How to Find Cool Accommodation Options: Unique, Affordable & Fun Places to Stay Around the World 🏨🌍
- Farah Ehab
- Apr 24
- 10 min read
💡 Disclaimer: Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep creating valuable content and updates for you. Thank you! 🌟
🌟 Hey there, fellow adventurers! I'm Farah, a passionate solo traveller and the heart behind The Egyptian Traveler. Join me on my journey as I explore the wonders of Egypt and beyond, uncovering hidden gems, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. Whether I'm wandering through ancient ruins, tasting local delicacies, or sharing travel tips, I’m here to inspire you to embark on your own incredible adventures. Let’s make travel fun and full of stories together! 🌍✈️
When planning a trip, most people focus heavily on flights, bucket-list attractions, or what to pack—but where you sleep at night can truly shape your entire experience. Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat in nature, a buzzing city stay close to the action, or a quirky hostel full of fellow adventurers, your accommodation choice sets the tone, vibe, and rhythm of your journey. It's not just about having a roof over your head—it's about how that roof makes you feel. Does it inspire you? Does it make you feel safe, energised, connected?
I’ve found that choosing the right place to stay can either elevate or completely derail a trip. I’ve ended up in charming riads that made me fall in love with Morocco all over again, and I’ve also been stuck in dingy rooms that had me counting down the minutes until checkout. Over time, I’ve learned that the “right” place doesn’t always mean expensive or luxurious—sometimes it’s that family-run guesthouse with the warmest smiles, or a budget hostel where strangers become friends overnight. The magic often lies in the details that align with your travel style.
In this post, I’ll share how I find cool, affordable, and unique accommodation options all around the world, plus the tools and travel hacks I personally use (including some affiliate links I genuinely recommend). From cosy solo-friendly hostels to hidden boutique hotels, and from local gems to smart tech tools—you’re about to unlock a whole new way to book your next stay. Let’s dive in!
🏨 Looking for the perfect stay? My Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Accommodation will help you find the best options for any budget or location!
Know Your Travel Style Before You Book 🎒💼
Before you even start searching for a place to stay, it’s so important to understand what kind of traveller you are. Are you the spontaneous backpacker chasing budget adventures? The flash-packer who loves a good deal but refuses to sacrifice comfort? Maybe you’re a digital nomad who needs a solid Wi-Fi connection and a peaceful workspace, or you’re the type who thrives in five-star hotels with rooftop views and room service. Knowing your travel style will save you time, stress, and money, because it immediately narrows your focus to places that fit your vibe.
If you’re after a balance between comfort, convenience, and cost, I highly recommend checking out Booking.com – it’s one of my go-to platforms for finding everything from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels in one place. For solo travellers (like myself!) who love meeting people on the road, Hostelworld is a lifesaver. It’s perfect if you’re into social hostels, co-living spaces, or just want to stretch your budget while gaining unforgettable memories.
Your travel style also determines the kind of travel insurance that suits you. If you're more of a nomadic adventurer or long-term explorer, consider SafetyWing for flexible, affordable coverage that travels with you. For more thrill-seeking types or those who plan to go off the beaten track, Ekta offers insurance tailored for adventure travellers. Knowing yourself = booking smarter.
🌍✈️ Thinking about your first solo adventure? Check out How to Solo Travel for the First Time: A Complete Beginner’s Guide for essential tips, practical advice, and everything you need to start your journey confidently!
Explore Unique & Local Options (Not Just Hotels!) 🛖🏕️
If you want your travels to feel more immersive and memorable, skip the cookie-cutter hotels and dive into the world of unique and local stays. From peaceful eco-lodges tucked in the jungle to charming homestays where you become part of the family, there are so many ways to rest your head that go beyond a standard hotel room. These kinds of places give you a deeper cultural connection and often make your trip feel more personal and meaningful.
Platforms like Vrbo, Agoda, and Trip.com are brilliant for discovering hidden gems, whether you’re after a seaside bungalow, a treehouse in the mountains, or a stylish apartment in the city. They often feature locally owned properties, which not only offer a unique experience but also support local communities—a win-win for conscious travellers!
