One of the biggest travel myths out there is that you need to be independently wealthy to see the world. This is simply not true. Travel can be very affordable, especially when you use alternative forms of overnight accommodation.

One of the biggest travel myths out there is that you need to be independently wealthy to see the world. This is simply not true. Travel can be very affordable, especially when you use alternative forms of overnight accommodation.
Travel is only expensive if you choose to make it that way.

Fancy hotels have big budgets to spend on plenty of advertising coverage. So we assume those are the only options out there. But in reality there are many cheap, and even free places to sleep when traveling.

Over the past 2 years I’ve tried most of them, and wanted to share my experiences and tips with you.

Backpacker Hostel: Backpacker hostels are a popular option for the budget-minded traveler. Rooms & bathrooms are shared by multiple people which helps keep costs low. The average hostel room can hold 4-10 individuals, often furnished with bunk-beds. Personal lockers are available for securing your belongings. A very basic (toast and cereal) breakfast is usually included too.

In addition to being cheap, hostels provide a highly social atmosphere for fellow travelers to interact with each other. A communal kitchen and living area helps facilitate this. Many backpacker hostels have a few private rooms for those who want a little more privacy along with the vibrant social scene.
Backpacker Hostel Tips:

Avoid hostels that don’t provide lockers for your valuables
Earplugs & an eye-mask will help with late night noise & light
HostelBookers & HostelWorld are good sites to find a hostel

Guest House: A guesthouse or budget hotel provides a simple, affordable room without the perks or service of a bigger hotel. Compared to a hostel, you receive a decent sized private room but much less social interaction. All for a slightly higher price. Kitchens may or may not be included. Breakfast may or may not be included.

Just like hostels, the quality these places can vary widely. In some locations hostels are just not available. But there will be plenty of cheap guesthouses around.
Guest House Tips:

Always ask to see the room first
Make sure windows & doors are secure
TripAdvisor is a good site to search for guesthouses

Short-Term Apartment: If someone has a spare room in their house, or a whole apartment they are not using, they may rent it to travelers on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. These apartments usually come fully furnished and include a kitchen — all for the price of a budget hotel.

One of the big benefits of staying in an apartment is how it can feel like a home away from home. Regular interaction with local neighbors helps you appreciate what it’s actually like to live in the country, if only for a short time.
Apartment Tips:

Choose places with a history of reviews from past tenants
Research the apartment’s location & transportation options
AirBnB is a wonderful site to find short-term apartment rentals
If you plan to stay a month or longer, local classifieds provide the best deals

Local Homestay: If you’re interested in learning more about someone’s culture when traveling to a new country, homestays can help you do just that. This is when a family rents out a spare bedroom for extra income and a chance to teach you about their lifestyle. A homestay usually includes breakfast and maybe dinner too.

Homestay arrangements are typical with many language schools, but these days any traveler can book one. You don’t need to know the language to reap the benefits of a homestay either. It might be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding.
Homestay Tips:

If your host doesn’t speak your language, use sign language and draw pictures to communicate. It works surprisingly well.
Check if your homestay includes meals, and how many
Be open-minded and willing to learn from your local hosts
Search Google for “homestay” plus the country’s name to pull up different homestay websites

just for informational purpose only, travellers are to make their own research.