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As a long term traveler I aim to get the best value for my money. The ideology is that the less money you spend the longer you can travel…I’ve been doing it for almost seven years so I guess I must be doing something right!
One of the best places I like to save money is on accommodation because I rather spend it on travel experiences such as scuba diving or learning how to cook locally. When I’m traveling in more expensive regions like Europe and the US, my accommodation option of choice is always Airbnb.
Airbnb: Budget Travel Secret…Shhh!!!
Airbnb is a booking site that allows you to rent and stay at people’s hotels, homes, mansions, vehicles, boats, camps, igloos, teepees, tree houses, you name it! If you can sleep in it you can find it on this site. It’s AWESOME! I love it because not only can I save a ton of money (such a renting a room for $20 a night in Cancun), but I can also stay at a randomly cool place which adds even more fun to my travel experience.
In Brugge, for example, we rented a beautiful contemporary flat owned by a designer (pictured in three above images). For the same price as a regular hotel we got a stylish place to stay and the comfort of spending a weekend in a beautiful home right in the center of town. In addition, our host was incredibly accommodating and offered all her guests a handmade guidebook telling us the best places to eat and drink in her town. Score!
On my 10 day trip to Paris and Rome this summer, I rented a small flat for 40 euro which was actually cheaper then staying at a hostel! It was really cute and just a little further out of town but it was way worth it.
If you are traveling as a couple, group, or as a family then Airbnb is a MUST. That’s where you’ll really see the savings plus you’ll get access to a kitchen and a living space that can act as an entertainment area when you just want to take a break. And trust me, nothing beats the feeling of knowing you’re getting a small taste of Parisian life…sigh. C’est la vie
In Miami, we rented a super cute yacht that slept 6 people and had three sleeping cabins, three bathrooms, kitchen, and dining area. Our trip to Miami was incredible and our stay in this yacht was a big factor and all for the price of one three star hotel room. Not only did we save money but we also felt like rock stars! We ended every night by having a glass of wine under the stars – no hotel average room could offer that especially at this price.
Talk about traveling in style..
Airbnb did not sponsor this post (although they should have). It’s just a great way to sleep in style – and spend your travel money wisely! It’s free to sign up for Airbnb and if you use this link to my personal account then we both get accommodation credits for even more savings: sign up for free here!
How do you save money on accommodation when you travel?
For more fun travel tips, please read:
- 9 Packing Tips for Luxury Vacations
- 10 Luxury Touches on a Frugalista Budget
- 8 Budget Travel Packing Essentials
Love Airbnb. Just came back from 35 days in England where we stayed at all Airbnb places. As retired educators, we also belong to an organization called the Educators Travel Network, based out of Eugene, Oregon, which is a great economic way to find accomodation and make some great friends. You need to be prepared to list your own home to host guests. To stay with someone it only costs $50 U.S. per couple and includes breakfast. We find this best for Canada and the U.S. although they have listings all over the world. Only catch is that you can only book a few weeks ahead of time, no last minute bookings or booking way ahead of time.
It’s so cost effective especially in Europe and North America where it’s not easy to find great budget accommodation. Airbnb makes all the difference to your sleeping and also travel experience 🙂
Another bonus of Air B’n’B (as if it needs one) is the vast majority of places have washers and dryers which are free/cheap to use – it’s much easier to do a load of laundry somewhere you’re staying than a launderette! And sometimes hosts will even lend/rent you bicycles and so on which can be a great deal.
Great points! There are so many benefits I love it 🙂