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Do you dream of seeing the world but don’t have a fat travel fund to do it? Today, there are more opportunities than ever to travel the world on the cheap — or even for free.

My wife and I visit an average of 10 countries every year, all on her salary alone. No, she’s not an investment banker or neurosurgeon. She’s a school counselor with a salary comparable to a teacher.

Part of our travel strategy involves visiting inexpensive countries and looking for low-cost accommodations through Airbnb and local guesthouses. But the primary reasons we can afford to see the world are all the ways we’ve found to travel for free.

Travel Tips to See the World for Free

Some of these options offer free accommodations, others offer free transportation, and a few offer both. They all come with limitations and trade-offs, but for anyone looking to travel on a tiny budget, these travel tips are hard to beat.

One quick note: We’ll talk about maximizing credit card rewards in more detail below, but we do want to mention upfront that you should always use a rewards credit card to book travel and make purchases abroad. (Those you can’t avoid using these free travel strategies, that is.)

Our top travel rewards credit card pick is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . Its selling points include:

• An excellent sign-up bonus
• An annual $50 hotel credit against eligible hotel bookings through Chase Travel℠, making it one of the best hotel credit cards on the market
• 5x points on eligible Chase Travel℠ purchases after the $50 hotel credit is exhausted
• 3x points on eligible purchases, including restaurant dining, select streaming service purchases, and online grocery purchases
• 2x points on all other eligible travel purchases

And now for the most reliable strategies to save money while traveling the world.

1. Work Abroad in Expat-Friendly Industries

There are plenty of expat-friendly job options overseas, from international nurses and doctors to au pairs to educators to engineers.

Teaching abroad is how my wife and I can afford to do so much traveling. She works at an American school in Abu Dhabi. It provides us both with round-trip flights home every summer, free upscale housing that includes a gym, pool, and jacuzzi, and comprehensive health insurance. Oh, and there’s no income tax in the United Arab Emirates.

Living in Abu Dhabi has allowed us to travel all over the world. We flew nonstop to Bulgaria for $185 round-trip. We spent even less on nonstop round-trip flights to Cyprus. Every time we fly back to the United States, we make a stopover in Europe for a few days to enjoy gastronomy in Lyon, the Christmas markets in Munich, or the nightlife in Amsterdam.

There are thousands of international schools worldwide looking for qualified English-speaking employees, from IT specialists to administrators to teachers of all specialties. If you’re interested, check out international recruiting agency Search Associates .

Don’t have a teaching degree? You can still potentially teach English as a foreign language with a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certificate. But don’t expect the same benefits as credentialed teachers working at international schools.

Or keep it even simpler and research international positions for your existing skill set. You’d be surprised at the number of opportunities for Americans overseas.

2. Look for Work Exchanges

There are plenty of employers who provide free housing for short-term or even long-term stays in exchange for work. This arrangement is called a work exchange.

For example, if you’ve ever been intrigued by the idea of living and working on a farm, WWOOF is your chance to see the world while you do so. WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.

Farming is primarily seasonal work, and farmers need seasonal help. While they often have an abundance of space, housing, and food, many organic farmers don’t have an abundance of money. So in exchange for four to six hours’ help each day, they provide room and board. You’re on your own for the cost of transportation to get there, though.

You can go “WWOOF’ing” by yourself, as a couple, with friends, or even as a family with children. Select which country you’re interested in, and WWOOF will show you a list of host farms and connect you with the farmers.

And many hostels find themselves in a similar situation as organic farmers — with plenty of beds and rooms but short on labor. So they offer a free room (and sometimes free meals) in exchange for work. A few even pay a small stipend of spending money.

Check out HelpX , helpStay , and Workaway for thousands of opportunities worldwide to stay for free in exchange for your services.

3. House-Sit or Pet-Sit

Did you know there are entire websites dedicated to connecting house sitters with pet owners? Pet owners don’t want to leave their pets in kennels surrounded by unknown dogs and cats when they travel. They’d rather let them stay at home — a home which is just sitting vacant and unused.

House sitters can stay for free at these homes for the price of caring for the owners’ pets. While it’s a relatively easy job, it does mean you have to schedule your day around the pets’ needs. You can’t leave for a weekend excursion or go on 14-hour day trips. But for animal lovers, it can be an easy way to save money with free accommodations anywhere in the world, often in high-end homes.

And house-sitting isn’t limited to pet owners. Some homeowners sleep easier knowing someone is minding their home while they’re away, whether that means you care for their plants or are simply there to deter break-ins.

But these opportunities are the exception, not the rule, and most house-sitting gigs do involve caring for pets.

Try TrustedHousesitters as a starting point for free house-sitting gigs in many different countries.

4. Volunteer Long-Term With the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps offers incredibly rewarding opportunities to live for several years in a community that needs committed volunteers. While the Peace Corps is a large international organization, they do an excellent job of keeping their focus on the grassroots level. Volunteers go to the ends of the earth, living and working in the poorest communities on the planet.

The Peace Corps isn’t for everyone, though. It requires a 27-month commitment: three months of training, then two years in the field. You’ll also be leaving the comforts of Western democracy behind. You may or may not have mobile phone service, and you may not have air conditioning in hot climates.

You receive a living stipend, which is enough to cover housing (if they don’t provide you with a free place to stay), food, and basic spending in the community where you’re stationed. But when you come home to visit, don’t plan on fancy dinners out or hotels. Expect to crash with friends and family.

That said, you’ll have the opportunity to personally transform poor communities into livable, sustainable towns and villages. In many cases, you will literally save lives. If you’re truly driven to change the world and see some of it in the process, the Peace Corps may be a good fit for you.

5. Volunteer With Short-Term Volunteer Organizations

If your volunteer travel timeline is measured in weeks or months rather than years, try short-term volunteer placement services like Go Overseas or Idealist . They offer global opportunities for work ranging from teaching English to building infrastructure.

For a comfortable way to ease into international volunteering, try Diverbo . It hosts one-week English retreats in Spain and Germany to immerse non-Native English speakers in English-based activities. As a native speaker, you’re there to give them someone to practice with. It pays for hotel stays and meals. All you have to do is get there.

There are endless ways to volunteer abroad for free travel and rewarding experiences in a new culture. Spend an hour researching options online, and you can’t help but be inspired by the possibilities to give back while seeing the world.

6. Organize Your Own Volunteer Trip

You can also organize your own volunteer trip. With crowdfunding websites like GoFundMe , you can raise money from your friends, family members, and colleagues (and sometimes even strangers) to cover the costs of your volunteer trip. Perhaps they’ll even join you on your expedition.

But ensure your trip will genuinely change lives for needy people rather than serve as a cover story for you to persuade your friends to pay for your vacation.

I saw this happen just recently with a newly arrived couple at my wife’s school. They raised money from their friends back in the United States, inventing the name of an education-based “ministry” they claimed to be leading here in Abu Dhabi. It was an utter scam, as they have the same generous teaching package my wife does.

Whether they got away with it among their friends back home or not, they didn’t get away with it here. The link to their GoFundMe page made the rounds among the school faculty, and they’ve found few friends as a result.

So approach any crowdfunding attempts with complete sincerity and transparency.

7. Maximize Credit Card Rewards

If you have the right card, you can earn free plane tickets by putting purchases on your credit card. And many of the best travel rewards credit cards offer some enticing benefits. But that’s far from the only option for maximizing your rewards.

Many travel rewards cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card from American Express , offer free or discounted companion vouchers every year. You can score a free flight from your rewards points plus a cheap or free flight for your travel partner from the companion voucher.

Then there are sign-up bonuses . Some are positively generous, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card ‘s.

You can also maximize rewards by using your credit card every time you pay for flights. Some credit cards and partner airlines offer double or triple rewards — or higher — for booking flights.

There are loads of ways you can score free flights with rewards. Just don’t overspend in the name of saving money.

8. Capitalize on Loyalty Programs

Rewards don’t just come from credit cards. Airlines, hotel chains, and other travel businesses often offer loyalty points for frequent travelers.

If you always fly with the same airline, you can rack up frequent flyer miles. The same goes for hotels. These businesses sometimes offer brief promotions with killer deals to score points quickly and cheaply or accept fewer points than usual for flights or stays.

Travel forums and frugal travel blogs let you stay on top of current promotions. Some travel credit cards confer automatic loyalty status as well, which can be a major perk of membership and easily offset any annual fee if you travel often enough.

9. Swap Houses

You live in Seattle and want to visit Berlin. Someone in Berlin wants to visit Seattle. Why not swap houses with them for your trip? It’s a win-win. You get to stay for free in an authentic local home rather than a hotel, and your home doesn’t have to sit vacant and vulnerable to catastrophes like break-ins or flooding.

Granted, it’s not always that simple. Perhaps you want to visit Berlin in July, and the Berliner wants to visit Seattle in October. Perhaps you’re worried about the risk of having a stranger stay in your home.

The good news is reputable home-swapping websites provide a level of transparency, with peer reviews and identity verification to give members greater peace of mind. Some home-swapping websites also offer credit systems for indirect house-swapping. By offering your house to others, you accumulate points or credits, which you can redeem at your leisure at houses all over the world. Think of it like couch surfing for grown-ups.

A few reputable house-swapping websites to try are HomeExchange , Love Home Swap , and HomeLink . But even if you’re using one of these services, always do your homework before agreeing to your first swap.

10. Travel to ‘The Old Country’ for Free

Some countries offer discover-your-roots programs for descendants to come back and visit the home of their ancestors. In most cases, these programs are designed for young adults to come and stay with local host families.

Programs include:

• Birthright Israel
• Heritage Greece
• ReConnect Hungary
• Birthright Macedonia
• Birthright Armenia

Whatever your heritage, do some research on private or government-funded programs to streamline your visit back to “the old country,” stay for free while there, and potentially even cover your airfare.

While you’re at it, you can also look into citizenship programs for descendants. For example, Italy has a generous citizenship program through which descendants who can prove an Italian ancestor are generally eligible for dual U.S.-Italian citizenship.

A close friend of mine who was born in Boston was able to dig up proof that his great-great-grandfather was Italian, and he now has an Italian passport and the option of living in the European Union if he so wishes.

11. Drive Someone’s Car Cross-Country

During cross-country moves, people sometimes need help moving their cars. That’s where you come in. Some car owners will pay you to move their vehicles from Point A to Point B within a specified time frame. In some cases, they also cover your flight home. There’s no better way to get to know a country, especially your own country, than driving it.

In my 20s, I spent two years moving across the country every few months with my then-girlfriend, a travel nurse. I drove across the country a half-dozen times and developed a fondness for and truer sense of the U.S. than I ever felt from flying and visiting cities for a weekend.

After sitting alone in a car for six hours, when you stop at a roadside diner for lunch, you’re more likely to strike up a conversation with the locals. You can end up meeting fascinating people while eating local favorites.

And these road trip experiences don’t necessarily have to happen within the U.S. People on every continent need their cars moved. Start with Auto Driveaway for U.S. and Canada car transports — and a free road trip.

12. Crew a Yacht or Cruise Ship

Just because you don’t know a slipknot from a half-Windsor doesn’t mean you can’t crew a boat. Yachts and cruise ships need crew members of all skill sets, from cooking to security to communications. The ship provides room and board plus a chance to see the world while sailing the Seven Seas and beyond.

But expect the hours to be long and the wages to be low. One of my friends spent a year working on a cruise ship. She reports she averaged five hours’ sleep every night they were at sea. And even when you’re not technically on the clock, you can never truly relax. The possibility of an all-hands-on-deck emergency is always present, however remote.

If you long for the sea life but are wary of cruise ships, look into yacht jobs instead. Several websites help connect yacht employers with crew members, including CrewSeekers , Yacrew , and Find a Crew .

13. Sit Through a Timeshare Presentation

I’ve taken plenty of free vacations through timeshare presentations. But it’s playing with fire, and it can cost you far more in the long term if you end up buying.

Timeshare sellers have their pitch down to a precise science. They’re the best salespeople you’ll ever meet. Take my father’s advice and commit before going that you won’t buy, write it down on a piece of paper, and pull that paper out of your pocket to read it when you feel an overwhelming desire to buy.

Think about it. If it weren’t so profitable, how could they possibly give away a free vacation to everyone who attends?

At the event, the salespeople make the initial presentation and offer. A few people buy at the opening price. Then, you sit down one-on-one with an expert salesperson, who pitches you personally, probing for weaknesses and customizing their pitch directly to you. Then they drop the price — a lot.

After they probe and coax and tempt you some more, they drop the price again — and then again and again. By their final offer, the price is a tiny fraction of the opening price from the original presentation, which is hard to pass up.

If you understand and accept the risk, you can scope out some of these deals at TimesharePresentationDeals.com .

14. Take Advantage of Overbooked Flights

You’ve probably experienced this one. The airline employee opens the intercom and announces, “We’re slightly overbooked for today’s flight and are offering a free flight voucher up to $500 for any passengers willing to take our next flight at 7pm.”

It’s not always practical to take them up on it. Sometimes, you need to get home for a pressing reason, such as a big meeting the next morning. But sometimes, it only costs you a few hours at the airport, and you stand to save a lot.

Typically, if no one takes the airline up on these offers, they escalate. They may start at a $300 voucher, then $500, then $700, and keep going until the offer is so astounding people race to the counter to take it. If the first offer isn’t worth the inconvenience to you, but you do have some flexibility, move closer to the counter and keep your ears open. Be ready to jump on the deal if it escalates enough to be worth your trouble.

A little flexibility can go a long way.

15. Open a Bask Bank Account

Most rewards programs require you to spend money — counterproductive to saving.

But Bask Bank rewards you with American Airlines miles for saving money, rather than spending it. Every dollar you save earns you 1 mile with American Airlines, every single year. 

Best of all, Bank Bank doesn’t charge fees, so you get the rewards at no cost. Unlike credit cards, who fund their rewards programs with the interest paid by less savvy-cardholders who don’t pay their balances in full each month.

The less glossy the travel experience, the more memorable, rewarding, and authentic it feels. I can’t tell you anything about the Bahamas Wyndham I stayed in when I was 23 and trying to impress a girlfriend. But I can give you every detail of the $19-per-night guesthouse in Telavi, Georgia (the country, not the state), where the owner poured us homemade wine from her own vines.

Stay flexible and open-minded, and you can find ways to travel the world for free. Just remember there’s usually some trade-off to free travel, and you need to understand it completely before committing.

G. Brian Davis

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How to travel for free: the secret that no one tells you

Want to travel the world for free? I've been doing that for a long time. In this article, you'll get an in-depth view of what I do, how I do it, and how you can do it too!

