There are many alternatives to hotel stays as it can put a hole on your wallet with the cost for each stay. You can find other options that are much cheaper or fraction of the price that you might pay in a hotel. Enjoy your trip with the additional money you save from opting out on booking at a hotel.
If you really need to book through a hotel, you can earn free nights with our favorite credit cards for hotel benefits and rewards.
1. Vacation Rentals
You can look for unique and affordable vacation rentals near the destination of your desire. They are much more spacious than your average hotel room, so if you’re traveling in a group or with your family, this might be a good option since you can split the cost with on another.
Checkout: HomeAway, Rent by Owner
2. Short-Tern Rentals
This is another popular hotel alternative, short-term rentals can may include a room in someone’s house, a cottage or a private studio apartment for lower rates. This might be a cheaper option than a hostel room.
Short-term rentals is a good way for hosts to make a little extra money on rooms or properties they could spare while also giving you local’s perspective as well as a great deal.
Checkout: AirBNB, Homestay, 9Flats
3. B&Bs with Shared Bathrooms
Bed and breakfasts are typically cozy and breakfast is always covered. Note to self: Find more details about B&B
Checkout: Bed and Breakfast, Bnb Finder
4. Hostels
If you’re a budget traveler a hostel might be a good option for you. However, if you don’t want to share a dorm with other people, most hostels offer a basic private room with a bathroom that costs less compared to a low-end hotel room.
Checkout: Hostelworld, Hostels, Hostelbookers, Hostelling International
5. Homestays & Couchsurfing
This is the cheapest option since you can sleep in someone’s spare bed or on a living room couch. It might be free at times, depending on who you ask. This might be a great way to meet locals.
Checkout: Servas International, Couchsurfing, Be Lodged, Homestay, Hospitality Club, Homestay Web
6. Camping
Consider going camping if you like to stay outdoors and experience sleeping under the stars. You can also stay in a cabin or go glamping if you’re not really in favor of sleeping on the ground.
Checkout: Gamping, Free Campsites
7. Boathouses
If you’re going to any places that has rivers, canals, lakes or ocean in the surrounding are, you might want to consider a boathouse. Your options include a cruiser with a cabin to a fancy yacht If you have a boating license, you can rent a boat for yourself.
Checkout: Beds on Board, Get My Boat, Boat Setter
8. Farmstays
Farmstays include ranches, cattle farms, rural B&Bs and more! This option is typically popular in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Checkout: Farmstay Planet, Workaway, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
9. Academic Housing
Some colleges and universities open their vacant dorms to travelers. This option is basic and often come with shared bathrooms.
Checkout: University Rooms, Academic Homes, Sabbatical Homes
10. Religious Housing
Religious organizations usually offer affordable accommodations to travelers. If you’re going to Italy, you might want to see convents and monasteries. You can research more about this option in your local tourist board site.
Checkout: Monastery Stays
11. Home Exchange
You can also try swapping houses to enjoy the convenience you would get into your own home while traveling. If you want to be a member of a home exchange network, you’ll usually pay an annual fee which costs about the same as one night in a hotel room.
Checkout: Love Home Swap, Home Exchange, Home for Exchange
For more tips on savings money, you can read our Tips, Tricks, and Easy Ways to Save Your Cash.
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Nice Post.