Staying for Less While Traveling Abroad
The key to any successful trip is planning, especially if you're journeying to a country for the first time. Planning for essentials, like lodging and transportation, is a must and can help you acclimate to your new surroundings while enjoying your adventure and sticking to your budget.
Depending on where you'll be traveling and the number of people with you, some lodging options may be more feasible than others. However, no matter where you decide to stay, you can be sure that it will add its own enriching experience to your vacation. Here are a few common and not-so-common ideas for budget-friendly places to stay while abroad:
Hotels
Unless you are a seasoned traveler, a hotel is probably the first place that comes to mind when you think about lodging. When planned right, a hotel can be both memorable and affordable. But if you're not careful, a hotel can be the most expensive of all your international hospitalities.
Do a little research, and look for peak tourist times for your destination. Major festivals, trade shows, and other popular tourist attractions will cause hotel prices to rise, especially during the late summer months. Visiting in the off-season will help you save, as will looking into hotels outside the main city. Smaller hotels on the outskirts are generally more culturally enriching and much less expensive.
Hostels
Hostels are among the most inexpensive hospitalities throughout Europe and around the world. In some areas, a hostel can offer a bed for as little as $15 per night. They vary in atmosphere—from student and youth hostels, to quieter, more mature travelers' hostels.
Keep in mind that a hostel is designed to encourage community and conversation. Unlike a hotel, a hostel will rarely offer you a private room. Instead, travelers share a community room, with a secure area for belongings. If you're interested in a unique opportunity to meet other travelers and local community members, try a hostel.
Hospitality Exchanges
Sometimes known as "couch surfing," a hospitality exchange is a method of seeing the world that offers a truly unique experience. Those willing to provide an inexpensive bed for a night or more—usually in the form of a couch or spare room—connect via local and online communities and offer their hospitality to travelers visiting their countries. Fees for the exchange can be as minimal as a few household chores.
Because of safety concerns, hospitality exchangers generally participate in verification and feedback systems on a number of different websites. If you're looking for somewhere to stay that truly puts you in the community, a hospitality exchange may be right for you. It's very likely you will see an entirely different side of your destination than you ever would with a travel guide.
No matter which type of lodging you choose, remember to make all your arrangements in advance to cut down on stress and excessive spending. To help ensure an enriching and safe experience, we recommend reading our Financial Safety page to learn how to protect yourself—and you wallet—while still enjoying your international adventures.