Are you planning a trip or vacation on a tight budget? Looking at the cost of hotels may have you a little worried if the rooms seem to be outside of your price range. But have no fear — hotels are not your only option for accommodations. In fact, these other lodging options are becoming more popular over time, and they also tend to be much more budget-friendly.

Short-Term Apartment Rentals

Gone are the days when you had to sign a one-year lease or pay for a whole month to stay in an apartment. There are now websites where people can list their apartments for shorter-term rentals, and many apartment owners are doing this because they can earn more, overall, than they would by leasing the space out for a year at a time. You can often find an entire apartment for rent for less than it would cost to rent a hotel in the same city. And if you're willing to drive a little further during your stay, you can rent an apartment in the suburbs or on the outskirts of the city and pay even less. This option saves you money in comparison to a hotel because you can cook your own meals, too. Plus, if you're traveling with friends, everyone can have their own separate room.

Hostels

Hostels are sometimes referred to as "youth hostels" because they're an accommodation option that really caters to young people. However, many hostels do not have age restrictions, so you can stay here even if you're older. Hostels are set up to allow people to rent a bunk in a shared sleeping space. Usually, you get access to shared bathrooms, a kitchen, and other amenities, like laundry facilities, too. Staying in a hostel is not for everyone, but it is incredibly cheap and can be a good way to meet people if your goal is to socialize while traveling.

Campsites

If you don't mind roughing it a little, another option is to stay at a campground. Bringing your own tent to stay in is usually the cheapest option, but for a little more money, many campgrounds have cabins you can stay in. Some are rustic cabins with no utilities, and others may have the basics, like electricity and heat. Campgrounds also tend to have a lot of fun activities going on, like nature hikes and the like, which makes them a good choice for families and anyone who enjoys those kinds of things.

Staying in a hotel is often the most expensive way to travel, but thankfully, it is not the only way to travel. Look into the options above if you need cheaper accommodations.