Skip the Hostels; Sleep Free (BBJJ Acommodations Part 2)

Aside from the rising flight fares, the biggest expense in a travel budget is for accommodations. The guidebooks have great recommendations for budget hotels and hostels, but even the cheapest hostel in some European or American cities can break the bank. During my early college years I put off a backpacking trip to Paris because I couldn't find a place to stay for less than $20 a night. Now the only money I budget for accommodations is listed under "Emergency Funds."

While student exchange programs have existed for years, students who are not chosen to participate in these programs through their schools or who cannot afford the expenses that come with living a semester abroad must find other alternatives, or pass up travel experiences altogether.

There are other alternatives called hospitality clubs that now exist. One of the first hospitality groups, SERVAS, (www.usservas.org,) was formed in 1949 by travelers who wanted to provide cultural awareness and global peace. Members can be travelers or hosts and can choose to invite (or deny) travelers into their homes for one or two nights. Hosts may give guests tours of their cities, take them to local events, including birthday, wedding and religious holidays, or help to interpret when there is a language barrier. Although the main focus of SERVAS was to spread world peace, the group really gained popularity during the sixties when hippies began globe-trotting and needed a free place to crash.

SERVAS boasts of having over 14,000 world members, but other hospitality clubs have now sprung up over the past few years. Unlike SERVAS, which charges an $85 annual fee plus $25 for a printed list of member hosts, these smaller organizations are free and less formal. Hospitality Club currently has about 7,000 members, but there is no charge for membership and travelers can instantly view online profiles and contact potential hosts. While SERVAS has in-person interviews, Hospitality Club only suggests that members register their passports. Hospitality Club also has a travel forum where visitors can ask questions, get advice and suggestions, and share information about their hometowns.

Before a trip to Egypt, I used the forum to ask questions I knew I'd never find in a guidebook. One member told me about a play that told a contemporary love story. I happened to be seated next to an interpreter from the Embassy who quietly translated the entire play for me, and learned about several other theaters and performances. Through the forum I also requested information on where I could find cheap, used belly dance costumes and was directed to the 'Market of the Dead.' In the market locals sell old clothing and belongings of relatives who passed away. That type of information you will not find in a guidebook.

While I prefer to stay in hostels while traveling in order to write reviews, I have used the groups to meet locals who were willing to show me around their city. I have been invited to birthdays, churches and exciting funeral parties. One member through the travel forum brought me to a hotel that was formerly a palace where we crashed a wedding and had an amazing time dancing with the bride.

Last year I hosting travelers through several hospitality groups for several years when I finally became a guest. I was nervous, unsure if it would be safe for me as a solo female traveler, but I was stuck in a bind, and had to make up my mind fast. A fantastic offer for a one penny ticket to Mexico made the decision for me. If I was willing to fly on a Monday and return on Thursday I would be able to explore Mexico for less than $70. The one penny sale from Spirit Airlines was going to end in five minutes. I was sitting at the gate waiting for my return flight from a six month trip in Jamaica. And I was broke. The offer was tempting, and I sat there for a moment as the last few stragglers boarded the plane. I knew I had only $72 in the bank, and that was already accounted for. I said a quick prayer, crossed my fingers, and knew that just like many times in my life, The Creator wouldn't let me starve. This opportunity was too good to pass up, and when I calculated the taxes and fees, it came to $71 dollars. That sign was good enough for me. I bought the ticket and ran to the gate just as they were closing the doors.

When I got home I did a bit of creative financing, (I begged, pleaded and finally borrowed from my sister.) I found a wonderful host from Hospitality Club in CanCun, I bought food from the supermarket to cook for my new friends and I rode the local busses. After purchasing my ticket, my four day trip had cost less than $20.00.

When I found yet another one penny ticket through Spirit Airlines for Guatemala, I didn't hesitate, trusting that I would find another host through the site, and I did.

Whether you're a guest or a host for one of the hospitality groups you're likely to find new friends from all over the world, so sign up and send me an email sharing your experiences with me.

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