How to Find Cheap Travel Accommodation

Different types of travelers have different demands for accommodation. Meeting these isn’t always straightforward. With seemingly endless accommodation options these days it could be difficult and time-consuming to pick the one that suits you best. In this guide, I’ve packed some tried and tested tips to help backpackers and budget-conscious travelers find cheap travel accommodation.

Travel accommodation is both a blessing and a curse. It is a necessity whilst traveling and in many cases, it can easily burn a hole in your pocket.

I’ve traveled to over 35 countries on a budget and my current trip has no time limit except when my money runs out. So, it’s quite important for me to find and book cheap accommodation wherever possible.

When I’m searching for flights I almost always opt for the cheapest option. However, I set aside plenty of time to find accommodation that would meet my expectations.

Depending on the circumstances of my trip and destination, I may need lightning-fast WiFi to finish the programming project, a decent place to wash and dry my clothes, or a rooftop deck with great views.

We’ve all experienced the tedious process of searching when trying to book the cheapest possible accommodation. With so many search engines out there and continually fluctuating prices, the approach to finding budget accommodation is overwhelming.

I’ve tested different options in the last few years. I can assure you, that every single one of them has its pros and cons, depending on the destination and what kind of traveler you are. And now, amigos, I am proud to unveil some methods and hacks I use for finding and booking cheap places to stay abroad. These tips will save you time and money.

How To Find Free Travel Accommodation Anywhere

Did you know that there are even ways you can sleep for free while you travel?

If you need a place to stay but have no money, finding free accommodation for travelers is easier than you think.

Yes, there are a lot of options! Not only it will save you money on expensive hotels but will also help venture off the beaten track, not to mention provide some of the most memorable travel experiences.

There’s no better way to connect with local communities and take a refreshing break from the backpacker trail.

Go Wild Camping

Yup, this option requires a bit of planning and some previous camping experience. However, it’s the perfect way to stay for free (or very little money).

Additionally, you will need a tent in a natural shade of green and oftentimes permission to pitch it on private land (like in Germany).

Many Eastern European countries like Romania, Russia, and Moldova don’t have laws to prohibit wild camping so why not take advantage of it?

Even if you don’t carry a tent and don’t want to deal with uncertainty while searching for the best spot in the countryside, many free campgrounds around the world have permanent tents or will rent tents.

Search Google Maps for the nearest locations. I stayed at many great campsites around Europe, usually not free. But these are drastically cheaper than staying in the city. You can save a lot on campsite fees by using either CampSpace or Gamping to find a spot for your tent.

Make sure to be a sustainable backpacker and take your rubbish with you, bring your portable cooking stove to prevent devastating forest fires.

Couchsurfing: Stay on Foreign Couches

I bet you know it, an appealing concept, primarily used by backpackers and budget travelers, allows you to stay with locals for free.

I have had nothing but pleasant experiences with Couchsurfing. It’s a great way to save money on accommodation and see the destination from a different perspective.

If you’re serious enough to contact your potential host, try to request at least three days before your visit. Although I love making things clear so I contact at least a week in advance.

CS isn’t just about free accommodation for travelers. Thus if you’re only looking for a place to stay for free maybe you should try something else. First things first, CS is about hospitality exchange!

It would be a good idea to give something back in return e.g. a bottle of booze or something from your home country. But most people are pretty easygoing and welcoming. I usually give hosts gifts from my journeys or take them out for dinner. It depends.

However, it’s important to be courteous and respectful at all times and not to expect generous gifts.

Pro Tip: Being a solo traveler (doubly so if you’re female) requires some prudence here. For safety reasons, it’s vital to stay with hosts that have plenty of positive references. While there are hosts with 100+ positive references, they may still act like jerks sometimes.

I recommend trusting your gut, and using indirect signs and your common sense when writing a request. Don’t hesitate to check the background by sending messages to surfers who have already stayed with a particular host.

Housesitting: Take care of houses and pets

While not entirely free, I mention house and pet sitting here because you don’t have to pay for your accommodation.

After paying for your annual membership you will get access to the biggest network of homeowners.

They will gladly provide you with free accommodation in exchange for pet sitting. A win-win for both sides!

It pays off to register on TrustedHouseSitters, especially if you are an animal lover.

Homeowners are often very flexible and can adapt their travel plans easily! Good luck with your next housesitting adventure!

Just Ask Your Friends

This is where the word of mouth comes in handy. Someone always knows someone in every corner of the world so don’t be afraid to ask. Make people aware of your travel plans and they will often volunteer their friends or relatives to show you around or host you.

It’s also a great way to see the place where your distant family member lives. I plan on staying with my cousin when I finally get to Bavaria! It’s all about connecting!

Volunteering

If you are looking for ways to find cheap places to stay abroad, then you should consider volunteering or working in exchange for a free place to stay.

It has long been known that slow traveling can bring you back to the roots of why we travel, help embrace a new mindset, and soak up the new culture faster.

