Music lovers around the world are rejoicing this week with the return of the annual SXSW (South by Southwest) Music & Film Festival in Austin, Texas. Yes, every spring the Live Music Capital of the World gets even more jam-packed and visually-entertaining.

In recent years over 2,000 bands from all corners of the globe have converged here in my hometown for a week-long festival, and that in turn brings tens of thousands of other people to Austin, including celebrities, media, talent agents and managers, and yes of course, music-lovers. SXSW week is also popular for the debuting of new films, smart phone apps (both music-related and otherwise), and yes, even liquor.

The city gets so packed that hotel rooms are non-existent (and if you did book one in advance, enjoy paying 5x the normal rate). No, the real way for out-of-towners to enjoy their stay here — and save their much-needed dough for food, beer, and other SXSW-related goodies — is with Couchsurfing or even Craigslist. Last year many local Austinites with downtown pads made extra cash by renting out their couch / floor space via Craigslist ads.

For a cheaper and more enjoyable SXSW experience, especially for first-timers, crashing with a like-minded local is unquestionably the best option. Not only can you find a temporary sleeping place close to the action, but you are much more likely to have an authentic experience.

Anyway, I am going to cut this post short. The first round of #TTOT (9:30 GMT) just completed and the sun is rising here, so I need to catch a cpl hrs sleep before heading downtown.

More soon! I am on a mission to track down Anthony Bourdain, who is currently in Austin enjoying SXSW (and you should be too!)

About The Author

Derek Freal is a cultural enthusiast and perpetual wanderer, as well as the founder of the HoliDaze travel community. He loves going locations where he does not speak a word of the local language and must communicate with hand gestures, as well as places where he is forced to squat awkwardly to poo (supposedly its healthier and more efficient). If you tell him he cannot go somewhere, well I guarantee that will be the next spot he visits. For more view Derek's bio or stalk him on the social sites below....

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•