Whether you’re trying to save money or just add a new twist to your vacation, consider staying in something other than a hotel room. Here are seven hotel alternatives to think about for your next trip for a more memorable experience.
Hostels
If you’re trying to save money, meet people or are just looking for a unique alternative to a hotel, hostels can be an ideal option. As long as you read reviews and know what type of experience you’re after (something lively or quiet) you can end up with a stylish, yet budget-friendly room in a central location.
House sitting
If you’re looking to travel on a budget and you don’t mind doing a little work around the house (pet-sitting, gardening, getting the mail, etc.), then house sitting could be for you. People looking to go away, but who don’t want to leave their homes empty, hire house sitters to stay. MindMyHouse.com is free to sign up and free to look at house sitting opportunities, but you need a paid a subscription fee to contact homeowners looking for sitters.
Guesthouse or bed and breakfast
Hotels can often seem generic, so if you’re looking for a more personalized experience, think about opting out of the high rise chain hotel and instead staying at a smaller, more intimate guesthouse or bed and breakfast. Many times, breakfast is included in your accommodation costs, therefore, you will be saving a couple bucks in the end.
Home exchange
House swapping or home exchange is a way to visit another part of the world without paying for your accommodation. Basically, you stay in someone’s house in one place, and in exchange they come and stay in your home. At HomeExchange.com you can search 50,000 homes in over 150 counties to find a potential match.
Vacation rentals
Staying in a house or apartment while you travel is a great way to feel like a local, save money and feel like you have more freedom and independence on vacation. You can also rent out an extra room in someone’s house, from sites like Roomarama and Airbnb.
Academic housing
When classes are over for the summer, many colleges and universities rent out dorm rooms to travellers. The rooms are often basic, and with shared bathrooms, but they will likely be cheaper than a hotel, centrally located and close to public transportation.
Camping
Depending on where you’re going, you could opt out of a room entirely and sleep under the stars instead. If you think your vacation should incorporate the great outdoors, find out where the closest campgrounds are to where you want to visit.
Lead photo: Randen Pederson
