How to Find Free Accommodation Abroad: 5 Ways I Have Tried
When it comes to travelling on a budget, saving on accommodation is one of the most important things. So what if I told you that you can stay for free abroad? Yes, you heard that right. In this post I want to share some of my secrets about free accommodation abroad.
If you want to save money and have more experiences while travelling, these methods are definitely worth considering.
What can you do to stay for free abroad? Where can you find free accommodation? Which apps can you use? Let’s answer these questions quickly and to the point.
Short answer: The best ways to stay for free abroad are hospitality apps like Couchsurfing and Warmshowers, volunteering in hostels, working on farms or projects through WWOOF and Workaway, Erasmus+ and other youth programmes, and camping. I have used all of them myself, from two months in a hostel in India to a farm in Italy and an 11-month bicycle trip.
Note: Couchsurfing now charges a small membership fee, while Warmshowers is a community for cyclists. Rules and fees on these platforms change, so check their websites before you sign up.
5 Ways to Find Free Accommodation Abroad and the Best Apps
1. Couchsurfing and Warmshowers: Hospitality Reinvented
Apps like Couchsurfing and Warmshowers are among the most popular ways to stay for free abroad. Through these platforms you can stay in people’s homes for free all around the world. I have used Couchsurfing and Warmshowers many times, met wonderful people and been their guest. I have also hosted many travellers in my own home. These experiences don’t just give you a free bed and a shower, they also let you discover the local culture.
If you are backpacking, give Couchsurfing a try. It used to be free, but now there is a small membership fee. If you travel by bicycle, Warmshowers is a great choice. It is a community that offers free accommodation to cyclists, and I used it often on my bike tour. It made my journey so much more memorable.
Both apps work with a reference system, which is how they build trust. You simply search for hosts in the area you are going to, read the reviews on their profiles and, if they seem trustworthy, send them a message to ask if they can host you.
2. Volunteering in Hostels: Make the Beds, Stay for Free
Volunteering in hostels is another way to stay for free abroad. In many countries, hostels take on volunteers in exchange for accommodation. What will you do as a hostel volunteer? Tasks can include cleaning, working at reception, painting walls or organising events. In return you get free accommodation and sometimes meals.
I volunteered in a hostel in India for two months. It helped me get to know local life much better and cut my travel budget a lot. You can read my detailed guide here: How to Stay in Hostels for Free. In it you will also find a list of apps for finding hostel jobs abroad and tips for contacting hostels.
This is the hostel where I worked in India. I spent about two months at this desk and stayed in the room right behind me. When I wasn’t working, I went to the beach and sold the jewellery I made at the sunset market in the evenings. We also celebrated festivals and organised fun events with friends from the hostel. It was a wonderful experience, and I didn’t pay for any of it.
3. WWOOF and Workaway: Stay for Free by Working on Farms or Volunteer Projects
If you want to be close to nature, programmes like WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) and Workaway are perfect for you. You work on farms or in volunteer projects and get free accommodation in return. There are many options, from farm work and nature conservation to art projects.
For example, I volunteered on a farm in Italy as part of a project. We took turns doing simple tasks like picking tomatoes, making tomato paste, picking fruit, making jam, feeding the animals and washing dishes. In return we got free meals and accommodation. Below you can see the room we stayed in. We all slept on mattresses on the floor, but nobody complained because it was a wonderful experience.
4. Erasmus+ Projects and Host Family Programmes for Young People
For young people, Erasmus+ projects and host family exchange programmes are great ways to discover new cultures and stay for free. Erasmus+ projects support young people who want to study or volunteer in Europe, while host family programmes let you live with families in other countries.
For example, with a European Solidarity Corps or Erasmus+ youth project you can travel to another country, volunteer there and get your travel costs covered by the project. Check the national agency for Erasmus+ in your own country for details.
The volunteer programme I joined during my university years was one of the best things I have ever done. I spent a month in another country working with people from all over the world. If you are young enough to apply, don’t miss these projects. They are a great way to travel abroad for free.
5. Consider Camping
Staying for free by working in hostels and on farms or by being someone’s guest is great, but you won’t always find these options everywhere. That’s when camping can save the day, especially for cycle tourists.
For example, I spent most of my 11-month bicycle trip using Couchsurfing and Warmshowers, but in some regions it was impossible to find a host. On those nights I camped. In mosque courtyards, temple gardens, village squares, petrol stations or someone’s garden… When you have no other choice, there are plenty of places to camp. If you don’t want to carry a tent, a hammock can be a good alternative.
You might also like: Decathlon Quechua Hammock Review
Check the links in this post to learn more about free accommodation abroad. Remember, travelling doesn’t always have to be expensive, and you may need a smaller budget than you think. Make the most of these opportunities and go explore the world!
Free Accommodation Abroad FAQ
How can I stay for free abroad?
Use hospitality apps like Couchsurfing and Warmshowers, volunteer in hostels or on farms through platforms like Workaway and WWOOF, join youth programmes such as Erasmus+, or camp when there is no other option.
Is Couchsurfing still free?
No. Couchsurfing now has a small membership fee, but staying with hosts is still free.
What is Warmshowers?
Warmshowers is a hospitality community for cycle tourists, where cyclists host other cyclists for free.
What do hostel volunteers do?
Usually cleaning, reception shifts, painting or organising events. In return you get a free bed and sometimes meals.
Is it safe to stay with strangers through Couchsurfing?
These platforms work with references and reviews. Read a host’s profile and reviews carefully and only stay with people you feel comfortable with.
