Quick Jumplinks to Navigate
Traveling is a wonderful activity that makes you rich with experience. You get to know different cultures, meet new people, eat a variety of food, and overall enjoy what a certain place has to offer. There are so many things you can do and so many things you can learn whenever you travel, whether it be a lavish vacation or a simple backpacking trip.
Backpacking is a type of low-cost travel wherein you only pack all of your belongings for a trip in a single backpack. It’s the best type of travel for adventurous people who want to enjoy the beauty of a place while on a budget. So, people who tend to worry about their outfit of the day may not be suited for a backpacking adventure.
If you’re looking into traveling on a budget, Asia is the perfect destination for you, since some countries in Asia are fairly inexpensive to travel through. With its rich culture, warm people, and amazing gastronomic experiences, backpackers are sure to have a great time!
Before you even set foot on another country, you have to be sure that you’ve already secured your airline tickets, accommodation, and possible itinerary. Your accommodation is one of the most important things you need to secure, especially if you’re traveling to a foreign country. It is where you’ll be staying for the duration of your trip, after all, and frantically searching for a place to stay in an unfamiliar place can be stressful.
But how do you find affordable accommodation when backpacking in Asia?
1. Follow A Local Budget Travel Guidebook
Each destination usually has a guidebook available for tourists. These guidebooks often include an overview of the place you’re visiting—a brief history, a list of things to do, famous tourist attractions, and where to stay. Not only will these help you find a place to stay, but also plan your itinerary for the whole stay.
On the guidebook, check for an accommodation close to the places you plan on visiting, making them more accessible. The contact details for each property are usually included too, so you may want to give them a call to check their availability and rates.
2. Consider Going For Timeshare Rentals
Whoever said that backpackers and a little bit of luxury aren’t a good mix? When you think about backpackers, they tend to go for the more practical options and choose utility over aesthetics. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy an accommodation that’s different from their usual go-tos.
Thanks to timeshare rentals, backpackers can enjoy the amenities and service of a hotel and resort for a lower price. Timeshare rentals are units rented out by their owner to other individuals. You often get the best deals for this type of rentals since you get to stay in properties widely-recognized in the hospitality industry for the price given by the unit owner—which is cheaper than the hotel or resorts actual rates.
3. Use Booking Sites
Since you’ll be in Asia, you can take a break from staying at hostels and easily find a mid-range hotel within your budget. Depending on which country or area you’re in, the difference in prices between a hostel and a mid-range hotel may not be that high. So, get your phone or laptop out and start looking for the best rental place for your trip.
Make sure to compare prices, so you also get the best bang for your buck.
Suggested Read: 50 Countries Where Getting A Visa Is Easier Than Ordering A Pizza
4. Connect With Other Backpackers
Chances are, you’re not the only person backpacking in the country. Maybe someone from the same flight also has the same agenda, or maybe you meet a fellow backpacker on your way to a tourist attraction. You can try connecting with them and see if they would be willing to share their rental place with you. If it goes well, you can even go for a home rental to accommodate your group.
That way, not only have you found your temporary home in the country, but you also get to make new friends who you can explore the country with!
Must Read: 20 Cheapest Countries to Visit from India
5. Ask The Locals
If you ever find yourself in an area where almost all the lodging properties are not accessible online, go old-school and ask the locals. You can even check with them if they can direct you to the most affordable rental place in the area. Locals are more knowledgeable with their area compared to your Google maps, so approach a local and ask away!
Conclusion
When it comes to traveling, no matter where you go, planning out your accommodation is essential—even for backpackers. Sticking with a budget is important for backpackers, so they have to ensure that their rental place is within a reasonable price while also serving its purpose. That way, even though they were tight on fees for rental places, they can still use the excess on other activities to make the most out of their backpacking adventures.