As a full-time sitter, sometimes it can get expensive between house-sits if I’m spending a week or more at an Airbnb.
Can anyone recommend an alternative to couchsurfers? I would be interested in trying something similar if it feels safe, has good reviews and an older adult would be comfortable using it. I’m also not looking for free housing, just maybe something a little more budget-friendly. I have stayed in hostels before, but covid has changed my mind on that option.
Please no lectures on how I’m already getting free housing. I know that and I’m grateful. I’m just trying to stretch a limited budget as far as I can.
Thank you @Provence! I did find the website and I will check it out.
Update: Just took a quick look. A permanent residence is required, and that’s something I don’t have since I’m traveling 100% of the time. But, it looks wonderful!
If we stay a week or more at an Airbnb we usually leave it late to book ( within 7 days of arrival) and always ask if a discount is possible. Some hosts hate you asking and get really offended and defensive but most are happy to offer a reduction
Yes negotiate @Rebecca_R
You have what they need as much as they have what you need.
I make effort to book sits by region which is not easy in the US.
There always seems to be greater demand and ease of transportation in the UK and Europe.
On a personal note I have become a strategist. I plan ( budget) to weather most storms. Like the seasons, always preparing.
I cannot offer any other sites I have used though I do know people who have used work away and WWOOF? It’s worldwide organization for organic farming. I only use AirBnB and usually only for a few days unless I am on a personal adventure or in the past in my career where I stayed with a woman for two years. It was wonderful and yep we had an arrangement.
My daughter stayed 3 months on a permaculture farm in Hawaii!
It was an incredible experience but she slept in a tent way out in the fields. Cows would peek their head in sometimes in the morning.
It was fun but it was rough.
She learned a lot and met incredible humans.
She would do it again.
Hi @Rebecca_R -We have the advantage of being a couple so try to overlap dates to make the need for extra accommodation as little as possible - do you gofor longer sits mainly to help?
Hi Colin. What you do is a great idea, and if I am ever part of a couple I’m going to do that!
I do try for longer sits. My next one is from November 8th to 30th. I’ll have a week before it starts (and then two weeks between that sit and my next one), so that’s why I was looking for an alternative to an Airbnb. I’ll take shorter sits if I’m already in the area and can easily add on to my schedule. That’s what I’m trying to do now, but so far no luck. You never know, though. I have lucked out with last-minute ones before!
My flat is rented out on Airbnb and booking.com. I’d rather have someone stay to keep the place ticking over and earn something towards the utilities. I find there’s always a stale smell when no one has lived in a house for a while.
We make our money in the summer months (seaside location). This year the autumn/winter is going very well but November isn’t filling up so I’ve dropped the prices dramatically. Maybe look for deals like that.
