The number one reason people give for not traveling?Its too expensive.
If that sounds like something you would say, keep reading.
Couchsurfing
Hands down,Couchsurfingis the best way to getfreeaccommodation while youre traveling.
Personally, Ive never had a bad experience with Couchsurfing but proceed with caution.
Only surf with hosts with good reviews, and be sure to tell someone else where youll be staying.
Short-term Rentals
The sharing economy has madeshort-term vacation rentalsinto an easy and affordable option.
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you could easily return later.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Though the most popular rental site isAirbnb, similar sites includeWimdu,Roomorama,GowithOhandVRBO.
Lastly, theresBidGo, a new eBay-like site that allows you to bid on vacation rentals.
(Am I old or what?)
Some of my favorite sites areHostelWorldandHostelbookers.
Did you know?
you might Get Paid Up to $140/Month Just for Sharing Your Honest Opinion
4.
My favorite comparison sites areBooking.comandTrivago but my biggest savings often come in the form of free membership-only sites.
I loveHotelTonight, which offers fantastic deals on last-minute hotels hence the name.
Another rockstar isTravelpony, which is free to sign up for and sometimes has insane deals.
(By using that link, youll get $35 off your first booking.)
Some great housesitting sites areHome Exchange,Trusted Housesitters, andMind My House.
Camping
If youre a nature lover, camping is the perfect choice.
Youll get to sleep under the stars while also saving money.
If you plan oncampingfrequently, its a good idea to bring your sleeping bag and/or tent with you.
To find campsites in your vacation destination, check outGORPandCampsite Directory.
Unlike Couchsurfing, youll have to pay though the fee is usually modest and includes food.
Accommodations vary widely, but are generally rustic and rural.
An added bonus: youll get to play with the farms animals!
Agritourism Worldlists international farm stays; and here are directories for farm stays in theUnited States, theUnited KingdomandAustralia.
Another popular option isWWOOF.
Stays will often be free or very cheap.
like keep in mind that these stays arenotfor partying, but rather for quiet contemplation.
Depending on where youre staying, you may get to participate in meals or services.
Thislist of interesting monastery staysmay also give you some inspiration.
(Click to tweet this idea.)
University Stays
Headed to acollege town?
Weve got two words for you: student housing.
Your Turn: How do you find cheap accommodation while traveling?
Have you tried any of the methods above?
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
