Budget Accommodation: Hostels vs. Motels vs. Airbnb

Accommodation can eat up your budget if you’re not careful. In my early traveling days, I stayed in hostels. They are great in cities like New York, San Francisco, or Seattle for meeting people. But if you’re on a road trip, classic American motels are my go-to. They are often independently owned, have free parking right outside your door, and sometimes have a pool. Airbnb is great for groups or longer stays, but cleaning fees can make a one-night stay expensive. A mix is usually best: hostels for socializing in cities, motels for highway stops, and the occasional splurge on a nice hotel for recovery days.