How To Find Cheap (or Free!) Places To Crash on Vacation
- June 8, 2009
- 3,409 Views
Voice Over Artist
Marci Fine
Music
The Way It Is
Writer
Rosemarie_Lennon
Why waste your vacation dollars on pricey hotel rooms when there are cheaper – and sometimes free – alternatives?
You Will Need
- Friends
- Friends of friends
- Hostels
- Convents and monasteries
- Universities that rent dorm rooms
- A sleeping bag
- Overnight bus and train rides
- A pod hotel
- Free lodging websites
- A home to swap
Step 1: Network
If you don’t know anyone in the area you plan to visit, send a mass email to friends and loved ones asking if they do, and if that person would let you crash on their couch. Or spread the word yourself using social-networking sites like Facebook.
Take advantage of websites devoted to connecting travelers with people willing to put them up for free, like couchsurfing.com or globalfreeloaders.com. Just remember, if you take this route, exercise caution.
Step 2: Do a home swap
If you’d rather not stay with a stranger, or have one in your home, arrange an apartment or house swap so they’re in your place while you crash at theirs. Of course, this is easier if you live in or near a popular travel destination.
Step 3: Book rooms in hostels
Book rooms in hostels. Contrary to popular belief, most accept visitors of all ages.
Step 4: Crash in a convent
If you’re visiting Europe, check with tourism boards about inexpensive rooms to rent in convents and monasteries.
Italy boasts the most church-related accommodations.
Step 5: Go back to school
Check with local universities; many rent their dorm rooms to travelers during the summer, no age limit involved.
Step 6: Catch some z's on buses and trains
Plan your itinerary around overnight bus and train trips to save the price of a hotel room.
Step 7: Be a pod person
Be a pod person. Many major cities now have so-called pod hotels — places that rent a teeny room for a tiny price.
According to one survey, a complimentary breakfast is the most important amenity to travelers when picking a hotel, followed by a swimming pool.
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Comments (3)
Actually, I'll up you one -- ever heard of couchsurfing.org?
Really worth a look. A very interesting worldwide community for all types of travellers, all over the world. From the single, twenty-something to the single mother travelling with two kids. Surf someone else's couch -- or have someone crash on your couch -- in exchange for a home-cooked meal (cooked by the guest) or art (again, made by the guest) or simply nice manners and a great, heartfelt thank you.
Really. It's FREE. Check it out!
over 2 years ago by couchsurfing
Oh, I should have read the *blue boxes*. You do have a link to couchsurfing.org. Great!
over 2 years ago by couchsurfing
Great Video, I have found this channel , it has a live telecast of the Winter Olympics ongoing as of now, try the link if the stream is still there. http://winterolympicsin2010vancouver.blogspot.com/2010/02/figure-skating-pairs-short-program-live.html
over 2 years ago by violatoroger
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