Ayla Life in Lala's Land

Dec 19, 2023

Of course I have seen people all over Instagram and Facebook living these incredible lives, getting to see amazing places all over the world. I must confess I always thought this was fake or that they were all rich people. But since I came across the answers of how to travel for free (that no one told me) it completely transformed my life.

The purpose of this article is not to simply give you a list of the options you have to travel for free. You can find that on the internet anywhere.

I’m here to give you real life proof of how I already travel the world for free , since I’ve been travelling and living the nomadic life since July 2019. I'm crazily excited to share this, knowing just how much of an impact it can make to a person's life.

Some people get a little sceptical before they really get what I do , which I completely understand. If someone I didn’t know told me I could travel the world for free, I would probably think they were trying to scam me or something. But I didn’t have anyone tell me about it. I found it myself , and now I want to help others do the same.

I knew I wanted to travel and quit my job to do it . That would mean no money coming in - an exceptionally tight budget. So, I found a solution to the problem:  free food and accommodation !

In this article I’m going to walk you through how to do that. You can travel the world doing activities you love and get free accommodation - and even get paid to do it!

You might also like :  14 TOP cheapest countries to visit as a Worldpackers volunteer

Travelling for free: how it all started

One day I woke up and realised just how much I hated my daily life . I was working a ludicrous number of hours to get a great paycheck each week, but I was miserable. I decided that I had to take it into my own hands and create a life that I enjoyed living. And for me, that means new discoveries and environments.

In February of 2019 I handed in my resignation with 4 months’ notice. This was mainly for me to know I finally had a date I would be escaping the rat race. By July of that year, I was on a one-way flight to volunteer in India with a backpack and a suitcase with everything I owned in them.

When I said goodbye to all my friends and family, they knew that I had no intentions of ever returning to Australia or the life I was so eager to leave behind. 

I had no idea of what I was going to do, how I would be making money travelling or being able to survive, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that I had left behind a life that I didn’t want, in search of one that I loved.

It was then that I happened to stumble across the greatest life hack known to mankind – how to travel the world for free ! I have now been doing this and enjoying every moment of it.

I have the freedom to go anywhere I want in this world, and know that I am able to support myself. With a combination of these two life hacks that I will be speaking about here, I get almost all my food and accommodation paid for. 

I write for about two hours a day and I'm able to actually save a significant amount of money whilst I am travelling and experiencing the world.

How to travel for free: here's the secret

The number one best life hack that I have ever known is Worldpackers , hands down. 

Worldpackers is a platform that connects volunteers with certain skills or abilities to hosts who are looking for help in these areas. The method behind it is work exchange , where volunteers give their time helping out around the place in exchange for accommodation  and other benefits like meals, classes and tours.

It has provided me with numerous opportunities to travel through different countries on a tight budget, by not having to worry about accommodation and food. Not only that, but it has also given me an opportunity to build my name as an artist through both India and Sri Lanka .

As a girl who had a dream of travelling the world for free - with no idea of how to actually do it when I started - I am so lucky and grateful to have stumbled across Worldpackers!

Basically, you pay one fee of $49 USD which gives you access to all the hosts for a full year. To put that into perspective, $50 USD is likely A LOT less than you pay for one night of food and accommodation in most countries . And then you can spend 12 months with free accomodation and food wherever you want!

Seem’s crazy not to do it right? And what you give in exchange for the ability to travel for free, is often an experience you would be paying a hefty price for.  So really, it’s wins all around! You’re saving sooooo much money when you travel the world with Worldpackers.

Volunteer and travel for free

There are heaps of different options available when it comes to volunteer programs. So you’re sure to find something that calls to your heart. Some of them that I have chosen to work with are:

• Work in Schools
• Work on Eco projects
• Work with Hostel Administration 
• And primarily Art Projects

There are so many more options available , but these are the ones I have volunteered with so far. I typically look for art projects as I love painting. But other times I will apply for positions that pique my interest such as eco projects, because I am very much a save the world type of gal.

I have been very lucky to have had a range of volunteering experiences , mostly with painting. Mural painting is not something that I had ever even considered doing before.

I was so excited to do my first one and put my heart and soul into it, and surprisingly it was actually  not that bad. From there I was able to apply for more Worldpackers positions as an artist where I received free accommodation and all my meals for free.

This is a dream come true for someone who had been travelling for two months. I had no idea how to make any money and was just trying to spend as little as possible to stretch the money I did have as far as it could go. 

I’ve built great connections throughout communities doing this, and I’ve been asked to come back to a number of places, which is so heartwarming.

If you’re wondering how to travel for free, making an impact and giving more value to your contribution in this world , this is the secret. There are volunteer options that suit a range of different personality types and interests.

How to travel for free and also get paid

Although using Worldpackers covers almost all my expenses that I need to survive , there are still other things I need to pay for as I travel. Any flights, visas, sightseeing and going out with friends are costs that come out of my own pocket.

But someone I met at my first volunteer position provided me with a solution. I was only about two months into my travels at this point, when I explained to her my situation. She was blown away that I had no plan to balance working and travelling . In hindsight, it's a pretty crazy thing to do. Quit your job, pack your stuff and leave your own country without any means of income.

So, she introduced me to the world of  freelancing . This is something I had never heard about before then. She explained to me that there are many people that work remotely and get paid for it, which is what she does for a company she worked for back in Germany.

I told her that I wouldn’t be able to do it as I was absolutely terrible with technology and had no skills that would be of any value . She convinced me that I had everything I already needed: fluent English and a tablet I could write on.

She told me about some freelancing websites and I signed up to both Freelancer and Upwork . I then started applying for different positions but was not getting any luck. I had been trying for basic administration positions, which of course every other unskilled person was also applying for, so I was just getting lost in the masses.

Earlier in 2019 I had decided that I wanted to write a novel , which I am currently still working on, and this is something that I had shared with the girl who told me about freelancing. She saw me working on my novel all the time and motivated me to apply for some content writing positions . 

"The worst they could do is say no, and the best that can happen is you start getting paid to travel."

Eventually one company gave me a trial. Turns out they loved my writing style and offered me an ongoing position.

Becoming a digital nomad

The work I do could not be more perfect. It is incredibly flexible, I can ask for as much or as little work as I want, and it is something that I enjoy doing. 

I write content for businesses all over the world . Each piece might take me around 3 hours and will make me $50 USD. It’s not a lot, in fact, this job pays pretty terribly compared to the others I have now.

But depending on which part of the world I am, it pays for a LOT more than it would be back home. 

And I have such a different relationship with money than I did when working a ‘normal’ job. I am only interested in making enough money to cover my expenses from the previous month or to splurge on a vacation, such as a fancy resort somewhere.

Not only has securing a freelancing job been able to free me financially, it is such a different experience to be working on your own clock . Sometimes I might go a few days or a week without writing at all. Because I don’t have the need for money. But other times I might write for a full week and do nothing else. That is the beauty of freelancing.

Each week I decide how many projects I want, which generally is anywhere between two and 10. So that is a maximum of 30 hours a week if I really want to make some serious money, but I rarely have the need for that. So most times, I only work about 6 a week.

Combining this small amount of income with travelling the world for free with Worldpackers, I am able to save money while I’m travelling ! How crazy is that? I never would have thought that was possible.

An added benefit to freelancing is how much y ou learn about the potential of online work. I went from a non-tech savvy girl 15 months ago, to now having my own digital marketing agency . 

I do this by outsourcing all the work to the talented freelancers I’ve met along my journey . So whether you’ve got that business mind, or just want to work 5 hours a week to live as a digital nomad, it works for everyone.

Balancing freedom and motivation

When I was in Australia, I was a businesswoman. Always in a suit rushing around from meeting to meeting and under immense stress. Now I wouldn’t be recognisable to any of the people from my old position, or the clients that I worked with so closely. I am able to completely and freely express myself.

I now have blue hair and am starting to gather a collection of tattoos , and do you know what? It makes me so happy that I am able to live a life that is true to my own personality . Not to be living life restricted by the confines of society. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t have responsibilities.

I have the freedom to now travel where I want, dress (country-specific of course) and later my appearance as I please. And all I need to do is work about 5 hours a day to make that happen. So on average, I would spend 1 hour a day working and another 4 volunteering.

Although it can be tempting to run out with my friends as soon as the volunteering is done, I just give myself a reality check. It’s one hour. And if I schedule my time well, it makes little difference to my day, but a big difference to my life.

For me, I found setting out schedules works best for me. Mine looks something like this: yoga, breakfast, work, volunteer, lunch, write my novel, then free time. Sometimes I find myself creating stress out of nothing , but finding my balance with a schedule and yoga always helps me to keep motivated.

What in the world are you waiting for?

Yes, there is a legitimate way to travel the world for free and get paid, if that is the kind of life you want to live. I do it myself, and I’m just your average everyday person. Sometimes I realize how lucky I am to live this life, and then remember that luck had nothing to do with it . I found this out through research and took a leap of faith.

Seeing new countries and experiencing new cultures has been eye opening for me. And this is not something I would have been able to do for so long if I hadn’t stumbled across this life hack so early into my trip.

But luckily for everyone reading this, I have found them so that you don’t have to go searching . So now that you know how to travel for free, what are you waiting for? Go see the world! 

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Ayla Carlin

Life in Lala's Land

An Australian solo traveller who set out to find herself while discovering the world. My aim is to discover the untouched, make long lasting connections, and expand my mind through the new people I meet and places I discover. I want to inspire others through my experiences, showing just how important travel is for the soul, and how it can transform your life in the most positive ways.

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Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Oct 15, 2020

You're living the life, girl! As an author myself, that's pretty much a dream come true. Traveling and writing. Thank you for your words. I wish you all the success!

Oct 22, 2020

I wanna thanks you for your loyalty, and probably encourage you gave too all committee, thanks for who you are

Ayla (Author)

Nov 02, 2020

Thank you beautiful girl!! You also do the same??

Unfortunately, I don't. Right now, I just write in my home country. But I was published by a small publisher this year and I'm working on getting better to write on the road one day

Oct 19, 2020

Wow you're ao cool

Oct 20, 2020

Thank you beautiful people! Let's keep sharing our stories and welcoming more people to the traveling the world for free community!

Amazing text 🤍🤍 thanks for that

Oct 24, 2020

Good job👍👍💐💐

Feb 26, 2023

Amazing. Great job. Good Luck

Thank you ☺️

Oct 31, 2020

Thank you so much❤️

You are so welcome girl! ❤️❤️

Wooaaaaahhh 🤩🤩🤩🤩

Nov 06, 2020

Nov 08, 2020

It's great, I am cherishing the trip like you, currently I am looking for an online job to have money for the trip but I still haven't found it. Please guide and share your online work experience and your itinerary. Look forward to your guidance. My email: [email protected]

Nov 10, 2020

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Nov 11, 2020

Welcome Morocco

Nov 12, 2020

Super inspiring! :)

Nov 25, 2020

Hi Ayla, your story is very encouraging and motivational. I’m a newly certified Health and Life Coach, my dream is to work from anywhere, I got lost and confused, meanwhile I’m working part time as a professional organizer and decluttering, my dream is to travel so I decided enough of waiting to do it so I signed up here. But I’m interested in knowing more about your Marketing Biz, would like to talk to you about my business. Please could you reach out to me, [email protected] Thank You!!!

Nov 27, 2020

Well articulated

Dec 01, 2020

wow i like it thank you so much for sharing this

Dec 03, 2020

Thanks for your inspiring words, keep it up! :)

Cool with patient and courage

Wow, I really needed to hear this. I'd love to chat with you deeper since I have so many questions! How can I contact you? Do you have Instagram?

Dec 04, 2020

Hey Linda, I'd be happy to help 😊 My insta is lifein_lalasland

Sent you a message there!

Dec 08, 2020

Hi there, I admire your courage, wish i can do the same, but i'm in a different situation. I loved your article, it's inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

Dec 09, 2020

Wow! This was such a good read.

Dec 13, 2020

World are amazing & I love Nature 🙏🏞️🌄🌎🌏🗺️🥰

Dec 17, 2020

Hi there we had a small conversation in Bangkok while Brushing the truth i am so glad to meet you cheers Appreciate it

Dec 22, 2020

And you have written a beautiful blog here 😊

Very inspiring after reading what you have wrote. Yes, the money for buying a ticket is really concerning for me to step out from my comfort zone, and was thiking a lot should I make this work with travel the world with FREE. ❤

Dec 29, 2020

Wer are you from

Jan 04, 2021

Thank you dearly, you have helped me and beyond, I have connections and so do they. Keep sprinkling more kindness, also free lol.

Jan 13, 2021

Thank you so much for all what you've shared am impressed good luck to you bye

Jan 17, 2021

I am very much inspired by your story, I have a account in freelance and upwork. But in freelance they ask me to pay security deposit first is it safe to do so .

Jan 18, 2021

Hi I want to travel world for free

Jan 19, 2021

click bait title and too long text which is a lot of filler text. could be shorter and to the point.

Feb 02, 2021

l am active now in France heading to Spain

Mar 26, 2021

Is this possible with two children?

May 16, 2021

مرحبا انا عندى سؤال هل انا بدفع مصاريف السفر صح ام لا وهل ينفع ان اعمل واخد مال ام لا

May 31, 2021

Such a priceless story that you can even describe with words🙏 I absolutely believe that hapiness can change this World. And when everyone starts to SHARE yourself for others - we will make a planet smile and blossom❤👋

P.s. Thank you for that motivation. I will try to spread around the love which I found here

Jul 23, 2021

Oct 09, 2021

great writing. I hope i can join this life soon enough

Hi Pretty I hope you are doing in good health, I am Asif fresh graduate from United Arab Emirates Dubai. i am interests travel to European countries. i am applying many volunteers position. If you are free then guide me which European countries best cheap for foreigner students. Respectfully thanks for your precious time.

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10 Ways to Travel the World For Free in 2023

Sustainable travel expert, adventure seeker

Chicago, IL, USA

5-star resorts, private shuttles, and business class have conditioned us to think that travel is always going to break the bank. Of course there’s space for budget-minded travelers, but have you ever pondered how to kick it up a notch and really save money — perhaps by spending hardly any? With some creative spirit, there are plenty of ways to travel the world for (nearly) free.

