Backpacking has quickly become one of the most loved and affordable ways to travel. While the term makes it sound like you’re only travelling around with a backpack and nothing else, it’s starting to take on a different meaning. These days, backpacking usually involves low-cost independent travel with inexpensive accommodation. The goal of backpacking is to experience a country or city through the eyes of a traveller and not a tourist. This exposes you to local culture and traditions instead of fabricated attractions.

So if you’re looking to give backpacking a try, it’s a good idea to think about your accommodation options. As it’s one of the most important aspects of a fun and successful backpacking holiday, we suggest you put a bit of effort into researching accommodation options before you decide to backpack in another country. Here are a few suggestions on the most convenient accommodation options available.

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Try couchsurfing if you want to save money on accommodation

Looking to travel the world for free? If so, the best option available to you is arguably couchsurfing. This literally involves staying at a random person’s place, typically on their couch or on a sleeping mat. It’s not the most glamorous way to travel, but that’s not really the point of backpacking anyway. You’ll need to get to know people before you decide to stay at their place, but it can be a fun and interesting way to travel if you’re open to it.

Look for local hostels if you’re short on time

Hostels are a fantastic way to get low-cost accommodation when you’re short on time. This is because hostels usually have vacant spaces and they’re often easy to find. You don’t need to book to get the best deals and you can simply show up, stay a single night, then be off the next day. You’ll get the bare basics and necessities and nothing more.

Consider a rental if you plan to travel in a large group

A Google search for rent rooms near me will likely reveal lots of rental options. This isn’t really in the spirit of backpacking, but it’s helpful if you’re travelling with a large group and need a base of operations where you can come back, recuperate, and get some work done before you travel again. Renting a room is a little different to Airbnb as it’s often a bit more formal.

Budget hotels could be a great option for last-minute accommodation

There are usually lots of different budget hotel options that are specific to the country or city that you’re backpacking in. For example, Japan has lots of capsule hotels that are fairly cheap and unique to the country. It’s a good idea to research these options before you start travelling so you know where to look for emergency last-minute accommodation.

Stay at someone else’s home if you know people that are willing to host you

If you’re travelling to a country that you have friends in, you should see if they’re willing to host you for a couple of nights. Not only is this a relatively cheap way to get accommodation, but you also get to meet long-distance friends or family members. Just make sure you’re not intruding and that you ask if it’s alright for you to stay with them. You don’t want to barge in and be a nuisance, so make sure you plan ahead if you want to stay with someone that you know.

There’s always Airbnb if you’re out of other options

If you’re lacking options, then Airbnb is usually a good choice to fall back on. Not every country and city has great options, but finding a good Airbnb can be relatively easy if you’re willing to research options and create shortlists before you decide to travel. Trying to find a last-minute Airbnb can be difficult, especially if there’s no self-check-in.

Love the great outdoors? Why not give camping a try?

Lastly, you could always give camping a try if you’re open to the idea. Camping usually involves staying outdoors with a tent and sleeping bag, but you can also go glamping if there are options available to you. We suggest looking for places that you can camp instead of pulling out a tent wherever there’s grass. There are likely some areas that forbid camping, and the last thing you want to do is break the law. Make absolutely sure that you’re allowed to camp in your designated area before you set everything up.