Ditch Expensive Hotels: 6 Alternative Forms of Accommodation for Travelers

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These days, finding an affordable hotel for your travel accommodations is nearly impossible.

Hotels have been driving up their prices, and that is not even considering the cost of parking, room service, or other amenities. A hotel room is often the big sticking point for why many people cancel their travel plans – they simply cannot afford it.

However, as the tourism industry flourishes, alternative methods of accommodation are becoming more and more common. These alternate locations are typically more affordable, and some even offer similar amenities to hotels. Some are just bare bones essentials, like a bed and a bathroom and a roof over your head, but if you are planning on spending most of your time out exploring, it is the perfect solution.

1. Rent a Condo/Apartment

If you are someone who travels often, particularly to specific areas, then it is worth considering renting a condo or apartment in the location you travel to. Often, places will have affordable housing available for rent, or places you can rent on a temporary basis. For example, a property agents blog from Hua Hin, Thailand, talks about how it is a perfect location for travellers, because of its affordable housing. People can rent or even buy a condo here for when they are visiting, and even rent it out to other travellers later to make an income. Other locations may have similar options available.

2. Hostels

Hostels are a particularly popular choice among millennials and the younger generations because of their affordability. Typically, they offer basic amenities like a bed, a shower, and security. Sometimes you have to share a room with other travellers, but most places offer same-gender and mixed-gender dorms for the various comfort levels. Some even offer private rooms for a higher price that is still often cheaper than a hotel. Hostels have a somewhat bad reputation because of horror stories, but over the last few years, they have grown in popularity and have increased their value and appearances.

3. AirBNB

Some people will rent out their own apartments or homes, or other buildings that they may have, using AirBNB. Sometimes these are even better than hotels, because they will give you a true taste of the city you are visiting. Exercise some caution when it comes to AirBNB, of course – use their rating system and their system of “Superhosts” to find legitimate locations that have great reviews. You can rent anything from a single bedroom in a home to an entire house or apartment, all for less than the cost of a night in a hotel downtown.

4. Camping

If you can “rough it,” camping is a wonderful and cheap option for travellers who are on a budget and like the simpler things in life. Whether you bring your own tent, sleep out under the stars, rent an RV, or whatever you choose, many locations will have campgrounds available for you to spend your nights. Some bigger cities may not have this option, but for those looking for an adventure, it is a great solution.

5. Religious Housing

If you are looking at international travel, consider using Monastery Stays. Some institutions will rent out rooms in the monastery for a little money. If you are looking for luxury, this will not be for you, but if you just need a place to lay your head at night, this is the perfect solution. Most of these will be in the Mediterranean area, but there are various places that do this.

6. Academic Houses

When the campuses are empty and students are home, some universities and colleges rent out their spare rooms to travellers for low costs. The rooms will be like dorm rooms, rather bare and only providing the essentials. However, for the traveller on a budget who just needs a safe place to sleep at night, this is the perfect solution.

There are all sorts of alternative forms of travel accommodations, if you know where to look. Hopefully this list enables you to travel to your heart’s content – without breaking the bank.