8 Ways to Save Big on Stays Around the World

• Originally broadcast via email on November 21, 2024 •

Once again, my goal is to debunk the myth that traveling the world costs a lot of money.

It can, but it can also cost a heck of a lot less than you think. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to save big on accommodations without sacrificing comfort or amazing experiences.

Let’s get into it –>

1. Housesitting

I’ve talked about this option several times in my newsletters, but it’s because I still can’t believe more people don’t know about it!

Housesitting is one of the best ways to travel the world and stay in places for free.

Mike and I have house-sat in Breckenridge, Colorado and Park City, Utah (both high-end towns) staying in homes worth $3+ million..

…and we did it for completely free!

Our only job? Taking care of the homeowners’ dogs! 🐶😍

It felt like a dream to have these luxurious homes to ourselves, and we saved hundreds (if not thousands) in accommodation costs for the entire week.

We use Trusted Housesitters to find housesits around the world.

>> You can check it out and sign up for an account here!

2. Redeem Credit Card Points and Rewards

We swear by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.. it’s a game-changer.

While we also use the American Express Platinum, Chase gives us the best bang for our buck.

When our baby was in the NICU, we redeemed hundreds of thousands of Chase points for free hotel stays, which made a tough time a little easier.

If you travel frequently, this is the card to get.

PS. Did you know you can stay in overwater bungalows using travel points? We’ve done it three times – in Bora Bora, the Maldives, and Moorea!

3. Hostel Private Rooms

Okay, hear me out…

Hostels aren’t just for young adults and dorm-style living (which I totally used to do when I was backpacking Europe in 2014-2015)!

Most have private rooms, too. They typically have private bathrooms, and you’ll find that many are much nicer than a mid-range hotel. And wayyy cheaper, too.

Mike and I booked a private room in a hostel in San Diego, and we were so pleasantly surprised by the quality of the place.

Hostels with private rooms are especially handy in pricier cities, offering a mix of comfort, affordability, and a social vibe (if you want).

You can check out the hostel we stayed at in San Diego here, to give you a better feel for what you might get.

4. HomeExchange

I only recently discovered this cool option, but imagine trading your home for a week-long stay in a villa in Italy.

HomeExchange lets you swap homes with other travelers (like Airbnb, but without the cost).

It’s such a cool concept, and I’m SUPER eager to try it!

>> You can actually get 50 Guest Points for free by signing up here! 

(NOTE: Signing up and exploring homes is also free, but if you want to stay in a house, you will need to pay a one-time yearly fee).

5. Airbnb Last Minute Deals

Airbnb isn’t as budget-friendly as it used to be, but last-minute deals can still be gold. Some hosts offer up to 50% off for last-minute bookings to fill their calendar.

While we don’t use Airbnb as much as we once did due to an unfortunate incident, it’s a solid option when we need a deal.

To find last-minute deals, simply enter your destination and travel dates. Look for listings where the original price is crossed out and replaced with a lower price; this highlights a special deal you can snag!

6. Booking.com Last Minute Deals

We’ve been leaning more towards hotels these days because they don’t have cleaning fees or those infamous chore lists (I’m lookin’ at you, Airbnb 😒).

Booking.com is our go-to, and their Last Minute Deals section often has incredible offers. You can find it right on their homepage—or check it out here.

7. Split the Cost with Friends or Family

Traveling with others doesn’t just make the experience more fun, it’s also easier on the wallet.

We’ve stayed in some jaw-dropping places for next to nothing by splitting costs with family and friends.

> A villa in Rhodes, Greece, cost us just $40 per person per night.

> An “overwater” home on the fjords of Norway for $50 per person per night.

I even recently found this absolute gem in Bora Bora that sleeps 6 guests, and would cost each person less than $100 per night. And it’s beachfront!

8. Couchsurfing

This one’s perfect for the younger (or adventurous) crowd, though anyone can try it!

When I was backpacking Europe in 2014–2015, I couchsurfed my way through and met the most amazing people. It’s a great way to make friends, get insider tips, and stay completely free.

You might be thinking, “wow, that sounds unsafe…?”

And I get it. It can be a little nerve-wracking.

But the Couchsurfing website has a rating system, and I never stayed with someone who didn’t have multiple reviews from different guests (who also had reviews from other people, too).

>> Check out Couchsurfing here!

💡 Blog Posts For Travel Inspiration

Want more travel inspiration?

Here are a few of my favorite blog posts that I’ve written:

Have a great week and happy travels!

Laura

P.S. Before you head out, check off your to-do list here:

✔️ Save TONS on flights with FareDrop*
✔️ Score the lowest accommodation prices on Booking.com*
✔️ For airports transfers and tours click here*

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