How to Find Good Places to Stay on A Two-wheeler Trip?

Thousands of people are venturing into nature to escape the mundane. Riding a two-wheeler to a secluded destination in the clouds is a form of meditation in itself! Making a two-wheeler trip is economically more viable and therefore for the cost of one trip by car, you can check off quite a few destinations on your destination bucket list! Speaking of costs, one of the most important things when it comes to saving money on road trips is to find an affordable yet quality accommodation. Here are a few of the practical options that you need to keep in mind on your next road trip.  

Managing your expectations

The thing about secluded locations untouched and unadulterated by crowds is that they don't have a lot of commercial establishments to provide you with a place to stay, which is both a good and bad because that means you will not be bothered by huge crowds buzzing around everywhere, but the downside is that you might have to compromise on a few things. Here are a few things that you might not get if you aren’t staying at a commercial establishment:  

1. Concierge service
2. 24X7 security
3. Grandeur (spa, jacuzzi, fitness clubs, business services, big bathrooms and minibars)
4. Free Wi-Fi (or any internet connection!)

If the intent of your road trip is to disconnect with the hustle of life and spend some alone time in nature then none of these matters, but if you are on a pleasure ride with friends & family, then you need to find a place that meets your requirement.

Homesteads

The cheapest and the most basic of accommodations are homesteads. In simple words, these are normal homes owned and lived by the owners themselves. They usually have a separate room or rooms that are put out on rent. You may or may not find dining facilities at homesteads, so ask before you choose one. These places are great for sampling local cuisines and traditional dishes, if you are open to the idea. If you have a very particular dietary choice then it is advisable that you stay at the homestead and find a different place to eat. Using the amenities in the household depends on your landlord. In most cases, you will be given a quick briefing of what you can do and what you can’t. Homesteads are usually the only option in last mile human settlements with little to no tourist crowds hence no hotels!  

Bed & Breakfast Establishments

Slightly more commercial than homestead, bed and breakfast (B&B) facilities offer you a very basic place to spend the night and, should you choose, breakfast the following morning. These places do not usually let you spend the day indoors, unless you have a prior arrangement with the landlord. Unlike homesteads, there is slightly higher likelihood of finding more facilities such as Wi-Fi or parking spaces at B&B establishments, but you can find out more by calling the place before booking your spot. Once again, these are great for trying out popular local dishes and cuisines. The best way to find good B&B places is to check out reviews and listings in tourist forums or biker group boards.  

Camping on open grounds

B&B and homesteads are great places to spend the night without spending a lot of money. But if you don’t mind the openness and love the freedom of camping under the sky, camping under the open sky is the best option. At times, this might be the only option at many places where there aren’t hotels or B&Bs, much less hotels, so you might have to depend on camps to spend the night. Plan ahead because you will need your own camping gear and equipment. Camping may be a great idea not just because it is the cheapest option, it also lets you call it a night at any location you choose. If you have never camped before, you might want to try your hands first with someone who already has some experience with camping.  

Short-term rentals

One common way among motorcycle groups to spend nights at popular destinations is to rent out living spaces on a monthly basis and have their members use the facilities for a small fee. This is a special feature that isn’t common even among all motorcycle groups, so find out what you have available to you from your riding group. Nowadays, you can also get an entire house on short-term rental if you are travelling in a group and can afford to share the expenses.  

Dormitories & Religious Hostels

Another smart way to spend nights indoors without spending a lot of money is to find a religious dormitory or hostel that makes beds available for the night. One major downside to these locations is that you are not allowed to stay more than one night in a row. Also, there are limited beds and work on a first-come-first served model, so you will have to stand in a line and hope for the best. The other problem is that these places (especially in America and Europe) are mostly occupied by the destitute so theft might be a valid concern. However, in India, these places are well maintained and have a zero tolerance for nuisance, so if you find yourself at a religious location in India, you may find a place to stay completely free of cost or for a nominal cost. The facilities are available for all religions, and there might be a restriction on admission depending on your religion.

App-based accommodations

Another great option to find good places to stay is to download location-based accommodation apps such as AirBnb, FlipKey, Homestay or Agoda. In most cases, motorcycle riders locate places to stay using these apps and then approach the establishment to find out if they can get a better deal on the price. You can also complete the booking process on the app and pay when you arrive. These can be beneficial in many ways, the most evident is that you get a comprehensive list of all places to stay at the destination with a feature-by-feature comparison which makes it much simpler for you to take your pick.

A word of advise

Staying at economical places come with a few caveats which we have already mentioned, but just so you are very clear about them, be aware that your two-wheeler and luggage are completely at your own risk, so make sure to carry your motorcycle helmets and motorcycle luggage box and motorcycle top case with you indoors. Keep the bike properly locked and as close to you as possible.