Money hacks How to save money on your backpacking holiday

Don't overlook hostels Hostels can sometimes get a bad rap, with some people believing they are full of 21-year-olds looking to party from dusk until dawn.

- Suzanne Bearne

Don't overlook hostels Hostels can sometimes get a bad rap, with some people believing they are full of 21-year-olds looking to party from dusk until dawn. However, many of them aren't "party hostels" and attract an older crowd. Other than camping or staying somewhere for free, hostels are often the cheapest option for accommodation.

For example, I'm writing this from one in Placencia, a resort in Belize in Central America. This coastal town has become a go-to hotspot for US nationals, resulting in rocketing accommodation costs. Hence my decision to stay in a four-bed female dorm for a few nights - saving me at least £75.

Kashyap Bhattacharya, a blogger at Budget Traveller and the author of The Grand Hostels: Luxury Hostels of the World, says: "Many hostels offer Japanese pod-style beds in dorms that offer privacy at a fraction of the price of a private room."

Also, unlike a lot of hotels, most hostels have a kitchen where you can cook your own food. (I've made dinner for the next three nights). "One of my favourite money-saving hacks is travelling with a basic set of spices so you can conjure up a tasty curry with inexpensive, seasonal produce from a local supermarket or market," says Bhattacharya.

If you are looking to save money on accommodation, you could always ask the hostel for work in return for a dorm bed. Also, if you are able to sleep in one, a lightweight hammock could save money. "Some hostels will let you hang one up for less than the cost of a dorm bed, especially if they are fully booked," says Bhattacharya.

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