Travelling the world on a budget can be challenging, but with a bit of creativity, you can save money and enjoy a more unique travel experience. Here are my 5 best affordable stays for travellers on a budget.
Whether you’re planning a short getaway, enjoying a week off from work, spending months abroad, or taking a year to explore the world, some travel expenses are unavoidable. Costs like transportation tickets, visas, travel insurance, and accommodation fees can quickly add up. However, while these expenses may seem fixed, there are always ways to save money—especially when it comes to accommodations. Accommodation prices can vary more than you might expect, so don’t limit yourself to hotels. Instead, I’m excited to introduce you to a different side of the travel world—one that’s far from the traditional hotel experience and offers more unique and memorable stays. I hope you are as excited as I am! While I’m not usually the one to get emotional about numbers, seeing lower numbers on my travel budget always makes me happy. Let’s dive into the 5 best affordable stays for travellers!
Hostels
There is not a single place with more character than a hostel. The people, the bunk beds, the daily fight for a place in the fridge, sausage sizzle, accidental fire alarms, different types of air condition and so on. I could create an endless list with characteristics from different hostels. Even if the situation might seem a bit off when you first arrive, you get to love every single one of these experiences.
Hostels can be found in almost every city and surprisingly, sometimes even in more remote areas. They are particularly popular among young travellers as they provide a great opportunity to connect with others. Hostels are designed to encourage socialising and having a good time together. If you’re solo travelling, this is usually the first place where you have the chance to get in touch with others.
Most of the places have a similar structure. Many offer different types of rooms, including mixed dorms and female-only dorms. Room sizes typically range from 4 to 8 beds, although this can vary (I once stayed in a hostel that had 180 beds in a single tent, so that was a more unique experience). Nearly all provide a kitchen, which is a great way to save money by cooking your own meals instead of eating out every day. For a long term stay, there is often a time limit which is around 30 nights. If you’re lucky there might be a chance that you can stay for even longer, if they have a different policy.Prices are per night and can vary a lot, depending on the area, the kind of dorm you choose, as well as the hostel status. In comparison to hotels, staying in a hostel can save you anywhere from 30-70%. To get the best deals and a good overview, specific apps like „Hostelworld“, or their website hostelworld.com are advisable. One feature the app has, which I started using way too late, is the opportunity to chat with others that are currently staying in the same or nearby hostels. If you have any questions, you can ask in the genreal group. Otherwise a lot of travellers are using the feature, to connect with others and find someone to grab a drink with, or even spend the day together.
Couch Surfing
For the ones that love a bit of adrenaline and risky adventures, couch surfing might be your way to go. The idea is very simple. Find a couch online, make a request and stay the night for free on a strangers couch. This whole system works over an app which is called „Couchsurfing“. Providers create a profile and share their couch online, while travellers create a personal account to show that they are trustworthy.
While looking through the offers you will see pictures of your sleeping place and the person behind the profile. You should also receive basic information, such as whether smoking is allowed, if you have a room to yourself, or if you will be sharing it with the host. The most important rule is communication and honesty. The app gives you the possibility to chat with the host. So if you have any questions and requests, feel free to ask.
It’s common to stay for a short period of time, usually just one night. The great thing is that if you need a place at the last minute, the chances of finding a couch spontaneously are fairly good. It’s from travellers to travellers. Couchsurfing is free, that’s why you don’t need to pay for the night. Over the years, the app has changed its features and is no longer free. The current price is 2,99€ per month or 14,99€ per year.
House Sitting / Pet Sitting
Moving on to another budget friendly accommodation, which works with a similar system of giving and taking. In this case, pet owners and homeowners offer their apartments while they are away from home. This opportunity seems a little bit more chill, knowing that the apartment is for yourself. However, it should be noted that you have requirements you must comply with. The system works through apps. You can view the different profiles of providers, including pictures of the apartments and pets. All necessary information is provided, along with the requirements and tasks.
Your profile as a sitter is just as important as the owner’s profile. You need to present your experience with pets and explain why you are the perfect sitter. This might take some time, but once you put some effort in your profile, you can use it for each application. The length of your stay can vary. Sometimes people are away for a week, sometimes it’s a month. It’s up to the owner and can be discussed in the chat.
The price is for free, mostly. The only thing that requires payments is the app itself. There is for example the app „Trusted Housesitters“, where you can find pet and house owners, that are looking for a sitter. You can login for free, but in order to actually apply, you need a membership. The cheapest option for a sitter, is 150€ per year. That’s a lot, and in my opinion, it’s only worth the money if you need the option more frequently throughout the year or for longer periods.
Au Pair
A very common option, especially for gap year travellers, is becoming an au pair. Travelling for a long period of time can sometimes feel challenging. Starting as an au pair can relieve some of that pressure and make the beginning of your journey easier. Au pair programs are managed by organisations where you can apply. They help you find a host family abroad, preferably in the country you want to visit. The family typically provides everything you need—housing, a private room, food and so on – depending on your agreement. In return, you are responsible for tasks such as babysitting and light household chores. It’s a great way to experience living abroad, getting in touch with new culture and locals.
If you are scared of missing out on the real travel experience, while being stuck to the family – don’t worry. You get to know the area really well and sometimes even take trips with or without the family. If you have a full year, it’s very common to spend the first half by the family and the other half with travelling. A great mixture and a good way to save money. There are a lot of au pair programs to choose from, depending on where you are from. The ones that are bigger in Austria are for example, CulturalCare, AIFS, or EF. Program fees vary depending on the organisation and the service provided.
Camping/Renting a Camper Van
Another great way to travel on a budget is by camping. Whether you’re using public transport and a tent, a camper van, or even a caravan, campgrounds offer cheap outdoor areas to stay overnight. While this may be the least luxurious option, it can be a lot of fun to connect with nature and experience a different way of living—where you don’t always have running water or a toilet.
Speaking from experience, renting a van is not an uncommon choice. Traveling from campground to campground gives you a lot of flexibility. Many don’t require reservations in advance (be careful during the camping season, as it can be more crowded), and you can come and go as you please. However, there’s usually a time limit. In public places, you’re often restricted to staying no more than a few nights, while campgrounds typically offer longer stays. Prices can vary a lot, depending on the size of your vehicle or whether you have one at all. Usually costs reach between 10-40€ per night, and don’t forget—there are also free legal campgrounds available! To find different campgrounds, including free sites, apps like ‚CamperMate’ can be very helpful (CamperMate is primarily for Australia and New Zealand).
A short but hopefully inspiring insight into affordable stays for travellers – a great way to travel on a budget! I’ve mentioned a few apps and websites, but this post is not sponsored. I’m simply recommending programs I’ve personally used. However, don’t stop researching! There are many other options that might suit you better or offer better prices.
This is just the start of your journey!
Johanna
About the Author:
If Johanna were a word, she would be "stardust" – nondescript, quiet, demure, until the passion appears that brings the stardust to fully unfold. She’s a traveler at heart, constantly curious to see more of the world, with a camera always close by to capture every moment just as it is. Whether she’s at a concert, lost in the music, or exploring a new city, Johanna’s world is filled with an endless curiosity and love for the little details that make life feel like stardust.
Johanna
About the Author:
If Johanna were a word, she would be “stardust” – nondescript, quiet, demure, until the passion appears that brings the stardust to fully unfold. She’s a traveler at heart, constantly curious to see more of the world, with a camera always close by to capture every moment just as it is. Whether she’s at a concert, lost in the music, or exploring a new city, Johanna’s world is filled with an endless curiosity and love for the little details that make life feel like stardust.
