Accommodations is one of the most important parts of your trip, It can be a real money saver or a really money blower and just eating away at your budget. We all know backpackers are on a budget that's why we want to send you in the right direction when it comes to choosing your accommodations.
As all might think hostels are the way to go. However what you might not know is that hostels are not always the cheapest form of accommodation available. It all depends on how much you want to spend, how much time you have, how many travellers you are with and what you are willing to do to earn your keep. Below we will list all the types of accommodations available to backpackers and a brief description about each one. We offer further information on some of the listed types of accommodations on different pages featured on our website, just click the link to get there.
Hostels & Camping
Hostels provide a sociable accommodation where traveller's and backpackers can rent a bed. Most hostels are a larger dormitory style room with bunk beds and a shared washroom. Some hostels offer private rooms at a higher price. Most of them also have communal rooms with pool tables, lounge, kitchen, bars, and TV rooms.
To read more visit our Hostel & Camping Page.
To read more visit our Hostel & Camping Page.
Helping Abroad
Helping abroad is pretty straight forward. On our Helping Abroad page are a few websites to assist in connecting the Helper with the Host. This is great if you have time on your hand and want to get very culturally involved. This is 99% of the time free to you and some times they pay, or if you are a hard worker and friendly they will give you a thank you/going away gift. Staydu is one of our favourite website and very well organized.
They have hosts from all over the world and various types of stays from organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats. Either the host invites your or you look at the ad and ask them to host you. You usually work 3-8 hours a day for 5 days a week in exchange for food and accommodations. Although some Host's provide accommodations and food, some provide accommodations and stipend (allowance) for food. Also some Host's offer extra benefits such as free internet use, horse riding, use of kayaks, surfing lesson, language lessons etc.
They have hosts from all over the world and various types of stays from organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats. Either the host invites your or you look at the ad and ask them to host you. You usually work 3-8 hours a day for 5 days a week in exchange for food and accommodations. Although some Host's provide accommodations and food, some provide accommodations and stipend (allowance) for food. Also some Host's offer extra benefits such as free internet use, horse riding, use of kayaks, surfing lesson, language lessons etc.
HotelsThis is usually outside of a backpackers budget but sometimes it can be cheaper then a hostel. For example, the two of us got a nice hotel room packaged with flight for 46 Euro's whereas a hostel for those nights were 26 Euro's each for a dorm room. It is important to check different search engines, since they all have different prices for potentially the same room. Also keep an eye on who has the sales going on, if your looking to book a hotel room. They may also be cheaper if you are with a group because you can split the price between the 2 or 4 of you. E bookers often have lots of sales for hotels with very reasonably priced rooms. Please see our Bookings and Links page to view prices.
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Rentals
If your are staying in the city for a longer period of time or with other travellers, rentals are a good choice. A lot of the time you get all of the great amenities as a hostel or hotel for a lower price. This option is especially great if you are with 2 or more travellers. You can get as cheap as 15 Euro's a night, split between 2 of you that is 7 Euro's which beats a 15-20 Euro's hostel bed.
The advantages are that most offer a kitchen - allowing you to save money by cooking your own food and buying boose at the store as opposed to the restaurant or bar. Also, it is private if you and the girlfriend would like the week to yourselves. However, the disadvantage is that you our not near enough people - making meeting new people difficult as most apartment have a 3 night minimum stay policy. A great website for rentals is Tripadvisor.
The advantages are that most offer a kitchen - allowing you to save money by cooking your own food and buying boose at the store as opposed to the restaurant or bar. Also, it is private if you and the girlfriend would like the week to yourselves. However, the disadvantage is that you our not near enough people - making meeting new people difficult as most apartment have a 3 night minimum stay policy. A great website for rentals is Tripadvisor.
Sleeper Trains
Sleeper trains is like killing 2 birds with one stone. You get your sleep and your travel, so your not wasting any valuable day time. These are also great if you are constantly moving between destinations. You save money by not sleeping at a hostel, but trains are not always the most comfortable, unless you are seated in first class. You can get private, semi-private or back to the basic recliner seats. Most don't offer the great amenities such as showers or ovens. For more information such as pros and cons check out our Transportation page and for bookings check out our Bookings & Links page.
House Sitting
House sitting is free. Most website that provide this service you have to pay for a membership however it is very reasonable (like 20 Euro) and can be a huge money save in the long run. Basically you will babysit some one house. Make sure it does not burn down and keep it tidy. Some time you will have to look after dog walk it every day or they might just want you to water their plants of feed the fish. Some our for a few day or even a few months. A great site is : www.mindmyhouse.com
Bed & Breakfasts
B&Bs our generally cheaper then hotels but more expensive then hostels. This is great for couples and families. You have more privacy and they often are very warm and cozy. However they do not tend to have as many deals available like hotels, and so they are usually just a straight up price. However they tend to be in the smaller towns a lot of then time and family run which means the owners are often very nice and helpful by telling you great places to see and best ways to get around.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a great way to get culturally involved and is very budget friendly as it is free. Basically you crash at someone's house, either in the spare bedroom, couch or air mattress. Hosts open up there house to you. One of the best things about couchsurfing is the direct exposure to the local culture by means of your host. Many hosts spend their time with their guests, showing them around the city and pointing out good and not so good touristy places to go.
People might think it is not safe but I have not heard of or experienced any bad experiences yet. Most hosts are past or present travellers themselves and know what a great experience it can be by being hosted or hosting. You and the host get to learn something new and meet new people. The safest way of doing this, is by joining Couchsurfing.org where you can create an account and profile all about yourself and also read about possible hosts.
People might think it is not safe but I have not heard of or experienced any bad experiences yet. Most hosts are past or present travellers themselves and know what a great experience it can be by being hosted or hosting. You and the host get to learn something new and meet new people. The safest way of doing this, is by joining Couchsurfing.org where you can create an account and profile all about yourself and also read about possible hosts.
Friends & Family
Friends and family is always a great solution. It is a great way to get back in touch and reconnect. It is free and they always know what you like and the best things to see. They usually go out of their way for you and make sure you have the best time while you stay. But don't forget your manners, thank them more then enough and keep in touch afterwards - for example send them a post card from your next destination!