Here’s How To Kickstart Your Backpacking Adventure

Introduction

Backpacking has become an ever-popular alternative way to see the world. With hotels and guided tours becoming increasingly more expensive, it's become harder to obtain that desired feeling of local authenticity. Fortunately, there are a plethora of budget accommodation options that are guaranteed to fit every budgeting traveler's needs.

Looking to find the best hotels near joshua tree? Here are several pointers on how to find the best accommodation that best fits your budget, regardless of whether you're looking for comfortability or a taste of adventure.

Free Accommodation For Backpackers

Looking to save a bit or be on a tight budget for your next trip? Here are some free options to look into at your intended travel destination.

Volunteer Work

Give back to the community you want to immerse yourself in and benefit from it too! Work exchange websites are available which help you search and apply for work exchange listings in exchange for a place to sleep, and some offer other benefits such as meals too. 

Volunteering, particularly, is a great way to not only save some money but also a great way to make your trip meaningful and impactful and a good option for people looking for longer, extended stays. Arrangements often last for several weeks to even months, so you're going to be well immersed in the local culture.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing doesn't have to be reserved for traveling bands! It is a great and affordable accommodation option for backpackers who want to meet and interact with the locals and see your destination from a raw perspective.

There are risks to this option, however - there have been reports of hosts (especially men) who expect and solicit sex in exchange for the accommodation. It is important to be cautious of the hosts you pick, particularly so if you are a woman traveling alone. 

Cheap Accommodation Options

These may not be free, but these are cheaper options that you may want to look into. 

Hostels

These are no longer the unclean and drab rooms that they have been long known for. Hostels are a great option for a wallet-mindful backpacker, and are often kept clean and well-maintained, particularly in more developed countries! Most destinations have a variety of hostels to choose from that cater to various budgets, and you'll often find them to be of better quality than some budget hotels that cost more too. 

Apartments

Going to your next destination with a group or like the control of cooking your meals? Apartments are often available for rent -- both short and long term -- and can often be found on the Airbnb website as well. This option is particularly great if you intend to stay long-term and you want to maintain a place that can offer the chance for socializing (shared apartments are great for this) and provide some much-needed privacy.

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Homestays

Homestays are a safer approach to Couchsurfing -- instead of sleeping on a couch, you'll stay with a local family that doubles up as hosts too! This is often offered by language schools, and it offers a great opportunity to learn about the culture and the language, whilst enjoying a comfortable bed and even homecooked meals too. 

Budget Hotels

Take a chance on locally-run hotels, for they offer amazing value and often provide a pleasant stay. Unlike chain hotels, they are often run by families which provides that home-away-from-home feeling that makes your travels special and comfortable. The added private room to yourself also grants that feeling of privacy and security, making it an extremely compelling option for those who don't mind paying a little extra.

Airbnb Accommodation

Not everywhere has a wide variety of budget hotels and hostels to pick from, and the massive Airbnb platform fills that gap in many of these places. The price and accommodation options are often varied and can cater to many needs, from cheap single bedrooms to even the full apartment or home (which are often pricier), making it a breeze to find a tailored option for your needs. 

Because of the nature of Airbnb offerings being individually run, there will be fluctuations in quality and thus it's important to read reviews of every place you have in mind.

Overlanding

Overlanding is having your mode of transportation be your accommodation in a nice all-in-one package! RVs are often available for rent in places like Australia and America for that road trip backpacking adventure and are great options for places that are known to be expensive to be a tourist in. 

That added mobility means you're not stuck to just one destination, either. Provided you have all the paperwork in order, your home-on-wheels can take you across borders and opens up a whole new world of options and chances to see the world.

Camping

If you don't mind (or love!) the great outdoors, camping is a great alternative that not only helps you save money when you travel but offers a unique and unforgettable opportunity to take in the local wildlife and vistas. 

Because you have to carry your equipment, this option is best suited for those who are driving from destination to destination as part of their backpacking adventure. 

More Expensive Options

Budget options don't mean that you have to be restricted to hostels or apartment renting, depending on your location. Some places offer amazing, luxurious hotels that are on par with those in Europe or America, without the same price tag. Consider your options and remember that accommodation prices vary wildly depending on your destination. 

Tips For Booking Backpacker Accommodations

Looking to backpack as part of a festival or carnival experience? Know that these also often attract plenty of other tourists, so be sure to get accommodation booked way in advance prior to the event! If you intend to travel from place to place, be sure to try and secure accommodation at the next destination so that you have a place to stay when you arrive. That peace of mind removes much of the many stresses of backpacking and will make your travel that much smoother and enjoyable.

On many accommodation booking and reviewing sites, do take note that reviews can often be done by anyone and not just people who have actually stayed there. Some places may opt to leave fake reviews to boost the rating of their places, so you must compare reviews of places to sort these bad ones out. Look for travel blogs or posts on social media to get a better picture of what the place is actually like!

Conclusion

As always, make sure that you take precautions to stay safe and be wary of the various risks that can occur when looking at these options. Backpacking inherently carries more risks than choosing to stay at a luxury hotel; hence conducting due research is essential for ensuring a safe travel experience. Your safety should always be the most important aspect of your travels. As long as you practice some diligence and take some precautions, your next backpacking adventure is guaranteed to be affordable, enjoyable, and safe!

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