Best Hospitality Exchange Clubs for Budget Travelers (2026 Guide)
Hospitality exchange clubs connect travelers with hosts who open their homes in exchange for reciprocal hospitality down the line.
Unlike hotels or short-term rental platforms, these networks are built on community, trust, and mutual generosity — often allowing members to travel for little more than a small gratuity or nothing at all. Here is an overview of the major clubs, their current status, and what each offers.
Affordable Travel Club
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Members: ~2,400 households worldwide | Founded: 1992
The Affordable Travel Club (ATC) is a bed-and-breakfast hospitality exchange network founded by Suzanne Miller in 1992, based in Gig Harbor, Washington. It is open to travelers over the age of 40 and currently has member households across 49 US states and around 50 countries.
Members pay an annual fee and stay in each other’s private homes, offering a small gratuity of typically $15–30 per night to help defray the host’s costs. Hosts are not expected to accommodate guests more than a few times per year, and the frequency is entirely at their discretion. Continental or full breakfast is included, and hosts are encouraged to spend an hour orienting guests to the local area.
ATC is a staff-supported club with an online directory and a strong community ethos. As their motto puts it: “The Spirit of Travel is Warm Hospitality.”
Evergreen Bed & Breakfast Club
Members: ~2,000 | Founded: 1982
Formerly known as the Evergreen Bed & Breakfast Club, the Evergreen Club is one of the longest-running hospitality exchange networks in North America, operating continuously since 1982. Membership is open to travelers over 50, with nearly 2,000 home-stays available across the United States and Canada.
Annual membership for North American hosts is $120. Guests pay a modest gratuity of $15 per night for singles or $20 per night for couples, which covers the host’s out-of-pocket costs, including breakfast. All booking and host details are managed through an online directory.
The club offers a full refund of membership dues within the first year if members are unsatisfied — a sign of confidence in its model.
Women Welcome Women Worldwide (5W)
Members: ~1,500–2,000 | Founded: 1984
A UK-based hospitality exchange network connecting women globally. Members stay in each other’s homes free of charge; the only cost is an annual membership donation of around £47 to join, then £37/year to renew. In return, members get access to a full directory of hosts in over 70 countries and can contact them directly to arrange stays.
Hosts are not required to provide overnight accommodation — a “day host” option lets members offer a coffee, a local tour, or a meal without hosting overnight. There are no nightly gratuities; the model is purely reciprocal hospitality funded by membership dues. Very active, with group trips organized regularly by members.
Servas International
Members: ~20,000 | Founded: 1949
One of the oldest hospitality exchange organizations in the world, founded after World War II to promote peace through travel and cultural understanding. Servas connects members across more than 100 countries for free overnight home stays (typically two nights) or day visits. Hosts do not charge for accommodation — the annual membership fee paid to the organization covers operating costs.
Fees vary by country (roughly $10–$85/year depending on region). Membership requires an application, character references, and an in-person interview, which keeps the community well-vetted. Unlike the other clubs listed here, hosting reciprocity is encouraged but not strictly required — you can travel the network without being an active host yourself.
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