One thing I’ve found helpful when staying somewhere off-grid or less central is to plan for a smooth arrival. There’s nothing worse than landing late at night and scrambling for a ride, especially in unfamiliar places. That’s where Welcome Pickups come in. You can pre-book your transfer online and get picked up by a local driver who’s ready and waiting—no awkward taxi negotiations or app glitches. It’s small touches like these that help make any unique stay feel seamless from the start.
🌍 Are you an introvert ready to embrace solo travel? Check out How to Travel Solo and Meet New People: A Friendly Guide for Introverts for tips on connecting with others while exploring the world on your terms! 🧘♀️
Budget-Friendly & Social Picks for Solo Travellers 👯♀️💰
When you're travelling solo, you don’t just want a place to crash—you want somewhere that feels welcoming, affordable, and ideally, a bit social. That’s why hostels, co-living spaces, and budget hotels are absolute gold for solo travellers like me. Not only do they help you stretch your travel funds, but they’re also some of the best places to meet fellow adventurers, share stories, and even find spontaneous travel buddies.
Hostelworld is a dream for solo travellers, especially if you're looking for a hostel with a buzzing vibe, great reviews, and a social calendar full of pub crawls or walking tours. If you prefer a private room but still want something budget-friendly, Booking.com has plenty of options—think stylish hostels with private rooms, cosy B&Bs, or budget hotels in central locations. And to make life easier while you're out exploring, especially if you're in between check-in and check-out, I recommend using Radical Storage to stash your bags and roam free.
If you're planning a trip to Egypt, then don’t miss out on TouRest – a brilliant platform that curates the best local tours, attractions, and hidden gems around the country. And for those of you thinking long-term, digital nomads can actually earn money while they travel using TravelPayouts. It’s a travel affiliate network I personally use—so if you're booking stays, flights, or experiences, why not get paid for helping others do the same?
💸 Want to explore the world without emptying your wallet? Check out Essential Budget Travel Hacks for Solo Adventurers: How to Travel Smart and Save Big for clever tips to stretch your money and maximise every adventure! 🌟
Enjoying these tips so far? Tap that heart to let me know you’re loving it! ❤️✨
Find Hidden Gems with Apps and Tools I Use 📱🔍
Let’s be honest—half the fun of travel is discovering those hidden places you didn’t even know existed. Over the years, I’ve built up a toolbox of apps and platforms that help me track down the coolest stays, plan smooth journeys, and stay connected anywhere in the world. These tools save me time, money, and stress—and they’ve helped me uncover some seriously unforgettable spots.
First up, if you love getting the best deal, check out WayAway – it lets you compare flights and accommodation, and you earn cash-back on your bookings. Total win. To stay connected wherever I go (without stressing about SIM cards), I use Airalo, which gives me instant eSIM data for nearly every country—super handy if you work online or rely on Google Maps as much as I do.
Planning transport is just as important as choosing where to stay, and for that, I love Omio for European travel and 12Go for Southeast Asia. Both platforms make it ridiculously easy to compare trains, buses, and flights so you can choose the best option based on your schedule and budget. I also keep Kiwi.com and trivago in my back pocket for hunting down deals, especially when I’m feeling spontaneous. If you’re travelling across Europe by train, Rail Europe is a must, and for bus travel in the Americas or globally, Busbud is another solid tool I swear by.
These apps don’t just make travel easier—they help turn a regular trip into a truly personalised adventure.
🌍 Ready to navigate a new city solo with confidence? Check out Solo Travel Safety: How to Navigate a New City Alone for expert tips to stay secure, explore, and enjoy your adventure! 🚶♀️🌍
Things to Consider Before Booking Any Stay 🧠🔑
Before you hit that “Book Now” button, take a deep breath and run through a little checklist. Trust me, it’s easy to get swept away by a gorgeous photo or a killer deal, but if you’re not careful, you might end up somewhere that looks nothing like the pictures. That’s why I always make sure to read recent reviews, check the cancellation policy, and scope out the amenities—especially things like Wi-Fi speed, air conditioning, or kitchen access if I’m staying longer. Oh, and don’t underestimate the power of a good location. Being close to public transport, markets, or cafés can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy your stay.
If your travels involve flights—especially connecting ones—you’ll want to be prepared for delays or cancellations that might mess with your check-in plans. That’s where platforms like AirHelp or Compensair come in. They help you claim compensation easily when airlines mess up your travel plans. It’s peace of mind I always like having in my back pocket.
