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Find Budget & Free Accommodation While Traveling (Without Points)

Lauren West

Imagine exploring the winding streets of Rome, the bustling markets of Bangkok, or the serene beaches of Bali without the looming worry of accommodation expenses. While travel often comes with a price tag, savvy adventurers have discovered ingenious ways to secure lodging without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll delve into the art of scoring free accommodation (and budget accommodation) around the globe, all without relying on traditional hotel points systems.

From volunteering and house sitting to cultural exchanges and alternative lodging options, prepare to embark on a journey where accommodation costs no longer dictate the limits of your travel dreams.

Let’s dig into our list of ways to score cheap or free accommodation, which can bring the cost of travel down a ton!

 

This is a guest post by Brittnay Sharman from The Travelling Housesitters.

Our CouchSurfing host, Federico, showing us absinthe rituals in the oldest bar in Barcelona

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers to people with people willing to host people, giving you free accommodation.

Television of Nomads has detailed their experiences with Couchsurfing in their post on why you should travel while you’re young—check it out, they’ve sure had some wild experiences!

Couchsurfing is primarily a free platform that connects travelers with hosts willing to offer free accommodations.

However, while the basic membership is free, there are optional paid features available, such as a “verified” status for added security and visibility.

Additionally, some hosts may request a contribution from guests to cover expenses like meals or utilities, but this is not mandatory.

Overall, Couchsurfing operates on the principle of cultural exchange and hospitality, emphasizing the sharing of experiences and connections between members around the world.

Some hosts may even have an entire spare room for you. 

You could bring the host a gift from your homeland, enjoy a meal with them, and have a pleasant conversation or communicate with them in your native language if they want to learn it!

This is a great way to meet locals and learn about the culture. You can ask any questions and get authentic answers!

 

House Sitting

House sitting is a great way to score free accommodation. And you can even get paid to stay at someone’s house!

You will have some responsibilities, though. Perhaps you will need to care for the homeowner’s pets. You might need to water their plants and collect their mail.

If you want to try house sitting if you need to start building your references, as they are one of the most important things a homeowner looks at when you’re getting started.

Here is a good resource about house sitting and building references from the Travelling House Sitters. 

 

Camping

Camping isn’t usually free, but it is generally super affordable!

While camping in some cities may not be possible, it is a great option in more rural areas. Camping is one of our favorite suggestions for staycations for couples, after all!

The accommodations aren’t as lovely as they would be at a hotel. However, sleeping under the stars is so much fun! If you’re looking for something more comfortable than traditional camping, we’ve gone into our favorite glamping spots in Joshua Tree, but they’re not always the most budget-friendly options. 

If you go camping, you’ll likely need to rent a vehicle. Most campsites are a bit off the beaten path.

Free Camping on BLM Land

But guess what–as long as you already have all of the camping gear, camping actually can be free!

Pitch your tent on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and avoid paying any fees.

BLM manages millions of acres of public lands across the United States, offering outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy nature without breaking the bank.

With stunning landscapes ranging from deserts to forests and everything in between, BLM land provides the perfect backdrop for a budget-friendly camping adventure.

So pack your gear, hit the trails, and experience the beauty of the great outdoors with free accommodation without spending a dime.

 

Work Exchange

Would you like to work as an au pair, English tutor, farm hand, or housekeeper? Then you can do a work exchange and get free accommodation. 

Several websites, such as Workaway, WWOOF, or FarmStay, help you find jobs. They connect you with people who will give you room and board in exchange for your work.

You may have to work long hours, but you’ll still have time to explore throughout your stay! You’ll also get to meet lots of people and form lasting friendships.

 

Home Exchange

Home Exchange and Love Home Swap are two websites that connect homeowners. If you’d like to let someone stay in your home, you can stay in another home!

Different platforms have different rules to ensure that nobody takes advantage of the system. Find one with rules you can follow, and sign up to start!

There may be a membership fee, but you won’t have to pay hotel prices to stay somewhere.

 

Hostels

Hostels are not free, but they can often be super cheap. The location and amenities determine the nightly cost. However, you can expect to spend a fraction of the price of a hotel.

This is an excellent option if you just want somewhere to sleep. You can spend the entire day exploring without worrying about responsibilities. Then, you can come home, shower, and get a good night’s sleep. If you are a nervous or light sleeper, this might not be your best option. You won’t have much privacy and may be interrupted throughout the night.

Check out our in-depth Maverick hostel review.

 

Hotels and Extended Stay

If you prefer staying at a hotel or Airbnb, you can still do that on a budget. Travel at less popular times to get the best prices!

You can also use filters on different booking sites to find the cheapest places and dates to stay at a hotel. This is especially helpful if you’re not set on a particular location. You might find that a less famous city will have more affordable hotels.

Extended-stay options often offer low prices. This is especially true if you plan to stay for a long-term vacation.

No matter where or when you want to travel, there are ways to find cheap accommodation. Don’t let your budget keep you from visiting bucket list destinations! You can go on dream vacations by being savvy with your money and vacation itinerary!

 

 

 

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