HOW TO FIND CHEAP ROOM IN 7 SIMPLE STEPS. Accommodation is one of the biggest fixed costs for travelers and reducing this cost can lead to big savings in the future! I’m sure a lot of backpackers would sleep in a barn if it was the cheapest accommodation they could find! Damn, I slept in a hammock in a national park to save money!
But that’s not what you have to do.
Whatever your preference in organizing, the one thing everyone has in common is that no one wants to pay a lot of money for it. Since you have to stay somewhere every night, reducing these costs can save you a lot of money on the total cost of your trip. Besides finding a cheap flight, finding free or cheap accommodation will have the biggest impact on your budget.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to find cheap accommodation while traveling. Here are the best ways to do that:
Cheap hosting tip #1: Exchange hotel accommodation
One of the best ways to get free accommodation is to stay with someone who lives where you are going. Stay with a local who will give you free accommodation, local information and people to hang out with! It’s one of my favorite ways to save money and also a really great cultural experience! There are a few sites that allow this:
- Windsurfing
- BeWelcome
Couchsurfing is my all-time favorite activity (it’s also the largest and most active community). The website’s goal is to help tourists not only save money on accommodation, but also experience the local culture by being able to stay and interact with the locals.
I use this site all the time and I think it’s one of the best things that can happen while traveling. While I like the fact that I can get out of hostels and hotels and save money, what attracts me to the site over and over again is that I can see the local side of a city. I was taken to parties, restaurants, and places not covered in any guidebooks.
People are often afraid of the couch because they wonder if it is safe. At first I was also very worried. There you are, in a new town, with all your belongings – in a stranger’s house. What if they try to kill you while you’re sleeping? What if they steal your stuff? However, I have found that people who are willing to open their doors to strangers tend to be very open-minded and are also often people who have traveled. They know what you’re going through. They want to help. Couchsurfing is aware of this and takes many measures to ensure safety. It offers different levels of verification and allows users to rate and leave comments on people’s profiles.
Couchsurfing server
When searching for a Couchsurfing server, I use the following criteria:
- Must have a photo with the profile. It just shows me that he is a real person.
- The profile must be completed. It shows that they care and are engaged. Most people won’t take the time to fill out if they don’t feel comfortable with strangers in their homes. If someone doesn’t bother to fill out a profile, they probably won’t use the site and I’ll move on.
- They should have reviews. If others have stayed or at least traveled with the host and had a good experience, you and your business will probably be fine. You may not get along with your landlord, but at least you know he’s not a bad person. The more positive the reviews, the better.
- Verify help. Couchsurfing offers different levels of verification. People can be verified by other travelers, by mailing address, or by credit card. Knowing that a person has been verified reduces the chances of them becoming a mad psycho killer. However, if someone is unverified but has a lot of reviews, that’s okay. with me.
Either way, you have to use your own judgment, but I’ve never heard of a really bad couch surfing experience other than that the host was either a jerk or a bit antisocial. . Usually, you’ll end up talking to a host via email to get a feel for them and what to expect. If that’s not true, don’t! But once you do couchsurfing for the first time, you’ll find it really isn’t that bad. If you do this regularly, you will end up saving hundreds of dollars organizing and making friends around the world.
Cheap hosting tip #2: Stay in the dormitory
Hostels are another option for budget travelers. In the hostel, the rooms are dormitory type with all facilities shared. Many people consider dormitories ‘youth’ and are not interested in sleeping in dorms. However, people often don’t realize that many hostels offer small, single and double rooms designed for solo travelers or couples. I’ve met people in dorms in their 50s and 60s. The myth that these are dirty, disgusting places to stay designed for young people is false. Many hostels offer more amenities than hotels and are really clean as young people expect more comfort. These are not the dorms you see in the movies or the horror stories your parents tell. They come with wifi, tour desk, bar, curtains, lockers for your belongings, large bathrooms and more! I am constantly amazed at the number of hostels that improve every year.
Hostels
I think hostel hostels are the best value for budget travelers. The larger the room, the lower the price. Yes, you have to share a room with many people, but if you are on a tight budget, this is the best way for you to save money. If traveling in a group, you can rent a dormitory room for the whole group and do not have to share it with strangers.
While many hostels target younger travelers and place age restrictions, some of the larger international chains like YHA and Hostelling International focus more on older travelers or in groups. I have seen families, tour groups and older travelers staying in hostels around the world. The hostel is really for anyone who wants to meet other travelers, regardless of age. The hostel is safe, secure and cheap. Don’t overlook them, even if you don’t belong in the group of young backpackers.
