Whether you want to travel for a month or two years, it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. With a little creativity and outside-the-box thinking, you can see the world for free!
From free accommodations to discounted tours and home-cooked meals, here are 9 Easy Ways To Travel The World For Free.
1. Get a Job
You may think that working and traveling the world for free is not possible but it really can be. Work-away programs can help you find hostels, farms, or families that will host you in exchange for a small amount of work.
International nurses, au pairs, teachers, and engineers are in high demand in countries around the world. There are also opportunities to crew on yachts and cruise ships.
If you have a specific skill such as kayaking or hiking, you can offer your services to local tour companies. Many of them pay well.
2. Work on a Farm
The old adage “the best things in life are free” definitely applies to traveling. However, you may need to work for a few hours in exchange for your accommodation.
You can sign up to WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), which offers a network of farms that provide room and board in exchange for volunteers’ labor. This is a great way to get dirt under your fingernails and really see a country in-depth.
3. Travel Hacking
The concept of travel hacking is pretty simple: earn frequent flyer miles or rewards points through non-traditional ways and redeem them for free or nearly-free flights. This can be done through credit card churning, searching for airline sweet spots and generous routing rules, and more.
Keep in mind that some strategies come with risks. For instance, churning multiple credit cards can hurt your credit score and is risky for new travelers. Also, it’s important to pay off your balances each month to avoid interest and fees.
4. Join a Tour
It’s no secret that travel costs go down when you book as a group. Tours, taxis, hotels and flights all cost less when you have a bigger party in your van, tent or hostel bed.
Research the best destinations for your budget by checking out the exchange rate in advance. Also, keep an eye out for travel blogs or forums that highlight sales and loyalty promotion deals on flights, accommodation and tours.
5. House Sitting
House sitting has become a huge trend for people who want to travel the world while saving money on accommodation. Basically, you take care of someone else’s pet and their home in exchange for free lodging.
This is a great way to avoid the high cost of hostels while still being able to immerse yourself in local culture. Just be sure to find a homeowner who is a fit for your lifestyle.
6. Carpooling
The old adage that the best things in life are free is true when it comes to travel. From cute farmhouses in the Spanish mountains to jungle villas in Costa Rica, there are many ways you can travel the world for free.
Carpooling can be a great way to see the world for cheap. Instead of committing to an entire journey, many online carpooling marketplaces allow you to book your ride on an as-needed basis.
7. Take a Tour for Free
The world is full of wonders, and you don’t have to hop on a plane to see them all. Google Arts & Culture has partnered with museums and galleries to offer virtual tours for anyone interested.
Your social network may be a great resource for finding free travel opportunities, too. For example, you may have friends or colleagues who have family in Spain, New Zealand, or Brazil.
Getting paid to travel isn’t always easy, but it is possible. With the tips listed here, you can start exploring more without breaking the bank.
8. Sign up for a Credit Card
There’s nothing quite like experiencing a new culture, walking down streets lined with ancient buildings and trying exotic foods. However, the cost of flights, accommodation and travel insurance can make even the most dedicated travelers reconsider their dream trip.
But there are ways to travel for free or almost free. Here are some tips and companies to help you do just that. Traveling the world for little or no money may sound crazy, but it is possible.
9. Go Slow
Traveling slowly is a great way to enhance the quality of your trip and prevent travel burnout. Plus, it’s far cheaper than rushing around trying to tick off attractions!
Slow travel also allows you to barter for food and accommodation. If you have a skill that is universally appreciated, such as cooking or animal husbandry, this can be especially lucrative!
