When it comes to accommodation, there are so many choices that I could write a novel. I will try to tell you briefly about the most important alternative. As a general rule try to avoid city centers and tourist areas too. If you stay at 10-15 minutes away you can keep a good portion of the budget for other things. Try to find accommodation near a metro station, so you will not lose much time to get to places of interest.
Hotels and hostels 
As in the case of air tickets, it is important to compare prices you find on many sites. The most important sites where you can find accommodation in hotels or guesthouses are Booking.com, Hotels.com and Priceline. I personally prefer Hotels.com prices, which in most cases are among the best and have an interesting offer that will allow that after 10 nights of accommodation, the 11th to be free. For Asia, the best option is Agoda. In 90% of cases, when we traveled to Asia here I bought accommodation. You can also try and search engines that compare prices from multiple sites such as Trivago.
Unlike to book in hurry as buying air tickets. The hotels do not increase prices as time passes. You can still book in advance if you can cancel your booking free of charge. So, if you find a better deal later, you could easily cancel your original reservation.
Hostels 
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It represents the economic version of the hotels where you can book a bed in a bedroom with several places. Hostels are an excellent accommodation option for travelers on a budget. Indeed, in many cases, you have to give up the comfort of a hotel room intimacy, forced to divide bedroom and bathroom with other travelers, but if you’re willing to make this sacrifice will be able to save a lot of money. In addition the myth that hostels are miserable places it is totally wrong. Hostels are generally clean, safe and cheap.
Some even allow you to book hostels and single or double rooms, but of course the price will be higher.
Rent from private
A great alternative accommodation apartments or houses are rented directly from owners. You can rent a room or the entire property. Usually the prices are cheaper than hotels but more expensive than hostels. If you are part of a group or traveling as a couple, can be a very good option, both in terms of price and in terms of facilities. Often, besides functional kitchen and washing machine can be used.
The most important websites that will facilitate you rent directly from owners are Airbnb, Roomorama or Wimbu. My favorite is Airbnb, and you should know that if you create an account using this link you will receive a bonus of 18 EURO which you can use at first accommodation. This offer is valid only for newly created accounts.
Stay at a local (Hospitality Exchange)
There are many sites that allow you to get in touch with people who live in your destination and ask for a place to sleep. It can be a room, a bed, or just a space to stretch your sleeping bag.
These networks are more than just a way to find a free place to stay. There are a great way to meet new people, locals who can help you better understand the local culture, give you tips on what you can visit, to share in their experiences.
Must to be sociable to call in this way to find accommodation and have to understand that those who will host will do a service and should give something in return and you. Maybe a little souvenir home, a good meal if you know how to cook, or simply sharing your travel experiences.
Also need to know that you as a potential host more likely to respond favorably to your request if you have pictures on your profile, it is filled and if you already have positive reviews. To obtain these reviews I recommend you start by host someone and take part in various meetings organized by members of these platforms as a meeting in a bar or a game of ping pong in the park. I personally so I started my experience Hospitality Exchange sites.
The most popular such sites are CouchSurfing, Hospitality Club, Global Freeloaders and Stay4free. Couchsurfing is the biggest and my personal favorite.
Accommodation on farms 
Farms can be an interesting alternative accommodation if you like nature and animals. You can learn how “work” a farm and even get involved in specific work farms, or simply to enjoy outdoor activities and relaxation. This type of accommodation is especially popular in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Accommodation in monasteries
Some has real hotels, with prices to match, but there are monasteries that offer free accommodation or require a small donation instead, making some very good options to save money. Most opportunities to stay in a monastery can be found in Italy (MonasteryStays.com) and Israel. Please note however, avoid this type of accommodation if you have a very active and vocal child, or if you are put on the party. Permanent tenants might you crave out.
Accommodation in student dormitories
Another great way to save money is to stay in dormitories. In most cases single or double rooms are clean, comfortable and provides the minimum necessary comfort. They are usually pretty cheap and offer good locations. As an example I stayed in London, 15 minutes from Piccadilly Circus, in excellent condition, half of what I paid a decent hotel. I recommend universityrooms.com site.
Camping
Not a solution for proper anyone, but if you like to spend more time outdoors and do not mind sleeping in a tent or hammock camping, this is a very cheap option to find a place to sleep. Most often free. If you do not choose an organized camping, beware though few safety rules, such as to have a water source nearby and keep food away from where you sleep (preferably in a tree). And the most important rule: respect nature!
Housesitting
Some homeowners prefer when you leave on vacation or are away due to job, to seek someone to take care of their property while they are away. So you can get a house for the period you visit a particular location. Most often must meet certain simple tasks such as taking care of the pets of the owner or to water plants. But in most cases the effort is fully justified given that you have a house available to not have to pay anything.
Volunteering
Instead of paying for accommodation, work hard for it. You can find part-time jobs (4 hours per day in general) in return for work done which offers accommodation and meals. Most are available in hostels, farms, schools, shelters for people in need, lodges or even on yachts. A few websites where you can find such places are www.wwoof.net, http://www.helpx.net/ or www.workaway.info.
Travel at night 
It can be uncomfortable to sleep on the train, bus or plane. However that you can save quite a lot in this way, it can help you more easily make this sacrifice.
Stefan Sabine
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