Cheaper Group Travel Alternatives
Discovering Alternative Ways to Travel
With the onset of social media, a multitude of new companies have created social platforms on which individuals interested in renting out various types of lodging (such as a single room, house, castle, boat, cottage, tipi, igloo, tree house, and private island) can connect directly with individuals offering those renting opportunities. When travelling with 4 or more people, this is a great alternative to renting hotel rooms, and can even come out cheaper/more enjoyable than living in hostels in some cases. Considering this, its definitely worth a look!!
If you have an extra room in your house, why not try and make a few dollars on the side. This can become an extra easy source of income; all you have to do is sign up, post interesting pictures, and stay up to date with your postings. Also, you will surely make new friends and meet people from all across the world.
Currently, the largest of these vacation renting social platforms is undoubtedly Airbnb.com. Airbnb, or “Air Bed n Breakfast”, was founded in 2008 in San Francisco, originally designed to offer people in need of a hotel room with a Bed and Breakfast opportunity. It then quickly grew to encompass all different types of lodging rental opportunities. There many other platforms that offer similar services, which can be worth looking into when you cannot find something through Airbnb.com.
Although many are specialized in certain regions, almost all of the following websites offer opportunities all across the globe. To discover other alternative ways of traveling, visit The Alternative Ways.
Europe Specialization
-9flats — Germany
-Wimdu — Germany
-Lodjee — France & Italy
-Localo — Spain — Very Detailed info on Accommodations — Cozy Website Layout
-Zivac — France — Website is in French
-Sejourning — France — Website is in French
-Roomorama — Very International — Largest UK Offering
-Bedandfed — UK and Ireland Only
-Eventfulstays.com — UK — Event-based Accommodations
-Housetrip — Switzerland & UK — Very nice Website
-Bedycasa — All over Europe
North America Specialization
-Flipkey — Owned and Operated by TripAdvisor
-VRBO — Vacation Rentals by Owners — Has been in business for over 15 years
-HomeAway — Owns VRBO — Most Prominent in Western World
-Cyberrentals — Owned by HomeAway
-Sublet — Both House Rentals and Sublets
-Evergreenclub.com — Bed and Breakfast Services — Older-people Friendly
-iStopOver — Canadian Market — Was acquired by 9flats
Africa Specialization
-Sleepout — Most prominent in Africa
Asia Specialization
-Travelmob — Very prominent in Asia
-Pandabed — “Asia’s Trusted Alternative to Hotels”
Interesting Specialization
-Flatclub — Join “clubs” of people to find relevant flats to stay in
-HomeExchange.com — Exchange homes with someone else across the world
-Myfriendshotel.com — The first interest-based accommodations platform
-FoFTravel — “A New Way of Life” — Travel by connecting with friends of friends
-Outpost — Very Interesting Website with various services, including Accommodations, Rideshares, and Local Experiences
Higher End/ Luxury Specialization
-Caribound — Rent Villas
-One Fine Stay — Try to make you feel as if you are a local — Very Nice Website Layout
Please comment @http://thealternativeways.com if you know of other good websites, or if you have stories in particular you want to share about specific websites that are listed here!
The Alternative Ways Tips and Tricks
-If you are travelling with a group of people, using these services can end up being cheaper than hostels or regular bed and breakfasts.
-Always check people’s reviews to make sure that the house you will be staying in is legit.
The Alternative Ways Overall Rating — ****
Adventure — ***
Culture — ***
Cheapness — ***
Comfort — *****
Safety — *****
Sustainability — ****
Cheers!
