Cheap vacation alternatives are becoming more appealing as hotel prices, resort fees, and travel costs keep rising. Gone are the days when the family would rent a couple of rooms in an all-inclusive luxury hotel. Nowadays, travelers are more aware of cheaper alternatives, better deals, and ways to save money. Check out these unique places that prioritize space, privacy, and your relaxation!
Cabin Rentals in State Parks
Cabins for rent in state parks are much cheaper than a hotel room. There’s simply no comparison when you consider that you have your own kitchen, private lake access, hiking trails, and even your own campfire at night. That’s why lodging in state parks like Moraine, Lake Anna, and Blue Spring has become so popular with those looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
Vacation Rental Apartments
If you’re traveling with family or a group, renting an apartment is probably the most affordable option. If you have several nights to spare, don’t even think about booking a hotel. Keep in mind that you’ll have your own kitchen to cook in, so food will be much cheaper than eating out, like at a restaurant or the hotel’s buffet.
Camping and Glamping Sites
Currently, one of the cheapest options for finding a place to sleep in the United States is camping. Glamping has also become increasingly popular because it allows you to combine outdoor activities with many comfortable amenities. In fact, some glamping sites now offer beds, bathrooms, electricity, and high-quality tents.
Tiny House Rentals
If you spend a lot of time on social media, you’ve probably heard about tiny house tourism, which has become quite a trend. Many travelers choose these small houses in areas with beautiful scenery, and because you’re staying in a small property, it keeps costs down. The idea behind these tiny houses is to emphasize a minimalist style and focus on nature experiences.
College Dorm Rentals During Summer
It’s no secret that some universities have rooms they rent to tourists during the off-season, specifically during summer vacation. Staying in a nice hotel during festivals or events can be quite expensive. These rooms, which are much simpler than hotels, offer a much lower price.
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RV Rentals and Camper Vans
If you love the open road and your own car, then you’ll want to convince your family or friends that the best way to take a planned trip is in your camper van or perhaps rent an RV. This is another trend that has gone viral thanks to social media and the constant opportunity to take aesthetic photos. The most popular destinations for this type of trip are national parks and breathtaking roadside landscapes.
Hostel Private Rooms
Hostels have changed over the years. Those accommodations where the main feature was sharing everything with a stranger now have their variations. Many hostels now offer private rooms, so if you’re not alone or simply don’t want to share so much, there’s a solution. However, you still won’t miss out on the common rooms, often shared kitchens, and the activities organized there… as a community.
House-Sitting Opportunities
The idea of a stranger contacting you to look after their home might not seem very likely, but it is possible, and millions of people already do it. It’s an exchange of free accommodation: you take care of a pet or watch over a property while the owners are away. This significantly reduces travel costs. However, the downside is that these properties are often located in residential areas, somewhat removed from tourist zones.
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Farm Stays and Ranch Lodging
When you decide to stay on a farm, you naturally want the full experience. So, you choose the activities you’ll participate in, such as working on farms or ranches, which is great fun for thousands of people. Those who are adventurous choose the peaceful landscape and a slower pace of life in these rural areas. And if, on top of that, the accommodation costs less than a traditional tourist destination, it all comes together perfectly!
Converted Shipping Container Rentals
Homes created from shipping containers are a growing trend in recent years. And they rely on pre-existing structural frameworks that makes them less expensive.This is partly due to minimalist design and ecotourism trends, though this doesn’t mean these containers lack a modern aesthetic; quite the opposite. These properties are often located in idyllic settings, where travelers seek an adventurous and unique experience.
Off Season Beach Rentals
One of our tips for saving money is to rent a property during the off-season, such as when visiting the beach. Many travelers seek a relaxing, quiet vacation, making coastal towns ideal. The tourist attractions will still be there long after all the swimmers have left the beaches.
Houseboats and Floating Rentals
When choosing a destination with a lake or any body of water, you might consider these floating properties. That is, if you don’t get seasick. It’s a novel experience with a unique setting for those brave enough not to be afraid of the water. These floating houses cost much less than regular accommodations, and you’ll have a unique view from your own temporary home.
More from Cheapism:
- Clever Tricks People Are Using To Find Cheap Airbnbs and Hotels – A practical guide to saving on stays with midweek booking, map searching, new Airbnb listings, fee filters, and loyalty-program tricks.
- Americans Are Planning Vacations Around Walkable Towns Just To Avoid Driving Everywhere – A travel roundup of walkable U.S. towns where visitors can save on gas, parking, and rideshares by exploring mostly on foot.
- Romantic Vacation Rentals Across America – A cozy list of Airbnb rentals made for couples’ getaways, from cabins and cottages to glamping tents and waterfront stays.