Volunteering and working in exchange for accommodation urges travelers to take a step back from their to-do lists and simply enjoy what the local area has to offer.

It removes barriers to complete cultural immersion and helps you focus on things that locals do every day, things that excite them and give them joy.

The impact that these connections have on you will last much longer than the memories you have of racing through a bunch of attractions over a short period and spend a fortune on living a luxurious lifestyle.

Try WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), WorkAway, and HelpX. These are reputable resources to find free accommodation.

Work at a Hostel

I admit, working at hostels does involve some effort, but hey aren’t we talking about free travel accommodation right now?! You either pay with your money or effort or both. I hate the latter option though.

Hostels need staff and the most common forms of work arrangements mean that you get free accommodation plus some perks in exchange for a few hours of work each day.

The work isn’t glamorous and requires you to have a social, responsible, and extroverted personality. The work typically involves changing sheets, cleaning, and greeting guests for a few hours a day.

You can try to email in advance and apply online. But if you’re 100% certain they’re hiring then the best thing you can do is just go to meet the staff straight away. Positions at the more popular hostel chains and hostels in popular destinations are competitive. You may want to drop them an email first and see their response.

Check out HostelTravelJobs, HostelJobs, BackpackerJobBoard (Australia), or use the search term ‘hostel’ on the Helpx website if you’re hoping to get free accommodation in exchange for work.

Smile a Lot

Did you know that smiling is contagious? So why not use this to your advantage?

Whenever I check in, especially late at night, I always make an effort to put a smile on my face and be as talkative as possible with the receptionist. Smile, be courteous, say pleasant things about the city, and don’t be indifferent to local culture. Make a connection with hotel staff members you’re talking to and don’t be surprised to get a room upgrade for no reason.

Why does this happen? I’m sure it’s because you make them feel better. Half of the people will send you a smile back. While another half will do its best to give you some benefits. When it comes to checking in very late, they might upgrade your hotel room because they already know what their occupancy is for the night and what rooms they can give away for free. You can also get a free upgrade when the hotel is half empty and they have a lot of spare rooms.

Catch an Overnight Bus/Train

Taking an overnight bus or train while traveling is often a great way to save on accommodation. If you can sleep on them! Technically, you’ll still have to pay for the ticket. But traveling overnight saves you the money that you would have otherwise had to spend on accommodation and gets you exactly where you need.

I’m not saying that all overnight trains are fun. But there’s often a great sense of camaraderie amongst those in 3rd class that helps maintain lifelong friendships. The only downside is if you don’t sleep you end up needing to nap the next day. I was often lucky and was able to check in at my hostel when I arrived and grab a couple of hours of sleep before exploring the city.

That said, if booking seats or beds on a sleeper bus/train is an option for you financially – I certainly wouldn’t be turning my nose up at it.

Rome2Rio is a great resource that you can use to compare prices and check out the transit options. I use it to learn about a range of providers who can transport me from A to B. Then I check out the websites of the providers to see what their low-price calendar has in store.

Flixbus has a pretty extensive network across Europe and is expanding rapidly into America and Scandinavia.

You can also check out Megabus for the UK, Europe, America, and Canada, Greyhound Canada, Greyhound Australia, and Greyhound America. For trains, check out the Interrail list of overnight trains in Europe.

How to Find Cheap Travel Accommodation

Along with flights, accommodation is inevitably one of the largest items of expenditure when traveling. But there are a few hacks on how you can save money and still have a good level of comfort. Whether a budget-friendly hostel, mid-range hotel, or even a studio apartment – you’re going to find the right one just for you!

Find Apartments With Airbnb

When staying at one spot for longer than 5 nights I like to look for an apartment. Airbnb is a great option where you can find local people listing their rooms/apartments for rent.

The service makes it possible to rent regular apartments for just a few days pretty much anywhere in the world, which is convenient and a lot more comfortable than a hostel. Prices are affordable and this can be a decent option for destinations where hotels are known to be expensive (e.g. Western Europe, and Japan). Alternatively, you can try Wimdu, Roomorama, and Flipkey.

Another great thing about Airbnb is that you can live like a local and ask your host for help whenever you need it. For example, when you need to find cheap restaurants or want to locate some off-the-beaten-path locations – just ask your host, I bet he/she will gladly provide you with some interesting facts and information.

Consider staying with Airbnb if you’re traveling with your partner with a group of friends. Split the bill, cook your meals, and go shopping for groceries to avoid eating out at restaurants. This saves you a lot of money!

Every property is different though in terms of price. You can live very modestly or luxuriously. I’ve rented a tiny little apartment in Shanghai for $120 per night but also a huge villa in Yangon for only $45 per night! By now I haven’t had any bad experiences with AirBnB. And often catch myself going on AirBnB without even having checked hotels before.

