Liberated Traveler Series #4 - Hotel Alternatives

TWiBT Presents
Liberated Traveler Series – Alternative Accommodations
Chapter 4

 

Be sure to read Chapter 1, Chapter 2, and Chapter 3 of the Liberated Traveler Series to help yourself get started.

 

I chose to separate split the accommodations topic into two chapters mainly because the people who might ONLY be interested in staying in hotels would have no interest in these alternative accommodations.

 

There is quite a variety of alternative accommodations for all styles of traveler.  Just like hotels, you can do these for super cheap or spend a ton of money.  A true liberated traveler always considers alternatives to hotels when planning travel.  Here’s a look at some popular options.

 

1.)  Hostels



Typical hostels are like college dormitories, with bunk beds, shared bathrooms, lockers, a common area and sometimes a kitchen.  Hostels are most frequented by students, long term travelers, and backpackers of all ages.  Do not let age or budget prevent you from staying in a hostel.  They are a great place to meet fellow travelers or a friend to explore the destination. While some hostels can indeed be quite filthy, it is just as easy to find a hostel that is squeaky clean!  A common mistake is that travelers simply book the cheapest hostel in an area.  You should spend a few extra dollars for a hostel that has a high review rating.  There are many sites that you can search for hostels and read reviews at, but my personal favorite is HostelBookers.  If you want a bit more privacy, you can even get private rooms in most hostels.  Hostels get a bad reputation, but give them a chance!

 

2.)   CouchSurfing



This one is one that gets misconstrued a lot.  Let us focus on what it is and is not:

 

What CouchSurfing is NOT about:  People who are offering space in their home for you to stay at as if it were a hotel.

What CouchSurfing is about:  People who are offering a space in their home for you to stay at and become friends with!

 

Think of this as a cultural home stay.  You make a profile on CouchSurfing and find people that interest you in cities you may be traveling to.  You then go and stay with them to get to know them!  It is important to set and understand any ground rules as you are a guest in people’s homes.  While they are letting you stay there for free, you should respect their wishes.  While CouchSurfing does have a rating system to leave positive or negative feedback for people you are staying with, I would suggest messaging people who have stayed with your potential host for a more personal review of their stay.  I have not heard of any CouchSurfing horror stories and have never experienced any.  It is a great way to experience another culture as a member of it.  CouchSurfing is free to join and a great way to get free accommodations AND make friends!

 

3.)  WWOOF - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms



While the days of indentured servitude are long over, this will provide you with a much more positive learning experience!  WWOOF is a website that helps you find organic farms all over the world.  Once you find a farm, you can get the opportunity to volunteer to work on their farm for the duration of your visit.  In return, they will provide you with food and a place to stay.  The idea is to share knowledge of organic farming.  You can stay with your host for anywhere from a couple days to a couple years!  There are all types of organic farms, so I’m sure you can find something that interests you.  This is also something you might want to consider for a weekend trip even.  The nearest WWOOF farm to me is less than an hour away and I’m considering contacting them for what I am sure will be a great experience.  Expect to work a full day, as you will be considered a member of the farm.

 

4.)    Camping



My limited camping experience has always resulted in nothing more than uninhibited pyromania and excessive hot dog consumption, so I can’t comment too much on this.  However, I did just buy a tent.  Camping is a great way to truly become immersed in an environment.  Camp sites are either free or very cheap.  If you want to find a specific place to pop tent check out some sites that index them HERE and HERE.  Also check out KOA.

 

5.)  Short Term Accommodations



If you like the idea of CouchSurfing, but want more say in the terms of staying over at the house.  There are ways to rent accommodations from a homeowner.  Sites like Airbnb and Roomorama let you rent anything from a single bedroom in someone’s home to the entire house.  Despite having “bnb” in the title of Airbnb, this usually never includes breakfast like a traditional Bed & Breakfast would.  The benefit here is that you get to be part of a neighborhood and experience what day to day life is like in an area, without the removal of being in a hotel.  Rates & locations vary.

 

These are 5 great alternatives to staying in a hotel.  You’ll save money, you’ll make friends, and you’ll have a great experience!

 

Enjoy!

 

-Jason of TWiBT