Why cheap accommodation matters
Flights hit once. Accommodation hits every night. After years of traveling full-time across Asia and Europe, I’ve learned that cheap accommodation isn’t about one magic website — it’s about being flexible, realistic, and willing to trade comfort, time, or effort for lower costs. These seven methods are what actually works in the real world.
1. Stay in hostels (yes, even if you’re “too old”)
Hostels aren’t just loud bunk rooms anymore. Many now offer private rooms, ensuite bathrooms, curtains, lockers, and reliable Wi-Fi. I’ve met travelers in their 50s, 60s, and older. Hostels are about price and flexibility, not age.
Best site to use: Hostelworld
2. Workaway (free stay in exchange for skills or time)
Workaway is one of the most practical ways to cut accommodation costs while staying productive. You help a hostel, guesthouse, farm, café, or small business a few hours per day and receive free accommodation (often food as well). I’ve seen roles for filmmakers, social media managers, writers, and website builders — not just manual labor.
- Best if you can stay 1–3 weeks.
- Great for routines and stability.
- Trade flexibility for lower costs.
3. House sitting & pet sitting (free, but slower)
House sitting is ideal for slower travel and anyone who wants a “normal” life abroad. You look after someone’s home — usually their pets — in exchange for free accommodation, a kitchen, laundry, and sometimes a car. It’s excellent for digital nomads, but takes time to build trust and reviews.
Popular platform: TrustedHousesitters
4. Use hotel points & credit cards (only if you’re organized)
Points can massively reduce costs in expensive cities, short stays, or emergencies when prices spike. It only works if you pay cards off in full, understand the rules, and avoid chasing points you don’t need. Used responsibly, it can save thousands per year.
5. Volunteer for accommodation (beyond Workaway)
Some places don’t advertise on big platforms at all. Hostels and guesthouses often need short-term help and will offer free accommodation, sometimes with meals. If you’re already traveling, it never hurts to ask in person — some of the best arrangements aren’t online.
6. Stay with locals (hospitality exchanges)
Hospitality exchanges like Couchsurfing and BeWelcome connect travelers with locals willing to host guests for free. It’s not for everyone, but it can be one of the cheapest and most rewarding ways to travel if you treat it like a cultural exchange rather than free lodging.
7. Farm stays, rural work & WWOOF
If cities are draining your budget, rural stays can slash costs quickly. WWOOF allows travelers to work on organic farms in exchange for accommodation and meals. It’s physical work and not glamorous — but it’s affordable, legal, and immersive.
My Workaway Muay Thai experience in Koh Samui
One of my favorite Workaway setups was at a Muay Thai gym in Koh Samui. I helped with content and day-to-day tasks in exchange for a place to stay, access to training, and a routine that kept me grounded. It was sweaty, humbling, and far cheaper than paying for long-term hotels. If you’re curious what a Workaway arrangement looks like in real life, the video below shares the full experience.
My go-to accommodation websites
- Hostelworld – best hostel inventory
- Booking.com – budget hotels & guesthouses
- Airbnb – apartments & monthly stays
- Workaway – work-for-stay opportunities
- TrustedHousesitters – house & pet sitting
- Couchsurfing – staying with locals
Prices change constantly. Cross-check everything and keep your dates flexible whenever possible.
Final thoughts
Cheap accommodation isn’t about hacks — it’s about trade-offs. Travel slower, stay longer, and lower expectations slightly, and your costs drop fast. That saved money buys you time, experiences, flexibility, and less stress — which is what actually makes long-term travel sustainable.