Stay in a Hostel

At one point or another, any backpacker ends up in a hostel. Backpacker hostels offer good value for money, they are perfect for meeting like-minded travelers and typically have a convenient location. Most hostels have private and dorm rooms so there’s always an option based on your budget and needs. If you need a place to sleep tonight and never stayed in a hostel before, I explain the concept of a hostel here.

I love hostels. Even when I can pay for my hotel, chances are I’ll book a hostel anyway. While there are pros and cons of staying in hostels, most of them are incredibly cozy and social places to stay.

The biggest and best resource for finding hostels is Hostelworld. However, it’s not just for hostels. Depending on your location, you can use it to find local guesthouses, budget hotels, B&Bs, and even luxury hostels! Even if you’re not into finding cheap accommodation, it’s worth checking it anyway as it covers a lot more than that.

A few Tips on How to Find Budget Hostels:

Step 1. The first thing I usually do is pay attention to the overall rating. I enter my destination, city, and dates I need and they give me a detailed list of places available, complete with a description, and prices for both dorm rooms and private rooms. And, of course, reviews from other travelers who have stayed in these properties.

Step 2. Find a hostel that meets your needs in terms of location, atmosphere, and price, and make sure that it has good reviews! Pay extra attention to the rating for ‘Atmosphere‘. I’d recommend skipping all options below 7.5. I usually go for the option with the Atmosphere rating around 9.0. It ensures me that this is one of the most social and popular backpacker hubs around the city.

Filter out the options you don’t need. If you want to avoid youth and party hostels, then you should be looking for key phrases like ‘free shot on arrival’ or ‘daily bar crawls’. You can get more clues about hostel type, and different types of lodging facilities and form an opinion of your own by scrolling through the reviews.

Step 3. Just because it’s big, doesn’t mean it’s good. Opt for medium-size hostels. These are big enough to make things lively but small enough to keep things personal. Unfortunately, not all resources can tell you directly how many beds a particular hostel has. But you can indirectly get the idea of how big the building is, the number of room options, and how many bunks it could accommodate from the description.

Step 4 (optional). Go to TripAdvisor and search for the hostel that you’ve chosen on Hostelworld. Read more online reviews and compare them with the ones on Hostelworld. You need this information to be 100% sure you’re not a victim of fake reviews. It’s sad to admit, but many travelers and even hostels write fake positive reviews. So you may want to familiarize yourself with reviews on TripAdvisor to ensure these are legitimate.

If, after searching on Hostelworld, you still aren’t happy with the prices or you’re unable to find a suitable place to stay, it’s then time to move on to a different method. Try checking with on the hostels’ websites for prices. Oftentimes they cost more on the aggregator to cover the fees they have to pay.

Booking.com: How to Stay in Hotels for Cheap

Booking is the ultimate all-in-one solution when it comes to finding cheap accommodation like hostels, guesthouses, apartments, and hotels. The search filters are easy to use. You can even use them to see the correlations between price value and rating. The booking conditions are generally good and you can often cancel hotel rooms without paying a fee which is pretty cool.

In addition, the aggregator offers great last-minute deals enabling you to book your room on the same day even, receive a discount, and stay flexible with your travel planning. This works like a charm during the low-travel seasons!

Agoda: Find Cheap Travel Accommodation in Southeast Asia

Agoda is my favorite booking site so far! This hotel aggregator site includes hostels, and guesthouses, and has a huge selection of properties worldwide. It’s worth checking out! I often see there much cheaper prices than anywhere else.

When planning your journey with Agoda check the site every day. The prices change often, and last-minute deals pop up almost instantaneously. I’ve had up to 15-30% off just by waiting until the right deal. If you miss out, don’t worry – there are plenty of options to choose from.

The aggregator has free cancellation on the majority of listings. But always read the cancellation policy and check how long that is valid for. Sometimes they only offer free cancellation until 48 hours before the booking date.

Another cool thing about Agoda is the accuracy of reviews. It’s not rare for property owners to ask their friends, family, and preferred guests to write reviews for them. On Agoda only guests who have paid for their accommodation are allowed to write reviews, meaning reviews are mostly honest and accurate.

Finding Cheap Accommodation Offline

The best thing about offline accommodation is that it can be incredibly cheap. Yes, you can find plenty of options through hotel booking sites, but many players in the tourism industry are still offline and keep their prices low.

If you are heading to destinations in Southeast Asia or South America, try keeping an eye out for them. Ask around in forums on websites such as TripAdvisor and LonelyPlanet about the unique accommodation in the locations that you are traveling to.

The Bottom Line

These are the tried and tested methods and hacks that will help you find and book cheap accommodation during your travels, whether you plan to backpack through Europe, go on a pub crawl in Thailand, or soak up the beauty of Latin America. And by cheap, I’m talking about beds for under $30 USD per night in most of the world. Perhaps a little more in Western Europe, and a lot less in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Central America. Use rewards miles to book hotels, get price alerts on hotels, and refund on the price difference to make your dollar go further!