Quirky alternatives are always popping up allowing you to travel in luxury on the cheap. Written by John Seroukas.
Whether it’s on a futon three blocks away from the Eiffel Tower or in a secluded cottage in Lancashire, we’ve found a way for you to experience culture with a twist.
House-sitting
This concept truly is win-win. Home-owners are able to go on holiday with the peace of mind that their house and pets will be looked after, while house-sitters are provided with cheap (if not free) accommodation in another city.
It seems the spontaneity of house-sitting is what really attracts travellers. To arrange a holiday, travellers simply need to discover which houses around the world are free at any time, and their holiday is planned. Be free, humble traveller, the world is your oyster.
Airbnb
If you prefer a more personalised method of travelling, Airbnb is likely to be your choice of accommodation. The secret lies in its affordability and versatility – you can sleep in a room, granny flat or even a whole house.
If that’s not enough, as a traveller you can refine your searches as specifically as you’d like – from how many bedrooms to the host’s language. Like house-sitting, Airbnb gives travellers the opportunity to experience culture in a cheap way, while also providing hosts with a little spare cash.
Couch-Surfing
Possibly the weirdest of the options, couch-surfing is for the traveller who would prefer the road less-travelled. The concept is simple – you, as a traveller, find someone who’s willing to host you on their couch for a cheap fee.
Once you get your head around the fact that you’re sleeping on a stranger’s couch, couch-surfing can be a cool way to make friends with people across the globe. Plus, whereas hotel experiences rarely vary, couch-surfers gain an authentic experience exclusive to that country for a price substantially cheaper than hotels.
For those wary of couch-surfing, fear not – there are websites where users can leave reviews about hosts and travellers, weeding out the unkind or unclean.