My favorite hostel booking site is Hostelworld. They have the best inventory, the best deals, and the best interface. Most hostels cost between 5 and 30 USD per night for a dormitory bed. They also have private rooms, but this is really a worthwhile option. Airbnb or a cheap guesthouse is much more profitable. Unless you really want the hostel experience and a place to meet other travelers, I wouldn’t have a private room in a hostel.
Cheap hosting tip #3: Stay in a house exchange
This probably works best for older travelers who already own a home. These programs have been around for a long time but are gaining popularity thanks to good marketing and word of mouth on the internet. House swaps are like they sound – for a fixed term, you trade houses with a family from another country. It’s a great way to live cheaply abroad.
Most people don’t do this because they’re worried about safety, but remember that the other family also gave you their house. Sites that support home exchanges often have different levels of security and verification similar to Couchsurfing. Families talk to each other by phone and email, and there’s no commitment if you don’t find it right for you. Most of the people who do this are like-minded, so the chance of going wrong is very low. In addition, the family will send some people to follow you when you arrive. You can get all the comforts of home (hot water, laundry, etc) in another city without paying.
For more information on home swaps, see House swaps. This website was featured in the movie “The Holiday”, which has helped to alleviate a lot of people’s fears about house swapping and popularizing this travel option. Some other home exchange sites are Seniors Home Exchange, IHEN and Home for Exchange.
Good babysitting sites
If relocating isn’t your thing, consider staying at home as an alternative. In exchange for looking after and cleaning someone’s home while they’re away, you’ll receive housing in the area you’re visiting. Good babysitting sites include:
- Take care of my home
- Domestic helper
- Luxury home photography
One thing to remember about sitting at home is that it is not for the casual tourist either. While you can find short-term options in just a few days, most in-home babysitters last weeks or months. Remember that you are looking at someone’s home when they are on vacation and everyone likes to be away for a while. You are responsible for keeping someone’s home tidy and you will have to go through a verification process. The growing popularity means there are many options available.
Cheap hosting tip #4: Stay with Airbnb
Similar to house exchanges, rentals allow people to stay in furnished apartments while traveling. These apartments are cheaper than hotels and offer more amenities. They are perfect if you are planning to spend a week or more in one place. You will have all the comforts of home without spending a lot of money.
These apartments are a good bridge between hostels and hotels, although they can be a bit pricey if you’re traveling alone. They cost twice (if not more) than hostels. However, if you are part of a group or a couple and are looking for a getaway from hostels and crowds of tourists but don’t want to stay in a hotel room, this is the perfect accommodation option. for you. Another reason to use this method? You benefit from a kitchen, which allows you to cook and reduce the cost of eating out. My favorite rental sites are:
- Wimdu
- Airbnb
But let’s face it. Now everyone uses websites. Airbnb is a big thing and one of the main ways people travel these days. If you don’t want to stay in a hotel but also don’t want to stay in a hostel, this is the middle ground. I stay on Airbnb all the time. I love it. You meet people, you have your own space, quiet and clean. Honestly it is perfect.
Here’s my guide to finding the perfect Airbnb or short-term stay.
Cheap hosting tip #5: Stay on a farm
Want to live on a farm but not work like you WWOOFing? Try staying on the farm. Staying on the farm allows you to stay on active farms, learn how the farm works, be able to participate in the running of the farm (milk that cow!) and enjoy a variety of activities held outdoors. Facilities range from basic camping to deluxe accommodations depending on the farm, but in general, it’s like staying in bed and breakfast. Prices vary widely depending on where in the world you are, but in general you will pay budget hotel prices (so at least US$40 per night).
Here is a list of resources for finding a farm to stay:
- Farms in England
- Farms in the United States
- Farm stay Australia
Cheap hosting tip #6: Stay in a monastery
Fancy something completely lost? Stay in a monastery. Accommodation in these monasteries is usually very simple, with only a bed and a table, with simple meals prepared by monks and nuns. The monasteries are family-friendly and quiet (most also have a curfew). Although many monasteries cost as little as US$50 a night per person (many monasteries have dormitories for half the price), most only ask for donations or are free, this also making them an amazingly economical option.
Resources for finding a monastery:
- Stay at the monastery
- How to stay in a monastery
- 15 wonderful stays at the monastery
Cheap hosting tip #7: Collect points!
The best way to save on hosting is to get it for free. If you don’t want the couch but prefer free accommodation, travel.
Collect hotel points through various programs and redeem them for free hotel nights. I am writing this right now from the Waldorf Astoria in London. Cost to me? $0. Register to open a hotel credit card, get lots of bonus points, put them all on the card and redeem! It is very easy 바카라사이트.
And you don’t even need to spend a lot of money because there are so many ways to earn points without spending any money (you don’t have any)!