I'm always looking for a good deal, especially when it comes to travel.

Depending on where I am traveling to, a hotel can often cost me a grip - even if it's just a couple nights' stay. For that reason, looking into home rentals is normally my Plan A for making travel accommodations. Over the past few years, using home/vacation rentals instead of hotels has become an extremely popular option. Often, when staying anywhere long term, you can book a home rental at a much lower rate than a hotel with the added bonuses of having the use of a full kitchen and living like a local.

Increasingly, Airbnb is the go-to for our home away from home travel needs. However, because Airbnb has grown tremendously in popularity, finding a place to stay exactly when you need it can sometimes prove to be a difficult feat. When Airbnb rentals are scarce, don’t lose hope and give up on your trip. Instead, there are plenty of other home rental companies that you can choose from as your travel arrangement alternative.

Whether you just need somewhere to lay your head at or you want to live it up like Kanye and Jay Z, here is a list of some Airbnb alternatives to choose from:

1. Can I Stay With You While I Rent My Place on Airbnb?

Cost: $0 - But the company says paying in beer is always a great choice

How Does It Work: This is the 'Airbnb for Airbnb' and if you are an Airbnb renter, it lets you stay somewhere while you rent your place. To use this service, just put in your desired location and your email address, and within 24 hours, they will give you someone to stay with.

2. Home Away

Cost: Varies - depends on accommodation and renter (a booking fee is included)

How Does It Work: Simply enter your travel location details and dates to find rental availability. Once you find your ideal spot, just book and pay.

3. Couchsurfing

Cost: $0

How Does It Work: Couchsurfing members all over the world literally offer their couches to travelers for free. Think that it’s weird? Well, it’s not as weird as you may assume. Over 4 million people (and counting) have used this service. If you are traveling and literally just need somewhere to lay your head, simply make an account and your journey on finding a couch host begins.

4. FlipKey

Cost: Varies - depends on accommodation and renter (a booking fee is included)

How Does It Work: Simply go on their site and search for rentals based off of your travel dates and desired location. FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company, and similar to TripAdvisor, it is very easy to use and navigate.

5. Roomorama

Cost: Varies - depends on accommodation and renter (a booking fee is included)

How Does It Work: Roomorama is very similar to Airbnb. Using Roomorama, you can find short-term vacation rentals in a residential area. To use this service, just go online to their site, and sign up to start your search.

*Bonus*

Innclusive & Noirbnb (coming soon)

What is it: Innclusive and Noirbnb are alternative lodging companies that are each aiming to put an end to the discrimination that has occurred with some of their competitors. Check out Innclusive’s site to sign up and be alerted once they launch. You can also sign up for Noirbnb here.

Related Post: I've Been Jetsetting For A Year Thanks To These 12 Travel Hacks

Do you have experience with any vacation rental companies? If so, share your experience in the comment section below.