How to Find Free Accommodation

There are ways on how to get free accommodations, although some of them requires a longer than the usual stay.

B. Getting Free Accommodation and more

1.      Couchsurfing: www.couchsurfing.com is an online community for travelers and the program lets you stay in a local person’s place. The main purpose though is not the free stay but rather the interaction between people coming from different cultures. It’s a great way to learn some local stuff like cuisines and culture and to meet new friends as well. There are also other websites like this such as www.hospitalityclub.org etc.

2.      Volunteering: The internet provides a wide array of volunteer opportunities that will provide you with a free accommodation and sometimes free meals too in exchange of sharing your skills and talents.

3.      Temples: Some temples in India and Thailand accommodate weary travelers, just search the web or ask around when you get there. I met someone who stayed in a temple in Laos. Just don’t forget to be courteous enough in asking and to politely accept their decision regardless if they agree or not. This is a great way to learn some spiritual stuff too. Donation is usually optional but I do suggest to share some if you have any.

4.      Friends: If you have friends staying in the city of your destination, do not forget to contact them. They might be able to provide you some space in their living rooms for a couple of days. This is also a great way to catch up with some lost time and to share updates about your lives. At the end of your stay don’t forget to express your gratitude by offering some unique and thoughtful gifts.

5.      Camping: If you have the guts and a tent, why not set up your own camp so you won’t have to pay for your accommodation. I personally haven’t tried this though but I might in the future. I met some people who usually bring tent or hammock with them so they won’t have to pay any hostels.

6.      WWOOF: A lot of travelers go for this one. You have to register to a WWOOF website (depending on the country of your choice) and you’ll get some information about farms that offer free accommodation and sometimes meals in exchange of some hours of labor. Always make sure to set the expectation straight to avoid surprises which usually leads to a negative experience. This is a great way to learn a new skill.

I’m sure there’s a lot more online. If you have any other suggestions or ideas, please feel free to post it here.

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How to Find Cheap Accomodation

After airfare, accommodation is pretty much the next big thing that eats up our budget in traveling, especially for those who are just on a short vacation. Here are some tips on how to save money or maybe get free accommodation on your next trip.

A. Cheap Accommodations

1. Check the Internet: A lot of small budget hostels still don’t have their own websites. You will usually find them in other host website like Hostelbooker.com I frequently use this site because it provides you with hostels that belong to different price range and at the same time some feedback from previous guests. This will give you an idea on what to expect when you arrived at the hostel of your choice.

2. Stick with your Budget: My daily budget for accommodation ranges from $3-$5 (in Asia) and I always try my best to stick with it. I don’t mind if there’s no air conditioning or if the space is small, as long as it’s within my budget, you’ll find me there. You wouldn’t really stay the whole day in your room anyway, or would you? But of course if you have a bigger budget to spend, then by all means get a more comfortable room.

3. Share your Room: Look for a roommate. There are thousands of independent travelers roaming the planet and there’s a high chance that you’ll find one to share the room with. Most prices of single room are almost the same or just slightly lower than a twin room. You can save a lot in sharing your room although you also have to exercise vigilance in choosing your roommate. I never had any bad experience yet but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

4. Let the Drivers Bid: When you get off the train or bus stations, there will be a lot of drivers that will offer you some accommodation. Usually they get some commission out of this. Take advantage of this “offer frenzy” and bargain hard with them. Do not make any commitments. Just tell them that you want to check it out. This is how I usually get a free ride from the stations to my next hostel.

5. Search the Area for a Cheaper Hostel: After getting to your hostel, take some rest and maybe shower. I’m sure you’re tired from a very long overland trip. After that, you might as well check out the neighborhood. If you’re staying in a backpacker’s area, there’s a lot of other hostels around. So take a walk and check their prices, you may start bargaining with them as well. Who knows, you might just get a cheaper deal.

6. Ask Other Backpackers: A lot of backpackers are very much willing to share their information. Ask where they’re staying and how much they’re paying for it.

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