123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Travel >> View Article

Hostels And Other Cheap Accommodations

Profile Picture
By Author: Steve Gillman
Total Articles: 89
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

Hostels have been around in one form or another for a long time. They are oriented towards young travelers and anyone else seeking cheap accommodations. The United States version was originally more complicated, with guests helping with chores, etc. It is much simpler now: you rent a bed instead of a room, sharing the bathroom, living room and kitchen. You have less privacy, but cheaper accomodations, and you get to socialize.

My first time in Quito, Ecuador I stayed at Centro Del Mundo, a hostel near the center of town. $4 per night included breakfast. I shared a room and bathroom with 4 others, and a T.V. room with guests from 14 countries, and channels in three languages. 80 cents got me a rum-and-coke to drink while I played chess with a flower-buyer from Holland. The manager could arrange anything from tours of the snow-covered volcano Cotapaxi, to $2/hour Spanish lessons.

Is A Hostel For You?

I love hostels, but most of you won't. I like mingling with travelers from around the world. You're more isolated in a hotel. "Mingling," of course, could mean sleeping next to a snorer. I'm ...
... sure the idea of sharing a room is too much for some people, as is waiting to use the shower. It's a different experience from staying in a hotel.

Are Hostels Cheap Accomodations?

Even if they were the same price, I'd prefer a hostel to a hotel, but one of the biggest reasons people stay in hostels is to save money. For this, they're a good option when you're traveling alone. Since my wife and I travel together now, we don't stay in hostels often. You pay for two beds, after all, which makes hotels more competitve.

Hostels are not as common in the U.S. as in other countries, unless you include "bed-and-breakfast" places. Theses are, after all, somewhat like high-priced hostels. There are still cheap hostels in almost every state, though. Search Google for hostels, and you'll find all the information you need.

Other Cheap Accommdations

For cheap accomodations other than hostels, you can try websites, such as Cheap Tickets.com. Remember though, that they only give you rates for the hotels and motels in their system. I just did a search for Tucson, Arizona. Cheap Tickets.com was the easiest to use, and found the best rates. However, I could show you several nice motels here in Tucson that are $15 cheaper than the cheapest rate they found.

Try picking up those coupon books at gas stations along the highways. We've almost always found good deals using these. It's rare that a manager won't honor the coupon. Generally, only if they're absolutely full will they refuse. Read the fine print, though, since they often charge more for certain dates, weekends, or for two people.

Another way to get a cheap room is by negotiating. Unfortunately, for some reason, most owners here in the U.S. would rather watch you drive away than knock five bucks off the room rate. This isn't true in most other countries. My wife and I were in Banos, Ecuador recently, and were told the room would be $12. The room was clean, with cable T.V. and lots of hot water. We paid just $6 per night, paying four nights in advance. The owner understood we were ready to walk away.

About the Author Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Total Views: 267Word Count: 587See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Travel Articles

1. Taxi Booking In Bhubaneswar: Reliable And Affordable Transportation
Author: ommsaitoursandtravel

2. Taxi Services In Bhubaneswar: Your Guide To Affordable And Reliable Travel
Author: ommsaitoursandtravel

3. Your Guide On How To Get The Most Out Of Your Kerala Family Holidays
Author: Rakesh Ku

4. New Year Delta Flight Specials | Best Deals
Author: Delta Phone Number

5. Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Trek: An Adventurer’s Dream
Author: hikingadventuretreks

6. Where To Find A Cheap Party Bus For Birthdays, Weddings, And More!
Author: Nationwide Chauffeured Services

7. Explore Nepal From Ayodhya With Our Exclusive Tour Package
Author: Riya Srivastava

8. Tanzania Private Safari
Author: Travel to Africa Safaris

9. Introduction To The Kala Patthar Helicopter Landing Tour
Author: everestassistance

10. Introduction To The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Author: everestassistance

11. Best Hotel Near Neem Karoli Baba Ashram: Hr Hotels And Resorts
Author: Hr Hotels and Resort

12. Flamingo Fishing Charters Always Deliver The Most Exciting Fishing Experience!
Author: Papagayo Fishing Charters

13. Ultimate Guide For A Sell Marriott Timeshare At Marriotts Club Son Antem
Author: Marriotts Club Son Antem

14. Swan Valley Wine Tours Party Bus: Fully Decked Out For An Unforgettable Experience
Author: Party Bus Hire Perth

15. Pub Crawl Party Bus: Fully Decked Out For An Unforgettable Night Out
Author: Party Bus Hire Perth

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: