How to Find Cheap Accommodation While Traveling (2025)

One of the most important things (at least for us) when traveling, is accommodation. To find a nice place to stay, that feels fresh, safe and also is affordable, can be one of the biggest challenges. Since a place to sleep is a non-negotiable part of any trip, it often ends up as one of the largest expenses. In this guide, we’ll share 10 tips on how to find cheap accommodation while traveling. Today, there are a lot of ways to find accommodations that are affordable, fresh and memorable that won’t need you to sacrifice comfort or safety. We will go through everything between hostels and guesthouses to nontraditional options like volunteering and loyalty programs, so there’s a solution for every type of traveler. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to finding cheap accommodation for travelers who want to save without sacrificing comfort.

Table of Contents

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1. Book Early (When Possible)

One golden rule of budget travel: the earlier you book, the better the price. Just like flights, accommodation prices often increase as the date gets closer. By booking your stay weeks or even months in advance, you’ll have more options and lower rates.

Book refundable stays if you’re unsure, then re-check prices closer to your trip. If it drops, rebook at the cheaper rate.
Set price alerts for hotels or hostels in your destination so you can get deals before they rise.

2. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

Being flexible can save you a lot of money since prices often change depending on the season, the day of the week, or around local events.

Weekdays vs. Weekends: Staying Monday–Thursday is often much cheaper than Friday-Sunday.
Off-Season Travel: Traveling off-season can mean much lower accommodation prices compared to peak months.
Events & Festivals: Avoid booking during big festivals, holidays, or sporting events unless you plan for it. Accommodation often sells out fast and prices climb quickly.

If you can shift your trip by just a day or two, you might save a lot. Flexibility is crucial for budget travelers. For more tips on how to save for vacation, check out our full guide here.

3. Stay in Hostels – The Classic Cheap Place to Stay

Hostels are one of the easiest answers to how to find cheap accommodation while traveling, especially if you don’t mind sharing a room. Many hostels have come a long way from the typical stereotype of dingy bunk beds (even if those exists too). Modern hostels are often complete with lounges, rooftop bars, swimming pools and coworking spaces.

Why It’s Cheap: Shared dorm rooms cut costs dramatically.
Privacy Options: Many hostels now offer private rooms at lower rates than hotels.
Bonus Perk: You can meet other travelers, join activities, and often score free walking tours or discounted excursions.

Hostels aren’t just for young party travelers. You’ll find families, digital nomads, and older adventurers staying in them too. Our favorite place to browse and book hostels is Hostelworld.

4. Try Couchsurfing for Affordable Lodging With Locals

For the adventurous, Couchsurfing remains one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel: it’s almost free (the platform now charges a small annual fee of around $15–$20, but it’s still much cheaper than hotels). You stay with locals who offer their spare couch, bed, or room.

Why It’s Great: The cost is minimal and you get the benefit of cultural exchange.
Safety Tip: Choose hosts with positive reviews, verified profiles, and active accounts.

Couchsurfing is best if you’re open-minded, flexible, and enjoy social interactions. Most famously, you can find hosts on Couchsurfing.com or BeWelcome.

Note: While Couchsurfing is widely used, it’s important to be careful and ensure the safety of both hosts and guests. Always communicate through the platform and verify profiles before confirming any arrangements.

5. Guesthouses & B&Bs: Charming and Cheap Accommodation

In many destinations, guesthouses, pensions, or family-run B&Bs are more affordable than hotels. They may not have fancy lobbies, but what they lack in luxury they often make up for in warmth and local charm.

Added Value: Often includes home-cooked breakfasts, insider travel tips, and sometimes even free laundry or kitchen use.
Great for Long-Term Travel: Guesthouses often offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays.

Many guesthouses aren’t listed on big booking sites, so try searching on regional travel websites, local tourism boards, or Google Maps. Social media travel groups and word-of-mouth recommendations can also uncover lesser-known local stays.

6. House Sitting or Pet Sitting

For slow travelers or digital nomads looking for ways to find cheap accommodation while traveling long-term, house sitting is one of the best hacks. If you love animals or don’t mind watering plants, house sitting is an incredible way to stay rent-free while traveling. Homeowners allow you to stay in their property (sometimes luxurious ones) while they’re away, in exchange for looking after their pets or home.

Perks: Rent-free stay, often with a kitchen, laundry, and all the comforts.
Longer Stays: Many sits last for weeks or even months which makes it perfect for slow travelers or digital nomads.

House sitting requires some planning (you need to apply and build reviews), but once you get into the community, it can save thousands. Keep in mind that opportunities may not always be in your preferred destination, so flexibility with location is key. Some of the most popular house-sitting websites are TrustedHousesitters, HouseCarers, and MindMyHouse, note that there is usually a membership or annual fee to join.

Note: While these platforms offer opportunities for rent-free accommodations, it’s important to carefully check the terms and conditions, as well as any associated costs, to make sure they align with your travel plan and budget.

7. Volunteer or Work Exchange Programs for Low-Cost Accommodation

If you don’t mind putting in a few hours of work each day, you can exchange your time for free accommodation.