Most of these are for the adventurous soul, so prepare to exit your comfort zone and enter that money-saving mode. From sleeping in airports to crashing on random couches, there’s no shortage of ways to cut costs. Try one of these 10 ways to make it work:

See the world for free by joining a work exchange platform

Can you pick fruit all day? Clean a questionably nasty bathroom? Wash piles of dishes? If the answer is yes and you’re willing to do it, you can find an opportunity for these types of jobs (and a handful more) by joining a work exchange platform. Participating travelers provide their labor in exchange for a free place to stay, with occasional bonuses like food or drinks, depending on your setup. With opportunities all over the world, this is one of the most common methods to get a free place to stay on the road.

How: Some of the more popular platforms include Workaway and Worldpackers .

Work in a hostel, earn free accommodation

For those who gravitate towards the backpacker lifestyle, working in a hostel gives you a cost-free place to hang your hat, cultivate a community, and have fun while doing it. Many hostel jobs are posted on the aforementioned work exchange platforms, but cold emailing is another useful tactic. Most hostels will ask for several days per week of work in exchange for a free dorm bed — and don’t be surprised when you receive free drinks, either. It almost makes up for the moldy shower that you now call yours.

How: Check out Hostel Jobs to find your new home.

Hack your hotel budget by becoming a house sitter

Enter house sitting: a far more comfortable way to be a total cheapskate. Studies have shown significantly lower volumes of snoring bunkmates and moldy showers by taking this avenue. It’s a bit more competitive — but not impossible. General duties include making sure that no one breaks in, occasional care for pets, garden tending, and any other upkeep that requires a traveler’s touch.

How: Aspiring house sitters can check out House Carers and Mind My House . Word of mouth is fairly popular with this option, but the magic of the Internet can pull through too. Either way, references are a big help. And, if you have a home of your own, check out HomeExchange : a unique, mutually beneficial way to share your home in exchange for a stay in someone else’s.

Save cash for future travel by Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a global network of travelers and gracious hosts opening their homes (and often hearts) at zero cost. That’s right—it’s 100% free, and often an awesome social experience.

How: For social butterflies who embrace unpredictability, Couchsurfing is a one-of-a-kind way to make connections across cultures and stay for free all over the world.

Score a free stay while WWOOFing

No, it doesn’t have to do with dogs (sorry). World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a database filled with international organic farms that offer once-in-a-lifetime volunteer opportunities for those who wish to explore their green thumb. You can earn a free stay and learn about local life, all while contributing to sustainable practices.

How: Visit wwoof.net to register and find farms in your destination of choice. Membership costs a small fee, but it pays for itself, especially if you plan to travel long term.

Make bank by teaching english abroad

Teaching English abroad can take many forms: TEFL certified teaching positions, online teaching, or a less formal arrangement. The good news is: this option can actually be quite profitable, especially if you’re living somewhere in Southeast Asia where the cost of living is dramatically low.

How: Paid jobs usually require TEFL certification , which can be achieved through a variety of in-person or online classes. The uncertified can still volunteer their knowledge of the English language by participating in a volunteer program in exchange for room and board. Diverbo and Culture Go Go are online resources to jumpstart your experience.

Earn free travel opportunities by living on a boat

Have you ever said screw land and lived on a boat? If you haven’t, it’s time to consider it. Cruise lines and yacht companies are always looking for crewmembers, especially during the high seasons for tourism. Whether you have experience in hospitality, cleaning, kitchens, or entertainment, the available positions vary greatly.

How: Carnival and Royal Caribbean are the biggest companies, offering seasonal positions and year round options. For yacht opportunities, try out Crew Seekers .

Cut transport costs with ride shares

While there’s no guarantee of safety for this one, there are several countries in the world where hitchhiking is both acceptable and common. HitchWiki breaks it down by country, so you can be the judge of your own chances. Proven fact: hitchhiking builds character, so stick out your thumb and hope for the best.

How: If you prefer a tad bit more of an organized process, try out an arranged rideshare. These long-distance carpool services can be incredibly cheap, despite the lengths traveled. Blablacar is worldwide, and Ridesharing.com is popular in the U.S. and Canada. And hey, it’s good for the environment too!

Travel the world for free by becoming an au pair

Think babysitting, but instead of your childhood suburb, it’s a beautiful coastal town in the south of France. Au pairs are in high demand in several countries, and it’s a formidable way to learn about a different culture, and also live for free. There are both English and non-English speaking opportunities, but knowing a foreign language opens up more doors. France, England, and Australia are three of the more popular destinations for au pairs, but the opportunities are worldwide.

How: Visit AuPairWorld or AuPair.com to connect with families around the globe.

Save money on travel by signing up for airfare alerts

Okay, okay, it’s not completely free, but it can still save tons of money when you play the cards right. There are a few budget airlines worth keeping an eye on. Sales and promotions are common, and if you can hop online when they go live, there’s a great chance at scoring a major deal.

How: A few to keep in mind are Ryan Air , Air Asia , Jetstar , and Virgin Australia . In addition to the airlines themselves, fare finders like Scott’s Cheap Flights can send you alerts based on the latest and greatest deals. There’s no guarantee for legroom, but who needs it anyway? You’ll be on the beach in a few hours.

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How to Travel Cheap: 16 Ways to Travel for Cheap or Free

Whenever I ask readers what the number one thing holding them back from traveling is, I almost always get the same answer: Money.

This is something I hear from everyone I talk to: “Matt, I simply don’t have enough money to travel.”

This problem — and how to overcome it — is my most asked question. Over the past 14 years , I have answered this question in a plethora of posts, emails, tweets, and Facebook posts. Long-term readers might even be getting sick of me discussing this subject because it is one I talk about so much. 

But I know no matter how often I address this question, it will come up again.

Since this question comes up so often, I like to constantly remind people of this fact: You do not need to be rich to travel.

Let’s repeat that: You do not need to be rich to travel.

There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget (and for free) — you just need to be willing to get creative.

Traveling the world with no little or no money sounds like an impossible dream. But it is possible. It’s not glamorous, but it’s possible.

It should be said that there are some expenses you shouldn’t compromise on (like travel insurance ) but there are tons of ways you can travel the world on a budget — including plenty of ways you can actually travel for free.

In this post, I’m going to show you two things:

• How to travel cheap
• How to travel for free

Learning how to travel cheap is all about taking advantage of helpful apps and websites that save you money, finding ways to lower your expenses, and even making money as you travel. It’s about finding value and lowering your expenses while still being able to afford to do what you want.

Learning how to travel for free entails taking advantage of free accommodation, transportation, and activities that are already out there, thereby reducing your cost to zero. You can also use points and miles to earn free flights and accommodation . Here, you sacrifice comfort and convenience to extend your travels as long as possible.

With the right budget and the right mindset, you can make your travel dreams a reality. Even if you don’t earn a lot or you have debt, there are still plenty of ways to go overseas (I still had debt when I went on my first trip around the world). They may not be fancy or luxurious, but if travel is your priority then you can definitely make it happen!

Ready to kick-start your budget travels and save money? Just click on either of the links below to jump directly to that section!

Table of Contents

1. Get a Job Overseas

2. teach english overseas, 3. do wwoofing and work on a farm, 4. use the sharing economy, 5. cook your own meals, 6. get rail passes, 7. sleep in large dorms, 8. use student and other discount cards, 9. get city tourist cards, 10. capitalize on your skills, 11. get free flights, 12. stay for free, 13. hitchhike, 14. take free walking tours, 15. house sitting & pet sitting, 16. use your social network.

Not making enough money at your job? Or, even worse, are you working a job you hate? Why not get a job overseas? There are plenty of opportunities in the world as long as you aren’t picky. After all, this isn’t a career you are starting — it’s just a way to earn money for travel.

Here are some popular (and easy to find) jobs you can get when you travel:

• Au pair – An au pair is a live-in caregiver who helps a host family by looking after their children and doing some basic housekeeping. In exchange, you get free room and board and a small salary. This is a great route if you’re looking to learn a new language or immerse yourself in a new culture. You can read this post for more info on being an au pair .
• Bartender – It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, so if you have the skills then this is an easy job to move overseas. It’s also an easy job to get under the table if you decide to go that route. If you don’t have the skills to tend bar, consider being a dishwasher or busser.
• Hostel worker – Hostel workers rarely stick around for long, which means there is always a demand for new help. It’s a great way to meet other travelers while adjusting to a new location. You can usually also start off as a volunteer (in exchange for a free room) to avoid visa complications. Three websites that can help you find hostels to volunteer at are Worldpackers , Workaway , and HelpX .
• Waitress/waiter – There are tons of seasonal restaurants around the world (and around the US) that need extra help during the busy tourist months. If you have experience, this is an easy job to find abroad.
• Dive instructor – If you have your certification , this is an easy job to travel with as dive instructors are needed everywhere. Best of all, these jobs are usually in picturesque tropical locations !
• Tour guide – If you’ve got a knack for history and don’t mind speaking in front of groups, this is the perfect job for you. It’s also usually a cash job, which means you get your tips directly.
• Cruise ship worker – This is a much more formal position than the ones above, but it’s a great way to travel. The hours are long, but there’s something to be said about living at sea!
• Casino worker – While this might require some training, if you’re a night owl and don’t mind the casino scene this is a fun job to work abroad.
• Seasonal worker at ski resorts – Instructors, restaurant staff, hotel staff, lifeguards — ski resorts need all sorts of staff to keep things moving, making this a goldmine for the overseas traveler (as long as you don’t mind the snow!).
• Yacht worker – While the hours can be long, you can make great money working for the rich and famous on their yachts. Best of all, you’re usually in some pretty amazing destinations!
• Yoga instructor – If you have the skills (and certification), teaching yoga abroad is an easy way to make some spending money. While you might need to know the language, there are yoga studios in pretty much every city in the world.

Working overseas often gets discounted as an option because it seems hard to do. It’s not. Just be open. These jobs don’t require advanced degrees or a lot of work experience either.

Are you going to get a high-paying office job? No.

Will you get a shitty, low-wage job that will pay all your travel bills? Yep!

I’ve met people from all walks of life, both from Western and non-Western countries, funding their travels this way. It’s an easy, fun way to lengthen your travels, deepen your experience, and make a little money so you can keep on traveling.

READ MORE ABOUT WORKING OVERSEAS: 15 Ways to Find a Job and Work Overseas  

All you need is the ability to speak English fluently and a TEFL degree , depending on the country you work in. The world is yearning for teachers, and this is a job in high demand; many companies in Asia will even pay for your flight over as well as cover your rent while you’re there.

If you have a college or university degree you’ll be able to make more money and apply for better positions though it’s not necessary for many countries.

Additionally, there are many websites and services out there that allow you to teach virtually. As long as you have a great Wi-Fi connection, you can help people learn English from anywhere in the world!

Some places you can teach online are:

READ MORE ABOUT TEACHING OVERSEAS:

• The Best TEFL Courses for Teaching English Abroad
• The 9 Best Places to Teach English Overseas

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms . It’s a platform that allows you to work on a farm in exchange for free room and board. It’s a great way to see a destination in-depth while allowing you to commune with the great outdoors. You have to pay to get to the farm, but once you are there, everything else is covered! It definitely will help you travel cheap as well as have a unique experience and meet lots of cool people.

WWOOF has opportunities available in 130 countries around the world, with over 12,000 hosts and 100,000 WWOOFers. Some of the most popular destinations for WWOOFers are Portugal, France, Italy, Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

READ MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING :

• How to Travel and Work Around the World with WWOOF
• How to Ethically Volunteer Anywhere in the World

These websites have changed the travel game and made travel more accessible for everyone.

Here are some of my favorite websites:

• BlaBlaCar – A ride-sharing app that connects you with drivers who have extra seats in their car (primarily for medium and long distances, and mainly in Europe).
• EatWith – Platform that connects you with local cooks serving private meals.
• RVShare – Lets you rent RVs and camper vans directly from locals.
• Turo – A car sharing marketplace that lets you rent vehicles from locals.
• Campspace – This platform lets you camp on private property. Properties range from basic tent plots to luxurious glamping and RV stays.
• Trusted Housesitters – Connects you with locals with whom you exchange pet and house sitting services for free accommodation.

READ MORE ABOUT THE SHARING ECONOMY:

• How to Use the Sharing Economy to Travel on a Budget
• How to Find the perfect Apartment on Sites Like Airbnb

The best way to save money on the road is to cook all your own meals. While in Stockholm , I spent $60 USD for a week’s worth of groceries instead of an average of $15 USD per meal eating out! That’s a savings of $150 USD!

I’ve done the same thing in dozens of countries all around the world — especially in expensive destinations like Iceland where eating out can really destroy your budget.

If you are staying in hostels , book accommodation that has a kitchen so you have space to cook. If you’re Couchsurfing or using Airbnb,your host will probably have a kitchen.

No kitchen? Pack your own container and cutlery and make some sandwiches and salads on the go. Not every meal requires a stove, right?

Just because you are traveling doesn’t mean you need to eat out every meal. You won’t ruin your trip to Paris if you decide not to eat out one day! There’s simply no reason to be spending lots of money on food on your trip!

READ MORE ABOUT SAVING MONEY ON FOOD WHEN YOU TRAVEL:

• How to Eat Cheap Around the World
• How to Eat Around the World on a Vegan Diet

If you are booking individual trips, booking ahead of time can usually save you about 50% of the cost of a train ticket. However, that fixes you to a set timeline. If you don’t want to be tied into a fixed schedule, rail passes can save you a lot of money while giving you the flexibility you need. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars in Europe doing this!

READ MORE ABOUT RAIL PASSES:

• Is The Eurail Pass Right For You?
• A Complete Guide To The Eurail Global Pass
• The Ultimate Guide To Saving Money With Eurail Passes

Large hostel dorm rooms are the cheapest paid accommodation out there. If Couchsurfing isn’t your thing, this is your next best way to save money on a place to sleep. The bigger the dorm, the cheaper it will be. While a 4-6 bed dorm might give you more privacy, a 12-18 bed dorm is going to be a bit cheaper. In the long run, this will add up. As long as you’ve got earplugs and a sleeping mask, opt for the bigger dorm to keep your budget intact!

If you’re a light sleeper, make sure you read the reviews before you book to ensure you don’t choose a party hostel. In larger cities, you can usually find a hostel that is quieter than the others. It might not be as social or as centrally located, but you’ll at least be able to get a good sleep.

In a large dorm, you’re almost guaranteed to have some snorers. If earplugs don’t quite do the trick, download an app like Rain Rain , which plays rain sounds on a loop. You can set a timer so they stop playing after an hour or two, helping you ignore the noises of the dorm while you try to fall asleep. Spotify also has all kinds of rain and whitenoise playlists too.