And for those long, groggy layovers or unexpected airport delays? Priority Pass has been an absolute game-changer for me. Lounge access means I can freshen up, grab some food, or get work done in comfort instead of pacing the terminal for hours. It’s especially worth it if you’re travelling frequently or juggling multiple time zones.
🏙️ Ready for a solo escape? Check out How to Plan the Perfect Weekend Getaway as a Solo Traveller for smart tips, epic destinations, and stress-free travel planning! 🧳
My Favourite Ways to Snag Great Deals & Travel Smarter 💡💸
I’m a firm believer that smart travel doesn’t mean cheap travel—it means value-packed travel. Over time, I’ve learnt a few tricks to make my money go further without sacrificing comfort or experience. First things first, timing matters. Booking just before or just after peak season often unlocks lower prices and fewer crowds. Signing up for loyalty programmes, especially on booking sites or airline alliances, is another smart move—you’ll rack up points and get perks like free upgrades or late checkouts.
I also love bundling my accommodation and transport, which often unlocks extra savings. For road trips or longer stays, I check out deals on Discover Cars, Rentalcars.com, or Localrent.com. These platforms offer competitive rental car prices with transparent insurance, and when paired with your stay, it can really simplify the planning process.
If you're after full packages or tours, platforms like Expedia UK, GetYourGuide, and HolidayTaxis offer all-in-one convenience—great for travellers who want everything sorted in one go. I often find deals on excursions and transport add-ons that I might’ve overlooked otherwise. The key is staying flexible, using the right platforms, and knowing when to hit “book”—because great accommodation is out there, and with the right tools, you can absolutely find it.
🔒 Want to stay safe while travelling? Check out 15 Essential Tips for Safe Travel: Stay Secure on Your Next Adventure to protect yourself on the road!
I'd love to hear your go-to tips or favourite stays—drop a comment below and let's swap travel hacks! 💬🌍
Where you stay isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a place to dream, recharge, connect, and feel inspired. Whether it’s a breezy hammock in a beach hut, a buzzing hostel kitchen full of new faces, or a tucked-away cabin in the mountains, your accommodation becomes a part of your story. That’s why I always take my time to find the right fit, making sure it matches not only my budget and needs, but also the kind of experience I want to have. It’s in these moments—early morning balcony views, chats with local hosts, surprise upgrades—that some of the best memories are born.
And if you’re dreaming of turning travel into a lifestyle, not just a holiday, it’s worth looking into how you can earn on the road. One of my favourite tools is TravelPayouts—a platform that lets you earn commission by recommending travel deals to others. It’s perfect for solo travellers, digital nomads, or even anyone with a passion for sharing travel tips online. You don’t need to be an influencer—just someone who loves travel and wants to keep the adventure going.
If this post helped you, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to my email list for more travel wisdom sent straight to your inbox! ✈️📩
👀 Did you know that …
By purchasing through my links, you support me at no additional cost! Thank you for your support 💜
🪪 Get your visa & travel documents via iVisa
🛡️ Get a travel insurance via SafetyWings (For Digital Nomads) or Ekta
📱 Get a travel SIM card via Airalo
🛏️ Book hotels via Booking.com
🛏️ Book hostels via HostelWorld
✈️ Find cheap flights via WayAway (Use this code - TP-385219 - for 10% off WayAway Plus membership)
🥾 Book tours & attractions via GetYourGuide
🚘 Find a rental car via Discover Cars
🇪🇬 Travelling to Egypt? Book amazing tours across the country via TouRest – designed for travellers who want to explore Egypt like a local!
👀 Are you ready to turn your travel passion into profit? 🌍💰
Looking to monetise your travel content effectively? 🌍✨ TravelPayouts offers a fantastic opportunity for travel content creators to earn commissions through a diverse range of travel-related services. With access to over 100 trusted partners, including airlines, hotels, and travel insurance providers, you can easily integrate affiliate links into your blog, website, or social media platforms. The user-friendly dashboard and advanced reporting tools allow you to track your earnings effortlessly. Join the TravelPayouts network today and turn your passion for travel into a profitable venture! 💰✈️
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