Common Gigs: Helping at hostels, teaching English, farming, or assisting at eco-projects.
Why It’s Amazing: You save money, gain new skills and experience local life in a way tourists can’t.

Many platforms connect travelers with opportunities worldwide. These aren’t “jobs” but cultural exchanges, so they’re ideal for long-term travelers looking to reduce expenses while gaining unique experiences. Some trusted platforms for volunteer or work exchange are Workaway, WWOOF, and Worldpackers. All of these require a small membership or service fee to access hosts and opportunities.

Note: Ensure you understand the expectations and commitments involved in each opportunity. While these programs offer unique experiences, it’s important to verify the legitimacy of the hosts and the nature of the work to avoid misunderstandings.

8. Use Alternative Platforms Like Airbnb

Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms have opened up a new world of budget accommodation. Renting a room, studio, or apartment can be cheaper than a hotel, especially for groups or longer stays.

Save Money by Cooking: Having a kitchen allows you to skip restaurants sometimes.
Local Feel: You’ll stay in real neighborhoods rather than tourist zones.
Weekly & Monthly Discounts: Many hosts offer significant price cuts for longer stays.

Always read reviews carefully to avoid hidden fees or unrealistic expectations. In some cities, Airbnb can actually be more expensive than hotels once cleaning and service fees are added, so it’s always worth comparing before booking.

Note: While Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodations, it’s advisable to carefully check listings and communicate with hosts to ensure the property meets your expectations and needs.

9. Loyalty Points and Rewards – Smart Ways to Save on Accommodation

One of the most underrated ways to save on accommodation is by using loyalty points and travel rewards, which can help you get free nights, discounted rates, or special perks at hotels and other lodging options around the world.

Credit Cards: Some travel cards offer welcome bonuses that can sometimes cover up to several free nights.
Hotel Chains: Join free hotel loyalty programs, points add up quickly.
Hidden Value: Some loyalty programs offer free breakfast, Wi-Fi, room upgrades or other perks.

Note: Be aware of any fees associated with credit cards and loyalty programs. It’s important to calculate whether the benefits outweigh the costs, especially if you don’t travel frequently.

Other Membership & Rewards Programs: Many stores, supermarkets, or other local memberships often offer points or discounts that can be used toward travel-related perks. Depending on the program, points can sometimes be redeemed for gift cards, hotel stays, or travel bookings, helping you save even if you’re not using a travel-specific credit card or hotel loyalty program.

10. Try Last-Minute Deals

While booking early usually gives you the best options, if you’re a spontaneous traveler, you can score some great last-minute deals. Many booking sites and hotel apps offer discounts on rooms that haven’t been filled, sometimes just hours before check-in, so being flexible can really pay off.

Tip: If you’re flexible and don’t mind where you stay, booking on the day of arrival can save you big.
Caution: Not great for peak-season travel as rooms may sell out entirely.

This works best in big cities with lots of accommodation options. For last-minute deals, trusted websites like Booking.com offer reliable discounts on unsold hotel rooms.

Note: Last-minute deals can be a gamble, especially during peak travel seasons. It’s advisable to have a backup plan in case accommodations are unavailable upon arrival.

Extra Tips for Saving on Accommodation

Stay Outside Tourist Areas

By choosing a hotel, guesthouse, or rental a few metro stops or a short bus ride away from the main tourist spots, you can often save a decent amount per night. Plus, you’ll get to discover neighbourhoods that many tourists miss with a more authentic experience with local cafes and other local spots.

Share Rentals with Friends or Family

Booking a larger apartment or house and splitting the cost among your travel group can reduce what each person pays. Not only is it cheaper per person than booking multiple hotel rooms, but having a shared space often comes with a kitchen, which allows you to cook meals yourself resulting in saving even more on food.

Other Tips for a Smooth Stay

Don’t Compromise Comfort or Safety

Even when hunting for cheap accommodation, your stay should be safe and comfortable. Avoid places that look suspiciously rundown or have too many negative reviews. Saving a few dollars isn’t worth risking your security or a terrible experience.

Always Check Reviews

Reviews give you insight into cleanliness, staff behavior, and overall conditions. Focus on recent feedback and prioritize stays with consistently positive experiences. Remember that nearly every property will have a few negative reviews, so use your judgment to see if they reflect a real problem or just individual opinions. If you arrive and feel the accommodation isn’t what you expected, you can always choose not to stay and book elsewhere, though you may need to cover additional costs depending on the property’s rules.

Confirm the Location

Check the property on a map before booking. Being close to public transport, attractions and other essential facilities can save both time and money, and prevent you from being stuck in remote or unsafe areas.

Final Thoughts

Finding cheap accommodation when traveling is about strategy and there are many ways to save money without having to sacrifice comfort. The strategies above show practical ways on how to find cheap accommodation while traveling, no matter your budget, destination, or travel style. Using these strategies, you’ll have all the tools you need on how to find cheap accommodation while traveling and make the most of your budget. Remember: the less you spend on a bed, the more you can spend on adventures. Being open and flexible can bring you a lot of experiences you otherwise would miss out on. For more travel inspiration, check out our guide to the top places to visit in Costa Rica.