As someone who is always on a budget, hotels never factored into my decision of “where to stay?” Instead, I’ve mostly stayed in hostels (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and recently, Airbnb has been the go-to option for traveling. Though I’ve never actually tried couchsurfing, I know some friends who have and I’ve read a bit about it in case I want to try it in the future.

When comparing Airbnb vs. hostels vs. Couchsurfing, there are definitely different benefits and drawbacks that each one brings to the table

1. Price

In my experience, Airbnb and hostels are tied in this respect. You may find hostels cheaper in some destinations over others or vice versa.

Airbnb has the potential to be less expensive if you are in a larger group and the host has a flat rate for the entire apartment. For example, five of us recently stayed in beautiful apartment in the city center of Belgrade for less than 10 euros per person per night, but if there had been only two of us, it would have been much more expensive. I always try to compare the two options before booking. Sometimes you can find really good deals on hostel booking sites such as the one we had in Ibiza for 18 euro per person per night which actually turned out to be a private apartment.

Or the castle we stayed in in Carcassonne, in southern France for 17 euro per person per night!

If price is your biggest concern, however, Couchsurfing is the winner here, as you don’t have to pay anything to use the service. Instead, the price is more for your time, social interactions and sharing your experiences with the host, if they wish. You aren’t required to spend time with the host, of course, but it can be considered a bit rude if they are hosting you for free and you don’t want to make any conversation with them at all.

2. Comfort

On the spectrum, I would put couchsurfing as the lowest level of comfort, as you can many times be sleeping literally on someone’s couch in the middle of their living area. Or you could have your own space; it really depends on luck in this case.

I’ve stayed in some hostels that were absolutely terrible and would have actually rather slept on the park bench outside (cough, cough, in Edinburgh) but on the other hand I’ve stayed in really comfortable hostels, with each bed having their own privacy curtain such as the Lounge Hostel in Skopje, Macedonia.

The clear winner for me in terms of comfort is Airbnb. Having your own private apartment is amazing for any trip and not having to be kept awake by stranger’s snores is a huge perk! Plus, depending on where you’re staying and how much you’re willing to pay you can get a super cool place, such as the one I stayed in in Amsterdam with a rooftop hot tub!

3. Socialization

Airbnb is definitely the most private of the options, though sometimes the host is happy to give you some advice and perhaps invite you for a drink with them or something.

If I was to travel alone or with just another friend, maybe a hostel would be the best option so that you could meet fellow travelers and socialize with others. Couchsurfing is also a great option for meeting new people, but you are more limited to the host and perhaps if they want to introduce you to some friends.

In conclusion:

Want the cheapest option? Couchsurfing

Want to feel the most comfortable? Airbnb

Want to meet new people? Hostels

What do you think? Do you agree?

Having the opportunity to visit a classic city like Amsterdam may seem like a dream come true What better way to stay than right in the heart of on the city’s most famous landmark: the canals! I’m lucky enough to have stayed for three weeks this summer on one of Amsterdam’s famous houseboats, equipped with beautiful views of the water of course!

Today, there are around 2500 houseboats docked along the streets of Amsterdam. They typically provide the same amenities as a regular apartment- living room, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and dining room.

Read on for my top reasons to stay on a houseboat in Amsterdam!

1. A truly unique experience…

There aren’t many places in the world that is built on water like Amsterdam, let alone offers travelers to option to stay right on the water itself. There are three types of houseboats. The first two are typically older, and may still have the potential to sail, while the last is completely docked.

• Houseship, which is an old cargoship that has been refurbished, dating back to the early 1900s

• Housevessel, has the hull of the old sheep with the deck and steering house completely removed to build structure that is only meant to be lived on.

• Ark, a houseboat designed solely for living. They are typically built on concrete hulls and can even be multiple stories!

2. Steeped in history

Water and Amsterdam have long been intertwined, far before the concept of the houseboat was born. Historically, sailors and merchants would transport goods with the boat and live with the family below deck. Once the ship owner retired, they would dock the ship and then continue to live on it. Although, this wouldn’t have been much of a luxury experience at the time.

After World War II, the city was suffering from a housing shortage and decided to turn old vessels into homes. It was considered very cheap at the time and most people would still be able to travel with the boat where they liked.

During the 60s and 70s the more modern version of the houseboat was born- the ark. This allowed for more colorful and creative designs as well as increased the comfort level of living on a boat.

3. You’re in the heart of the action!

Many of Amsterdam’s houseboats are located right in the city center. What’s a better way to get a feel for the hustle and bustle of city life without actually having to be on the streets than lounging on the top deck of your houseboat sipping on an Amstel beer? Not much my friends, not much.

Luckily, there are many options to rent houseboats online to prepare for your trip. Airbnb is a great place to start. The houseboats can sometimes be more expensive than the traditional apartment. But it is definitely worth it to get the experience at least for a few nights!