Cheap travel accommodation is out there, don’t pay for expensive hotels; just check out these free (and cheap) travel options to save more money on your travels. One of the biggest travel misconceptions out there is you must be independent wealthy to travel the world. This is just not true at all. While you may have to fork over more money in transportation costs, you can still save big bucks with proper planning. Here are some travel tips for cheap travel accommodation.
The first thing you should consider is where you want to go. Are you traveling to a distant country or a nearby city? Are you looking for the warmth and comfort of a cozy bed and breakfast or more modern, more upmarket lodgings like airbnb or even a high rise in a hip part of town? Once you decide where you want to go, start to narrow down your travel accommodation options by choosing the kind of location you’re looking for. There are so many options out there; it’s pretty darned difficult to choose one!
Once you’ve determined where you’re headed for, start comparing prices across various locations. If you have a limited budget for traveling, that’s a good starting point. Hostels are often the cheapest way to travel, but you must remember that while they may be the best travel accommodation option in some situations, they aren’t in others. For instance, if you’re traveling to a remote island in the Pacific Ocean where most of the accommodations are dormitories, then you won’t get much privacy or space to yourself, but you will have the opportunity to save plenty of money since you’re paying significantly less than you would at a hotel.
Another popular option in the low cost, but still free accommodation category are hostels and hotels that offer “rooms to let,” or to stay as is. These places can also be a great option if you are traveling to an area where traditional accommodations aren’t available, or if you just prefer to stay in your own house and go with no other group. Keep in mind that there will be other people in your group who will want to sleep in the same room as you, which can increase the costs significantly. But on the flip side, these types of accommodations can often be more private and comfortable than the cheap hotels and hostels.
The best option in the free accommodation category for traveling is a homestay. A homestay is essentially a private apartment or house that you’ll be living in while traveling. If you choose the right homestay in a destination, you’ll have everything you need including food, water, transportation, and even security while you’re there. These places generally come with their own facilities such as gyms and swimming pools. Some also include extra amenities like a Jacuzzi tub and a balcony, making them ideal for traveling groups. There are some areas that have a small homestay community or village, which is a good option if you’re traveling in a large group.
With all these options available for free accommodation, the best travel accommodation choice for many travelers are hostels and hotels. Even though they are not free, the majority of hostels and hotels offer excellent customer service, a comfortable stay, and a location that is far from the hustle and bustle of a city. If you are traveling to an area where traditional accommodations aren’t available, or if you would rather travel in comfort and seclusion than in a packed tent, then these types of accommodations can be your best option.