Now is a great time to start planning ahead for your trips in the coming year. Even if your budget is tight, you can plan a great trip if you know how and where to cut costs. Aside from airfare, the largest expense you will incur while traveling is your accommodations. However, if you know where to look and you’re willing to ditch the hotel, you can find cozy, convenient lodging for a fraction of the cost.
Short Term Room Rentals
This is a relatively new trend that is seems to be a cross between a vacation rental and a homestay. Locals make extra money opening up their homes to travelers for low nightly rates and travelers receive a local’s-eye view of the location.
Religious Housing
Check to see if there is any affordable lodging offered by religious organizations, such as convents or monasteries.
Hostels
While they are traditionally used by youth, hostels can provide extremely affordable housing for anyone on a tight budget. Many offer basic private rooms at a slightly higher price that are still well below the cost of a hotel room.
Homestay
Homestays are the cheapest way to travel, as you will be sleeping in someone’s spare bedroom or possibly on their living room sofa. Because these accommodations are less private, they are, in many cases, free. This is a great way to immerse yourself within the new culture.
Vacation Rentals
If you are planning on staying somewhere for an extended period of time or you are traveling with a family or group, vacation rentals can provide the ideal accommodation. Larger than a hotel room, they also provide a kitchen which will save you big bucks by allowing you to avoid restaurants for every meal.
Academic Housing
If you are looking for cheap accommodations without any extra perks, check on academic housing. Many colleges and universities open their dorms to visitors when students are gone for the summer.
Farmstays
Farmstays are popular in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. This stay can include a wide variety of accommodations, from rural B&Bs to cattle farms.
Camping
Just short of free, camping out under the stars is probably the cheapest option available, especially if you cook over a campfire. You can stay in a cabin or luxury tent camp to avoid being eaten by misquotes at night.
In order to further cut costs, use packing organizers to pack light and fit everything you need into your bag.
For more travel tips, visit us at TamperSeal.com.