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How to Find Cheap Housing for Your Trip

by Skylar Renslow

cheap housing

Hostels

The most obvious answer for solo travelers. Hostels provide a cheap and convenient option for people, but that does come at a cost.

Pros

Cons

Where to bookThis is the tricky part. Sometimes it is worth looking on all the major booking sites (Expedia, Hostelworld, Booking.com, etc.) instead of booking directly on the hostel’s website. I’ve found hostel prices on Expedia for as little as $6 a night when it would have been over $20 when booked directly through the hostel.

Airbnb

This is usually the best option when traveling as a couple or with a group of people. They also come with facilities that you usually wouldn’t find at a hotel or hostel, which can really help save costs over time.

Pros

Cons

Do some research ahead of time to find what neighborhood you want to stay in (check out some of our city guides section of this blog to get started!). Once you have a good idea, use Airbnb’s map function to find good options in that area.

Hotels

The most expensive option, but if you’re an introvert like me, sometimes very necessary to recharge.

Pros

Cons

Where to book Same rules apply for booking hotels as they do hostels. Shop around on different booking sites to find the best deals (Booking.com is a good starting point) . If you’re an avid hotel/credit card point collector, check out blogs focused on redeeming those such as The Points Guy for some sneaky ways to maximize your value.

Friends

Use your friend network to find connections in the area for a free couch to crash on. Most people are afraid to leverage your friends but don’t be! This is a great way to meet new people and explore the city through a unique lens.

Pros

Cons

Where to book More often than not, you’ll probably know somebody who is in the area or might know somebody who is in the area you’re traveling to. Use Facebook, Whatsapp or any number of social media channels to reach out and make some connections!