All the vagabonds and wanderers out there are well aware that after a number of months on the road, hostel fatigue can become a very real thing. There comes a point where you may feel physically incapable of answering, “where are you from?” “how long are you here?” and “what do you do?” aka the standard hostel conversation. Smelly dorm rooms, spotty WiFi, and drunk roommates throwing a midnight rave can also contribute.
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Every nomad deserves a break from the hostel lifestyle to get some much needed alone time and sleep, so they can come back into hostel life with a newfound appreciation. When the fatigue hits why not stay in a vacation rental? On average, vacation rentals cost more than most hostels, but, in certain countries, there are reasonable options that have just as much character as a hostel might. Using insights from AllTheRooms, the internet’s vacation rental search engine, we built a list of the countries with the cheapest and most unique vacation rentals in the world.
United States
The U.S reigns supreme when it comes to property listings; and because of the sheer number of options (there are more vacation rentals in the U.S than anywhere else) there are places to be found for under $100. Cities in America are not the cheapest places for backpackers, however the U.S’ endless parklands are affordable and a great way to see what the country has to offer. Our recommendation for the U.S is this unique, renovated 1963 school bus. Not only is it located in a comfortable place to stay, it’s also close to Olympic National Park — one of the gems of the National Park System, about a 2-hour journey from Seattle.
Thailand
Any number of Southeast Asian countries could have made this list, including Thailand’s nearby neighbors Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. However, Thailand has a bit more of an established vacation rental culture. While full moon parties rage on the islands in the South, we enjoy the slightly more authentic feel of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand’s largest city. Our unique vacation rental for Thailand is this apartment. Located directly above a Thai restaurant and coffee roaster, the smell of Pad Thai constantly drifting through the windows, plus a price tag under $25, makes it the perfect spot.
Mexico
Granted, a lot of people think of a Mexican getaway as an excess of margaritas on the beaches of Cabo San Lucas or Cancun. And yes, these trips can be a good deal of fun, but to get a more unique and affordable experience, travelers should look to Mexico City, Oaxaca, and San Miguel de Allende. Casita del Jardin is just outside of the main center of Oaxaca City and is a great place to stay. With a brightly colored exterior and a private outdoor tiled patio, it’s a great fit in the vibrant city.
Indonesia
Having become somewhat of a mecca for yoga lovers (and a fair number of rowdier travelers), Indonesia, and specifically, the island of Bali, has been able to expand its vacation rental infrastructure to cater to the numerous incoming backpackers. The area of Ubud has some of the best vacation rental opportunities on the island. This accommodation is certainly unique — being a clear bubble above a river. If the bubble home is too expensive for your budget, this alternative tiny home is also outside of the city center and under $20 a night with its own pool.
Colombia
It wasn’t too long ago that Colombia was the most dangerous place in the world. But times have changed, and now Colombia is frequently a must-visit on backpackers’ bucket lists. With dynamic cities like Medellin and breathtaking nature that includes Caribbean coasts and Amazonian jungles, it’s easy to see why the country is so popular. This little accommodation combines these two aspects of Colombian appeal. This home known as a CuboNube is just outside of Medellin in a pueblo called Santa Elena. The home is isolated and overlooks a densely forested area before dropping into a valley where Colombia’s second-largest city sits below.
Latvia
Europe may be off budget travelers’ radars because of high prices, but many countries in Eastern Europe have extremely cost-friendly options. Countries like Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Romania are all affordable and exciting off-the-beaten-track destinations. Another country like this is Latvia. Latvia’s capital, Riga, is a charming, riverfront city with an architectural appeal on par with anywhere in Western Europe. While this accommodation might be a bit more than we would want to pay (prices are around $100 per night), its coolness factor is undeniable. This floating cottage is just outside of the historic city center and obviously has breathtaking views. Those really in the mood for treating themselves can purchase an additional package that includes an in-home sauna, massage, wellness treatments, and aromatherapy sessions.
Zack is a recovering technical recruiter who traded in his suit and tie in Silicon Valley for writing in Medellin, Colombia. When not writing for the vacation rental search engine, AllTheRooms, you can find Zack with his nose in a book, puttering around nature, or getting ultra-competitive while watching Jeopardy.