7 non-traditional ways to travel

Good morning Dear Localo Travellers!

Yesterday, I attended a Twitcam about social networking and hosting with Carousel Magazine. It occurred to me to write about the various non-traditional lodging alternatives available when travelling. Since the the end of year is near, I think many of us will be preparing for our vacations.

After spending some time researching, I’d like to share with you the seven non-traditional forms of travel accommodationsthat I found.

Find a sofa: In communities like Couchsurfing or Hospitality Club, you can find a person anywhere in the world willing to offer their couch, bed, floor space, or room and make you part of their family for a few days. In exchange, you should do the same or at least help with information, referrals, or accompany other travellers who visit your city. Swap your home with another traveller: As we saw in the movie “The Holiday” starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, you can exchange your house with another person anywhere in the world with communities like HomeExchange . All you have to do is take care of that house better than you would yours. Exchange your work on organic farms from accommodation and meals: Learn to grow your own food on an organic farm and receive a room and food. This is made possible thanks to communities like WWOOF. Today, wwoof is almost a noun and wwoofing a verb. Stay with firefighters (only for cyclists): For many generations a fraternal relationship between firefighters and cyclists has been developing. Why? I can think of many reasons but I don´t know for sure. :p Cyclists usually are very welcome and even invited to spend the night at fire stations along the way. So if you plan to travel by bicycle, be sure to always greet the firefighters. Participate as a volunteer in exchange for a room and meals: In sites like WorkAway you can find deals to volunteer in exchange for a room and meals anywhere in the world. Take care of someone’s house while they’re on vacation: In communities like MindMyHouse or TrustedHouseSitters, you can offer to take care of a chalet in the Swiss Alps or a house in Thailand while the owners go on vacation. Sounds like a vacation for you too, huh? Rent a couch, bed, room, house or apartment: In communities such as Localo, you can connect directly with local people in your destination and rent a sofa, a bed, a room or even an entire house or apartment. This way you know the place through the eyes of your host and have a very human and personal experience.

I hope you have many ideas for your next vacation and that you try some or all of the alternatives that are shared in this post. If you know of another non-traditional way to travel, share it in the comments and I’ll be happy to add it to the list.

Finally, I hope you understand that to travel all you need is the will. For those who don’t travel, it’s a personal choice.