For discounts on hostels in Europe, check out HostelPass . This card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and am glad it finally exists! (Use code NOMADICMATT for 25% off your membership.)

READ MORE ABOUT HOSTELS:

• Why I Still Stay in Hostels When I Travel
• 11 Expert Tips on Picking a Good Hostel
• 6 Ways to Avoid a Bad Hostel

Are you a student, teacher, or under 26? Welcome to the world of 50%-off attractions and a plethora of discounts! Get a student/teacher/youth card and save big while you’re abroad. Even if you’ve recently graduated, chances are you can still get by with your expired ID card (as long as it doesn’t have an expiry date). Always ask if there are discounts available for students or youth as this is an easy way to save tons of cash as you travel around!

Museums, galleries, and other major tourist attractions usually have discounts (especially in Europe ). It never hurts to ask! (There are also often discounts for senior travelers and veterans as well, so always ask!)  

If you plan on seeing a lot of sights in a city, you should get a city tourism card. These will offer you discounted and/or free access to the major attractions and museums, as well as free public transportation. I saved over $100 USD with the London pass, $80 USD with the Paris Museum card, $50 USD with a Helsinki card, and tons more with other city tourism cards.

They are an amazing way to save money on attractions that not enough people use. Just head to the local tourism office to find out what cards are available. They can help answer all your questions and make sure you save as much money as possible. Not every city has them, but most major destinations do and you’ll save a lot of money if you plan on seeing the major sights.  

Need some cash? Use Craigslist (operates in 70 countries), TaskRabbit (mainly in the US and Canada, though also in Italy and Spain), or Gumtree (UK-based) to find paid odd jobs, like assisting people who need a few things done around the house. It’s a way to make money when you travel without committing to a long-term job.

Additionally, if you have a skill, sell it. Offer haircuts to other travelers, busk for money, provide online services like editing, graphic design, or consulting. It’s never been easier to work online. As long as you have Wi-Fi you can make money. The sky is the limit here — get creative!  

These days, there are tons of ways to earn free flights. Simply sign up for a few travel credit cards , collect miles, and then fly for free.

Most cards offer sign-up bonuses of 50,000 points (or more) — which is often enough for a free round-trip flight right there. And if you sign up for both an airline card (e.g., a United credit card) and a general rewards card like the Chase Sapphire, you can combine the two point balances and get a cheap flight faster.

You can go a lot further in the world when you take away the cost of flights and some accommodation. By collecting points and miles through credit card bonuses, smart everyday spending, online surveys, bonuses, and other methods, you’ll accrue a ton of miles even before you’ve left for your trip. There’s even a card now — the Bilt rewards card – that lets you earn points on your rent!

Collecting points and miles isn’t only for Americans either (though US residents have the best options). Canadians can collect points too, as can folks from Australia and New Zealand and the UK .

Europeans also have several options as well, including all kinds of airline cards such as Norwegian Air, SAS, Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, and more.

READ MORE ABOUT POINTS & MILES:

• Points & Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Points & Miles
• How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Each Year
• The Best Travel Credit Cards

There are many services that connect travelers with locals who are willing to let them stay with them for free. Using these sites, you will never have to pay for accommodation. Years ago I read about a guy who traveled for years while only Couchsurfing.

I’ve used this service dozens of times over the years and always meet amazing people. Sometimes you get a room, sometimes a couch, sometimes an air mattress, but it’s always free.

Ideally, you’ll want to repay your host’s kindness by cooking them a meal, bringing them a souvenir from home, or taking them out for a drink. But that will still be much cheaper than paying for accommodation!

There are also local Couchsurfing group meet-ups that can help you make friends in your new city. You can even use the app just to meet people without having to stay with them. It’s a great way to connect with local insiders — whether you want a free place to stay or not.

Moreover, because of the rise of the sharing economy in the last few years, there are now websites that let you not only stay with locals but share rides, meals, train tickets, gear, and much more! These websites not only save you a TON of money but also get you off the tourist track and into the local life. Win-win! Here is a list of websites to use for free accommodation:

• Couchsurfing
• Warmshowers

READ MORE ABOUT FINDING CHEAP OR FREE ACCCOMMODATION:

• How to Find Cheap Accommodation
• How to Start House Sitting and Never Pay for Accommodation
• How to Crush it on Couchsurfing

I’ve hitchhiked in more than a handful of countries (and I know solo female travelers who have done the same!). Sure, it has a bad reputation in North America, but with some common sense and a bit of patience, you can hitchhike almost anywhere — saving you tons of money in the process!

Here are a few basic tips to help you get started:

• Use a sign – Make a clear sign that lets people know where you’re heading. That will help drivers decide if they can help.
• Look presentable – Wear clean clothing, smile, and don’t obscure your face with something like sunglasses. People want to see who they are picking up.
• Check the laws – Hitchhiking is illegal in some places. Always check the laws to make sure it’s ok to do where you are.
• Take precautions – Note the license plate of anyone who picks you up and text it to a friend. Chances are you won’t need it but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
• Keep your valuables on you – Don’t leave any valuables in your bag if it goes in the trunk in case it gets left in the car (or stolen).
• Consult Hitchwiki – Hitchwiki is the #1 hitchhiking resource there is. Always consult it before you hitchhike to pick up tips and ensure you’re hitchhiking in a safe place.

READ MORE ABOUT HITCHHIKING:

• 14 Ways to Safely Hitchhike Across the United States
• What I Learned Hitchhiking Around China
• A Lesson in Kindness While Hitchhiking through Iceland

Want to learn about the city, get your bearings, and see the major sights? Take a free walking tour. You can find them in most major cities — just ask the local tourist office, your hostel staff, or Google “free walking tour (city name).”

You’ll get a solid introduction to the city while also getting access to a local guide you can ask questions to. I always start my visits to a new city with one. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end (that’s how they get paid).

READ MORE ABOUT TAKING FREE WALKING TOURS:

• The Best Walking Tours of NYC
• The Best Walking Tour Companies in London
• 8 Ways to Choose the Perfect Tour Company
• The Best Walking Tours in Paris
• The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam
• A Self-Guided Tour of Colonial New York

You can sign up for one of the sites below to start house sitting, allowing you to stay in one destination for a while without having to pay for accommodation. Everyone’s account is verified and has reviews so you know you won’t get cheated.

This is a great way to travel long-term, with an important added bonus: you get a kitchen to cook your food (which saves you even more money!).

You will also often get access to a vehicle and sometimes will be left a tip or free groceries. It’s generally people who are well enough off that they can afford multi-month vacations, so you’re usually in pretty nice homes and apartments too!

Here are the best house-sitting websites to check out:

• Trusted Housesitters

READ MORE ABOUT HOUSE SITTING:

• How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation
• How to Start House Sitting

Does your colleague have a relative in Spain? Or maybe you have a distant cousin who lives in New Zealand. Or maybe a childhood friend of yours is working down in Brazil.

These days, we have a vast social network of friends and family that stretches across the globe. Don’t hesitate to use that! Ask your co-workers and friends if they know anyone where you’re going. Get your mom to ask her co-workers and friends, too.

Using your social network can be hugely helpful in traveling the world . You never know who knows who!

By implementing a variety of these tips, you’ll be able to travel for relatively little money. With a little planning and some creativity, you can travel the world for cheap.

Because if I can do it, you can do it too!

Whether it’s two months, two years, or just a two-week vacation, travel doesn’t need to cost a ton. The key is to get out of the mindset that you must travel in the typical manner of simply booking a flight and a hotel. Using out-of-the-box, nontraditional ways to travel can lead to big savings.

But it all starts with a change in mindset. From there, with some patience and practice, you’ll be able to make your travel dreams a reality — without breaking the bank!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Best Websites to Help You Travel for Free

Want to travel the world for free? Check out these online resources to get you started.

Traveling around the world is something many of us dream of. One of the biggest barriers to worldwide travel, however, is budget. Many of us believe that a life chasing wanderlust can only be achieved with high earnings, or by saving money for a long time.

Jetting around the world is actually more accessible and cheaper than you might think. Read on to find out how you can travel the world for free by using these websites.

Look After Other People's Homes and Pets

Accommodation can be a huge cost to consider when making international travel plans. Perhaps you’ve bought a plane ticket can't find affordable accommodation at your destination. The solution? Sign up for a housesitting service.

Housesitting is a great way to explore new areas rent-free, and many homes have a furry resident to keep you company—perfect if you're a solo traveler. There are hundreds of pet and homeowners around the world who are looking for people to look after their belongings and animals whilst they themselves travel.

Getting started with housesitting is straightforward. Most websites require you to set up an account, fill out a personal profile, and then undertake a few security checks to verify you as a reliable and trusted house sitter. Don’t forget to fill your profile with plenty of info about yourself, including adding some friendly selfies to increase your chance of securing a sit.

It’s worthwhile looking for certified sites, as you’ll be covered by insurance (both pet and home). Plus all household members have to undertake security checks, so you can be assured that you will be staying somewhere safe.

Here are three certified house and pet sitting websites.

TrustedHousesitters

If you love pets, TrustedHousesitters is a great place to start. Sits are available in England, Australia, South America, Asia, and more, with accommodation ranging from houses and apartments, to city or farm sits. Expect to look after all sorts of pets, from cats, dogs, and birds, to tortoises, chickens, and horses.

To become a certified member on TrustedHousesitters, you will need to provide a full profile and undertake some security checks. Couples are also welcome to sign up together under one profile, which is ideal if you're traveling with a friend or partner.

There is a registration fee, but for the money you save on accommodation, electricity, and Wi-Fi, it's a small price to pay.

House Sitters America

If you're keen to discover more of the States, then House Sitters America is the perfect site for you. Hosted exclusively for house sits in the US, sitters can choose to look after homes with or without pets.

There is a joining fee for sitters, but unlike TrustedHousesitters, some homeowners offer to pay their sitters for their services. This means that you have the potential to earn back your registration fee reasonably quickly.

Having a criminal record check and good references will also help your profile stand out amongst the competition of other sitters.

MindMyHouse

Global house sitting service, MindMyHouse, offers sits in Canada, the US, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, South Africa, and more.

Established in 2005, MindMyHouse is a great place for newbie sitters, thanks to its robust online community. It provides encouraging testimonials, helpful advice, as well as blogs and FAQs to answer any questions or concerns of new house sitters.

MindMyHouse claims the "lowest annual fee" on the internet (just $20 per year) and doesn't automatically renew. With a simple sign-up and easy-to-assemble profile, it's a great platform to use to save money on travel.

Related:  Apps for Finding Cheap or Free Places to Stay While Traveling

Work and Live Abroad as a Seasonnaire

Despite the association of university gap years and seasonal work, there isn't an age limit on becoming a seasonnaire. You can find a wide choice of paid roles that are suitable for all ages, skill sets, and experiences, with many perks and freebies included.

Not only do you have the opportunity to live like a local for free, but many employers will also pay for your flights, accommodation, and sometimes meals as part of the employee package.

For example, winter seasonnaires living in a ski resort may receive employee benefit packages which include ski lift passes and ski rental, whilst summer employees can enjoy free excursions, such as boat rides and land tours.

Seasonal work is traditionally split into summer and winter opportunities—although there are positions that span across multiple seasons—where you can find yourself living in a new country for five to six months at a time. You might find yourself taking on the role of a resort representative, kids' club activity leader, or even a tour guide.

There are several online job boards for seasonnaires, including the following.

Season Workers

Season Worker is an easy-to-use bulletin board website. Not only can you find summer and winter seasonal work on Season Workers, but there are also opportunities to undertake courses (e.g. ski instructor or cookery courses), find airline work, and even jobs teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL).

Go Abroad has been helping students travel the world since 1997. You can choose to study, teach, intern, or volunteer abroad, as well as just undertake a worldwide adventure. It offers opportunities for travel around the world, so you aren't limited by location.

Anywork Anywhere

Based in the Netherlands, the international recruitment website Anywork Anywhere offers a huge list of jobs around the world to suit all tastes and experiences. You can find a range of jobs from Au Pair and Activity Instructor positions, to fruit picking, farm, and customer service roles.

With thousands of opportunities worldwide, you're bound to meet like-minded travelers wherever you go.

Related: How to Teach English Online and Work From Anywhere in The World

Volunteer Abroad for Amazing Life Experiences

Volunteering abroad is a way to travel the world whilst getting involved in huge projects, such as helping local communities and tackling poverty. Like seasonal work, you'll meet like-minded people when you volunteer abroad.

Here are some brilliant websites that let you make a difference while traveling.

Volunteer Forever

Volunteer Forever is a comprehensive resource for finding and funding volunteer, internship, and "teach abroad" experiences. Packed with expert information, scholarship advice, and shared experiences, it's a great website to get started as a volunteer.

International Volunteer HQ

If you want to enjoy life-enriching travel experiences that also have a positive impact on a community, check out International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ). You can plan your trip based on the causes you want to help (for example, childcare, conservation, women's empowerment, or community development), or pick a country and see what projects you want to be a part of.

The stressful stuff, like securing plane tickets and booking a hotel, is taken care of by IVHQ. This way, you can fully enjoy the travel and volunteer experience.

International Citizen Service

Funded by the Department for International Development, the International Citizen Service (ICS) is ideal for candidates looking to volunteer for charity services whilst on a budget.

Volunteer placements are available for 18 to 25 year-olds, and anyone age 23 to 35 can sign up for projects as a team leader. Participants are encouraged to raise money before travel, but financial support is given by the ICS staff.

Get Ready to Travel for Less

There are plenty of opportunities and resources online to help you travel for free or on a budget. It's also always worth checking out the World Health Organization 's website ahead of travel to clue up on rules and safety advice of the country or region you're planning on traveling to.

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13 ways to travel for free in the U.S.

Some serious, not-so-secret ways to vacation for free

The best things in life are, oftentimes, free, and travel is no exception. And who wouldn't want a free vacation? Especially when it costs 15 percent more to travel now than it did four years ago, according to NerdWallet's Travel Inflation Report . At a time when it seems nearly everything costs more, there are many legit, non-scammy ways to travel for free in the U.S.

Get up and go—gratis —by getting creative, participating in the sharing economy and doing activities you already love. From pet sitting to couchsurfing to volunteering, here's how you can take the vacation of your dreams without spending a dollar.

RECOMMENDED: The best cheap family vacations in the U.S.

An email you’ll actually love

Ways to travel for free in the U.S.

