USA Hostels

Widely available online are national motel chains such as Super 8, Holiday Inn, Best Western and others. While these are generally kept up well, the $40-80 per night fee gets very expensive very quickly, and it's money you can better use enjoying your trip! Consider an International Youth Hostel membership and/or looking online for hostels in the area you plan to travel. Generally these are more available on the coasts and in tourist areas but there are also hostels in smaller cities. The cost of these at $10-20 per night will save you greatly. An additional bonus with these is there are usually kitchen facilities, stretching your food dollars, and the opportunity to visit with people from around the world. Many hostels also have information on local things to see that often do not appear on travel sites. There are also many independent hostels, but watch your personal property even closer at these.

Some hostels have special rates and/or preferences to backpackers travelling by bicycle or on foot. Popular hostels during the busy season can fill up quickly - it is advised to plan ahead and make reservations where possible. Remember too that some hostels will expect payment even if travel delays mean you arrive a day late. There are hostels that are part of a network as well as independent hostels. For a look at Hostelling International linked hostels check out http://www.hiusa.org/ - keep in mind the accommodations vary widely. The Pigeon Point hostel in California sets overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a light house and for a small fee, a hot tub. There's also busier hostels such as those in downtown Nashville and other cities.