Where to stay if you can’t afford a hotel?

If you are travelling and in need of a place to stay, hotels are a fantastic choice.

They're simple to get to, plentiful, and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

But they can be prohibitively expensive, not to mention boringly standard. You shouldn't confine yourself to just those options.

Not at all, right?

... If you work with one of these three organisations, you can find unique places to stay for far less than a hotel would cost. Also, sometimes for absolutely nothing! Think about these websites before you plan your next vacation, or even just a weekend trip.

L'barza Apartments are the best option for anyone seeking a place to stay for an extended period of time.

Airbnb

Airbnb updates the age-old practise of hosting strangers in one's home. But you don't have to stay with strangers; Airbnb matches hosts and guests based on profiles, descriptions, and references to ensure that both parties feel safe and secure.

With Airbnb, you can book anything from a private room in someone's home to a tent in their backyard to a treehouse to a yacht to a loft to a five-bedroom villa on the Mediterranean. You can either stay in a basic motel for $25 a night almost anywhere in the world, or you can splurge on a five-star resort.

Apart from saving a tonne of money on lodging, my favourite part about staying with Airbnb hosts has been the personal touches they've provided during my stays, such as free use of bicycles, tips on local attractions and restaurants, access to a fully-stocked kitchen, and engaging conversation with people from all over the world.

Use of Other People's Couches

However, with CouchSurfing, you may share a couch and get to know your hosts better. A total stranger is sharing a room with you.

Definitely less perilous than that! Couch Surfing is founded on the idea that there is a community of people willing to host travellers in their spare rooms. This is why you don't have to pay anything to camp in Costa Rica, stay in London, or park your car on a plush sofa in Palm Springs!

In order to help both potential guests and hosts make an informed decision, the Couch Surfing website features feedback left by former surfers on each profile. You can specify in your profile if you'd rather have only single travellers, only families, only males, only women, or only travellers in a certain age range. The site has a verification procedure to ensure that you are communicating with actual humans.

Keep in mind that there is a cost associated with using this site, and the community frowns upon freeloaders who use it primarily as a browsing resource but don't contribute to the hosting of any content. It may sound like something out of a horror movie at first, but with some common sense when choosing your hosts and guests, you can save money and make new friends from all over the world.

For good reason, couchsurfing's popularity has exploded in recent years. Couchsurfing is the finest way to get a true taste of a new place like a local.

Using Couchsurfing, you can stay for free in the residence of a local. A total stranger offers to let another stay at their house for free so long as they are willing to teach and be taught by one another.

It's possible that some of you will find this absolutely ridiculous (as it did to Heather when we first started doing it). It's an incredible chance for both of you. I've always had a fantastic time whether I was "surfing" or hosting.

Couchsurfers and hosts alike frequently express the sentiment, "I hope I'm not staying with a lunatic."

That's why every year, Couchsurfing improves its security features in order to make sure its users are as safe and secure as possible.

Can you finally get started with Couchsurfing? Create a profile on couchsurfing.org and start looking for a place to stay.

Leave My Home Alone

House sitting can be the perfect solution for those who want a private vacation but are willing to spend a little money and time. Sites like Mind My House help people who want to travel find reliable house sitters. It is your responsibility to email the potential homeowner and convince them that you are the best candidate for the position. You'll need to fork over another twenty bucks if you want to check out the available houses and amenities during your stay.

If house sitting is something you see yourself doing frequently, think about what you can do to increase your marketability. The best pet sitters go above and above for their clients, making sure the house is spotless, the fridge is stocked with treats, and the animals are content when they leave.

Nevertheless, you'll obtain staying in a house (by yourself) for very little money. In addition, stays can be as short as a week or as long as a few months, making it ideal for those who wish to see a lot of a new place without going into debt.

As long as you know where to look, you can find nice, convenient locations to stay for as little as $50, $20, or even free, in cities and countries all over the world. For most people, housing costs more than airfare does when planning a vacation. However, there is no requirement to spend $100-$200 every night on lodging. It's possible to spend far less on lodging if you're flexible about where you stay.

Whether you are staying with us for one night or a longer period, your health and well-being is our priority and L’barza Services Apartments is ready to help with any questions.

Rentals for a Limited Time

This hybrid of hotel stays and homestays is becoming increasingly common among vacationers. It is usual to find nightly rates for private rooms in homes, cottages, and studio apartments listed on websites like Airbnb, Homestay, and 9flats that are less than $50. It's a win-win situation: visitors get a terrific value and a chance to experience a place like a native, while hosts can make some extra cash by opening their homes to them.

Furnished and unfurnished apartments and houses

When compared to staying at a hotel, renting an apartment or house has many advantages.

• Money can be saved by staying in a rental rather than a hotel, especially if you're travelling with a large party.
• Hotels don't always provide the same level of comforts that you can find in a private apartment or house rental, such as a kitchen or a washing and dryer.
• Internet and parking are typically included in the rent at both apartments and houses, so you won't have to worry about hidden fees. It's common for places to offer free parking and internet access.
• Meeting the proprietor of a business can be a terrific way to receive insider information on things to do and see in the region.