1.  Offer to move someone's car

Turn miles into money and a free road trip by transporting automobiles of all makes, models, and sizes across the U.S. Driving for a vehicle relocation company like Auto Driveaway or Transfercar is an easy way to help companies move their vehicles cross country. For Auto Driveaway, applicants must be 23 to 75 years old and have a driver's license and a clean driving record. For Transfercar, drivers help rental car companies relocate their cars and RVs and must be 18 years old (21 years old in some states) and have a valid driver's license in the U.S. and Canada.

2.  Go on a heritage trip

Depending on your heritage, you may be able to take a free or heavily subsidized government or nonprofit-run "birthright" trip. Subsidized programs where participants pay a modest fee include Birthright Armenia , a homestay and volunteerism program from nine weeks to one year that includes accommodation and some travel reimbursement, the 14-day Domovina Birthright Program to Croatia for adults of Croatian descent 18 to 30 years old, Birthright Macedonia , which offers a three-week homestay and internship program, ReConnect Hungary , which offers several birthright and volunteer programs, and Taiwan Study Tour , also known as the "Love Boat" for the many romances that come from it, which is a three-week summer study tour for overseas Chinese.

Birthright programs that offer free trips include Birthright AFRICA , which offers a 10-day trip to Africa to U.S. citizens 13 to 30 years old of Black/African descent, and Birthright Israel , which offers a 10-day trip to Israel to eligible Jewish adults 18 to 26 years old.

3.  Be a leader

Help the next generation of travelers by serving as a trip leader, resident advisor (RA), or support staff on travel study programs, pre-college programs, or summer camps. From planning activities to conflict resolution to mentoring students and campers, explore new places while working with and inspiring young people. Go Abroad and English First are web pages with extensive databases to search for educational programs and American Camp Association has a searchable database of more than 3,900 day and sleepaway camps in the U.S.

4.  Combine your work with travel

From travel nurse to flight attendant to travel blogging, there are many careers that can provide a long-term work-life balance that includes continuous travel. Travelnursing.org provides skilled nursing placements in all 50 states. The website connects wannabe travel nurses with up to four recruitment agencies that fill short-term work assignments that last between eight and 26 weeks.

Don't have a nursing degree? Au Pair World and InterExchange are platforms that connect host families and au pairs from around the world.

Travelers can sail the seven seas while working in hospitality, entertainment, retail, spa, photography and more aboard a cruise ship. Job board All Cruise Jobs and individual cruise line career websites list paid jobs in all areas of the cruise industry while CrewSeekers , Yacrew , and Find a Crew list opportunities for amateur and professional yacht and superyacht crews.

5.  Plan around a work trip

Business travel + leisure = bleisure. If you have a job that requires you to hit the road from time to time, incorporate your next vacation into your work trip. When booking trips for work, try to fly out a day before or after to squeeze in some vacay time. On a tight schedule? Resist the temptation to stay in after a long day of work. Go out to eat, take a stroll, and visit attractions like museums that are open into the evening. Also, book an early morning flight to your destination so you can squeeze in a half day of sightseeing and book an afternoon or evening flight on your last day for last-minute shopping or touring. If you don't already have a job that includes business travel, consider switching to a career in sales, hospitality, and event planning, which often require some travel.

6.  Become a digital nomad

Take your job on the road by working remotely with no fixed address. Some 15.5 million American workers currently describe themselves as digital nomads, according to The MBO Partners® 2021 State of Independence research study . If you don't want to go it alone, there are short-term programs like Hacker Paradise , Remote Year , and WiFi Tribe that will help jumpstart your travel-work lifestyle for a fee. 

Prefer to stay in one place and travel on the weekends? Ask your current employer if you can be transferred to a branch in another city or overseas for a short-term assignment or look for a company that has branches in multiple cities and offers the opportunity to work in multiple locations.

7.  Take a working holiday

Have commitment issues? Whether you want to work for a few days, a week, or longer, working holidays offer the chance to work short-term or seasonally in exchange for free room and board and, oftentimes, airfare too. Season Workers lists temporary and seasonal work at ski resorts and summer camps while Yoga Trade facilitates yoga-based exchanges globally by connecting yoga instructors to jobs, and Adventure Work posts adventure and ski resort jobs.

Looking to work with an NGO, contribute to a sustainable project, or experience a cultural exchange? Workaway is a platform for arranging homestays and cultural exchanges. Workawayers work for about five hours per day in exchange for accommodation and food.

Some of the most popular working holidays are teaching English abroad in programs like the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program . Founded in 1987, the government-run JET Program has placed more than 70,000 participants in schools and government offices throughout Japan. Participants' salary begins at $25,500 annually and airfare, visa, insurance, and orientation are provided (housing help is given but participants pay full costs). TEFL and Dave's ESL Cafe are job listing websites specifically for English teaching jobs abroad.

Several countries, such as Australia , Ireland , New Zealand , and Singapore , offer working holiday visas to Americans. These visas allow young adults to work legally while also allowing them to travel and explore the country.

8.  Volunteer with an organization

Lending your time and talent to teach, work on a farm, or do other work in exchange for room and board and, sometimes, airfare is an easy way to see the world. There are several volunteer programs.

For more than 60 years, the Peace Corps has partnered with 60 host countries on hands-on, grassroots-driven projects like education and health campaigns. Founded in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, the government-run AmeriCorps arranges a variety of service projects, ranging from three months to one year across the U.S. AmeriCorps members receive transportation to their assigned campus and projects, accommodations, and a living allowance of $180 to $500 every two weeks.

Looking for shorter volunteer travel? The Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms ( WWOOF ) pairs WWOOFers with organic farm hosts in 130 countries. Active vacationers work on the farm for about 25 hours per week and, in exchange, get room and board in a rural setting, learn about farming and gardening, and engage in a cultural exchange. HelpX is similar to farm stays and ranches plus hostels and sailing boats that seek helpers in exchange for accommodation and food.

HelpStay lists 1,500 volunteer stays in 100-plus countries while Worldpackers and Go Overseas lists thousands of volunteer opportunities worldwide. Pueblo Inglés offers transportation from Barcelona, Madrid, or Munich, accommodations in a shared room, and meals in exchange for participants to speak English for up to 12 hours per day for six to eight days with locals in Germany and Spain.

9.  Become a sitter

While you will have to pay for your travel to and from these destinations, house sitting and pet sitting let you live like a local for free while watering the plants, picking up the mail, and cuddling with furry friends. Online communities, including HouseCarers and MindMyHouse , connect homeowners with housesitters while Animal Aunts and TrustedHousesitters match house sitters and pet sitters who want to care for cats, dogs, horses, birds, fish, and reptiles.

10.  Swap houses or couch surf—or both!

Looking for something more low-key? Live like a local for free with Couchsurfing , an online community of 14 million people in 200,000 cities who have been sharing their couches and love for their locales since 2004, and the newer, nonprofit Couchers . Want a place all to yourself? Consider a house swap, where you trade your place for someone else's. HomeExchange has members in more than 145 countries and  HomeLink has been running its worldwide home-swapping network since 1953.

11.  Cash in those points!

There are many ways to convert everyday spending into free travel. Get credit cards like the Delta SkyMiles American Express card, which comes with annual benefits like a free companion ticket, Delta Sky Club access, and fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and the Chase Sapphire card, which provides an annual travel credit card, points on Lyft, and generous points for travel and dining purchases. The points earned on these credit cards can be converted to plane tickets and hotel stays. Joining hotel loyalty programs is another way to rack up free nights.

12.  Get yourself bumped from a flight

If the crew on your next flight asks for volunteers willing to get "bumped" and give up their seats, you might want to take them up on the offer. When there are more passengers for a flight than there are seats, some passengers need to get "bumped" or denied boarding. Before getting involuntarily bumped, the airline must ask if there are any passengers willing to give up their seats in exchange for compensation like money or vouchers, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation .

Getting bumped from a flight is often an easy way to immediately rack up extra cash for your vacation in exchange for taking a later flight. Be sure to ask when the next flight is, if your ticket for that flight is on standby or confirmed, and if the airline will provide other compensation like meals and hotel. If the airline is also offering you a voucher for future travel, learn what restrictions there might be before you agree to get bumped.

13.  Buddy up with family and friends

Ask your family and friends if you can tag along on their previously planned trips. Oftentimes, it doesn't cost extra to add a plus-one to hotel rooms, cruise cabins, or RVs. Older family members may appreciate the companionship and share their award miles or airline companion ticket with you. At the same time, cruisers can save money by sharing the cabin instead of paying a higher price for traveling solo. If your friends have already planned a road trip, there's no extra cost in hosting another passenger in the car. In the process, they get an extra driver or a navigator who can read the map and manage the playlist—a win-win all around.

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Home » Budget Travel » How to Travel FOR FREE: No Money, No Problems!

How to Travel FOR FREE: No Money, No Problems!

It’s something I’ve never been able to fully instil in my non-travelling friends back home:  just how cheap travel can be.  The myth is that travelling the world is expensive; the reality is that it’s often cheaper than being at home. Travellers don’t pay taxes, or electricity bills, or student loans. Travellers live cheap.

So what if we took it one step further? Today, we’re talking about how to travel the world for free!

The best things in life are free, or so it’s been told. Everything we need is right here. Maybe these things are true, I’m not sure. What I do know is…

Life is as simple as we choose to make it.

Nothing in this list of tips for travelling without money is complicated (except maybe frequent flyer miles – goddamn credit cards). Everything in this guide is easy and actionable – the more you apply, the more inexpensive your travelling will be. With enough practice and ingenuity, you may even find yourself spending  $0 !

Did anyone say  “Take a vacation for free” ? Yes, me, right now! Weren’t you listening? Well, you better start because I’m about to teach you…

How to travel the world with no money…

Dis shit is gonna get cheap, yo!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

A Big, Sexy Disclaimer

Folks, this article is not about how to travel the world like a dickweed. Anyone can travel for free if they take advantage of people along the way, lying, cheating, stealing, and being an all-round douchenozzle.

Similarly, though we’ll cover some of the more crusty methods of travel, as well as tackle that sticky topic of ‘begpacking’ , THAT’S not what this article is about either.

This article is about  learning how to live a low-cost lifestyle of travel. One that’s sustainable in the long-term as well as financially independent.  Travelling until you run out of cash and move back in with your Mum or Dad is cute in your early 20s, but that’s not what we’re about at The Broke Backpacker. That’s not what a broke backpacker is .

At The Broke Backpacker, we’re about teaching you how to live a lifestyle of indefinite travel in a responsible way – responsible to the world, yourself, and those who love you. Go out, travel, see the world, and do it for as long as you like, but do it right.

Don’t begpack, don’t abuse your privilege, and don’t ever expect a handout. Free travel is NOT about exploitation; it’s about travelling without burning through your savings in a way that’s more authentic and less insipid than simply blowing your funds on all the cheap booze and drugs .

Oh, and it shouldn’t have to be said, but, please,  don’t ever go travelling with literally $0 in your bank account. That’s just bloody stupid.

The Best Ways to Travel The World with No Money

How to get a free vacation, how to travel when you’re broke, travel the world for free: is it possible, remaining tips for how to travel free, closing thoughts on free travel.

Let’s start by talking about how to travel for a living. These options for free travel mean exchanging your time and energy (i.e. working) for the freedom of being on the road. (And probably somewhere super-duper pretty too!)

Yes, ok, they aren’t all strictly ‘free trips’ but you’re away from home, not burning through your savings, and, potentially, maybe even saving some money too! If you disagree with my criteria, well, shush your face! Go travel the world for more than three years with your savings still intact like I have and then come back and we’ll argue semantics.

Still with me? Good because I want to travel the world for free and you should too!

Travel the World for Free Volunteering

Volunteering abroad for free – ahhh . This is where it all began for me and, sometimes, when it all becomes too much, it’s back with the hippies in the fields, shoes off and muddy, that I return to. For me, this will always be one of the most authentic and best ways to travel for free or otherwise.

The name of the game is simple: you work some agreed subset of hours, you get a place to sleep and food in return. Hopefully, a washing machine too!

Travelling free by way of volunteering could mean a lot of things: hostel work, farms, working with kids, charities, construction, kitten sanctuaries (god yes). The only way to find out what’s out there is to get out there! (You could also start by reading this review/guide/informational post on Workaway .)

Interested in travelling the world for free volunteering? Here are some excellent platforms:

• Workaway – The biggest in the game. Follow the link and sign up to receive an extra 3 months on your subscription!
• HelpX – The oft-forgotten cousin of Workaway.
• WWOOF – Exclusively for organic farm work.
• Talking to people – In the 21st-century? Get outta my house!
• Facebook and other platforms – Plenty of groups for this stuff but it’s best to search by the country or local area.
• Worldpackers – Follow the link or enter the code BROKEBACKPACKER to get $10 off your subscription. We’ve also reviewed Worldpackers !

Note:  Most of the platforms have an initial subscription fee (nothing in life is  truly  free). It’s a small price to pay in exchange for a year of travelling and volunteering around the world for free.

Work and Travel for Free Teaching English

If you’re reading this sentence, then you probably speak English. Awesome! Step one complete! What’s step two?

Get your TEFL certificate. With that in hand, it’s time to discover another one of the best ways to travel the world. Didja guess yet?

Yup, teaching English!

There’s a whole host of ways to get involved teaching English overseas and what an experience it is! Impart wisdom, see cute Asian kids smile (yay), and learn how to travel abroad for free. Well, not free… you’re actually earning money – oh snap!

If you want to take it a step further, you can teach English online . You’re entering the realm of the digital nomad which is certainly a different way to travel but that’s ok because – BOOM, SEGUE!

Ditch Your Desk for a Different Way to Travel

Now entering the realm of the digital nomad . If you really want to learn how to travel more, nothing will give you quite so much geographical freedom.

Anywhere your laptop (and stable internet connection goes), your source of revenue goes. Living the vanlife? Easy.

Renting a nudists-only Airbnb by a beach somewhere? Making money online is best done while tanning your best bits.

Volunteering at a kibbutz in Israel? Now you’re actually travelling for free, costs covered, WHILE earning money. Level-up!

Learning how to travel the world for a living is a whole new ball game. It’s the holy grail for many travellers but beware of the ‘grass is greener’ syndrome: it’s a lotta work and a lot to take on and, at times, your brain will hate you. Is it awesome though?

Fuck yes it is.

So, yeah, this may be stretching the how to travel for free concept but it’s an important mention for anyone looking at opportunities to travel free and extend their already indefinite adventures. Theoretically, we all gotta grow up eventually and make some cash, right?

I dunno, don’t ask me. I’m still Peter Pan-ning it up over here.

