Budget Travel

Money-Saving Accommodation Alternatives to Hotels

Published

August 27, 2024

Hotels can be pricey. Many travelers are looking for cheaper places to stay. Did you know that RV rentals let you explore at your own pace? This article will show you eight money-saving options for your next trip.

Ready to save big on your stay?

Key Takeaways

Short-term rentals can save money and give more space than hotels. In some areas, they led to a 2% drop in housing prices.
RV rentals let you travel freely and save money. Most campsites cost less than $50 a night, much cheaper than hotels.
Academic housing offers cheap rooms on college campuses during school breaks.
Couchsurfing is free and helps you meet locals. It makes people want to visit places again.
House sitting lets you stay for free in exchange for caring for someone’s home and pets.

Short-Term Rentals

A couple enjoys coffee on a cozy patio in a residential area.

Short-term rentals offer a great way to save money on trips. You can rent a whole house or just a room for less than a hotel. These rentals let owners make money from empty space. In Los Angeles County, 18 out of 88 cities made strict rules about short-term rentals.

This led to 50% fewer listings. But it also made housing prices drop by 2% in those areas. Near Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, property values went up by 15%.

Renting short-term can give you more space and a kitchen to cook in. This helps cut food costs on your trip. You might stay in a local neighborhood and feel more at home. But check the rules before you book.

Some cities have limits on these rentals. Always read reviews and ask questions to find a good fit for your stay.

Camping or RV Rentals

Camping or RV rentals offer a fun way to save money on trips. You can rent an RV from companies like Cruise America. These RVs come with beds, kitchens, and bathrooms. This means you don’t need to buy your own RV to enjoy the open road.

Most campsites cost less than $50 a night. That’s much cheaper than hotels, which often cost over $100 per night.

RV travel lets you change plans easily. You can cook your own meals too, which saves more money. But there are some downsides. Parking can be hard in cities. Also, you may need to pay extra fees at campgrounds.

Still, for many people, the savings and freedom make RV rentals worth it.

Academic Housing or Student Housing

Academic housing offers a budget-friendly option for travelers. Many schools rent out dorm rooms when students are away. You can get a private room or share a bathroom. It’s cheaper than most hotels.

Plus, you get to stay on a college campus. This can be fun and give you a new view of the area.

Schools have had trouble finding enough housing for students for years. But this problem helps travelers. It means more rooms are open during breaks. You might find deals with universities for short stays.

These rooms are basic but clean. They give you a place to sleep without spending too much money.

Vacation Home Rentals

Vacation home rentals provide a comfortable atmosphere for your trip. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO allow you to reserve entire houses or apartments. These accommodations often include kitchens, living rooms, and more space than hotel rooms.

You can prepare meals and relax as if you were at home. However, be aware that prices have increased since 2019. This is due to increased demand for larger rural houses and the effects of inflation.

Airbnb is a prominent name in this market, but it’s not the only option. Vacasa and VRBO are alternative platforms to explore. They may offer different deals or accommodations. Some rentals provide discounts for extended stays.

This can help reduce costs on longer trips. Just be sure to review the rules and amenities before making a reservation.

Couchsurfing or Homestays

Couchsurfing offers a free way to stay with locals while you travel. It’s great for saving money and making new friends. You can connect with hosts online and sleep on their couch or spare bed.

Many travelers love it because they get to know the local culture better. It’s also a good choice if you want to stretch your budget.

Couchsurfing builds trust between guests and hosts. They use things like verified profiles and shared connections. This helps people feel safe when staying with strangers. Studies show that couchsurfing makes people want to visit places again.

It also helps spread good words about travel spots online. If you like meeting new people and learning about different ways of life, couchsurfing might be for you.

Hostels

Hostels are a great way to save money on trips. They offer cheap rooms for travelers. Many hostels have shared spaces where you can meet new people. You can cook your own meals in their kitchens.

This helps you save even more cash. Hostels often sit in the middle of cities. This makes it easy to see the sights.

Most hostels have dorm-style rooms with many beds. But some also offer private rooms if you want more quiet. Many hostels plan fun tours or events for guests. This helps you learn about the place you’re visiting.

Hostels are perfect for folks who like to be social and save money at the same time.

House Sitting

House sitting offers a great way to save money on trips. You stay in someone’s home for free while they’re away. In return, you take care of their pets and house. This lets you live like a local and skip pricey hotels.

Many people use sites like Trusted Housesitters to find these chances.

House sitting has some cool perks. You get to hang out with pets, which is fun for animal lovers. You also save a ton of cash on where you stay. But it’s not all easy. You might have to deal with pet issues or house problems.

Still, it’s a neat way to travel and meet new people. Just be ready to care for someone’s home like it’s your own.

Conclusion

Hotels aren’t the only way to stay when you travel. You have many other choices that can save you money. From renting homes to sleeping on couches, these options offer new ways to see the world.

They let you meet locals and live like them too. So next time you plan a trip, think outside the hotel box. You might find a cheaper and more fun place to stay.

References

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