You will find many different accommodation types as you travel the world. They can be sleeping on a friend’s couch to a bed in a hostel dorm to having some creature comforts in a motel room to renting an apartment. There are also some very unique and interesting places to stay including in caravans, castles, tepees, treehouses and igloos. Whatever accommodation you are seeking, here are some top accommodation types as you work and travel around the world.
Top Accommodation Types
Here are some of the most common types of accommodation you can stay in while you travel.
Hostels
Best for: solo and/or budget travellers (singles, couples and families).
First on my list of top accommodation types as you work and travel the world is hostels. There are different types of hostels ranging from very basic to boutique. Yep, hostels have been evolving and are a great option for solo and budget travellers. Hostels were (and in some cases still are) over-packed bedrooms filled with bunk beds (maybe up to 20) and smelly backpackers. So it is a good idea to understand some backpacker hostel etiquette.
Hostels are changing to offering many more services as there is a lot of competition out there. You will find hostels with communal kitchens, free wifi, weekly parties, co-working spaces and coffee shops. They can offer private rooms for singles and couples and also have family rooms for families. The cheaper dorm rooms still exist but hostels offer many services such as communal areas where you can meet fellow travellers.
There are a lot of things to consider before booking a bed in a hostel so understand hostel dorm living. One way to reduce the cost of staying in a hostel is to work for your accommodation. This could see you on reception checking in and out guests or cleaning. But if it makes your hostel stay cheaper, then look into this option. Some people make a career of working in a hostel.
Pros for Staying in a Hostel
- They are affordable.
- You meet fellow like-minded travellers.
- They offer services such as laundry, wifi, kitchens, co-working and communal areas. Some offer extra things like pools and airconditioning.
- Mostly conveniently located close to good transport networks and centre of town.
Cons for Staying in a Hostel
- Not much privacy.
- Located out of town.
- You may not like your room mates.
👉👉👉 Book your hostel 🛏️ stay here.
Hotels & Motels
Best for: budget to luxury travel one night or more stays and weekend breaks.
Out of all the accommodation types on this list I think hotels and motels are the most popular type of accommodation people stay in as your work and travel the world. Hotels and motels are found all around the world. A hotel and a motel are very similar but different. The main difference between a hotel and a motel is the size. A hotel is usually a large establishment with hundreds of rooms across multiple floors, while a motel is much smaller and has maybe 20 to 30 rooms spread across one or two floors. They vary with the amenities they offer from place to place and you usually get what you pay for. Expect your own private room with bathroom, TV, daily housekeeping and room service. As well as pools, restaurants, bars, free wifi, airport transfer, 24-hour desk and free bathroom cosmetics.
There are many chains of hotels around the world from budget to those that would cost a weekly wage to stay in for one night or more. Hotels are mostly classified by stars.
- One star hotel classification is hotels that are basic and may or may not have a bathroom.
- Two, Three, Four star hotel classification are hotels that have a bathroom and range from budget to mid-range hotels.
- Then you have five star hotels that are luxury hotels and resorts that offer many services and have all the latest mod cons.
You can pre-book a hotel or if on a road trip, drive up and ask are there any rooms available. If pre-booking, there are many things you might want from your hotel or motel stay – free wifi, parking, etc.
Pros of Staying in a Hotel / Motel
- More creature comforts than a hostel – you can shower in peace.
- Privacy for travellers who don’t mind paying a little extra.
- Located in convenient places, close to town.
- Some toiletries provided.
Cons for Staying in a Hotel / Motel
- More expensive than hostels.
👉👉👉 Book your hotel / motel stay here.
Sharing with people in a Hostel vs Privacy in a Hotel / Motel Room
Guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)
Best for: budget travellers’ wanting unique experiences.
Guesthouses and B&Bs can be found in many parts of the world. They range from beach huts to small hotels, little bungalows or rooms in a person’s house like a B&B. Usually the owner will be living in or near the accommodation. There can be some very unique options like treehouses, farm stays, etc.
Pros of Staying in a Guesthouse or B&B
- Can be homely
- breakfast (and other meals) are usually included.
Cons of staying in a Guesthouse or B&B
- The owner will be around so not for those who want to party.
- Quality and cost varies widely.
Apartments (Units, Condos)
Best for: long-term stays of a week or more and solo travellers, families and groups.
I love renting apartments when I travel to places I know I am staying for a week or more. It’s great to have the extra space with a living room (hopefully with a TV and free wifi) and the flexibility of a kitchen. I like having access to a kitchen because I like to cook my own meals as it saves on money and also can be a healthier option than buying take away. The homely feel often makes me feel more settled than in a hostel or hotel. Many are also serviced apartments meaning a housekeeper may come weekly to clean. They can work out quite cheap to stay in if there is a small group of you.