Recently, it has become increasingly usual for people to rent temporary housing when they travel. All across the world, from Louisville, Kentucky to Munich, Germany, I've been able to find great rentals for a fraction of the price of a hotel.

I have always been relieved to have a rental to call "home" during my travels. Everything about this transaction, from the properties to the experience, has been excellent.

I would suggest using Airbnb as a first stop when looking for a short-term rental home or apartment. You can browse images and descriptions of the facilities, in addition to reading testimonials about the available properties and their owners.

Although Craigslist's user interface isn't as sleek as that of Airbnb, I've had great luck using it to find deeply discounted apartment rentals in both the United States and other countries. Since Craigslist isn't subject to the same level of oversight as Airbnb, it's important to use caution to avoid being scammed.

Sanctuary for the Faithful

Convents and monasteries in Italy (see out Monastery Stays) and Christian and Jewish guesthouses in Jerusalem are just two examples of the types of places you may be able to stay cheaply thanks to religious groups. These choices can be discovered by a simple web search or by going directly to the website of the local tourism board.

I've only lately become aware of this choice, but it seems like a great one. All throughout the world, you can stay at a church for free or at a very low cost if you happen to be a visitor there.

I'll be the first to say that this isn't for everyone and that you'll get the most out of it if you already practise the faith in question. It's a one-of-a-kind adventure, and a helpful way to find your way around holy sites, anyway.

Although the specifics of the lodging may vary from organisation to organisation, you can often anticipate a bed and, in many cases, a complimentary breakfast. It's similar to sleeping in a hostel, but in a more serious, sombre setting.

Monastery Stays is the place to find for monastic lodgings in Europe. If you're looking for a place to stay in another part of the world, you'll probably need to get in touch with the group itself.

Hostels

Despite the name, hostels are a terrific choice for young and old alike who are looking to save money on their travels. If you don't want to stay in a dorm but still want to avoid paying a fortune for a hotel, consider a hostel instead.

The media has painted a bleak picture of hostels. If you imagine hostels to be chaotic, smelly, and full of drunken travellers, you're in for a nice surprise. They've recently become more like quaint boutique hotels in terms of atmosphere and service (try saying that five times fast).

Hostels are one of my top hotel choices because of their individual charm. Every one of them has its own distinct identity, rather than seeming like a generic concrete slab plastered with a company's logo.

Staff members have more of an investment in making sure you have a good time when they are also the business owners.

Although hostels have improved greatly since their inception, you still shouldn't consider them to be on par with five-star hotels. While travelling, you may likely be required to share a toilet and sleeping quarters with other strangers (though many hostels do offer private rooms for an additional cost).

Though there are some drawbacks to staying in a hostel, we think they are more than compensated for by the many advantages over staying in a hotel that you will enjoy during your stay.

Hostelworld is the best place to start your hostel search.

Need a place to stay in Shepparton for a few nights or weeks? Go to the L'barza Apartments to get there! Each of our serviced apartments in Shepparton is up-to-date, fully-equipped, and in a prime location.

Watching Houses

Individuals who are interested in staying in luxurious homes and other properties for free might consider house sitting as an option. You read that correctly; absolutely no cost to you!

House sitting is fantastic since it may be done for as little as a week or as long as an entire year, depending on the needs of the homeowner. In the end, it's up to you!

Caretaking for a home is a simple task. There are plenty of folks who would appreciate having someone watch after their home while they're abroad.

Many people choose to have someone stay in their home while they are away for a variety of reasons, including the care of their pets, the upkeep of their garden and yard, and for their own personal safety.

People are willing to offer up their houses and properties for house sitting for a variety of reasons. The house sitter receives a free place to stay in exchange for taking care of the owners' pets, lawn, or other needs.

Sign up for an account on Trusted Housesitters to find your first home sit. Read our comprehensive guide to house sitting for information on how to locate suitable sitting opportunities and make the most of your stay.

Homestays

One of the least expensive ways to see the world is to crash on a stranger's couch or spare bed. It's a terrific opportunity to get to know the people for little to no cost, and it's available in many places. Organizations like Servas International and Couchsurfing make it easy to arrange a homestay for travellers. Visit our homestay and farmstay guide for additional details.

It may be more cost-effective to stay with a local family than to rent a hotel room or an apartment. A homestay is when a local resident offers you their spare bedroom or bed for the night. It's possible to find free homestays in exchange for volunteer work, though the going rate is usually a reduced nightly rate.

Remember that your homestay may provide only limited amenities. Homestays may not have a lot of luxuries, but what they lack in that regard they make up for in the depth of their cultural immersion.

When it comes to learning a new language, for example, homestays provide an unparalleled level of immersion. More than that, you'll feel like part of the host's family for the duration of your stay, which is something you simply won't get at a hotel.

Start your search for a homestay with Homestay.com.

