Thinking outside the box is the best way to travel. It saves money and opens doors to rich cultural experiences, and even some adventure.
Staying at a hotel has never been the best way experience a new place while traveling. Often, it is also the most costly component of a trip – unless, perhaps, you’re staying in a tent somewhere. Worst of all, hotels are the lodging equivalent of comfort food. And isn’t avoiding that the whole reason you left the snug confines of your comfort zone in the first place?
With the economy in a seemingly perpetual slump, finding economical alternatives to traditional travel is more essential than ever. And with the advent of the Internet, it’s easier than ever to make out-of-town, out-of-state and foreign contacts. In many, many cases there are other travelers, or travel minded property owners, who are willing to set up non-traditional arrangements for a stay in their hometowns.
If that sounds a bit sketchy like something out of a low-budget horror flick, fear not. There are a growing number of travel-oriented websites that cater specifically to arrangements outside traditional lodging sources. In some cases, the companies providing the connections, and even helping broker deals, are bonded and insured. In other cases, lodgers and hosts undergo background checks to ensure everyone is protected.
If all of this sounds enticing, we’ve got some ideas to help you get started. Here are some suggestions for getting started in picking an alternative vacation experience:
Timeshares – These properties are the original alternative to hotel lodging. Generally, you purchase a share of a resort property and have prescribed access for a determined period of time. These properties can also be traded with other members for time spent at various facilities around the world. Downside: sales people are notoriously shady.
Leasing someone’s home or property – A number of companies like AirBnB vacation rentals are offering connection services for travelers and property owners to meet. In general, these lodging options, in desirable locations around the world, are significantly cheaper than hotels while offering more amenities – or at least a more charming and dynamic experience.
House swaps – Made all the rage by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet in the movie “The Holiday,” home swapping is an up and coming vacation option. In general, property owners swap homes for vacation. It’s that simple. For example, a London homeowner could go stay in a Los Angeles home while those owners stay in the London home. As strange as this may sound, it does work and is generating a lot of attention.
Our guest author, Dona, is an infographic artist who loves singing, drawing concept art and traveling. Whenever traveling Dona uses AirBNB and she highly recommends AirBNB vacation rentals.