How to save money on food + Accommodation

                Hostelworld is my secret to budget backpacking! I never used any other other marketplace to book for accommodations because I am so satisfied with staying in Hostels and reading the reviews on Hostelworld. I do, occasionally, check the direct site of a hostel once I made a decision to see if the price is cheaper there, but it rarely is. AirBNB and Vrbo are also great platforms to find short-term apartment or room rentals, but since I usually travel alone, I’m looking for that social environment that a hostel provides. Another great resource is Couchsurfing, where you can stay in people’s homes for no charge and learn more about local culture, life, and more. This is the best way to travel while integrating into the community, since hosts will often take out the surfers and show them the city, or chat about life in the city. I used Couchsurfing when I was in Seattle, and I met an awesome host who took us to beautiful little nearby towns that are completely off the traveler's radar, and we would never have discovered those places if it wasn’t for Couchsurfing. The host also made us an amazing Christmas Ham Dinner, and we talked and drove for hours every night because we were having such a great time. Not only is Couchsurfing a great way to save money, but it’s also an even greater way to travel and meet locals and see destinations from their perspectives.

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For food, head away from the major tourist spots for some more authentic and cheaper food. In Barcelona, a drink on Las Ramblas is going to be double what you will pay on the next street. The Gelato place right near the Coliseum costs 6 euros, but walk 5 minutes away and enjoy a better gelato for 2 euros. Street food is usually cheap and tasty, especially in Asia! If it’s around lunchtime, always ask if there are lunch specials. In Paris, you can usually find Prix Fix which usually ends up being a great value. Look around, and don’t settle for the first place you find. Look for online recommendations, such as TripAdvisor, or disconnect and feel the vibe of nearby place and choose where to eat based on your senses, like me!