Or Just Work for Inexpensive Travelling

If a job that glues you to your laptop isn’t appealing but adopting the low-cost travel lifestyle of a working traveller is, then maybe just get a job-job. You know, one that sounds better on your Tinder profile than “influencer” .

What kind of job? Well, potential travel jobs is a long-ass list (which we conveniently have right here) , but if you’re starting from scratch and need to know how to travel the world with no money, here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Busker – Traveller-life and street performance go together like drugs and sex.
• Bartender – A extremely internationally-transferable trade and lucrative too… if you know how to bat those eyelids just right.
• Scaffolding and stage construction – Construction/labouring is good in general, but the stage construction and scaffolding industries are very international.
• Picking/Trimming – Also a lucrative industry IF you’re fast.
• Flight attendant – How to travel around the world for free 101.
• Cruise ship work – The money can be good contingent on the company and you’ll always have the added bonus of copious amounts of drugs and sex!
• Tuk-tuk races in Sri Lanka – I dunno; my cousin does them and he seems to be doin’ alright!

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

Free international travel is about to get hacked! Ready to hack? It’s time to hack with these hacks!

Did I say ‘hack’ too much? Righto, moving along.

These following ways to travel the world for free are more courtesy of the convenience of the 21st-century. And, that’s exactly where we like to be.

Being a “nomad” these days is very different from what it used to be. No longer do we have to hunt elk and forage for berries in the woods – now we can just order a pizza with UberEats!

Now, we have a whole host of tools and platforms to uncover and exchange free travel opportunities!

Catch Flights Right: How to Travel Overseas for Free

It doesn’t matter how cheap you live when you arrive, you’ll still have to pay for an expensive-ass flight to get there… right? Wrong!

Learning how to catch cheap flights is going to be integral to learning how to travel without money. Error fares, mega-discounts, turning on incognito mode… booking flights does my head in – truly. I just want to travel the world; I don’t have time for this humdrum!

I’d suggest reading the above-linked post because it’s really a whole other Pandora’s Box.

To take it one step further, you can sign up with airlines to earn frequent flyer miles. Accrue enough of these and you’re looking at a cheap or even free trip overseas. A travel rewards credit card is going to stack up points in much the same way until, eventually, you get a free trip.

All of this credit stuff does my head in but the point is obvious. Do your research and find the best program to sign up in. Don’t you be wasting them points!

Or, if you’re like me and credit cards and booking flights gives you anxiety, just do what I do – overland it ! Planes are for fools; border crossings are where it’s at. And cheaper!

Apps and Platforms with Opportunities for Free Travel

Ok, now it’s really time to hack this open, right to the gooey, delicious centre. Oh, sorry, I made it weird, didn’t I?

No matter. It’s the 21st-century and now the smartphone has paved the way in much the same way that the wheel once did. These days, a lot of good platforms exist online that offer their own free ways to travel the world:

• Couchsurfing – Where to go when you have no money… to a mate’s couch! Except now all your mates are strangers and internationally based. Check out our Beginner’s Couchsurfing Guide for more info but it’s basically a platform where travellers asked to be hosted by people with a sleeping space to spare.
• Housesitting – You’ll need to build up a few references and pay a membership fee but then you can get all kinds of free accommodation… and in a private home too! Travelling by housesitting is a fantastic way to travel for free with the bonus of never having to share a hostel dorm with fatty, unshowered humans.
• Fly and swap vacations – It’s kind of like housesitting except your swapping homes with someone. That means it’s a bit more nuanced – you need to actually have a home to swap away. HomeExchange and HomeLink are two platforms that cover this.
• Au Pair – If you enjoy the company of miniature-monster-gremlins hiding in the bodies of children, then consider working as an Au Pair . Travel around the world for free, connect with a family and their spawn, and make some money too!

Yay, ok, my speciality! I may get anxiety from credit cards and fancy hotels but the broke-ass swashbuckling backpacker lifestyle is my answer to the emptiness of existence. Life gets simpler.

Real quick, these tips can be also found in our Budget Backpacking 101 article – some crossover is inevitable in the world of low-cost travel!

There’s a whole host of good advice in there if you’re not just specifically looking at how to travel for free but also at the cheapest way to travel the world. Yeah, these two posts may crossover a bit but hand-in-hand they make for some excellent reading (self-plug) if you’re dedicated to learning about how to backpack around the world with no money.

Consider this your Budget Backpacking Light.

Believe it or not, there is a lot of free food out there! The first and most common way (arguably) to eat for free is dumpster diving . People throw away a lot of perfectly edible food and useful stuff (half my wardrobe comes from late-night scores) and getting good at harnessing this awesome power of wastage is going to go a long way if you want to travel for free.

From the humble park trashcan up to the almighty power of the supermarket skip, free food is everywhere. Alternatively, you can acquire food before it hits the bin by asking for food wastage: bakeries, fruit and veg shops, food markets especially. Then there’s tablesurfing too – eating someone’s leftovers at a restaurant.

It’s an excellently fun game!

You’ve also always got food giveaways (we’ll touch on that tentative topic of begpacking in a moment) and religious shindigs too. The Hare Krishnas love, love, love feeding travellers for nothing or next to it.

I’ve eaten free Prasad in the streets of Varanasi and in Gurdwaras in Agra. There’s free food near the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron and free bread at every turn in Jerusalem (it might be for the cats…). Hell, there’s even an online platform dedicated to helping us intrepid raccoons find excellent freegan sources (urban fruit trees are shockingly common).

The point is if you’re travelling without money, there are still heaps of ways to fill your belly. You just gotta get creative!

This one is a pretty basic tip for free travel. I’ve already mentioned Couchsurfing but option two is to just sleep where you land . It’s a big, wide world out there with ample floor space!

For this, except for truly warm and rain-free climates, you’re gonna need a few things. In my personal order of importance:

• A sexy-warm sleeping bag
• Backpacking sleeping pad (the floor is cold)
• A budget backpacking tent (you could get really nice tent but I’ve always found it to be overkill)
• A sleeping bag liner
• Or, alternatively to the tent and pad, a backpacking hammock

With a combination of these things, you can sleep free while travelling pretty much anywhere. Camp out in the woods, in urban environments, or if you think the cops will get funny about you pitching a tent, sleep under a bridge or in a bus station or abandoned building. As my dirtbag travel companion in New Zealand always said: we can sleep anywhere!

This, however, is not a commentary on safety. I’ve never had an issue but also I’m a white man covered in tattoos that looks like he sleeps with a knife in his pocket. Be smart, be safe , don’t go past your limits, and learn what a good pitch looks like.

Pro-tip: No one goes into graveyards at night. Oh, and on that note, leave no fucking trace.

Travel Free

If we’re talking the most literal definition of the term, there’s only one way to travel for free that I can think of: hitchhiking. I love hitchhiking! It’s free travel to places, you meet local people – people you never would have met otherwise – and see many worlds from the inside (or outside) of many vehicles.

Hell, sometimes people invite you over, offer to let you stay the night, or to go on an adventure. I don’t do it as much as I used to but sometimes, when I’m just needing a holiday from the work and travel life, I take a break from the tech and hit the road.

I see who picks me up and sleep where I land – no schedule, no itinerary. Simplicity at its finest. Hitchhiking is grand! And to those who question if it’s ethical – I can assure you some of my best travel memories involve those that gave me a ride.

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I guess that’s the last big question:

how to travel the world with no money? Is it really possible? Teach me sensei that hasn’t bought a new piece of clothing in almost-three-and-a-half years!

Yes! It is. Buy a plane ticket on miles, choose a visa-waiver country, hitchhike from the airport to your volunteering gig, eat only the finest cuisine from the dumpster! It’s a free year long trip !

Ok, look, that may not be your ideal vacation (free or not), but it’s a portrayal of an extreme circumstance. This isn’t a strict guide to travelling the world for free; it’s a handbook. Take what works, when it works, and apply it at will.

Practice makes perfect and pretty soon you’ll be finding that you’re having some pretty dope-ass adventures on some pretty low spendings. Hell, why not set up some passive income at home and then earn a bit while you’re volunteering abroad cheaply. (Or just Couchsurfing.)

I met a dude in New Zealand way back near the beginning and he said something very insightful.

“You don’t need a lot to travel. A plane ticket, $500, and you can be gone for a while.”

He was so right.

Why travel without money?

Because it’s fucking awesome!

Seriously, the stunning sunrises and sunsets I’ve seen only because my days hitching ended where they did. The adventures I’ve ended up on just because I was asking around for a spot of work. The things I’ve done because I was working for a bed and feed… I milked a goat once!

Learning how to start travelling abroad for free opens up a lot of doors, both in the world and in yourself. Pretty soon you start to realise that you’re pretty damn capable! That in all likelihood, you got dis.

And, on the off-chance you don’t, chances are there’ll be someone around to lend a hand.

Give it some time and you’ll start to find that there’s always somewhere to sleep and something to eat. There’s always a spot of work that needs to be done by a willing hand.

After a bit more time travelling the world without money, you may start finding you already have everything you need. If not the best, then at least some pretty insanely spectacular things are free, and, best of all…

Simplicity is so damn blissful!

“I want to travel but have no money.” – Voluntourism, begpacking, and tact.

I said we were gonna touch on this, yeah?

Voluntourism is one can of worms; one that I feel fewer people take issue with. There are some points against it, and some validity in these points, but nothing that I truly believe is able to undo the sheer amount of good that comes from people travelling through volunteering overseas.

Connections between local communities and travellers are made and something is returned while travelling around the world. It’s a symbiotic relationship – if you’re heart is equally in it for the work as it is for the free-living – and it works, usually for the best.

Begpacking gets stickier – it’s a modern-day complaint against a style of living that has existed much longer. That, somehow, choosing to travel with no money makes you self-entitled and undeserving of the kindness of strangers. However, even the name “begpacking” itself stands as a bit of a misnomer.

I’ve never “begged” for something and I don’t know anyone who has. (However, travellers who do quite literally “beg” exist and they should promptly hand in their backpacker card).

I’ve hitchhiked but I’ve never even directly asked someone for a ride. I’ve never asked someone for a place to stay and certainly never for money. I have eaten at free food giveaways but only ones that were welcoming and warm to travellers and wanted me there (sometimes, with some volunteering on the side).

Usually, if someone wants to offer you something, then that’s a gift of kindness (except when ulterior motives may be at play). As a traveller, a long way from the comfort of home, a bit of kindness goes a long way.

I know there are people out there that abuse this kindness in their attempts to get a free trip. This is a reminder not to .

It’s about having tact and moving with grace; leaving places in the world better than when you arrived. Be a little bit of good in the world wherever you go. Considering all the places you’ll go, that’s a lot of good.

If you’re choosing to travel without money, then remember that’s your choice. A long way from home or not, no one owes you a hand, so be grateful when they lend it.

Before I tie up the ‘How to Get a Free Vacation Handbook’, it’s time for the final bonus tips. These may not individually rock your boat, but together they’ll groove it a bit for sure!

• Don’t burn out – Always stressing about money, looking for the cheapest way to travel to your next destination, and racing against yourself: it can be exhausting. Don’t push yourself too hard. Take a rest sometimes, go slow, and remember that when travelling without money gets stressful, home is always waiting.
• Every country is unique – Every country has its own nuances. What food is cheap, expectations on people volunteering abroad, even the hitchhiking hand signals! It takes time to learn a new place and mistakes probably will happen so cut yourself some slack, alright?
• Mistakes do happen – On that note, so as much as free travelling around the world may be the goal, it pays to stockpile a little rainy day money. Unless you don’t mind calling in financial favours from the ‘rents.
• There’s free food in more places than the dumpster – Many countries have food growing in abundance that isn’t privately owned (or in a bin). Learning edible plants and how to forage is pretty goddamn top-tier Broke Backpacking, but it’s certainly possible.
• Know your rights volunteering – While it’s important to put the hard work in for your hosts when volunteering, it’s equally important that you aren’t being exploited either. Not all hosts are top blokes and some do seek to take advantage of backpackers. Remember that no one is doing anyone any favours: it’s an exchange.
• You’re broke but you’re not poor – This is especially true when travelling in developing nations. It does get tiresome feeling like you’re being targeted as a tourist by touts and beggars, but you are a tourist. Travelling without money doesn’t bring you down to the level of the legitimately homeless and impoverished; one party chose to be there, the other did not. Just keep that in mind.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Oh, and one last tip… Get insured before embarking on your free travel adventure!

Yeah, ok, insurance isn’t free (or cheap) but when you’re lying in a hospital bed with some truly astounding food poisoning from the dumpster diving, at least your treatment will be! Seriously, travel insurance is a super important consideration for any journey.

Members of The Broke Backpacker team have been using SafetyWing for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re an easy to use and professional provider that the team swears by.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

You don’t need a lot of money to travel: that’s the takeaway! Maybe eventually you’ll need some money so leaving the country with $0 in the bank account isn’t necessarily smart. That said, I have a friend that got his working visa in Australia by photoshopping his bank statement, so, really, anything is possible!

Even if the low-cost world traveller game isn’t for you, I still think everyone should try it once. It changes your perspective a lot.

It changes your perspective on the idea of what you need and what you need to be happy; on what is possible. I have a friend that lost it all in Australia (a different friend) and spent months as a hammock-hobo in Melbourne. He says it was the happiest time of his life.

I can relate. My first experience travelling still remains some of my sweetest memories. It was free travel in New Zealand – a smelly backpacking vagabond volunteering, hitching, busking, dumpster diving, and sleeping in parks – and It taught me how beautiful life is. It taught me how kind people are and how simple things can be, should we so choose.

Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

To close, I’d like to repeat what a friend said to me today as we bid farewell (at another hippy farm). He said:

“No, I won’t wish you ‘safe travels’ because everywhere you go, you are safe. You have a good heart and many adventures ahead. I wish you to be free because that is the most important thing.”

And I smiled because I understood (and because he’d just written my outro for me). That’s all it is: be free, travel the world with a good heart, and learn what joy there is in nothing. You don’t need anything to learn how to travel for free.

And you don’t need money to travel.

Ziggy Samuels

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16 Comments

Awesome article for traveller specially who has low budget. Wonderful Insight.

