Hotel stays usually account for more than 30% of the traveler's budget, but finding a place to stay around the world does not have to be expensive. Many travelers have found ways to make accommodations affordable. If you would like to add a resource to this list, please feel free to contact us.

 

Articles and Books on Finding Cheap and Free Accommodations

How To Find Free Accommodations Around The World - NeverEnding Voyage via The Plant D

Simple Budget Lodging For The Long-Term Traveler - Great Family Escape

How To Travel The World And Not Pay For Hotels - Traveling Canucks

How To Stay Around The World For Free - Dave's Travel Corner

How To Travel For Free (or pretty damn near it!): Global Nomads Tell You How They Do It

Finding Cheap Accommodation - Nomadic Matt

 

Affordable Rooms and Long-Term Vacation Rentals

Flipkey.com – A great website for affordable short and long-term vacation rentals.  You might have a property you can advertise here as well.

Roomorama – Short-term room rentals around the world.

AirBnB – Seek and find world-wide lodgings.

Enrout – A great way to search multiple sites for cheap, alternative lodging.

Hostel Finder – Find youth hostels and budget accommodations around the world.

SellMyTimeShareNow - For anyone looking for a unique and spacious rental, this site has loads of timeshare condo rentals (and sales) all across the world for prices FAR less than directly from the resort.

 

Camping and Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing - Find a free place to stay while you travel.

Couchsurfing for Families – Find other families to stay with as you travel.

Warm Showers – Hospitality and free accommodations for cyclists.

GlobalFreeloaders – Free stays anyone?  Yes Please!  Free is something the budget traveler should never turn down.

Camp in my Garden - Want to camp in some of the best backyards in the world?  Here is your chance!

Freecampsites.net - US and Canada only, but lots of free places.

HospitalityClub.org - Bringing people together around the world.  Free rooms and even free local guided tours.

 

House Sitting

Trusted Housesitters - $80 a year to register and find a home to stay anywhere in the world.  Our favorite!

Mind My House – $20 per year!  "Lowest annual fee on the web."

HouseCarers – $50 per year annual fee.  Homeowners list for free which improves selection

The Caretaker Gazette – $30 a year to subscribe.  Great resource for house sitting and care-taking opportunities.

 

 

Working and Volunteer Opportunities

Workaway - Opportunities to volunteer and get free room and board.

Helpx - Volunteer in exchange for food and accommodation.

WWOOF - Work and stay on organic farms around the world.

Volunteer Stays - See the world like a local.