3 offbeat budget accommodation trends

So you’re the quintessential offbeat traveller who has already mastered the art of homestays thanks to Airbnb. And like any trendy traveller, you’re itching to hear about the next travel trends to hit the circuit. 

I’ve got three words for you - champing, glamping and wwoofing. All ears? Great, let’s get started. (Armchair travellers pay attention for some midday travel dreams)

Wwoofing

This is a very interesting network of organic farms across the world, which offers food and accommodation in exchange for volunteering a few hours of help every day. The perfect opportunity for people who are looking for that something ‘different’, it lets you be part of a unique organic lifestyle and interact with people of varied interests, all while learning a new skill!

Where? Wwoofing or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms are available in many countries across the world. From Brazil, Italy and of course Australia, you can check out the different locations and other details listed on their website .

How much? That’s the best part, it’s free! Just 4-6 hours of voluntary work at the farm will get you food and lodging for a day. However, you will need to pay a subscription fee, which can vary for different countries from about 0 to $100. Ready to become a WWOOFer?

Glamping

In the modern travel world, where terms like ‘luxury hostels’ and ‘budget boutique hotels’ are becoming increasingly common, the line between budget and luxury is slowly getting blurred. And the concept of glamping treads that fine gap for people who want to experience the adventure of camping, without giving up on their comfort.

Glamping or ‘glamourous camping’ is a way of adding comfortable, even luxurious, lodging in the outdoor. This could include anything from fancy treehouses, eco lodges to high-tech trailers. True to the theme of camping, ‘glamps’ are located in beautiful and remote places that are off the usual touristy track.

Where? From an ice hotel in Sweden to national parks in South Africa, there are glamping options everywhere. Check out the glamping website for different exotic locations.

How much? Depending on the experience the cost can vary from about $150 to $1500 per night.

Champing

Champing stands for ‘church camping’. Holy moly! What does that mean, you wonder? Well, exactly what it says. You can stay at a historic church in England for as little as $130 per night. So on a reasonable budget, you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of living in a rural church. Spiritual or not, it is a fantastic opportunity to spend a night less ordinary. 

The Churches Conservation Trust, which looks after 347 churches that are no longer used for regular worship, organises these stays at a church along with other activities travellers may be interested in, such as, canoeing and Yoga.

Where? Champing options are available at churches in Fordwich (Kent), Aldwincle (Northamptonshire) or Swaffham Prior (Cambridge).

How much? You can spend two days and a memorable candlelit night in a church for as little as $130 including breakfast. Check their website for booking details .

We love to hear about all the latest travel trends, so don’t forget to tell us the next time you try an unconventional budget accommodation!