Are you travelling long term, as in months abroad, or just going for the standard getaway that your job unhooks you for? There’s usually two major types as far as I’m concerned; a back packer and a tourist. Both are just fine in my books, but I tend to lean toward the long term, budget-minded side of things, and  I prefer solo travel.

When I was a kid, going to a hotel meant somewhere for sure with a pool, and a waterslide to get kicked off of every few hours meant we were someone else’s problem for the day. When I started paying the tab at the end of my stay, however, I wondered why $100 a night was really necessary and what I actually needed out of a stay over.

As I cycle toured my country over a few months, and lived in a tent set up in the ditch along the way, the volume on my needs was turned so low that it might as well have just been clicked off. I felt just as at home waking up in a grave yard as my Mom’s house,  my days of luxury were now long forgotten and miles behind me.

Culture shock comes easier for some than others.

Stemming from that mindset, I’m now writing this out from my $20 a night hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam and couldn’t be happier as I’ve checked off all my needs, clean beds, a shower and it even comes with a private balcony and AC.

For $10 a night in Giza, Egypt, I was treated to the finest views a person could hope for. Included in the nightly fee was an Egyptian breakfast with fresh naan bread, baking, fruit and coffee/tea. The Pyramid Loft sits within walking distance of the entryway to one of the wonders of the world, the Great Pyramid. Coming with it of course are the Sphinx and pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Heading due South, your entry fee is around $10, making this the best deal a cheap old Ukranian like me has ever seen.

Istanbul, Turkey. The Ada Aparthotel, located within walking distance of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. For $15 a night I enjoyed a view of the Aegan sea, full time air conditioning and the best Burek in the world right around the corner.

I’ve saved the best for last however. With the budget hotel, over the high priced five star, you get face to face with the owner, and not only can you handle everything directly, you get a tour guide that treats you like you’re the only one staying there. When you aren’t familiar with the local language, surroundings, or prices, it’s often easy to lose yourself a little, and maybe the money won’t matter in the long run but knowing that these small business owners have my back improves my mood even after being in transit and airport hopping for 15 hours.

This is shopping locally while abroad, high fiving the little guy and supporting a family directly. Rather than shell out a bill per night for not much more than I’m getting for twenty,  I am more than happy to support this family ran business and get treated like I’m the only guest here.

There’s no waterslide, no pool, no huge bill and no regrets. There is wifi, my own balcony, clean beds and new towels everyday, air conditioning, guided tours, two wonders of the world, Pyramid views, Burek and a few new friends.

All for twenty bucks.