Senior budget travelers know all about Elderhostel, a program that takes travelers age 55 and older into university housing in all 50 U.S. states and more than additional 90 locations around the world. These deals often come with full-fledged educational programs, so finding one that fits your needs could take some work.
But you don't have to be retirement age to take advantage of academic housing.
For example, if you're planning to visit England, check out the offerings from Venue Masters. They connect you with facilities at more than 90 academic sites in the U.K. Another resource is London Metropolitan University, a consortium where they will find you summer rooms at reasonable prices. In 2005, I was quoted a rate equivalent at the time to about $171 USD per person for a one-week stay. At the time, a one-night stay in a London hotel would have been a good buy.
The downside of college stays is obvious--it is very seasonal, almost always limited to the summer months. You might not have a private bathroom or a commanding view from your window. Furnishings will be plain in many places.
But if you plan to spend your day touring and you simply want a clean, safe place to sleep, it's worth a serious look. Sometimes you're accorded cafeteria privileges, too. As with the furnishings, the food is unlikely to overwhelm you, but it will be nourishing and cheap.
If the college dorm stay is a tough sell, some will think it ridiculous to suggest that farm accommodations are also rewarding. Click "next" and consider the advantages.
