Solo travellers around the world are being given the opportunity to save money by splitting the cost of a room with a stranger.

Easynest.com, based in San Francisco, is encouraging single globetrotters to set up a profile on its website, indicating their intended destinations and travel dates. They can then wait for a “host” – a fellow solo traveller who has booked a hotel room – to contact them to see if they wish to share a double together.

The pair can examine each other’s profiles and message each other through the website before they agree to share the room. Once they’ve agreed to do so, the host must be paid directly by the other traveller. Hosts wanting to attract a guest are advised to "build a great profile” and reply to any messages received in a timely fashion.

The website claims its shared hotel room scheme not only helps single travellers avoid paying over the odds but also provides “the opportunity to meet new friends, build your network, create new opportunities, exchange on the city and learn”.

Ten more alternative budget accommodation options

Couch surfing

Couchsurfing.com has been arranging free home stays around the world since 2003. The quality of the accommodation and the friendliness of the host is hard to guarantee, but the savings will be. couchsurfing.com (membership required).

Garden camping

The novel website campinmygarden.com, which launched in 2011, puts travellers in touch with home owners willing to let you pitch a tent on their property. There are already more than 500 sites listed in Britain, and dozens in the capital. Most will allow access to a shower or bath, and a kitchen. You're unlikely to be charged much more than £10 a night.

Pub camping

Many country pubs across Britain also offer camping and caravanning facilities near their venues. These sites are smaller and do not include the bars and holiday parks seen on traditional campsites but have the luxury of a pub nearby, eliminating the need to cook on site. www.ukcampsite.co.uk

Serviced apartments

Hundreds of websites can be found listing private properties available to rent. If you're staying with friends big savings can still be found. Among the best sites are OneFineStay.com, Holidaylettings.co.uk and Airbnb.co.uk.

Academic lodging

Some universities and colleges also open up their dormitories for visitors when schools are not in session during the summer, Christmas, Easter and other break periods. University-rooms.com offers a database of participating schools but local campuses can also be contacted directly to check availability and prices.

Bed and fed

Bed&fed can put you in touch with a family who are willing to provide not only a room, but also a hearty meal. Rooms start at around £30-40 a night. bedandfed.co.uk.

Religious stays

Some religious organizations may also offer affordable lodging in different locations. Monasterystays.com is one that offers housing within authentic monasteries and convents in Italy.

Home exchange

Swapping homes could also be a cheap way to secure accommodation. In some cases, you will have to pay a small annual fee to join a house swapping network. houseexchange.co.uk

Farm stays

Travellers can find a range of accommodation through a farm stay, from working ranches and cattle farms to rural b&bs. The more luxurious farm stays may not require you to pitch in with farm work while others may need you to feed livestock or milk cows as part of your stay. farmstay.co.uk

Hostels

Despite a recent trend for boutique hostels, they remain far cheaper than your average hotel. Try yha.org.uk, hostelworld.com or hostelbookers.com