Top 5 tips for finding cheap accommodation

If you want to travel on the cheap, then you need to keep the price of your accommodation down to a minimum. This leaves more of your budget available for fun, which, let's face it, is what travelling is all about.

We've travelled a lot, and cheap doesn't have to mean nasty. We found loads of amazing budget places to stay all around the world without sacrificing on comfort or cleanliness. Check out our top 5 tips to find out how...

1. Don't book in advance
Rocking up to a town and hunting for cheap accommodation when you get there is by far the best way to bag a bargain. You also have the luxury of scoping out your digs in person before parting with your hard-earned cash.

The only time we wouldn't recommend this approach is if you're arriving somewhere late at night or in the peak of a festival or some other event that may mean the town is extra busy with tourists.

2. Travel slow
If you find a place that you like, get a daily rate, then see if you can haggle it down if you stay 5 nights or 7 nights. This is a great way to get the best possible price for your accommodation and really get into the heart of the town you're staying in.

3. Stay in the local digs
Each country has its own unique types of accommodation. Cabanas in Mexico, beach huts in Asia... these are the best way to keep your costs down. Hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs are usually much more expensive and can be a less authentic experience.

4. Get a travel buddy
If you're travelling alone, it can be hard to save money on accommodation, so try and hook up with someone that's travelling your route and split the cost of a room with them.

5. Couch surfing
Couch surfing is an incredible site for travellers. You get to stay with someone established in an area, usually for free, and from our experience, the type of people that do couch surfing are super friendly and excited about travelling themselves. It's always nice to give something back, so try to take a small gift or offer to cook a meal for your hosts to thank them for their hospitality.