We have extensive research and experience with traveling, so we would like to share some travel tips for reducing expenses.

We already shared our tips for finding the best deal on plane tickets. Today, we would like to share our suggestions for reducing accommodation costs.

When we travel, we prefer to mingle with locals, rather than be part of the tourist scene, because we get a better taste of real life in that country rather than the tourist hubs that cater to foreigners. Not only are things generally more expensive in tourist areas, but if we wanted to have the American experience everywhere we went, we could just stay in America and save the resources altogether. The idea for travel is to experience things you can't get at home! Locals can show you a whole world beyond the tourist traps.

Couchsurfing

For that reason, we highly recommend couchsurfing for accommodations.

Couchsurfing.com is a wonderful website that connects travelers to hosts across the world who are willing to open their homes to people they may have never met before. There is no charge associated with the stay, although your accommodations are not guaranteed to be plush--you may literally be offered only a couch or floor space and potentially may need to bring your own bedding.

Sign up for a free account on the website, and fill out your profile. The more details, the better--hosts prefer to get a feel for the person they will share their home with. You are able to become verified and even to receive reviews, and hosts may be more likely to accept a stay request from someone proven to be a responsible couchsurfer already.

Be sure to read a host's profile before sending a request! They will tell you how many they can house at a time and describe the living space they offer. It's rare to find a host that can accommodate a large group, so couchsurfing is generally more appropriate for single travelers or couples. If you do have a large group, it is possible to stay at multiple locations, which brings us to another great travel tip: the more flexibility you have with your plans, the easier it will be to save money.

When you send a couchsurfing request, personalization is better received than a cut and paste message. Include some details from the host's profile that indicate why you are interested in staying in their home, and what interests you may share.

Again, this is not a hotel stay. For the most part, personal interaction is expected. While there are some host's who are willing to let you drop your bags and sleep there, the idea is to foster and encourage personal relationships.

The host will accept or decline your request, and from there you can work out details of the stay--when and where to arrive, how best to get there, etc. Be a good house guest! Keep your things tidy, and don't expect that simply because they have opened their home to you that you are welcome to the entire house or to rummage through the cabinets for food. Couchsurfing is for sleeping arrangements--anything else is bonus.

Volunteering

If you are willing to exchange your time and skills for accommodations, you can easily find volunteer opportunities. You can sign up for a free account on wwoofing.com to connect with organic farms around the world. Helpx.com is another site that shows projects in need of volunteers, from hostels to animal sanctuaries.

You can make arrangements for volunteering before you get to your destination, or may even luck out and find something upon arrival. This is a better option for those wishing to invest a bit more time in one area, although it is possible to find deals for shorter periods as well.

Renting

If you are going to be in an area for a long time, renting a home can save you a significant amount over hostels or hotels, plus once more you get the comfort of being in a potentially homier environment. Look into options in the area by looking online and talking to locals when you arrive. This is also a great option for larger groups, as expenses can be divided amongst more people.

Airbnb is a great website for rentals! You can find a room to a whole villa from a single night to many months via this site. You can filter results for an area based on locations and amenities - it is definitely worth looking into!

Sharing

If you are willing to stay with a friend or two you can cut expenses significantly. Travel-buddies.com is another site that can link you with others interested in exploring.

Camping

If you like nature, you can always take a tent and find some beautiful spots to stay. This is obviously dependent upon where you're going--NYC has less camping options than say a place like California. Some campsites are free, while others charge, so a little research beforehand is worthwhile to know what to expect.

Hostels

Hostels are cheaper than hotels, usually because there are 6-8 people in a room. If privacy isn't an issue for you, this is a realistic option for saving some money. Check out hostels.com for a list of places in your destination city.

We hope to save you time with this list of tips and references from our experience! Enjoy your journey!

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