Hey, great blog, read it like 3 times already!!! One question though…do you also get jobs ‘under the table’ with tourist Visa? Cause everyone talks about working and traveling to finance their further travels, but nobody talks about Visa issues. Could I work for a bit of money (whatever crappy job) with a tourist Visa/Visa waiver? And would people actually accept my work for cash on the hand, or can you actually find people who would accept your work for them although it could cause trouble because of the ‘under the table’ issue? Cause Work and travel Visa is too expensive for a broke gal like me and one year a long time for one country. I’m talking more about the ‘getting a bit of cash for travel’ kinda thing. Answers would be so so appreciated. Greetings from germany Svenja

People find, and will continue to find all sort of ways to make it work, Svenja… and so will you I’m sure. Some countries do have very strong rules against this type of thing tho, so it may be better looking for other things to trade for, such as food, accommodation, transport.

Wonderful and surprising information, Thank you

What a blog! Very funny and different, I was delighted with this wonderful content.

😀 dumpster eating

Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info with us! It is so appreciated and I would suggest you travel once to India

Hahah guess where that first picture of me in the tree is taken? Gokarna, baby! 😀

now i know how to travel, the next thing that is left is how to have guts to travel lol

Just do it, dude – you got this!!! All you gotta do is take the first step :)))

Is panhandling, begging/scamming arrogant rich backpackers and sneaking into peoples bushes/fields to sleep considered douchebaggery?

Scamming people is morally deplorable on every level.

As for sleeping in peoples fields and bushes, well as long as you remember the “leave no trace” principle.

Ziggy Samuels, it is very courageous of you to be able to travel like this. Besides, in the middle of the way, find good people to help you, even without asking. Good luck in this adventure that in a way is the best freedom.

Thanking you kindly, Sam – Perhaps it’s equal parts courage and stupidiity 😉 You’re 100% right though. There are good and kind people everywhere, and often, travel wouldn’t be possible (nor nearly as special) without them.

Last year i traveled for Australia for volunteering work and i can say it was one of the best experience of my life without any cost.

One good App for volunteering work is Workaway and it was that i used.

Interesting, I never thought that one can travel so easily without expenses a penny. But few ideas are really I think works like “volunteering the work” helps one to travel without any cost. I’m curious to check how this work. You shared some great ideas here to work on…Thank you for sharing such wonderful post.

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12 Ways to Travel the World for Free in 2021

There is never going to be a perfect time or the perfect amount of money to travel. Truth is: you can travel the world for free. Whether it’s house-sitting in London or working on an organic farm in Ecuador, there are options for all personalities and lifestyles to travel the world for free.

In 2015, I booked a one-way ticket to Antigua, Guatemala. For two months I worked as a caretaker for an 86-year-old English woman named Annette. I lived for free comfortably in a spacious bedroom in her antique-style home. In exchange, I walked the dog, painted her nails, and helped organize her home.

It was during my time with Annette where I found my passion for free travel.

After my 8 month trip, the memories that stuck out the most were the people and moments that costed nothing.

I’ve compiled a list of 12 ways to travel FOR FREE. They require little-to-no experience.

Now, let’s jump right in!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you use my links, I get a small percentage without costing you a thing. Thank you for using my links and supporting my blog! xoxo

1. Sign up for a work exchange (volunteer abroad)

Work exchange is volunteering your time for 20 hours a week (or less) in exchange for food and housing. Some examples of volunteer jobs are yoga instructor, caretaker, English teacher, hostel worker, and more.

You can use websites like Worldpackers to find work exchange positions. Worldpackers requires a membership fee for their site (valid for one year). Once you’re in, you have access to thousands of work exchange opportunities around the world.

Click here for $10 off a Worldpackers membership or use discount code “courtneytheexplorer10” for $10 off!

How long are the volunteer positions? They can range from a week to a couple months. If you love your position, you can ask to extend. If you hate it, you can leave.

Who is work exchange right for? Work exchange is for anyone looking for a cultural immersion and unforgettable experience. There are so many opportunities, you are bound to find one that fits your personality. Worldpackers also offers an initiative program for writers and video creators who want to share their volunteer experience.

Workaway , Help X , Culture Gogo , and Working Traveller , are also websites in which you can find work exchange opportunities.

Related article: Ultimate Guide to Work Exchange: Travel for Free

2. Work on a farm for a month in the middle of no where

WWOOF is a worldwide movement that links volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences. Its goal is to build a sustainable, global community. Much like Workaway, hosts provide housing and food in exchange for working on their organic farm.

One of my best friends WWOOFed in Italy for 3 months and loved it. My cousin also WWOOFed all around South America. Both have similar stories of hard hands-on work, hot and sweaty days in the sun, and unforgettable experiences.

Who is WWOOFing right for? I would only recommend this for people who like the outdoors, are interested in sustainable living, and are adventurous travelers. A lot of times things are chaotic, unorganized, and sweaty (like the picture up above.)

Tip: Make sure to check out reviews from former volunteers and always message your host with questions beforehand. My friend even skyped with hosts before she committed to volunteer with them. Never be afraid to ask questions!

Note: you can work on farms using other sites (like Workaway), but WWOOF is one of the most popular.

3. House sit your way around the world

House sitting is when you take care of someone else’s home and pets while they’re away. You get a free place to stay and they get peace of mind knowing their home and furry friends are in good hands. Although house-sitting opportunities are most popular in Europe, you can find opportunities everywhere.

Who is house-sitting right for? House sitting is perfect for long-term travelers or digital nomads who like animals.

How long are house sits? The time period can be anywhere from a week to a couple months.

Related article: How To Housesit Around the World

4. Teach English for a year in Asia

I taught English in South Korea in 2019-2020. English teachers are paid a monthly salary and given an apartment to live in. The job (in some cases) also includes free lunches, flight reimbursement, medical insurance, and paid vacation.

Teaching abroad is most popular and lucrative ($$) in places like Korea and China, but there are opportunities all over the world. I have met a lot of teachers who have paid off student loans and saved thousands of dollars. Even though some days are tough, it can be quite worth it in the end.

Who is teaching abroad right for? I only recommend teaching abroad for people who like kids and are patient, flexible, and adaptable. It’s a challenging and exhausting job. For the right person, it can be a rewarding experience.

Interested in teaching in Korea? Check out, How to Teach in South Korea .

Want to get TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certified? Check out, The Best School for Your TEFL Certification .

Interested in teaching online for $22/hour? Check out, 9 Steps to Getting Hired with QKids

5. Au Pair for a family in Europe

An au pair is a young person (18 to 30 years old) who goes abroad to live with a family and take care of their children in exchange for room and board. The main objective is to have a cultural exchange .

A friend of mine spent 3 months in South Korea traveling around Asia with a Swedish family with 2 small children. Her housing, food, and luxurious trips were all covered by the family. She stayed in a high-rise condo off the ocean with a private bedroom and bathroom. She worked during the week with nights and weekends off.

My friend found a rare (but possible) experience. Most au pair jobs are in Europe or Australia where you live with one family for a summer, a year, or maybe longer. It’s a great option if you’re single, want to travel, and LOVE children . (I repeat: must love children.)

How to become an au pair? You can use an agency ($$) or there are many websites where you can find opportunities ($). Below is an article with the top 10 websites that can help you find an au pair job in different regions of the world.

How much are you paid? The pay ranges, but in most cases the pay is low.

Related article: How to Become an Au Pair

6. Couch surf the world

Couch Surfing is one of my favorite ways to travel. Couch surfing is staying in someone’s home for free as a way to promote free and affordable travel as well as have a cultural exchange.

Couch surfing is super popular in Europe, but there are hosts all around the world. I couch surfed as a solo female traveler and while traveling with a partner in South and Central America.

You simply sign up for a membership (free) , create a profile, and start looking for couch surfing spots. Some people provide private bedrooms and bathrooms, others provide a couch hence the name.

Who is couch surfing right for? I recommend couch surfing for adventurous travelers looking to meet locals and learn the language.

Related article: Solo Female Travel Guide for Couch Surfing

7. Hitchhike

Hitchhiking is simply asking someone for a free ride . It could be to the next town over or a days trip. Hitchhiking originated in the United States, then made its way to Europe and other parts of the world. Hitchhiking has been around forever, but became decreasingly popular in the 70s (in the states). The decrease was caused by a better economy, more access to cars, and the fear of trusting strangers. Hitchhiking has become illegal in most parts of the United States but in Europe and other parts of the world, it is still quite popular.

I met a few hitchhikers in Guatemala and although I was skeptical, I decided to give it a try. I ended up hitchhiking for the remainder of my trip, up through Mexico. It was some of the most adventurous and magical moments of my life . I met kind strangers and have some of the greatest stories to tell from those experiences.

If you are traveling alone, I recommend always hitchhiking with a friend or group of people. Always have a plan and know where you are going. I also recommend knowing the basics of the language.

Related article : Ultimate Guide to Hitchhiking

8. Sign up for free travel opportunities

Gabby Beckford from Packs Light , a blogger I follow, opened my eyes to the possibilities of travel opportunities for young people (mostly 16 to 30). There are plenty of opportunities to travel internationally for conferences, leadership programs, fellowships, internships, scholarships, grants, festivals, and etc. And almost all of them can be completely funded.

This option is mostly for students, but there are grants and free trips for writers, photographers, artists, and entrepreneurs. Gabby always says to apply even if you don’t 100% qualify. It’s worth the shot.

Some examples of current opportunities: Capetown Writer’s Retreat (5-day all expenses paid retreat), Holland Scholarship ($5,000 scholarship to study in Holland), Tinggly Blogger Accommodation (free stay for Bloggers/Creatives in Lithuania). Click here for a full list.

9. Become a travel blogger

Do you love to write, take pictures, and share your experience ? Start a travel blog. It’s never too late.

As a travel blogger or influencer companies will pay you (or give you free product/service/trips) to share an honest review and promote their brand.

Nowadays, companies are spending billions of dollars on influencer marketing. Travel bloggers receive gifted hotel stays, free tours, press trips, and etc., because of their influence and following on social media platforms.

Important Note: you do not need a huge following to get free stuff or get paid. My Instagram following is under 5K, I have under 500 subscribers on YouTube , and my blog numbers aren’t too crazy either and I have worked with brands.

Interested in learning more? Everything I Learned At Travel Con (one of the biggest national travel blogging conferences), Lessons from The Chicago Blogging Conference (7 tips and secrets)

10. Be a travel hacker

Travel Hackers strategically collect frequent flyer miles and points to travel for free. Most miles are earned without ever stepping foot on a plane. To be honest, this is not something I have done. But, I’ve seen friends reap the benefits, so I must share.

Who is travel hacking right for? I think travel hacking is a good option for travelers who book flights often, stay in hotels, and have good credit. With some credit cards you need to spend at least $5,000 in the first couple of months to get the mega rewards. Therefore, this is a good option for people with car payments or those who spend $$ every month. But, I think EVERYONE who owns a credit card should take advantage of points and rewards.

There are Facebook groups, books, and tons of blogs to help you step by step travel for free using travel hacking.

More resources: The Lazy Person’s Guide to Travel Hacking , follow @basictravelcouple on Instagram (they are the bloggers who originally opened my eyes to this form of free travel)

11. Crew a sailboat or work on a luxury cruise ship

Sailing the world is both amazing and expensive. If you can’t afford to buy a sailboat, why not work on one? People who own sailboats and travel the world often hire (both paid and unpaid) help.

How to find opportunities? There are websites to match owners with crew. One popular site is crewseekers.net . There are also Facebook communities and groups. (Facebook groups are great for finding opportunities in general.)

You can also work on a cruise ship and travel the world. To find these sort of jobs, go to the cruise ship’s main website and search for employment. It’s an easy and adventurous way to save money while traveling the seas.

For more information: Check out, How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship with No Experience , How to Crew a Yacht

12. Join the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is a government funded organization (like PeaceCorps) who supports non-profits in the United States. These are technically volunteer jobs, but they pay you a housing stipend. AmeriCorps salary ranges from $15,000 to about $27,000/year. At the end of your term, you are given an education award of $5,000 (max).

I volunteered with AmeriCorps for their summer program while I was still in school. I managed the volunteer program for a Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Iowa. It was one of my favorite jobs I’ve ever had . I trained new volunteers, created a volunteer guide, and recruited new volunteers.

AmeriCorps is a way to get away from your home state, go to a new city and live and explore for a year.

The Peace Corps is similar to AmeriCorps, but requires a two-year commitment. I applied for the PeaceCorps after University, but didn’t get accepted. The jobs are pretty lucrative, but I encourage you to apply if it feels fitting to you!

PeaceCorps accepts all ages (over 18) and is a two-year commitment. You must have a bachelor’s and be a US citizen to apply. Jobs range from English teacher (most popular) to environmental specialist to health educator.

For more information: AmeriCorps and Peace Corps

I hope one of these options feels like a good fit for you. Have you ever done a work exchange or been an au pair or even anything on the list? (or not on the list!) I’d love to hear your story! Share in the comments, e-mail me at he***@co*****************.com , or DM @courtneytheexplorer to chat! xoxo

Other resources: 6 Ways to Learn Spanish for Free , How to Quit Your Job to Travel , Tips for Solo Travelers

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Alla Ponomareva

I especially like your tip about Travel Hacking, it’s not very well known among the non-travelers. They think it’s cheating the system or having the need to accumulate millions of points in order to fly once for free. I’d say I fly free maybe every couple of years just from the points I acquire by doing/having everyday expenses.

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[…] How To Travel The World For Free […]

Great advice!

My partner and I have been using Workaway for a bit and were full time travel blogging when Covid hit. It was an incredible experience. Thank you for sending me to Gabby! We will definitely be looking further into this.

ramahaj kaur

Hey, my name is Ramanpreet kaur and i am from India . I want to travel for free , now i am student and dont have money . please suggest me something

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How Travel Chicago On a Budget

Adios chicago | february 2021 update.

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10 Ways to Travel for Free

Patricia Magaña

Always on the lookout for value-oriented travel, Senior Editor Patricia Magaña has trekked throughout the States, Latin America, and Europe. Follow her on Instagram @PatiTravels .

Since joining the editorial crew in 2005, Magaña has pounced on incredible deals to Amsterdam, Madrid, and San Pedro Sula—each for less than $300. Her favorite travel experiences involve discovering street art while meandering a city, chatting up locals, and day drinking.

Her stories have appeared on USA Today, Huffington Post, Yahoo!, TripAdvisor, AirfareWatchdog, and other publications.

Email Patricia at [email protected] .

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Forget hitchhiking. The best new ways to travel for free rely more on tech savvy and social media connections than old-fashioned backpacking skills. Got Champagne taste on a beer budget? Here’s what you need to know about home exchanges, crowd funding, and other ways to see the world without paying a dime.

