{"id":497,"date":"2018-06-08T07:00:22","date_gmt":"2018-06-08T11:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?page_id=497"},"modified":"2025-03-04T14:15:11","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T19:15:11","slug":"finding-cheap-accommodation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-tips\/finding-cheap-accommodation\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find Cheap Accommodation in 7 Easy Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nAccommodation is one of the biggest fixed costs travelers have and reducing that cost<\/a> can lead to big savings on the road! I’m sure many backpackers would sleep in a barn if it was the cheapest accommodation they could find! Heck, I’ve slept in hammocks in national parks to save a buck!<\/p>\n

But that’s not something you have<\/em> to do.<\/p>\n

No matter what your accommodation tastes may be, one thing everyone has in common is that no one wants to pay a fortune for it. Since you have to stay somewhere every night, reducing this expense can save you a lot of money off the total cost of your trip. Next to finding a cheap flight<\/a>, finding free or inexpensive lodging will have the biggest impact on your budget.<\/p>\n

Luckily, there are many ways to find cheap accommodation when you travel. Here are the best ways to do so:<\/p>\n


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Cheap Accommodation Tip #1: Stay in Hostels<\/h3>\n

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\nHostels are another option for budget travelers. In hostels, rooms are dormitory-style with all the facilities shared. Many people think of hostels as a \u201cyoung person thing\u201d and are not interested in sleeping in a dormitory. Yet people do not often realize that many hostels offer small rooms, singles, and doubles designed for solo travelers or couples. <\/p>\n

I have met people in hostels in their 50s, 60s, and even in their 70s! The myth that they are dirty, gross places to stay designed for young people is outdated. Many hostels offer more amenities than hotels<\/a> and are really clean as young people expect more comfort. These aren’t the hostels you see in movies or have the horror stories your parents talk about. They come with Wi-Fi, tour desks, bars, curtains, lockers for your stuff, big bathrooms, and lots more! I am constantly amazed at how hostels get better and better each yer.<\/p>\n

I think hostel dorms are the best value for budget travelers. Yes, you have to share a room with a lot of people, but if you are on a budget, it’s your best way to save money.<\/p>\n

While many hostels are geared toward young travelers and set age limits, some of the bigger international chains such as YHA and Hostelling International focus more on older or group travelers<\/a>. I’ve seen families, tour groups, and older travelers in hostels all over the world. A hostel is really for anyone who wants to meet other travelers, regardless of age.<\/p>\n

Hostels are safe, secure, and cheap<\/a>. Don\u2019t overlook them \u2014 even if you\u2019re not part of the young backpacker set.<\/p>\n

This page has all my favorite hostels around the world if you want to learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n

My favorite hostel booking website is Hostelworld<\/a>. They have the best inventory, deals, and interface. If you’re going to book, book with them!<\/p>\n

And if you’re heading to Europe, consider getting a HostelPass<\/a>. It’s a discount membership that offers 10-20% off hostels in Europe (as well as discounts on activities and tours).<\/p>\n

Cheap Accommodation Tip #2: House\/Pet Sit<\/h3>\n

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\nEvery year, people with pets head abroad on their holidays and have to leave their pets behind. This usually means paying for expensive animal boarding or having to rope in friends\/family to watch your pets. There is, however, another option: Trusted Housesitters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This website connects travelers looking for accommodation with locals who need a pet sitter while they are away. It’s an excellent opportunity for travelers who like to slow down and really spend a few weeks (or months) in a destination. Yes, you’ll have to watch someone’s pets, but you’ll get access to a home with a kitchen, laundry facilities, and possibly even perks like a car or pool. It can save you a fortune if you’re a long-term traveler.<\/p>\n

House sitting is gaining in popularity, but it\u2019s still a little-known landscape for so many travelers. You’ll need to pay to join Trusted Housesitters<\/a> ($129 USD per year) but it will open up opportunities all around the globe. I know several travelers who pet sit full time, hopping from destination to destination while enjoying free accommodation along the way. <\/p>\n

It can take time to get started as you need to build up your reviews, but once you’ve done that you’ll be able to find sitting gigs in amazing destinations!<\/p>\n

Cheap Accommodation Tip #3: Collect Points!<\/h3>\n

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\nThe best way to save on accommodation is to get it for free so start earning and using points and miles. Collect hotel points through various programs and redeem them for free nights at hotels. Most cards come with welcome offers that are equal to multiple nights of free hotel stays. Best of all, you can earn points just with your regular day-to-day spending. It doesn’t cost anything extra!<\/p>\n

Here are a few posts to help you get started:<\/p>\n