Pros for Renting an Apartment
- More space. Great if you need to set up to work online.
- Having a kitchen means you can cook healthy meals which can save you money.
Cons of Renting an Apartment
- Can be expensive and it may not be what you were expecting.
Breakfast included vs making your own
Camping
Best for: anyone who likes camping and has the gear.
Camping is a popular top accommodation type. Camp sites are usually in beautiful and convenient locations and offer the traveler cheap accommodation. Accommodation in tents, cabins and caravans. Many travellers buy their own tent and equipment to spend time in the great outdoors. If you are a beginner camper, get the lowdown here how to start tent camping. You will get loads of tips on the best camping equipment to buy and why – cause we all have to start somewhere right?
Pros of Camping
- Can be cheap
- If staying in a camping ground you will have access to amenities like a shower and toilet block, laundry facilities and maybe a small grocery store.
- If you have your own gear camping can be a home away from home.
- Other amenities like a pool, games room, BBQ areas.
- If camping off-grid there are many free camping areas to free camp.
- One of the cheaper types of accommodation.
Cons of Camping
- Have to share facilities with many people if staying in a camping ground.
House and Pet Sitting
Best for: anyone who wants a local experience and is happy to exchange their time looking after the home and the pets in exchange for free accommodation.
If you want to get a real feel for the local culture then you can opt for a house or pet sit. This is where you will look after a person’s home while they are away. Most just want to ensure their home is looked after but sometimes you may have pets to look after, pot plants to water and bins to put out. In return you receive free accommodation. Read my blog on house and pet sitting here.
Pros of House Sitting
- Get free accommodation in exchange for house and pet sitting.
- Let’s you immerse yourself in the local area where you may not have thought of visiting the area previously.
Cons of House Sitting
- Can be anywhere and sometimes in out of the way places.
- Must adhere to rules of the home owner.
- May not get on with the animals.
👉👉👉 For house sitting opportunities register with a house sitting agency such as TrustedHousesitters.
Camping in a tent vs House Sitting – both great accommodation options
Van Life
Best for: singles, couples and families (depending on the size of the van)
Many people are choosing to live and work in a van. They buy a van and convert it into a home by installing a bed, a bathroom, kitchen and seating area. Then travel around taking road trips to wherever they want. Parking up the van and living the van life is a popular accommodation and transport option around the world.
Pros to Van Life
- When you live in a van you have your home with you and not have to fork out loads on accommodation.
- Travel when you want and where ever you want to go.
- Be independent and live off grid if you want.
Cons to Van Life
- Can be cramped.
- Might need to pay to stay in camping grounds if not free camping.
- If working from your van you need to keep in mind time zones and wifi connection.
Overnight Transportation
Best for: solo travellers, backpackers
There is one last top accommodation types I want to tell you about. It is not exactly accommodation, but there are sleeping options that will save you money on accommodation costs. On a trip in New Zealand, I took the overnight train from Auckland to Wellington to see a friend. I bought my ticket and spent the trip sitting up in a train seat. I was totally unprepared for such a journey. Since then I have taken a number of overnight train trips to mostly save on accommodation costs. And I’ve become a lot more savvy and prepared for any overnight journey by booking a sleeper bed for the journey. Plus take my comforting travel items like a neck pillow, eye patches, ear plugs, water and snacks. And wear something warm. Sleeping on planes, trains, buses and boats overnight can take a lot of practice, but with the right travel items, can save you heaps on accommodation.
Pros of Overnight Transportation
- A wonderful way to save money on accommodations costs.
- Arrive at your destination rested (hopefully) and you will be able to explore your new surroundings.
Cons of Overnight Transportation
- Can be uncomfortable sitting up all night if you don’t bring travel items or book a sleeper bed.
- It can get cold but sometimes hot and stuffy.
- Can be noisy with other people close.
Overnight Transportation Tips
- Book a seat with a lot of legroom, or book a sleeper.
- Bring travel items – eye-mask, earplugs, neck pillow, something warm, water and snacks. Also a pack of cards may come in handy if you and your transport buddies cannot sleep.
- Secure all your valuables safely.
- Set your alarm or befriend your neighbour so you don’t sleep through your stop!
Are You Ready to Find Great Accommodation?
There are many great accommodations options as you work and travel around the world. And one point I wanted to make is that cheap travel accommodation is possible. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on accommodation to see the world, if you are open-minded, there are many accommodation options to take advantage of while travelling the world. There are the most common accommodation options plus some very unique accommodation waiting for you to discover. And you don’t just have to choose one form of accommodation, you can mix and match what is on offer to match your travel lifestyle at the time.
READ MORE: Transport Options to Travel Around the World
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