Types of Accommodation

Our guide to the types of accommodation you may use on your gap year.

If you're planning an independent gap year, you'll need to arrange your own accommodation. These are the following types you'll need to consider:

Hostelling - a great, cheap, typical backpacking way to see a country. You'll get to meet loads of people doing exactly the same thing as you, and it's not uncommon to meet travel mates for the next stage of your journey. Another bonus is that hostels know all about the needs of backpackers and gap year travellers and most strive to meet those needs - some can even help you find work!

Hotel/Motel - most are more comfortable than hostels and are not as expensive as you might think - having a hotel to go to is a great cure for those first night heebie geebies that afflict a lot of first time gap year travellers! However, you need to think about your budget - a good way to do things, if budget allows, is to allow yourself the luxuries of a hotel from time to time - just so you remember what home comforts are!

Camping - depending on where your gap year takes you, if you have a tent you'll always be able to find accommodation. A night or two in campsites worldwide does wonders for your budget, so it's well worth considering if you find yourself running out of money!

Rented Accommodation - if you're planning to stay in the same place for a while, you should look for rented accommodation - payable by the week or month rather than the night. Be very cautious when arranging this kind of accommodation (usually you'll be entering into this with some fellow travellers you've met) - try to use the many reputable agencies (some gap year organisations will be able to advise you as well) and don't sign a contract without reading it thoroughly first.

Check out the following sites for more info:

www.anyroomanywhere.com
www.backpackers-planet.com
www.hostelworld.com
www.vipbackpackers.com

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