Hostels are inexpensive, yes, but, they’re not for everyone. We’ve been talking a lot about hostels lately, including a list of do’s and don’ts in hostel etiquette and how to find hostels.
But that won’t really help you if the idea of spending a week’s holiday in a room with 8 other people doesn’t entice you.
Fear not! It’s still possible to see the world on a budget with these affordable alternatives. Here are some other accommodation options you can explore while traveling.
Private Apartments
If you’re the kind of person who wants to live locally, and be able to cook in your own kitchen, with your own bathroom, renting a private apartment is the best way to explore a new city. Airbnb, VRBO, Vacasa and even Booking.com all have options for private home rentals.
Affordable Hotel Rooms
In some places (Mexico, for example) you’re sometimes charged double for a room in a hostel if you’re traveling solo. You’re paying for a room, and if the room has 2 beds, you buy both. In these situations, it’s sometimes more affordable to just get your own hotel room.
When we’re looking for affordable hotel rooms, we usually use websites like Agoda.com. The boutique, discounted hotels that come up on Agoda are usually next-to-none.
Private Rooms in Hostels
Hostels are great because you rarely need to make a reservation for a bed in a dorm room. Your own private room though? Plan on booking ahead at least by a week.
Private rooms in hostels are in high demand, but they’re great. If you’re loving the community vibe of a hostel but are totally over waking up in the middle of the night due to someone else turning on the light, splash out and spend an extra $10 for a private room. You can book ahead with websites like hostelbookers.com.
Camping
When 2020 happened and Covid-19 took the world by storm, everyone and their mother started camping much more. The benefits of camping are plenty: you don’t have to see very many other people, you aren’t using anyone else’s “stuff” and, you’ve got prime access to nature.
If you’re planning on camping in a state-run campground, book your stay in advance — especially if you’re traveling during the summer. We also love the website Hipcamp for privately-owned camping spots. Some even include tee-pees and treehouses!
Convents
Didn’t know you could stay in convents? Well, you can! Check out our recent post in which we talk about how to stay in a convent, university and more!
*Photo: Taken at Brown Hotel TLV in Tel Aviv, which we loved.*
2 Comments
I would go with whoever was cheapest and in my last trip to Ireland, I managed to get 3 nights in a 4-star hotel for same price as a hostel through booking.com. I guess it pays to shop around. Life is always full of surprises 🙂
Hello, there!!! I think that living in separate apartment is always good for studying. I just arrange a good 2 storeys flat for my big brother.