Solo travel has its own perks. An itinerary customised for you, timed according to your schedule and preferences, and best of all, you do not have to share food In fact, we can go on and on about the pros of solo travel. However, there are certain&mdashthough limited&mdashcons as well. For instance, economical expenditure can be a bit difficult to achieve as you shell out fare for an entire hotel room just for yourself. The trend of staying at people's homes emerged a few years ago and it is an answer to a solo traveller's prayers. You can stay over on a host&rsquos home for a night (or a couple of nights) on your travels. With mobile apps, you can arrange for affordable accommodation quite easily. Here are 5 apps that will help you find the perfect host for your next vacation
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is an app that allows you to browse through hosts in more than 230,000 cities across the globe. Needless to say, you can also be a host in your own hometown. Couchsurfing has been used by over 14 million people. Beyond accommodation, it lets you connect with fellow travellers using Couchsurfing Hangouts, a feature that allows people on the app to get together. You can also visit any event hosted by Couchsurfing in the city you are in.
Available on Apple and Android devices.
HomeStay
Homestay is similar to Couchsurfing, in that it allows the user to enter a destination and browse through hosts on the application. The application emphasises on the connection between the guest and host, and suggests a wholesome relationship with the person you are staying with. The range of this app is slightly limited&mdash140 countries are mentioned on the app and so far, it has seen 100,000 bookings. In case you have any questions about the stay, they can directly get in contact with the host. The app claims to be ideal for a planned trip, as well as last-minute bookings.
Available on Android devices.
BeWelcome
If your phone&mdashlike mine&mdashis chock-full of apps and unable to take any more, try this website instead. BeWelcome is a website that allows you to search for like-minded hosts. The website aims to connect travellers, whether you are travelling across the world or even just down the street. The website supports 1,25,782 members currently across 216 countries. With BeWelcome, you can connect with locals as your hosts show you their favourite places in the city, away from the generic tourist crowds. You can explore the lesser known restaurants, attractions, bars, and movie theatres with a friend by your side.
WarmShowers
This one is exclusively for cyclists. The WarmShowers community extends hospitality to touring cyclists. Through this app, athletes can search for hosts while on the road once they have signed up and provided their contact. It is a well-meaning community that wishes to help each other out. A cyclist hosting another will get the favour returned. WarmShowers is also a web forum which you can visit for all kinds of information on cycling through a region or city.
Available on Android devices.
TrustedHousesitters
Have you ever looked at a family with the stunning house and the cute dog, and wondered what it would be like to live their lives for a day Well, now you can. Trustsitters is an app that you can use to connect to hosts who have pets. All you have to do is pet-sit and house-sit for the family while they are away and in return, you get free accommodation plus perks. You can also be the pet-owners looking for a sitter to enjoy your time elsewhere without guilt. Simply download the application and browse through sitters/ sits (pets). Then choose your ideal sit/ sitter (or save their profiles for later), and enjoy your stay.
Available on Apple and Android devices.
Bank name Bank of Maharashtra.
Bank account 20066015637
Account Type Savings
NEFT/ IFSC Number MAHB 0000553
MICR Code 700014005ADDRESS OF BANK 135, 1st floor, Ward number 85, Rashbehari Avenue, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Pin code - 700029.
PAN Number ATHPS9475R
