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Six Month Lease:
$550/month all utilites included in Tulum, Mexico.
(Top) Hotel: $33/night Holiday Inn; Phuket, Thailand
(Bottom) $30/night Hotel Ko Lipe, Thailand
(Bottom) $30/night Hotel Ko Lipe, Thailand
(Top) Motel in Luzern, Switzerland View from lawn
(Bottom) Generator Hostel, Barcelona $15/night dorm
(Bottom) Generator Hostel, Barcelona $15/night dorm
These are great for any age, group size, solo travelers. When you just need a cheap place to crash, stash your stuff, or want to meet people this is a great option.
Generally people who stay at them are more open to making friends versus couples at a resort. Often there's food, a bar, games, and rentals for free or cheap.
Also! There are usually
- hostel-sponsored activities for free and cheap
- local information and tours to sign up for
- stocked kitchens
- free coffee and tea
- parking, check for fees!
Bring:
Sleep Mask if you're light sensitive. People have early/late flights, come in drunk, or can be really loud.
Ear plugs for the same reason!
Shower shoes of some kind. Shared showers, need I say more?
Grab a souvenir towel if they don't have any to use. Small padlock, some will have them on loan, as well. But, it's just as easy to just bring one or two.
Work Exchanges
Work Exchanges
I've heard mostly good things, even if I haven't used all of these. Going this route can be a great opportunity to become involved in your travel and really connect with a local, make a lifelong friend, share or learn a new skill.
Since the lodging is built-in, it's one less thing to worry about and can make your trip really memorable!
Exchange room, sometimes with board for your blood, sweat, and tears. Or handyman, checking in guests, etc.
Be alert of the people who use this as they can take advantage of people for free labor, when it should be an equitable trade off for labor and what you receive.
Make sure to communicate! Set clear expectations for both sides, you should both be benefiting here!
Be alert of the people who use this as they can take advantage of people for free labor, when it should be an equitable trade off for labor and what you receive.
Make sure to communicate! Set clear expectations for both sides, you should both be benefiting here!
Worldpackers
Exchange services and or time for room and/or board.
Same concept, seems to be more trustworthy people overall and slightly better customer service.
Here's my profile: https://www.worldpackers.com/users/228175
Same concept, seems to be more trustworthy people overall and slightly better customer service.
Here's my profile: https://www.worldpackers.com/users/228175
I haven't used this, and have heard rave reviews and not so much. There's always a human factor.
That goes for anything, but especially these last three which are less strictly monitored to a set standard or brand.
That goes for anything, but especially these last three which are less strictly monitored to a set standard or brand.
Hotels, Homestays, Camping, and other Lodging Options
Hotels, Homestays, Camping, and other Lodging Options
This is my personal favorite/go-to. You can compare prices, see more apartment rentals (local) and then contact them directly for a better rate, 2-10%. It never hurts to ask! I usually just book directly through the site, though.
Perks of short term Rentals:
Easy! Just show up, check in and get a room. Standardised check in and out times. Many have luggage storage at the hotels and hostels.
Many have different amenities, like pools, breakfast included, parking, and proximity to nightlife, shopping, restaurants and food. Leased places will also generally have these.
Loyalty points and you can bounce around as much as you want! It's a good way to see a lot of a city in a short amount of time. Freedom!
Leasing
View from my apartment in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
View from my apartment in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
In many places you can put a cash deposit down and sign a lease. If you want, have a lawyer or someone look it over. Understand what you're getting into. Understand your roles and responsibilities.
How to find: Marketplace is accessible and free worldwide, so it's a good resource for groups, expat information, and small businesses.
Perk of leases: Much better rates for mid and long-term stays. A lot of places you just need a deposit and be a decent tenant. Communication and honesty go a long way, from what I've found. Also.. you're now an unofficial ambassador for your country! Represent!
If you're not comfortable signing a lease, then book through a site or company you are comfortable with!
Things to consider:
Neighborhood- Nightlife, accessibility, safety, convenience
Noise- During the day and at night. Road and rail noises, construction.
Transportation- Accessibility, cost, schedules of trains, taxis, etc that are available. Is it walk-able or can you grab a bike or scooter to rent?
Furnishings- Are you a digital nomad? Do you need a dedicated office space? What's the internet like? Are power outages expected? Will it be comfortable for guests? For you? Kitchen stocked? Washer in unit? Or laundry nearby?
Total Cost : Take all above into consideration. An $8/night place might be great, but combined with these other factors isn't always the cheapest in the end!
Here are some other options, as well!
AirBnB
Vacasa
FlipKey
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Google Sites
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