Hotel accommodation is expensive, especially for travelers looking to save money or travel for longer. Fortunately, many affordable hotel alternatives, such as house-sitting, hostels, and house-swapping, provide an authentic travel experience!
Knowing where to look can help keep your travel expenses low. Below are many hotel alternatives you may never have considered!
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1. Short Term Rentals
Short-term rentals have become the most popular alternative to hotels. Sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and HomeAway allow travelers to stay in someone else’s house or apartment.
Travelers can choose between renting an entire house or a room with a shared or private bathroom. One downside is that you may still have to pay the additional cleaning fees, booking fees and hotel taxes for the city they’re staying in.
2. House Sitting
Being a house sitter allows travelers to stay in someone’s home for free in exchange for caring for the owner’s house and pets. Most house sittings have basic responsibilities like cleaning, pet care, and plant care. However, they get to stay in a private property with amenities and no cost involved!
House sitting is an awesome alternative to renting, as travelers benefit from home amenities such as a full kitchen, laundry, and WiFi access. It also offers a more authentic experience since travelers live like locals.
There are many house-sitting websites, like Trusted House Sitter and House Carers. Once a sitter gets acclimated to the site, they can enjoy plenty of opportunities to house sit around the world while receiving a free place to stay!
3. Hostels
If you think hostels are overcrowded, smelly madhouses filled with crazy backpackers, think again! These days, hostels range from 12-bunk dorm-style accommodations to private rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Hostel visitors often meet other travelers who can provide recommendations or travel tips. They may even invite you to join them on their adventures. Many travelers have reported unique experiences at hostels just because of the people they’ve met.
4. Academic Housing
Remember the good ol’ college days? Some universities offer college dorm rooms for rent during the summer or holidays. Visiting sites like UniversityRooms.com can help you find potential academic housing. Remember that the accommodation will be bare bones and may require visitors to use shared facility bathrooms.
5. Religious Housing
Temples, monasteries, synagogues, and convents are all places that offer affordable religious housing. The catch is that visitors must be affiliated with the religion and respectful to the establishment.
6. Boathouses
Ever consider a boathouse as a lodging opportunity? Tourists visiting a destination near rivers, canals, or lakes may want to consider a boathouse.
Many places, such as France, Australia, and the Netherlands, offer boathouses. People with boating licenses can rent them and take them for a spin.
7. Couchsurfing
Most people either love or hate Couchsurfing. The idea is that travelers stay at a local’s house or apartment for free. It’s the cheapest option because there’s no cost involved.
A stranger lets another stranger stay in their home, asking for nothing in return. Many Couchsurfing users typically want to learn more about each other’s culture.
8. Volunteering
Some non-profit organizations offer room accommodation in exchange for volunteer work. Some well-known organizations include Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. Volunteering is an affordable alternative to receiving accommodation while supporting an important cause.
9. House Swap
House swapping is a cheaper alternative for budget travelers than hotels. It’s a great way to enjoy the comfort of living in a home and enjoying the experiences of a local.
Sign up for a home exchange network, and you’ll pay an annual fee similar to a night’s stay in a hotel room. For those who travel multiple times per year, this is an affordable lodging option that lets travelers enjoy all of the convenience of home.
The homes typically offer a full kitchen, laundry, WiFi, and a TV and usually are located away from tourist traps.
10. Overnight Transportation
Take an overnight train or bus to save on a night’s stay. Most countries, such as the Indian subcontinent or European countries, offer overnight transportation routes. Choosing a seat instead of the more expensive private room or bunk bed can help save additional costs.
12. Campervan, RV, or Camp
Travelers who love the outdoors should consider camping outside or in an RV. Many state and national parks offer visitors private campgrounds. Make sure the packing lists contain plenty of survival kit items, such as flashlights and other camping gear.
Staying in RVs is an excellent way to cover the cost of travel and accommodation, making it one of the cheapest hotel alternatives. Many wanderlust adventurers can visit multiple countries or states within a short period. Modern RVs offer essential amenities such as electricity, water tanks, and even heat.
13. Work Abroad on Cruise Ships and Farms
For travelers who want to increase the level of immersion, there’s no better way than to work for lodging at farms of cruise ships. Some worldwide organizations match visitors with breweries, garden centers, and organic farms. Their goal is to find workers while promoting authentic cultural and educational experiences.
The most popular option for finding these opportunities is the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). Other than the annual membership fee, these programs offer non-monetary exchanges.
Visitors who get their hands dirty can work in unique places like yachts and cruise ships. These ships stop at multiple cities, letting travelers sightsee and experience different cultures.
Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of affordable accommodations that provide awesome experiences. Many tourists who’ve tried these lodging alternatives have found them to be some of the most memorable times in their lives.
Want to Try House Sitting?
Have we got you excited about house-sitting? We love sharing our house-sitting experiences and teaching others how to become house-sitters and start their journeys.
So, if you need help starting your house-sitting journey, see my resources here, and don’t hesitate to contact me and ask me any questions.
Author: Brittnay
Brittnay is one of the Travelling House Sitters. Over the past five years, she has cared for 25 dogs, 35 cats, one turtle, and one rabbit in 40+ houses in 15 countries.
She is ready to teach you exactly how to become a housesitter, and she wants everyone to enjoy this incredible lifestyle!
You can read more about Brittnay and Jay on their about page.
Or connect with Brittnay on Facebook or in their house sitting community on Facebook