Rentals for Vacations

Vacation rentals, such as a Parisian apartment, a Caribbean estate, or a Vermont cabin, provide travellers with a variety of distinctive and cost-effective housing options. More room means less per person, making them a better value for groups or families travelling together. Having access to a kitchen also helps cut down on expensive dining out. TripAdvisor and HomeAway are two sites worth checking out. Read up on the pros and cons of renting a holiday home to see if it's the correct choice for you.

Vacation rental houses can be a terrific alternative for those who are taking trips that require them to stay in the same place for multiple nights. This may not be as convenient for shorter visits. When travelling, we choose to stay in a rented house or condo rather than a hotel because of the many advantages it offers over a standard hotel room, including more space, the ability to cook our own meals rather than relying on restaurants, and the feeling of being at home. VRBO.com, HomeAway.com, and CyberRentals.com (all three sites are owned by the same firm but appear to have separate inventory), as well as FlipKey.com, are just a few examples of vacation rental sites with a large selection (owned by TripAdvisor.com).

Fast food joints like Subway and Starbucks open all night

Simply ordering a sandwich or coffee every hour or so would suffice, and it will be the least expensive option. Similarly, I wouldn't feel unsafe doing the same at a Subway or a Starbucks, but I would be more cautious at a Burger King or a McDonald's, especially late at night.

Get a One-Night Car Rental

If you will be arriving at a local airport, it is recommended that you rent a car rather than staying in a hotel. However, you can usually still arrive to an airport and pick up a rental car with relative ease if you're using a bus or train. This is the most costly choice (between $50 and $100), but it's the greatest because of the added privacy and security it provides. Leave it in a well-lit parking lot, like the one at a Walmart that's open all night. Also, if you become hungry or need to use the restroom, you may do so without having to go far from the facility.

Student Dormitory

Many universities and colleges allow tourists to stay in their dorms while their students are away for the summer. Your stay will be cheap, but the facilities will be quite rudimentary (bathrooms may be down the hall, for example). UniversityRooms is one of the few centralised databases of this type of lodging, but you can also try contacting around to local universities to check if anything is available during your visit. The tourist information office of your destination might potentially be able to provide some insight.

Inns with Common Baths

If you don't mind using the restroom down the hall, staying at a bed and breakfast can save you money compared to a hotel. It may not be as inconvenient as it sounds, either, because the room you were supposed to share a bathroom with may not actually be occupied at all.

Farmstays

There is a wide variety of places to stay in the country, from bed and breakfasts to working ranches and cattle farms, and you don't even have to be willing to milk a cow to take advantage of this. Farm stays are especially common in Western Europe, Down Under, and New Zealand. Explore the possibility of staying at a home or farm.

Camping

One of the most inexpensive choices is camping, especially if you cook your meals over a campfire rather than eating out every night. If you're not into swatting mosquitoes all night, you have the option of either in a cabin or glamping in a luxurious tent camp.

Camping is one of the least expensive vacation options if the necessary equipment is acquired.

This isn't something that everyone would enjoy. You must not mind roughing it in the absence or simplicity of indoor plumbing and sleeping under the stars.

Nevertheless, if you don't mind sleeping in a tent and cooking over an open fire, camping may be a fun and adventurous way to see the world. If you want to see less-visited sections of a nation or spend your vacation outdoors, this is a great choice.

However, if the idea of sleeping under the stars in a tent isn't appealing, you always have the option of hiring an RV or camper van instead. Choosing one of these provides you with extra shelter from the weather, in addition to modern conveniences like a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom (in some cases).

We suggest using the following tools to help you locate a suitable camping spot for your next trip:

• Hipcamp is a website that helps you locate free campsites on private land in the United States. If you're looking for a camping spot but don't want to fight other tourists for it, this is a fantastic choice.
• AllStays is a fantastic tool for locating campgrounds of all types, from national parks to RV resorts.
• RVshare is a website that works like Airbnb but for recreational vehicles.

Trade Houses

House swapping is a great method to save money on lodging while still having all the conveniences of home. There is usually an annual subscription to join a home exchange network, but it is usually less than the cost of two hotel nights, so after just one or two stays, your membership has paid for itself. Read our guide on home exchanges on SmarterTravel to find out more.

And if you're still seeking for alternate, potentially cheaper, forms of lodging outside a hotel room, consider the following:

CraigsList

People have been utilising Craigslist to list overnight and long-term housing rentals for quite some time. This website combines Google Maps with the popular classifieds website Craigslist, making it easier to look for a new place to live or a new place to shop. HousingMaps.com has a lot of listings, however it doesn't show every CraigsList rental because the ads aren't formatted correctly.

Countless unique adventures and one-of-a-kind experiences have come my way thanks to hostels, Couchsurfing, and staying at strangers' homes. Those are the experiences that have stuck with me and continue to inspire my passion for travel.

For your next trip, I recommend trying out one of these alternates to traditional hotels. It's a decision you won't come to regret.