Traveller's trick to stay in Aussie city for 75 nights for $50 all up: 'Great way to save'

For the majority of travellers, budget is the most contentious part of planning any trip. Depending on where you want to go and how long you want to stay, the cost can really add up and put a limit on your adventures.

While some people get around this concern by opting for camping or caravanning trips, it's not everyone's cup of tea. And with the cost of 'traditional' accommodation being anything but cheap, it's little wonder people are looking for affordable alternatives.

For Jacqueline A, that alternative came in the form of Abroadly - a new platform that enables travellers to stay in people's homes for free in exchange for basic jobs or tasks.

"I came across Abroadly while searching for volunteer opportunities in Perth," Jacqueline tells Yahoo Lifestyle. "An Instagram post caught my attention, where a woman highlighted how unique the platform is, particularly for female travellers. After looking into it, I felt it offered something I needed at that point in time."

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Jacqueline, 33, who was travelling alone, says she found that staying with female hosts or families gave her a greater sense of comfort and that Abroadly's female filter made her feel safer.

"I wasn’t nervous at all," she says of staying in a stranger's home. "I’ve had similar experiences before, so I knew it would be a great way to save and learn more about the local culture and people."

How to travel Australia for free

Jacquline has so far used the app to stay in five places in Perth and Geraldton, three places in Kenya, and one place in Thailand, telling Yahoo Lifestyle that she did house and farm work in Perth in exchange for her accommodation.

"The best part was saving a lot of money," she says of the experience. "I only paid $47.96 (on one night in a hostel) for 75 days in Perth. A breakdown of Jacqueline's expenses for the trip (taking into account food, transport and other necessities) reveals that she only spent an average of $27.43 a day for her time in Western Australia.

"The only downside is that if you’re only with your host, it can be more difficult to meet new people unless you are in a place where they have other volunteers. Thankfully, Abroadly has a feature that helps you connect with others and meet them elsewhere."

Speaking on the logistics of her stays, Jacqueline says that usually had her own private room and assures fellow travellers that the hosts don't disturb you when you are having your own personal time after helping them. This means that you still have plenty of free time to explore the locations you are staying in - and more money to spare on activities whilst there.

The benefits work both ways with host Maree Long telling Yahoo Lifestyle that the travellers she has hosted have "become family."

“The travellers definitely become family. I’ve made the most amazing friends as well," she says. “I recently went to Hong Kong to visit one of three of the travellers who stayed with me, I have really bonded with and formed a relationship with the travellers, who will be my life-long friends.”

How does the app work?

Abroadly already has nearly 2000 hosts on the platform, the majority in Queensland, Western Australia New South Wales and Victoria, but for anyone considering opening their home to travellers, Maree explains how the process works.

“They have a bio on Abroadly and if I think we’re a good fit I’ll arrange a Facetime call," she says. “During the chat, I’ll see if there’s a good connection and they’re comfortable coming to the area.

“I’d ask questions like - have they checked the location, the type of accommodation and if they’re happy to get up early to get everything done in the morning? Transparency, communication and trust are really important.”

She also offers this advice, "Start off with a 10-14 day stay - you can get simple things done, have a feel for it and it’s just enough time to form a connection with them. Hosts should also have a detailed list of what needs to be done and how it should be done so expectations are met.”

And, as guests save money on their accommodation, hosts can also save some cash by having their visitors complete simple tasks for them (in Maree's case, taking care of her cats, making dinner and yard work like mowing the lawn, weeding and gardening).

“Getting things done in the house is also a bonus," Maree says. "I also save a lot of money fixing things around the house - everyone has a skill and I always maximise their strengths.”

Why Abroadly is a good option for travellers

While Jacqueline was able to find free accommodation through the app, others might pay a minimal amount for a room, usually around $50 a day or $300 a week. Either way, it's a far cry from the ever-increasing prices of hotels and Airbnbs.

"I highly recommend it, especially for female travellers," says Jacqueline. "Abroadly is ideal because it offers everything in one place, from rideshare, jobs, long-term stays, Au Pair options, and even social events.

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"Plus, you can use the female filter to ensure you feel safe and comfortable. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and explore."

Adds, Maree, “I opened up my house because I think it’s an untapped resource. I was my husband’s carer for such a long time at home, so that’s all I know is my house.

“Having travellers with me fills a gap in my life - why have an empty house when you can fill it with love, joy and stories.”

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