How to Find Accommodation as a Nomad

Where you stay as a nomad isn’t just where you’ll rest your head—it’s where you’ll work, relax, and call home for a while.

After years of nomadic living, I’ve learned that finding the right spot takes a mix of preparation, flexibility, and, sometimes, sheer luck.

In this guide, I’ll share actionable tips and sprinkle in a few personal notes to help you navigate finding both short-term and long-term stays while traveling!

1. Start with Research Before You Go

Before you even start searching, figure out what’s most important to you. Budget, reliable Wi-Fi, safety, and location should top the list.

Personally, I prioritize fast internet for work and places close to local life without being smack in the middle of touristy chaos.

Short-Term Booking Tools

Platforms like Airbnb, Agoda, and Booking.com are perfect for securing your first week or month in a new city.

Booking longer stays often unlocks discounts—like when I booked a month in Sayulita, Mexico, and later negotiated a cheaper rate in person for even more savings.

Community Recommendations

Tap into expat Facebook groups, Reddit threads, blogs, or Nomad List. Locals and seasoned travelers often share hidden gems or direct contacts you won’t find by simply Googling.

These groups are also great once you’re settled for finding local tips, like where to buy that random item you’re searching for.

Simply search on Facebook for “living in …”, “nomads in…”, “XYZ city locals…”

Be Aware of Cultural Nuances

Housing quirks vary by region. In Southeast Asia, rent negotiation is ok, while in parts of Europe, many long-term rentals come unfurnished. Research the local norms so you’re prepared to adjust your strategy.

2. Arriving and Finding Long-Term Options

Book a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb for your first week or two. This gives you time to explore neighborhoods and decide where you want to settle.

Want to go even deeper? Spend some time living in a few different neighborhoods to get a feel for the vibe before choosing your long-term spot. If you’re staying a while, this is well worth your time.

When we lived in Medellin, Colombia, we thought we had found a perfect spot to stay, and while it wasn’t terrible, it definitely wasn’t our ideal neighborhood.

I wish we moved around a bit to get a feel for the different areas before committing.

The Power of Walking Around

Sometimes, the best finds happen on foot. While exploring Pai, Thailand, I stopped for a drink at a small stand, chatted with the owner, and ended up renting his perfect little apartment.

Similarly, in Vietnam, I found our apartment by calling a random number on a “For Rent” sign I strolled by. Keep your eyes open!

Tap into Local Networks

Visit coworking spaces, cafes, or local markets to meet people. The connections you make can lead to incredible opportunities.

One of my favorite stays in Portugal came from befriending my Airbnb host, who later let us house and dog-sit at her place—for free!

RELATED: 11 Ways to Get Free Accommodation While Traveling

Extend Smartly

If you find a decent place on Airbnb, try negotiating directly with the host to extend your stay.

This strategy has saved me money in Sayulita, where I’ve returned multiple times to the same rental at a better rate than what’s listed online.

3. Pros and Cons of Different Accommodation Types

• Airbnb for Long-Term Stays – Convenient but can be pricey. Use monthly discounts or negotiate directly with hosts to save.
• Hotels for Short-Term – Great for initial stays while you scout for long-term options. They’re flexible and require no commitment.
• Co-Living Spaces – These are community-oriented spaces with coworking setups, but they’re often overpriced. If you’re craving connections, there are cheaper ways to meet people. Personally, I’d only consider co-living spaces for very short-term stays because I value privacy and space.
• Direct Rentals – Often the most cost-effective option for long-term stays. Look for options on Facebook Marketplace, local forums, or through word-of-mouth, but always inspect the property in person before committing.

4. Practical Tips for Vetting Accommodation

Just a few notes about your budget and some tips to keep everything in check…

Hidden Costs and Budgeting

Utilities, deposits, and cleaning fees can add up quickly. Always ask upfront about these expenses and clarify how things like internet setup or utility payments work.

Make sure to look up average costs to get an idea of things and to find out specific “insider tips.” For example, many condos in Thailand may charge a bit higher for utilities than you would for homes.

Info like this can really help in your house hunting so get to Googling costs before signing anything.

Using TrustedHousesitters and Worldpackers

If you’re open to alternative accommodations, platforms like TrustedHousesitters and Worldpackers can be game-changers.

These services offer unique opportunities to stay in a place for free—or at a minimal cost—in exchange for your time or skills.

• TrustedHousesitters: Perfect for animal lovers, this platform connects you with homeowners looking for someone to care for their pets and homes while they’re away. From cozy cottages in Europe to luxury homes in the tropics, you can find stays worldwide. It’s a fantastic option if you’re planning to stick around a place for a few weeks or months and want a homey environment.
• Worldpackers: This platform lets you trade your skills (like teaching English, digital marketing, or helping at a hostel) for accommodation. It’s a budget-friendly way to immerse yourself in local culture, meet new people, and save on housing costs. Plus, you can choose opportunities that match your schedule and interests.

Both options require a membership fee, but they quickly pay for themselves if you land even one great opportunity.

Be sure to vet the host and read reviews carefully to ensure the experience meets your expectations.

These platforms are ideal for flexible nomads looking for more than just a place to stay—they offer community and meaningful connections too!

Booking Direct

Booking directly can sometimes be cheaper, especially when we’re talking about Airbnb. Here’s a hack for ya:

• Find a place you like on Airbnb.
• If the place’s name is semi-unique and”identifiable,” paste it into Google to see if they have a direct site!
• If not, look at the pictures. Do you notice any signs on the outside that give the name away so you can Google it?
• Try reverse image searching!

You might find the place is listed elsewhere for cheaper. I did this on a Belize trip and paid $20 less a night for the same room.

Some More Quick Tips for Finding Accommodation as a Nomad:

• Wi-Fi and Work Needs – Reliable internet is essential. Ask for screenshots of speed tests, or test the Wi-Fi during a viewing.
• Comfort vs. Cost – Living farther from the city might save on rent, but factor in transportation time and costs. Is it really worth it if you hate where you live or spend time commuting? Balance your budget with your lifestyle needs.
• Inspect in Person – Never send money for a place you haven’t seen. This protects you from scams and ensures the place meets your needs. If you’re using a platform like Airbnb, you’re safer, but direct rentals require extra caution.
• Avoiding Scams – Look out for red flags like large upfront payments or vague listings. Use secure payment methods and verify the host’s legitimacy.

5. Resources for Nomads

• Airbnb, Agoda, and Booking.com: Perfect for initial stays and short-term rentals.
• Facebook Marketplace and Local Forums: Great for finding direct rentals and long-term options.
• Nomad List, local blogs, and Reddit: Excellent for tips and community recommendations.
• Speedtest.net: A lifesaver for checking Wi-Fi speeds.
• Your Own Two Feet: Walking around and exploring is one of the best ways to find hidden gems, negotiate better prices, and get to know neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts

Accommodation hunting as a nomad is a skill you’ll refine with practice. With preparation, flexibility, and a bit of serendipity, you’ll find places that fit your needs!

WAIT! There’s More…

Check out my other resources:

• How To Work Abroad & Travel The World
• How to Make Money While Traveling—73 Travel Jobs
• Longest Tourist Visas for U.S Citizens, How to Extend, & More

Read EVERYTHING about living, working, and moving abroad!

Grab my FREE guide to choosing the best TRAVEL JOB for you!

I hope this helped you find accommodation as a nomad!

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