Accommodation takes up a huge part of our monthly budget and we personally cannot go over our set budget per month, so we’re always looking for ways to save on accommodation!
Not everyone knows that there are a few tips and tricks to help you save a small fortune on accommodation. Of course, in life, nothing is simply free but you can offer your services and skills in exchange for accommodation, plus it’s a great cultural exchange and allows you to explore the area like a true local.
So let’s jump into it!
1. Housesitting
Housesitting
If you’re an animal lover, this one is a no-brainer! Imagine looking after someone’s home for a couple of weeks or even months, often in a dreamy location whilst looking after someone’s furry friends?
Trusted house sitters is a fantastic platform, you pay a small monthly subscription and this gives you access to thousands of wonderful opportunities. All you have to do is sign up and create a profile, start accumulating some experience and gain reviews, the more reviews you have increases your chances of being selected for house-sits, easy peasy, right?!
Trusted house sitters also offer 24/7 veterinary advice alongside member support should you need it.
House sitting is fantastic for those slow travellers who are not in a rush, it’s a great way to live like a local and immerse yourself in the true culture of a place.
You can also continue to work remotely, this is one of our top pics.
2. Coachsurfing
Couchsurfing
Some of you may remember the old school coach surfing which is one of the original ways of crashing on someone’s sofa or spare room essentially without exchanging anything, usually a good chat!
It seems to have changed quite a bit over the years and went from being a nonprofit to a profit organisation which has taken away the true meaning of couch surfing.
Some people have said it’s treated more like a free Airbnb rather than a cultural exchange where you get to know the host and hang out together.
A few other contenders have made an appearance on the scene, one of which is called couchers.org which is a non profit that is similar to what coach surfing used to be!
This is great news for travellers that loved the concept of coach surfing as its built in the spirit of community and ‘paying it forward’.
Similar websites that are growing in the travel community are BeWelcome and TrustRoots.
It’s safe to say there will always be a place for people longing for a sense of community and connection.
3. Host A Sister
Host A Sister
Host a sister was recently recommended to us by a dear friend whilst we were travelling in Costa Rica.
It’s aimed at our strong travel ladies out there, where users can offer their home in exchange for another home in a different country to provide a cultural exchange.
It’s a Facebook group where ladies can advertise the exchange and reach out to any potential sisters that might have a room or apartment to exchange. You can find the facebook group here.
It’s a platform based on trust with over 600,000 members and its growing everyday! All you have to do is join the group on Facebook and write a post detailing the exchange you would like along side a picture of yourself so other sisters can put a face to your name.
It’s as simple as that!
4. Volunteering
Volunteering
This is one of the original ways of exchanging a few hours of work for food and accommodation, it’s been around for a long time and it’s still going strong today.
We absolutely love Workaway and we have made some life long friends on this site. It is membership based and you can sign up as a single person or as a couple or family.
It works by the principle of helping out the host for a maximum of 5 hours per day, allowing you the rest of the day to explore your surroundings. It could be anything from painting or mowing the lawn, it could be a specific project the host needs help with and what’s even more exciting is that they have recently added some new features like house sitting and a sailing section, to allow you to join projects based out to sea, how bloody cool is that?!
We’ve honestly had some of the best travel experiences around the world by using Workaway and we cannot recommend this platform enough.
Be sure to check out recent reviews with the host and ask all the relevant questions for example dietary requirements and the accommodation being offered, sometimes hosts offer paid positions to keep your travel funds topped up but be sure to check visa requirements for that.
5. House Swapping
House Swapping
House swapping is literally how it sounds, you swap your home in exchange for someone else’s home whether that’s at the same time or a time of your choosing.
It shares similarities with house sitting, but it doesn’t require you to look after any pets and you can come and go as you please, bearing in mind to treat the property like it was your own.
One of the most popular sites for swapping is Home exchange. After paying a subscription of $175 for one year and then creating your listing along side your availability, you’re able to browse through listings that meet your travel destination and dates.
What’s really amazing about this platform is that you don’t have to swap your home simultaneously, you accumulate points which are used as currency to use against bookings for different homes in different countries.
Although having a stranger staying in your home may sound unnerving, rest assured with a review system similar to Airbnb or trusted House Sitters you can feel relaxed knowing someone with experience and great reviews is taking care of your home.
The platform is also there to offer support and guidance due to misleading home listings or any damage caused during the exchange.
6. Working in a Hostel
Working in a hostel
Hostels around the world are often keen to offer accommodation and food in exchange for a few hours work.
The platform Worldpackers is a great start or try reaching out directly to the hostel and asking if they need any help during the busy seasons.
Work can range from housekeeping to reception work in locations all over the world.
If you’re already on the road, keep an eye out for any advertisements in local shops or notice boards!
This may not be the most glamorous work but it will allow you to connect with many like minded people and to really slow travel around your country of choice, go get it!