15 Unique Accommodations That Save Money & Add Charm to Your Trip

Accommodations that save money are the biggest price tag after buying your plane ticket. Minimizing just this one expense could make the difference between a one-week trip and a two-week trip. Cutting costs doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the quality of your experience. Many accommodations that save money offer low cost, comfort, and beautiful scenery. But this means you’ll have to keep an open mind and remain flexible. The real travel adventure begins when you’re open to almost anything. The options below avoid the mainstream travel industry, with most falling under the sharing economy category. These options all meet a minimum standard of safety and provide a wide range of comfort levels and privacy, helping you travel affordably without compromising on experience.

Overnight Transportation: Accommodations that save money

When traveling longer distances, try to book overnight trains, ferries, or buses. You can save a night of accommodation costs by paying only for the ticket. Trains and ferries often offer sleeping compartments, which cost extra but are worth it for a decent night’s rest. Sleeping compartments also provide added security with a locked door, which is good for solo travelers.

University Dorms

Some universities rent their dorm rooms to travelers during summer vacation at discounted rates. They can come with or without a private bathroom. It’s a cheap, secure, and basic option, especially for solo travelers. Some housing includes free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Platforms like UniversityRooms.com now allow access to reserving dormitory space.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing connects travelers with locals who offer space in their homes free of charge. This can range from a spare room to a couch. Sometimes it’s the backyard, and you come with your tent. While it’s a great way to meet new people and learn about different cultures, you can only really stay a few days. If someone is kind enough to welcome you into their home, offer to make dinner, or buy a bag of groceries to contribute to the experience. The idea is an exchange of cultures, so be prepared to share your origins. There are other platforms similar to Couchsurfers.com, such as BeWelcome.com and Warmshowers.com, for cyclists.

Hostels

While the idea of the hostel has been around for centuries, this old institution still exists and offers budget-friendly dormitory-style housing. The only downside is that many are beginning to get expensive, so you’ll have to scrutinize what is provided. The principle remains the same. You sleep in same-sex dormitory-style rooms with bunkbeds and share a large shower room, kitchen, dining, and living space. There should be lockers in a common space to secure your belongings. Some offer private rooms for an added fee. The biggest advantage is that they’re great for meeting fellow travelers, and many are ideally located in a city or surrounded by beautiful backdrops.

Capsule Hotels

Originating in Japan, the capsule hotel concept has spread to other countries. Initially designed for traveling business people who work too late to catch their train home, these hotels offer tiny, pod-like sleeping spaces stacked on top of each other. There are lockers in a common area to secure your belongings. Normally, they are a fraction of the cost of traditional hotels. While they’re great for solo travelers looking for a budget-friendly option, they are not well-suited for people with claustrophobia.

Airbnb

This longstanding platform now has a good amount of competition. You’ll have your choice of sites that allow you to rent accommodations ranging from shared rooms to entire apartments or houses. This option is ideal if you’re traveling as a family or a group of friends. Solo travelers can still find good deals, and often, the longer you stay, the easier it may be to negotiate a lower rate with the owner.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are smaller establishments more popular in Asia than in Europe. They offer affordable rooms, often with shared bathrooms. The quality of this type of accommodation varies widely, so it’s probably a good idea to ask to see the room first before paying. Along with low prices, other benefits include being located in scenic landscapes, access to a kitchen area, and a way to interact with the local culture.

Religious Guesthouses

Many religious institutions, such as monasteries and convents, offer affordable accommodations to travelers. There are several websites providing location possibilities around the world. You don’t need to be of the same faith as the host organization but should respect their beliefs. Some places may provide free accommodations; if that’s the case, don’t take advantage by staying too long. Expect simple rooms, a quiet environment, and possibly some house rules such as quiet hours. Some locations also provide meals for an extra fee.

Camping

If you enjoy sleeping outdoors, camping can be an incredibly affordable option. If you are not on someone else’s property, you can go wild camping or choose traditional campsites with basic facilities where you’d be with other campers. Some websites match travelers with their own camping equipment with property owners willing to rent their outdoor space for pitching a tent. Offering more privacy and calm than a campsite, this is a great way to spend time outdoors but with some comforts of home, such as access to the bathroom and kitchen.

Home Stays

Several platforms allow travelers to find local families who offer homestays. Often, the price includes some meals, and it’s an excellent way to learn the local language. This option is ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in the local culture and save money. The hosts will sometimes take their guests out on a few authentic excursions to the region. If you want to keep to yourself, this option may not be the best for you. Families who do this often seek an exchange of language and culture.

Farm Stays

Several online opportunities are available to find farms that need help with small projects such as agriculture and small construction tasks. Stay on a working farm to experience rural life firsthand in exchange for free housing and often most meals. Accommodations are usually rustic but range from single rooms with private bathrooms to dormitory-style layouts with shared shower rooms. Be sure you are clear on the sleeping arrangements and what tasks will be expected of you.

Volunteering

Outside of farm stays, some organizations offer free accommodations in exchange for volunteer work. This could involve anything from construction or excavation projects to administration tasks to teaching English. Many platforms match volunteers with projects. Be certain you’ve understood all that will be expected of you and what type of accommodations and food will be provided.

Long-Term Rentals

If you’re planning to stay in one place for an extended period, consider renting an apartment or room monthly. While this may seem like an even bigger expense, staying based in one place allows you to save money eating out since you’ll have a kitchen for preparing your meals. It’s also a great way to discover a particular region’s smaller, lesser-known places. It’s an opportunity to travel slowly, perhaps meet new people, and try new things. You can often negotiate better rates than for short-term stays. Be certain that it’s a fully furnished apartment and understand what’s included in the rate, such as utilities.

House Exchange

If you own a home, there are platforms for house swapping, allowing you to exchange homes with people worldwide. You stay in their home while they stay in yours, eliminating accommodation costs. Staying in a local’s home is a great way to experience how the natives in the country live. Another advantage is you’ll save money by using a kitchen for meals instead of eating out every night. Remember, this only works if you’re comfortable with strangers staying in your home while you’re away.

House Sitting

For animal lovers, some websites connect travelers with homeowners who need someone to look after their house and pets while they’re away. In exchange, you get free accommodation and often a free meal or two from the host. This is only a good option if you like animals and are willing to spend time with the pets you are looking after. Most house sits require you to be at the house at certain points in the day. You may also need to be available if a pet falls ill or there’s a maintenance problem with the house.

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