While travelling, I always prefer to spend less on my accommodations and more on the attractions. I have found many great sites that offer cheap( sometimes free) accommodations for travellers around the world. Many of these sites are free to sign-up, but do offer membership rates for more housing options and safety features. Overall, finding a cheap place to stay is one of the most important parts of saving money while travelling.
One of the easiest sites to find a place to stay is through Airbnb. They are a great reliable source that offers housing around the world. The site is very user-friendly and lets you easily choose your travel dates, price range, home style, and any specific amenities that you would prefer (dryer, washer, parking space, etc). They range usually from $40 to $125 per night for the more cheaper and basic apartments. It’s perfect for a home base when travelling in a foreign country.
When using Airbnb, you must be approved by a host to stay in their home (unless they have an instant booking), but they have 24 hours to respond and you are usually approved. So, it’s a petty easy process!
Their cancellation policy is pretty easy-going, but many times if you are staying over 28 days the first month is non-refundable. This is not too much of a risk! Especially if you already set your travel dates, the host is verified, and your ready for an adventure.
Here is my affiliation link to get $45 off of your first stay with Airbnb.
Other sites similar to Airbnb:
Another option while travelling is staying in Hostels. There are many great sites for finding cheap hostels and my favourite one to use is HostelWorld! They are super easy to use and the best part is that it is instant booking. You can also get flexible rates that allow you to cancel up to a few days before your trip (just in case there is a change in plans).
TIP: I always recommend first checking the hostel’s site before booking through Hostel World. I have sometimes found cheaper rates through the hostel’s site
For example: I booked a hostel for a few nights in Dublin and HostelWorld offered $45 a night while the hostel offered $35 a night for the same room.
Don’t be afraid to browse the net for cheaper deals!
Other sites similar to HostelWorld:
Also, If you are looking for cheap hotels I recommend these sites:
For free accommodations I recommend Couchsurfing. Couchsurfing allows you to sleep on someone’s couch for a night or two and sometimes they will offer you free meals as well. It is definitely a great place to meet new people and a unique experience for the less-shy adventurers.
Couchsurfing Rules:
- Respect the host’s personal space. They’re letting you sleep at their house for free. Don’t take advantage of them.
- Don’t overstay you’re welcome. Try and stay at one house for 1-3 days max.
- Clean up after yourself. Unlike the other sites, you did not pay for your own bed and storage space. Try and keep your belongings in one spot.
Similar Site:
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms): A site where you volunteer for a free place to stay. A great alternative to Couchsurfing, if you want to “pay” for your stay. You are also welcome to stay for longer periods of time through WWOOF.
The last place I’ll mention is Trusted Housesitters. They are a site that link you with homeowners around the world. While the homeowners are in another country or city they offer you accommodations in their home. You will often take care of their pet(s), pick up their mail, water their plants, and a few other chores while they’re gone. For a few simple tasks a day, you have an entire house or apartment for yourself that is often located close to the downtown core.
Similar sites:
Overall, try not to worry about the cost of your accommodations too much and focus more on trying to have fun in your new city.
Safe travels,
Carina
