Traveling around the world can be pretty expensive. And when you realize that accommodation costs can easily take up the major part of travel bills, you might feel the need to put your travel plans on the backburner, especially if you’re on a budget!
Waiting to save enough for a round-the-world trip seems the right thing to do if you only prefer staying at hotels. But if you’re willing to consider alternative types of accommodation
, you can head out right away! While other lodging options might not be ultra-luxurious, they are fairly comfortable and you get the basics for a fraction of the cost of a hotel room.
Here are some types of accommodations you can consider.
Hostels
Don’t fret; good hostels are nothing like the ones shown in movies! A lot of hostels are safe and if you research well before you book your stay, you’re sure to have a great time.
Rooms in hostels are dormitory-style and have shared facilities. Some hostels have smaller rooms designed for singles or couples, so you don’t have to share a room with strangers if you don’t want to. Just keep in mind that bigger rooms that can be shared with a lot of people will be cheaper.
Pros
- Hostels provide sociable accommodation at low prices and give you an opportunity to meet interesting people from all over the world
- Almost all major cities in the world have hostels so finding one shouldn’t be a problem
- They’re great for group travel as you can book an entire room and not have to share it with strangers
- Hostels have fully-equipped kitchens so you can save money on food bills by cooking your own food
- Some hostels may serve free breakfast
- All hostels are unique and organize some or the other fun activity for patrons
- You can ask for a safe to lock up valuables
Cons
- Unless you book a private room, you won’t have privacy
- You will most likely have to share bathrooms and showers- small packs or try free samples
of shampoos and lotions as they will prove to be useful
- You might have bad experiences with some roommates
- Staff is limited
- Some hostels might have a curfew and not allow you in after a particular time
Homestays
Also called hospitality exchange or couchsurfing, homestays are the cheapest form of accommodation. You will be hosted by a local in their house for a very low cost. Not only do hosts treat you to local foods and drinks, some of them will also be willing to act as your guide.
Pros
- Homestays are very cheap or free
- You get to meet and interact with locals
- You can brush up your language skills and know more about local traditions, culture, and history
Cons
- It might take an effort to trust your hosts
- You’ll have to flexible enough to adjust to your host’s way of living
- You’re going to be a guest in someone’s house so you’ll have to be respectful in every way you can
If you want to make your trip more memorable, consider a farmstay. Farmstays can provide a variety of accommodations ranging from rural B&B s, working ranches and cattle farms, to luxurious and spacious rooms. If you opt for a farmstay, you might be able to indulge in hands-on activities like feeding livestock, milking cows, learning to cook local dishes, and more!
Religious Housing
You’ll be able to find free or affordable accommodation offered by religious groups in certain places. Facilities in monasteries, convents, or guesthouses are very basic but you’ll be able to survive if you can stay without too many amenities. Just be sure to take everything you’ll need with you- that includes your shampoo
If there’s something you can’t live without, be sure to
Pros
- You can get a room for free or a small donation
- The clean and peaceful environment will be a refreshing change from the ordinary
- Some places offer simple meals
Cons
- You cannot expect well-furnished rooms
- You’ll have to adhere to rules and regulations
Home Exchange
Exchanging homes with a fellow traveler is a great way to save money on accommodation. You only have to log on to a good home exchange site and update your profile. You might have to pay an annual fee for using the site’s services, but you’ll be able to cover the costs in a couple of day’s stay at the swapped home.
You can discuss travel dates and important stuff about the house with your home exchange partner over the phone. What’s more, your travel dates don’t necessarily have to coincide with your partner’s; partners can either take turns hosting each other or host the partner in a secondary home.
Pros
- Exchanging homes is the best way to live abroad comfortably without spending oodles of money
- Home exchanges are great for travelers who want to stay put for a week or more
- Having a functioning kitchen all to yourself means you can cook and save money on eating out
Cons
- You might have to spend time and energy keeping the house clean
- You can only hope that your house will be as cared for by your exchange partner
Conclusion
Now that you know of these great lodging alternatives, you needn’t worry about spending loads of money on hotel accommodation. Weigh the pros and cons well and figure out the best lodging option taking a decision.
Happy traveling!