7 Ways to Find Cheap Accommodation

Accommodation is one of the biggest fixed costs travelers have and reducing that cost can lead to big savings on the road! I’m sure many backpackers would sleep in a barn if it was the cheapest accommodation they could find! (Heck, I’ve slept in hammocks in national parks to save a buck!)

But, luckily, there’s other – more comfortable – ways to save money on accommodation.

Since you have to stay somewhere every night, reducing the cost of accommodation can save you a lot of money off the total cost of your trip so here are my favorite ways to do so:

 

Cheap Accommodation Tip #1: Stay in Hostels

Hostels are one of the best options for budget travelers. In hostels, rooms are dormitory-style with all the facilities shared. Many people think of hostels as a “young person thing” and are not interested in sleeping in a dormitory. Yet people do not often realize that many hostels offer small rooms, singles, and doubles designed for solo travelers or couples.

I have met people in hostels in their 50s, 60s, and even in their 70s! The myth that they are dirty, gross places to stay designed for young people is outdated. Many hostels offer more amenities than hotels and super clean facilities. AThese aren’t the hostels you see in movies or have the horror stories your parents talk about. They come with Wi-Fi, tour desks, bars, curtains on your dorm, lockers for your stuff, big bathrooms, and lots more!

While many hostels are geared toward young travelers and set age limits, some of the bigger international chains such as YHA and Hostelling International focus more on older or group travelers. I’ve seen families, tour groups, and older travelers in hostels all over the world. A hostel is really for anyone who wants to meet other travelers, regardless of age.

Hostels are safe, secure, and cheap. Don’t overlook them — even if you’re not part of the young backpacker set.

This page has all my favorite hostels around the world if you want to learn more.

My favorite hostel booking website is Hostelworld. They have the best inventory, deals, and interface. If you’re going to book, book with them!

And, if you’re heading to Europe, consider getting a HostelPass. It’s a discount membership that offers 10-20% off hostels in Europe (as well as discounts on activities and tours).

Cheap Accommodation Tip #2: House/Pet Sit

Every year, people with pets head abroad on their holidays and have to leave their pets behind. This usually means paying for expensive animal boarding or having to rope in friends/family to watch your pets. There is, however, another option: Trusted Housesitters.

This website connects travelers looking for accommodation with locals who need a pet sitter while they are away. It’s an excellent opportunity for travelers who like to slow down and really spend a few weeks (or months) in a destination. Yes, you’ll have to watch someone’s pets, but you’ll get access to a home with a kitchen, laundry facilities, and possibly even perks like a car or pool. It can save you a fortune if you’re a long-term traveler.

House sitting is gaining in popularity, but it’s still a little-known landscape for so many travelers. You’ll need to pay to join Trusted Housesitters but it will open up opportunities all around the globe. I know several travelers who pet sit full time, hopping from destination to destination while enjoying free accommodation along the way.

It can take time to get started as you need to build up your reviews, but once you’ve done that you’ll be able to find sitting gigs in amazing destinations.

Cheap Accommodation Tip #3: Use Hotel Points!

The best way to save on accommodation is to stay somewhere for free. You can collect hotel points using credit card points and redeem them for free nights. This saves me so much money a year. Most credit cards come with welcome offers that are equal to three or more free nights. I have a lot of guides on how to get, use, and maximize points. If you’re not collecting them, you’re wasting money. Here are posts to help you get started:

• Points & Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• How to Pick the Best Credit Card
• The Best General Travel Credit Cards
• The Best Hotel Credit Cards
• How to Earn Free Travel By Paying Your Rent

I save thousands of dollars every year thanks to points and miles. It’s the #1 thing you can do to lower your accommodation costs!

Cheap Accommodation Tip #4: Volunteer!

Hostel workers rarely stick around for long, which means there is always a demand for new help. It’s a great way to meet other travelers while exploring a new destination. In exchange for a few hours of work each day, you’ll get a free place to stay, allowing you to save money and extend your travels. Many hostels will have job boards up if they are looking for help. But it never hurts to just ask either!

If you want to find opportunities before you head abroad, check out Worldpackers. They offer travelers a chance to find volunteer experiences overseas. In addition to hostels, it can help you find experiences with NGOs, home stays, and eco-projects all over the world.

Simply the Worldpackers website, sign up (it’s $49 USD/year, and start browsing for opportunities. It’s super fast and easy to use. You’ll get $10 off signing up if you use my link too!

Cheap Accommodation Tip #5: Stay in Hospitality Exchanges

One of the best ways to get free accommodation is by staying with someone who lives where you’re going. Stay with a local who will give you a free place to rest your head, local information, and someone to hang out with. This is one of my favorite ways to save money and one that nets a really awesome cultural experience too.

There are a few websites that make this happen. Two of the most popular are Couchsurfing and BeWelcome.

Cheap Accommodation Tip #6: Stay on a Farm

WWOOF stands for “Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms” and WWOOFing around the world is an incredibly popular way to travel long-term on a budget. In exchange for working on an organic farm, travelers get free room and board — allowing them to extend their travels without breaking the bank. While you will have to work (and often work hard), it’s an amazing and immersive cultural experience that will help you extend your travels and save you lots of money.

There are thousands of farms spread out over 100 countries. Some stays are for a couple of weeks, while others can be for months. Simply sign up, pay the small fee, and you can start searching for opportunities!

For more information, check out this post, which breaks down everything you need to know to get started WWOOFing!

Cheap Accommodation Tip #7: Stay in a Monastery

Want something totally off the beaten track? Stay in a monastery. Accommodation in these monasteries is often very spartan, containing no more than a bed and desk, with simple meals prepared by the monks and nuns. Monasteries are very family-friendly and quiet (most also have curfews). While many monasteries cost at least $50 USD a night per person (many have dorms for half that price), most simply ask for donations or are free, making them an amazing budget option too. Two resources that are great to check out are Monastery Stays and How to Stay in a Monastery.

My Favorite Accommodation Resources

Here are some of my favorite websites for finding the best accommodation deals. If I’m looking for a cheap place to stay, these are the sites I always check first:

• Hostelworld – My go-to site for finding hostels.
• Booking.com – The best website for finding budget guest houses, hotels, and more.
• TrustedHousesitters – The biggest (and best) house and pet-sitting platform.
• Couchsurfing – A great app for finding free accommodation with locals.
• Airbnb – My go-to app for renting apartments/homes while traveling.

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It has never been easier to find cheap accommodation — if you know where to look. So, the next time you head out on the road, consider one of the options above. They will help you reduce your expenses, freeing up more money so you can do activities, eat out, drink more, and overall, experience the destination you saved so long to visit.