Vent: Giving up on shared dorms actually cut my accommodation costs.

Disagree based on my last trip through Asia. In Tokyo, a hostel bunk was $18 while the cheapest private guesthouse started at $50. Same in Bangkok, where the social hostels on Khao San Road were half the price of any solo room nearby. For me, saving that cash means more for food and tours. It just depends on whether you value privacy or budget more.