How To Save On Accommodation

Locals post profiles offering their couches for FREE and are reviewed by users. The website is also a great community for meet ups and events including language groups and social activities. For safety concerns: https://www.couchsurfing.org/n/safetyBe sure to have friends provide references for you when you sign up initially.

When I moved to California, I couchsurfed while I was looking for a place to live and made a cool friend who’s also traveling the world: http://kaleenaskaleidoscope.com

Hostels are the best place to meet other travelers. You essentially rent out a bed in a dorm of 3-20 people. They feature shared showers and lockers for your valuables. (Pack your shower shoes and a sturdy lock.) Private rooms and female only dorms are also available. Most have full kitchens and some offer free breakfast. It’s basically like being in college again without having to go to class. Prices range from $6 (Asia/Central America) to $50 (NYC).

You can find hostels and reviews on Trip Advisor or HostelWorld.  To avoid booking fees, book with the hostel directly. If you are planning a long stay, only pay for the first couple nights when you arrive to make sure you like the place.

Airbnb (Airbnb.com)

People rent out rooms and couches in their homes for a fee. They post profiles about the space and guests provide reviews. Airbnb verifies the identity of all hosts, offers a secure payment platform and 24/7-customer service. It’s a great option for locations without hostels. Be sure to have a friend refer you and offer a reference. Click here to get a $25 credit when you sign up!

When I lived in California, my roommate and I rented out the Ikea futon in our living room for $75/night and met some cool folks. I found a room for $35 in Albuquerque on a road trip last year and spilt a nice room in Burlington, Vermont with a friend in October for $70. All were great experiences and cost effective.

The more you travel, the more your traveling network expands. Your friends also have friends. Ask around before your trip or put a post on Facebook to see if anyways in your destination.

I am eternally grateful for all the people who have let me crash on their couch. They’ve been an essential part of my traveling experience. Before this trip, I did a two-week Amtrak trip through the East Coast and stayed with friends the entire trip except one night in Vermont. When I moved to Australia, I emailed a lady I met a wedding about grabbing lunch after I got to Sydney. She instantly offered to let me stay with her family until I found a place to live. The kindness of others is astounding.

Most people will offer you a place to stay instantly. If I ask, I always make a point to say, “If that’s not a convenient time, then I completely understand.” That gives them the option to be honest if the timing is not good, and there are no hard feelings. I always make a point of leaving handmade cards for people who let me crash at their place. Or I buy them beer/wine and add them to my postcard list.

Don’t forget karma. Offer your couch to friends and friends of friends. Sign up for Couchsurfing!

A basic guesthouse room in Southern Thailand.

1. Be aware of high/low seasons.
Costs can triple during holidays and high seasons. Book in advance. Be aware of national holidays in your destination country. It’s easier to negotiate prices in the low season, but the weather might not be ideal. Lonely Planet guides provide a good breakdown for seasons and holidays on their first few pages. Christmas, New Years and Easter are always peak seasons.

During the low season, I lived well on $15/day in Khao Lak, a beach town north of Phuket in Southern Thailand. That’s cheaper than any place I’ve lived in the States.

Air conditioning isn’t standard outside of the U.S. Opting for a room with a fan or with cold water only will cut the price significantly. Plus, you really should be spending more time exploring than sitting in your room! Trust me, you don’t need warm water in the tropics.

3. Pay in Local Currency
Despite whether you are paying online or in person, it’s almost always cheaper to pay in local currency. Currency conversion rates usually inflated for profit.

Private rooms in hostels are usually the same cost per person as a dorm bed or cheaper. Guesthouses are another great option. They have fewer facilities than a hotel but offer private rooms with private baths.