How do I save on accommodation?

Do you know someone who lives where you're going? Staying with them is a great way to save money and see the place through the eyes of a local. Ask them for tips: the best cheap places to eat, what's worth visiting and what to avoid.

Tip: be a grateful and respectful guest. You could bring them something typical from your country as a thank you.

Hostels usually have shared dormitories, bathrooms, kitchens and common rooms, but many also offer smaller dorms or private rooms. Most have free wifi, and many have lockers, a bar and towels to rent.

• Some hostels give discounts to Interrail Pass holders, including DiscoverEU travellers. Search for the country you're visiting in Pass Benefits.
• You can also compare hostels on websites like Hostelworld.

Tip: hostels are a great place to meet other travellers from all over Europe and beyond. Don't be shy about starting a conversation. It could be the start of a new friendship.

On websites like Airbnb, you can rent a shared space, a private room or a whole flat, depending on your budget. If you're travelling as a group, a whole flat can work out cheaper than separate hostel beds.

On Couchsurfing, locals offer travellers a free place to sleep, often a couch or spare bed. It's a great way to meet people, learn about the local culture and get insider tips. The stay itself is free, but Couchsurfing charges a membership fee to use the platform. Couchsurfing's help centre and membership information

Love nature? Campsites can be very affordable, although they're often harder to reach than a hostel. Websites like Cool Camping, camping.info and Eurocampings can help you find a campsite.

Hotels are usually more expensive, but you can sometimes find good deals, especially last minute or outside the busy summer season. For example, in September many hotels in tourist areas get cheaper. Booking websites like Booking.com and local tourist offices often have discounts.