Ok, here it is, I sleep in the cheapest of cheap accommodation. Yes, they are safe locations and generally clean, in the eyes of a backpacker at least.
HOSTELS!!! Stay in hostels, there is an unlimited number of hostels all over the world. They are full of fun, vibrant travelers from all over the world. And there is nothing better than sitting in a room listening to 5 different languages conversing at once. Hostels vary in style from homie, chill to party hard. I personally prefer chill. Safe you ask, YES! Now, shit happens so keep that in mind, just be smart. Keep your valuables locked up, almost 100% of hostels provide you with a locker or have a secure area for your things. Hostels range in price and usually all have a few private rooms if you prefer it. Sleeping arrangements include: hammocks, camping (use of personal tent), dorm room, and private. If you are traveling with several people or another person booking a private room is in your favor. They are about the same price as a dorm or even less when you split the cost.
Now do you need to book in advance....not always. I'm more of a go with the flow, show up and check it out girl. Depending on the season, high season, I would recommend booking ahead of time to secure a room. Especially if you have a specific hostel or location in mind. A few sites I've used are hostelbookers and hostelworld. They provide you with general information on the hostel along with rates, reviews and images. Check it out.
HOSTELS!!! Stay in hostels, there is an unlimited number of hostels all over the world. They are full of fun, vibrant travelers from all over the world. And there is nothing better than sitting in a room listening to 5 different languages conversing at once. Hostels vary in style from homie, chill to party hard. I personally prefer chill. Safe you ask, YES! Now, shit happens so keep that in mind, just be smart. Keep your valuables locked up, almost 100% of hostels provide you with a locker or have a secure area for your things. Hostels range in price and usually all have a few private rooms if you prefer it. Sleeping arrangements include: hammocks, camping (use of personal tent), dorm room, and private. If you are traveling with several people or another person booking a private room is in your favor. They are about the same price as a dorm or even less when you split the cost.
Now do you need to book in advance....not always. I'm more of a go with the flow, show up and check it out girl. Depending on the season, high season, I would recommend booking ahead of time to secure a room. Especially if you have a specific hostel or location in mind. A few sites I've used are hostelbookers and hostelworld. They provide you with general information on the hostel along with rates, reviews and images. Check it out.
Camping and living out of vehicle are also options. Depending on your location, renting or buying a vehicle can be quiet the adventure and save you mad cash.
Now, traveling through Australia I recommend the van adventure. It saves you money, your on your own time schedule and it makes for one hell of a story. You are able to drive your home up and down the coast stopping off at locations of choice. There are campsites all along the coast, if you want to hook up (charge) your van and use bathroom facilities. Or you can suck it up and find a free place to park at night. There are free cooking stations and bathrooms near all local beaches. Giving you access to the bare minimum facilities, who needs a shower anyways when you have the ocean. The van includes a small kitchen set and cooler as well. Now, there are definitely more pimped out vehicles available. Here are a few sites to check out yourself: wickedcampers, hippiecamper and Jucy campervans.
If your feeling real adventurous.....COUCHSURF!!! Definitely an option, especially for those looking to save a few extra bucks and experience the local culture. Couchsurfing.com is a free site, quick and easy to sign up. Connecting you with local people and other travelers in your destination of choice. Couchsurfing isn't just about crashing someones couch, you can also gain a great deal of useful information by connecting with others. You are able to chat, meet up, or set up a place to stay. You simply need to build a quick profile and post your next destination. People will contact you, or you can search through hosts in the area. Each host has a page of reviews from other guests, take the time to read and look into whom you will be staying with. Worth the time and definitely and the experience.
Now, traveling through Australia I recommend the van adventure. It saves you money, your on your own time schedule and it makes for one hell of a story. You are able to drive your home up and down the coast stopping off at locations of choice. There are campsites all along the coast, if you want to hook up (charge) your van and use bathroom facilities. Or you can suck it up and find a free place to park at night. There are free cooking stations and bathrooms near all local beaches. Giving you access to the bare minimum facilities, who needs a shower anyways when you have the ocean. The van includes a small kitchen set and cooler as well. Now, there are definitely more pimped out vehicles available. Here are a few sites to check out yourself: wickedcampers, hippiecamper and Jucy campervans.
If your feeling real adventurous.....COUCHSURF!!! Definitely an option, especially for those looking to save a few extra bucks and experience the local culture. Couchsurfing.com is a free site, quick and easy to sign up. Connecting you with local people and other travelers in your destination of choice. Couchsurfing isn't just about crashing someones couch, you can also gain a great deal of useful information by connecting with others. You are able to chat, meet up, or set up a place to stay. You simply need to build a quick profile and post your next destination. People will contact you, or you can search through hosts in the area. Each host has a page of reviews from other guests, take the time to read and look into whom you will be staying with. Worth the time and definitely and the experience.