When I was a youngen college kid (in other words, poor) I was much more creative and will pass along my wisdom to you lot.
You don't need a hotel. Sleep? What's that? When you're gig hopping that is. And if the need be, crash at the beach the next day. If there's no beach, crash at the park. All you need is the rental car.
One time we played homeless and stayed at the salvation army, only because there were girls with us. (that was very bad, I admit it)
And Dirty0900, I've traveled through the UK on the train system DIRT cheap. Time to travel sucks the big one, but that's when you play your banjo, bongos or whatever with your open hat. J/K.