are not only cheap but also provide a social environment for travelers to meet and interact. This is made easier by a communal living and kitchen area. Some backpacker hostels offer private rooms to those who prefer a bit more privacy while still enjoying the lively social scene.

Backpacker Hostel Tips:

• Avoid hostels without lockers to store your valuables
• Eye-masks and earplugs will help you to cope with the late night noise & lights
• Booking.com, and HostelBookers can be used to search for hostels.

I am a solo traveler and meeting new people is important to me. When I travel, I often stay in hostels. Backpacker hostels can be great if you’re willing to sacrifice a little privacy and deal with extra noise.

2. Local Guest Houses

COST: $10 – $80 per night

Guesthouses or budget hotels offer a simple and affordable room, without the amenities or services of a larger luxury hotel. You get a private room that is larger than a hostel but with less social interaction. For a little more money. The kitchen may or may be included. Breakfast is included or not.

The quality of these places can also vary greatly. Some places, hostels simply aren’t available. There are plenty of guesthouses that offer cheap accommodation.

Guest House Tips

• Ask to see the room before booking.
• Make sure that windows and doors are secured
• Booking.com can be used to find cheap hotels and guesthouses.

It really depends on how I feel. If I am feeling social and have little work to do, then I rent a bed at a hostel. Sometimes, however, the privacy that comes with having your own bedroom is worth paying more for a hotel.

3. Short-Term Vacation Rentals

COST: $10 to $80 per night

Renting out a room or an entire apartment to travelers can be done on a daily basis, weekly or monthly basis.

The vacation apartments are usually fully furnished, and they include a full kitchen. All for less than the cost of a hotel.

Staying in an apartment can make you feel at home away from home. The interaction with your neighbors will help you understand what it is like to live on the farm, even if for only a short period of time.

Renting a Vacation Apartment: Tips and Tricks

• Select places that have a good history of reviews by previous tenants.
• Consider the location of your apartment and transportation options.
• Airbnb offers a convenient way to book short-term apartments.
• Negotiate a lower rate with the owner if you are planning to stay for a month.

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Renting short-term apartment on my travels has been a great way to slow down, and experience life like a local. For example , I lived near the beach in Playa del Carmen and only paid $10 per night.

4. Local Homestay Experience

COST: $10 – $50 per night

Homestays are a great way to learn more about a culture while traveling. A family will rent out their spare room to earn extra money and teach you more about their culture. Homestays usually include breakfast and dinner.

Many language schools offer homestays, but anyone can now book one. Homestays are not only for those who speak the language. Although it can be challenging, the experience is also rewarding.

Homestay Tips

• Use sign language to communicate with your host if he doesn’t understand your language. It’s a great way to communicate.
• Find out if you get meals included in your homestay and how many.
• Open-mindedness and willingness to learn is key.
• You can find different homestay websites by searching Google for “homestay”, plus the name of the country.

I spent three weeks living with a Mayan family in Guatemala while learning Spanish. You will be treated like family and get to know a new culture.

5. Volunteer / Work Exchange

COST: $30 per night or Free

Why not earn your own accommodation? Around the globe, there are many opportunities to exchange your labor or expertise for room and board. Examples include farms, shelters and schools.

You can learn a new skill and gain insight into another culture while traveling. You can also save money by participating in a work exchange.

Work Exchange Tips

• You should check how many working hours are required and whether meals are provided.
• Some organizations charge a fee to cover the costs of hosting you.
• Searching for volunteer opportunities on WorkAway, WorkAway and HelpX is a good idea.

I volunteered to build cook-ovens in Nicaragua for families who lived in a village without running water or electricity. I had a lot of fun and felt emotionally rewarded. I also didn’t pay for accommodation or food.

6. Wild Camping & Campgrounds

COST: FREE – $20 per night

Camping in the wild is the best way to experience nature on your travels. Camping is usually free. However, if you choose to camp in a popular tourist location you might have to pay.

You can sleep anywhere with a camping hammock or tent. This allows you to explore remote areas where other travelers may not venture due to lack accommodation.

Camping cheap accommodation tips

• Avoid camping on private property that is posted.
• Be sure to have water nearby
• Food should be kept away from the shelter. If possible, it is best to keep food in a nearby tree.
• Leave no trace and respect the environment

Camping is something I love. When I travel to adventurous places, I often take a camping hammock with me. Many of my great travel adventures have included camping.

7. House Sitting & Pet Sitting

COST: Basically free

Many homeowners need someone to take care of their home while they are on vacation or at work. You can be the person. You can live in someone’s home for a few months or weeks in exchange for watching it.

There are often pets and children to play with and feed, as well as plants and other chores. It’s worth it to have a house all to yourself for no cost.

House Sitting Tips:

• Please provide references. You could house sit for your friend or family member first.
• Make sure your responsibilities have been written down and agreed upon
• Be flexible. You never know where & when an opportunity may arise.
• TrustedHousesitters can be a useful site to locate housesitting positions

I spent two weeks in the woods in New Hampshire, housesitting during the winter. I was responsible for keeping a wood fire going eight hours a night to prevent pipes freezing. I also had to keep up with a network cross-country skiing trails in the back.