Five Hotel Alternatives that Will Cut Summer Vacation Costs

Summer vacations are one of life’s greatest pleasures. But when you add on airfare, food, and accommodations, summer vacations can also become one of life’s greatest expenses. Before you cancel your trip due to budget constraints, consider some hotel alternatives that will cut summer vacation costs significantly.

Couch Surfing - There are empty couches in more than 71,000 cities throughout 237 countries waiting for your arrival. Just head to CouchSurfing.org to make a connection. Sleeping on a stranger’s couch may sound a little scary at first, but according to the site there have been nearly two million positive experiences with couch surfing. Not only do you get a free or cheap place to stay, but you’ll get a culture lesson that no hotel can offer.

Camping - If you’ve already got the necessary equipment, camping can be a great way to cut summer vacation costs. Check out the hundreds of available campsites throughout the US and Canada at KOA.com. Another website worth checking for camping reservations is ReserveAmerica.com.

House Swap - While you’re away on your summer vacation your home probably sits empty. Why not swap with someone else who wants to take a vacation in your community? This money-saving way to travel is called home exchange or house swapping. Some websites that will help you arrange a house swap are HomeExchange.com, HomeforSwap.com, and Digsville.com. Not only will you get all of the comforts of home during your summer vacation, but you’ll get them for free.

Vacation Rentals - Often cheaper than a hotel, you can rent a vacation home. This is a great option especially for those taking a summer vacation with a group. A few of the most popular sites are VRBO.com, VacationRentals.com, and HomeAway.com.

Hostels - For those with a more adventurous spirit, hostelling can be a great way to stay cheaply in thousands of destinations. Peruse more than 20,000 hostels at Hostels.com, where you’ll find deals in Dublin for about the price of a movie ticket or a room in Prague for pocket change.

By Alison Storm

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