Alternative Lodging

AirB&B:
I found AirB&B (stands for "Airbed and Breakfast") a while back while searching for a place to stay in NYC. Basically, it's like "staying with a friend" meets "bed and breakfast," except you don't know the person you'll be staying with and they might not include breakfast in your stay (again, these people have priorities which may not include cooking for you.) Living in New York City is expensive, and for anyone who has a little extra room in their apartment, (whether it be a couch or futon, a blow-up mattress, or by some amazing chance an extra bedroom,) making a little extra cash by letting a stranger crash for the weekend is guaranteed to make a difference. AirB&B helps you find a reasonable, comfortable place to stay where you may make some new friends. Some of the people who offer their place will even note on their listing that they're willing to show you around, and most all of them offer to help by giving advice or directions; I even saw one guy who said he would give you a discount if you would spend 2 hours teaching him how to do something you're good at. (Knitting? Photoshop? Yoga?)

One good thing about AirB&B is that when a person stays, they will usually leave a review of the person who hosted them; being able to know what the person is like before you go is definitely reassuring, and I'm sure the host won't mind answering your questions when you start communicating about your arrival.

One negative thing I did hear came from my friend Georgia, who after going with me and having a good experience, took my advice about AirB&B and booked a weekend in the city with her boyfriend. Something happened with her bus and the weather, and they couldn't make it out of Virginia at the very last minute. The person they had booked with refused to give them a refund, stating that if she had known sooner she could have re-booked, and didn't want to lose money (supposedly she had turned many people down.)


Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing shares the same concept as AirB&B, except these hosts don't charge, based on the idea that if they offer a free place for you, you might offer a free place for them later. The hosts on this site also have reviews, as well as lengthy "about me" sections so you know you're going to be staying with someone trustworthy. Depending on the person, like I've said before, you may end up with someone who wants to show you around, or someone who is only available to let you in and out of their apartment.


Please, when staying with people you don't know (or when staying anywhere for that matter,) use caution and your best judgment about the people around you and the places you are going. If you're uncomfortable for any reason, there is always a way to find other accommodations.