From $0/night house-sitting to $8 hostel dorms — discover every way to cut your biggest travel expense without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Tell us where you're headed and we'll show you the best budget options
Each option suits different traveler styles. Find the one that matches your budget and comfort level.
The classic budget traveler's choice — dorm beds or private rooms in a social setting with shared facilities. The community atmosphere is unmatched.
Stay for free with locals who open their home to travelers. The cultural immersion and connections made are often the highlight of the trip.
Care for someone's home (and often pets) while they travel. You get a free home — sometimes luxury — in exchange for responsibility.
Wild camping is free in many countries, and paid campsites are a fraction of hotel prices. Essential for outdoor adventure travelers.
Local guesthouses and budget hotels offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms for reasonable prices — ideal when you need privacy.
Renting rooms or entire apartments on Airbnb can be cheaper than hotels with more space and a kitchen — great for longer stays and groups.
When you sleep under the stars, you're not just saving money — you're gaining an experience that no hotel can replicate. From wild camping in Scotland to paid campsites in national parks, camping can reduce accommodation costs to near zero.
Scotland, Norway, and many national parks allow wild camping. Research laws for each country you visit.
A good tent, sleeping bag, and mat cost $150–300 total — and pay for themselves within a week of camping instead of paying for accommodation.
Many cities have campgrounds 20–30 minutes away. Combine camping with day trips into the city for the best of both worlds.
A small camping stove lets you cook on-site. Combined with supermarket shopping, meals cost $3–5 vs. $15–20 at restaurants.
Get the most out of hostel stays with these insider strategies from experienced budget travelers.
Hostels change quickly — management, cleanliness, vibe. Filter reviews to the last 90 days on Hostelworld for an accurate picture of current conditions.
Contact hostels directly after finding them on Hostelworld. Many offer 10–15% off if you book direct. Just say "I found you on Hostelworld — do you have a direct rate?"
A hostel with a fully equipped kitchen can save you $10–15/day on food. Over a week, that's $70–100 — more than the cost of accommodation itself.
Look for reviews mentioning locker size. Some hostels have small lockers that won't fit a 40L backpack — a big problem if you can't secure your gear.
In mixed dorms, bottom bunks near outlets and away from bathrooms are the most coveted. Arriving early — or requesting a preference — dramatically improves your experience.
Staying 5+ nights? Most hostels will offer 20–30% off for long stays if you ask directly. This is never advertised but almost always available.
Average nightly costs across popular budget travel regions.
| Type | SE Asia | Eastern Europe | Latin America | Western Europe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm | $5–10 | $10–16 | $8–14 | $22–35 | Solo Travelers |
| Hostel Private | $15–25 | $20–35 | $18–30 | $40–65 | Couples |
| Budget Hotel | $20–40 | $30–55 | $25–45 | $55–90 | Privacy Seekers |
| Airbnb Room | $18–35 | $25–50 | $22–40 | $45–80 | Local Feel |
| Couchsurfing | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Adventurers |
| Camping | $0–8 | $5–12 | $3–10 | $10–20 | Outdoor Lovers |
| House Sitting | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Long-Term Travelers |