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Arrange a Home Exchange

You can eliminate the cost of travel accommodations by participating in a home exchange. There's nothing complicated about it—it's basically the old-fashioned barter system—and you can do it either through a free site like Craigslist or a members-only site that will vet or provide references for a small fee.

Related articles: 10 Things You Need to Know About Home Swapping and 10 Tips to Make Your Home Ready for an Exchange .

Participate in a Hospitality Exchange

Commonly referred to as "couch surfing," hospitality exchange is different than a home exchange because the hosts are in town when the traveler passes through. The experience could include home-cooked meals and maybe even a tour of the area. Expectations should be set prior to the visit. Interactions between the hosts and guests range from nonexistent to full-on new friendship. Basically, you get out of the relationship what you put into it.

Among the largest of the hospitality-exchange programs are Couchsurfing , BeWelcome , GlobalFreeloaders , and The Hospitality Club . Some hospitality-exchange programs are free; others charge a fee for membership.

Exchange Work for Food and Lodging

Free meals and accommodations are yours if you're willing to get your hands a little dirty—in soil, that is. Opportunities to exchange your labor for food and a place to rest your head are available on farms, on boats, on ranches, in lodges, in hostels, and many other places around the world.

Hosts typically require a commitment of four hours per day, but arrangements vary based on the scenario. Among the other benefits you may receive as an agritourist are free Internet access, use of the facility's amenities, and the opportunity to learn new skills. The most typical work-exchange opportunity is as a farmhand, where the owners provide accommodations, meals, Internet access, and activities in exchange for help.

Find these work-exchange opportunities at WWOOF , HelpX , and Farm Stay America .

Accumulate Miles

Accumulating miles and points for travel through credit card purchases isn't altogether free (you do need to buy things, of course), but it is very nearly free, especially if you're only purchasing things you planned to buy anyway.

The best credit cards to choose from are those with minimal booking restrictions, no or low annual fees, and those that allow miles or points to be redeemed for flights, car rentals, or accommodations—with any provider. Look for cards offering sign-up bonuses to quickly boost your miles.

Take Advantage of Free Museum Days

Most major cities have museums that offer free visits on certain days. In Boston, for example, the Institute of Contemporary Art offers free admission every Thursday night, the Boston Children's Museum only charges $1 every Friday after 5:00 p.m., and the Museum of Fine Arts allows you to pay what you want (even nothing at all) for general admission every Wednesday after 4:00 p.m.

TripAdvisor's forums and Reddit's free and travel sections are good places to ask about free museum admission wherever you might be traveling.

Join the Peace Corps

It's not for everyone—certainly not for those simply looking to get a free trip—but volunteering with the Peace Corps has the potential to yield free travel with the added bonus of immense personal satisfaction. A typical volunteer commitment lasts a little more than two years, with placement opportunities in more than 70 nations.

To qualify as a Peace Corps volunteer, you need to possess a bachelor's degree and be at least 18 years old. Knowledge of a second language isn't a requirement even if you're assigned to an international position. A living allowance is provided during the assignment, and upon completion, you receive a nominal sum of money.

Sit Through a Timeshare Presentation

Sitting through a timeshare presentation can net you all kinds of freebies, including complimentary or extremely reduced accommodations, free use of resort amenities, dinner, and cash. Nothing in life is truly free, of course, and in this case you pay with your time. Surviving a timeshare presentation without purchasing a stake in the property is about boundaries and sticking to your guns. First off, clearly establish the amount of time you'll be required to attend (typically 90 minutes) and leave when that time has elapsed. It's up to you to put an end to the encounter despite the salesperson's high-pressure sales tactics. And if you're actually interested in purchasing a timeshare, make sure you're getting a good deal.

Use a Crowd-Funding Website

Crowd-funding sites such as Kickstarter , GoFundMe , Indiegogo , and GiveForward aren't just for innovators hoping to get their projects off the ground. They're also for dreamers who want help paying for travel.

One woman who wished to revisit Africa recently raised $4,700 in six months through donations from family and friends. A freelance photographer recently raised $1,500 in four days to help pay for a photography trip to Australia. Here's how it's done: You create an account on a crowd-funding site, write a strong pitch, and then share your fundraising page via email and social media. Crowd-funding websites generally charge a fee of around 8 percent for every transaction.

GiveForward has a list of fundraising tips and ideas and GoFundMe has a page dedicated to raising funds specifically for travel and adventure .

Teach English Abroad

Signing on to teach English in a foreign country could net you free room and board, reimbursed airfare, and a paycheck! Most teaching programs require that you have a bachelor's degree (sometimes a master's in education, too), that you complete a TEFL certification program (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), and that you qualify to work in a host country. Among the countries with the most demand for English teachers are South Korea, China, and Japan.

Work For A Cruise Line

Cruise ships require hundreds of deckhands to keep everything running smoothly. Among the employment options for those traveling for free (and getting paid while sailing) are jobs for cooks, cleaning crew, and ship hands. More glamorous gigs in onboard casinos or as ships' officers are also available with the right experience.

Start racking up the nautical miles by applying for positions on the major cruise lines, including Carnival , Disney , Princess , and Royal Caribbean International , or at a consolidator like All Cruise Jobs or Cruise Ship Jobs .

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10 Ways That You Can Travel Around The U.S. For Free

Wondering how to travel for free in the US? From house-sitting to volunteer opportunities, discover some of the best ways to travel the US for free.

• Travel for free by offering to move someone's vehicle during cross-country moves, turning it into a free road trip.
• Embrace the digital nomad lifestyle to work remotely while traveling, eliminating the need for accommodation costs.
• Volunteer time and skills to organizations in exchange for free accommodation and explore the country while helping others.

The US is blessed with so many beautiful destinations and incredible natural scenery where travelers can create unforgettable memories. But from flight fares to accommodation costs and buying admission tickets, the expense to explore and experience the beauty of the US can be very high. That’s why most people’s ultimate excuse for not traveling is lack of money. However, what if there was a chance to travel around the US for free?

While traveling for free might seem only true in a dream, today, there are more opportunities than ever to see the world without spending a dime. Surprisingly, part of the travel strategy doesn’t involve exploring cheap accommodations in the US or free attractions; it comprises handy hacks, tips, and smart opportunities to take advantage of no-cost travel (or minimally costing, at the very least).

Traveling for free can allow one to turn their dream vacation ideas around the world into a reality - the United States included - and get to know the place better. From embracing the digital nomad lifestyle to joining a work exchange platform, here are ways to travel the US for free.

Related: 10 Cheap Ways To Travel No Matter What Your Budget Is

10 Offering To Move Someone’s Vehicle Is An Easy Way To See The Country

Looking to take the most scenic road trip in America but don’t have the gas budget? During cross-country moves, many people need help with moving their vehicles. Driving someone’s car across the country is a great way to get out of town, enjoy a free road trip, and turn miles into money.

To benefit from such opportunities, register with Auto Driveway and Transfercar , which pair travelers with individuals or companies that need their vehicles driven. Some deals even include covering the driver's flight home.

Before setting off, make sure to fully understand the terms of the agreement and get expenses reimbursed.

Related: 10 Of The Most Scenic Highways In The U.S. (Perfect For A Road Trip)

9 Become A Digital Nomad To Enjoy Unparalleled Flexibility (And Earn While Traveling)

The digital nomad lifestyle is becoming widespread, thanks to the many types of jobs for digital nomads . Freelancing is such a different experience wherein people can work on their own clock. The flexibility it offers makes it possible to travel and make money. However, in most cases, being a digital nomad requires pairing with other ways to travel for free to cover flight fares and other expenses.

Swapping houses is one of the things that work perfectly for digital nomads as they eliminate the need to pay for accommodation while traveling from one place to the next.

Working remotely as a digital nomad is one of the best ways to make money and travel at the same time. This way, visitors can keep up with their work while traveling and living all around the US, experiencing different cultures and lifestyles simultaneously.

Related: How To Make Ends Meet And Make It Work Being A Digital Nomad (While Traveling The World)

8 Become A House Sitter Or A Pet Sitter To Get Free Accommodation

Staying in even the cheapest hotels in the US can eat into any travel budget. Being open to taking care of someone’s home, pet, and plants while on vacation is one of the easiest ways to get free accommodation and live like a local. Travelers can also discover tiny yet charming villages and small towns they would have never known about through these arrangements.

There are many websites dedicated to connecting house sitters with homeowners, including MindMyHouse and HouseCarers . Pet lovers can check communities like TrustedHousesitters and Animal Aunts to connect with homeowners in need of pet sitters.

Check the reviews of the homeowner before signing up for a house-sitting job.

7 Volunteer To Travel For Free

Time is a valuable resource, and people can enjoy free traveling upon lending their time to organizations. There are many programs in the US that offer volunteers free accommodation and food in exchange for completing tasks. The Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is one of the widely known programs.

Travelers who aren’t afraid to get dirty work on farms for about 25 hours a week and can spend the rest of their time exploring. Other famous programs include HelpX , HelpStay , and Workaway .

Before signing up to volunteer, make sure to understand the job requirements and all the rules of the organization.

6 Score Free Nights By Swapping Houses Or Couchsurfing

Nowadays, travelers have mastered the art of trading their place for someone else’s in order to get free accommodation and travel for free. It is an easy way to cut accommodation costs while on vacation.

There are many websites dedicated to connecting like-minded travelers willing to swap their homes. Some home-swapping communities include Love Home Swap , HomeExchange , and Homelink . For those looking for somewhere to rest, Couchsurfing connects travelers with local hosts who are willing to offer free accommodations.

Before making a decision, be sure to read all reviews and feedback from previous guests on the host's profile page.

Related: New App Helps You Find The Cheapest Flights And Hotels Across The US And Canada

5 Combine Work And Travel

Several careers allow for a work-life balance that includes traveling from one state to another. Those pursuing careers in hospitality, entertainment, spa, photography, and other flexible careers can check out relevant websites and agencies for assignments that offer ideal life-work balance along with the chance to travel.

For example, Travel Nursing offers qualified nurses an opportunity to explore the country as they complete assignments for a great paycheck. Au Pair World is yet another great platform where travelers can score free accommodation during their stay.

4 Leverage Loyalty Programs To Rack Up Free Flights And Nights

One of the best travel hacking tips for beginners is to take advantage of loyalty programs. Travel hacking allows people to easily afford flights and hotels. Many airlines, hotel chains, and travel credit cards offer loyalty points, allowing travelers to fly and stay for free.

Travelers just need to use travel credit cards that offer perks whenever they undertake regular spending (responsibly, of course). Some great options include American Express Platinum, Delta SkyMiles American Express, and Chase Sapphire cards.

Check loyalty programs of airlines and hotel chains that visitors are already loyal to.

Related: What's The Best Credit Card For Travelers?

3 Take Advantage Of Overbooked Flights

Pondering how to get free flights in the US (and worldwide even)? Volunteering to give up one's seat on a flight when it's overbooked is one of the ultimate ways to fly for free.

Of course, most people don't want to be bumped from a flight, as it can be inconvenient. That’s why American Airlines contacts passengers ahead about overbooked flights . But there are times when it is worth taking advantage of overbooked flights. It only requires a little flexibility, which can actually work best for digital nomads.

At the airport, when the airline staff opens the intercom and starts making announcements, pay attention to see if they request for volunteers to give up their seats and be rebooked onto a later flight. Often, in such cases, the airline may refund the tickets of volunteers who agree to give up their seats and be bumped to a later journey. Alternatively, they might offer a hefty discount or a free future flight.

This is an excellent way to take advantage of any free flight opportunities. Depending on replacement flight delays, travelers may even end up getting up to 400% compensation .

2 Work As A Flight Attendant To Earn Money While Traveling The US (And The Rest Of The World!)

Looking for a career in travel that will translate into free traveling in the US (and potentially beyond)? Become a flight attendant for a US airline. It is a lucrative and exciting career, but traveling for free is the biggest bonus.

With a travel pass program, flight attendants can usually take as many free flights during their free time as long as there are empty seats.

Try to apply for the biggest airlines that offer the most benefits and discounts.

Related: Here's Everything A Flight Attendant Does During A Flight

1 Guide Tourists And Be A Group Trip Leader While Traveling The United States

Tourists and vacationers from overseas often require help to make the most of their trips. Those with an outgoing personality, a sense of adventure, and a thirst for new experiences can quench their desires by working as travel guides in the US. In particular, wildlife safaris and adventure tours offer plenty of opportunities.

The best way to get started is to check for openings in local travel companies. Those seeking the thrill of exploring a specific destination can organize a family or group trip and be the group leader. There are many ways to minimize costs when traveling as a group that leaders can apply, and many flights offer discounts or even free flight seats to group leaders when they organize and book a trip for their group.

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8 Tools to Help You Travel Forever and Live Rent Free

S o you’ve decided to do it. You have a friend or family member who can store your belongings for an undetermined period of time, you’ve tied up loose ends, and your bags are packed. It’s time to start traveling long-term !

Vagabondish is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Read our disclosure .

But now what?

You have a few family members and distant friends who have offered up a couch if you’re in their neck of the woods, but surely they won’t appreciate your arrival on their doorstep with no planned departure date in sight.

How then, do you travel long-term and not run out of money, while staying safe ? Hotels are expensive over time, and finding rental accommodation in every city you visit is impractical. Heck — you don’t even want to pay rent at all! Hostels are a great option as they are much cheaper and it’s a great place to meet others on the road.

Here are eight handy resources to help you get started on your long-term travel adventure:

Caretaker’s Gazette

( http://www.caretaker.org )

By joining this service (annual membership is approximately US$30), you will gain access to a classified system of people looking for caretakers in exchange for rent-free living. The opportunities vary widely in scope from ranch hands, to organic farm workers, campground hosting, motel management, nursing for the elderly, to just plain house sitting. Locales for your next potential gig could be anywhere in the world, from numerous U.S. locations, to Australia, to Europe and even Micronesia.

Some are paying opportunities, while others are simply work-trade arrangements for accommodation. Others yet will supply an additional stipend depending on your experience and the work entailed.

This is what TIME Magazine had to say about the Caretaker’s Gazette.

( http://wwoof.net/ )

WWOOF is an acronym for a number of different phrases, the most apt of which in my mind is “World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms”. It is an international organization (located in over 70 countries) of organic farms, gardens, businesses, ranches, (you name it) where you can exchange your services for accommodations, food, and training.

Required services include basic garden and farm maintenance, as well as cooking, teaching, caring for children, and handy work. There is usually some work suitable for anybody willing to adopt this lifestyle.

Whilst surfing Wwoofing opportunities, you will likely also find links to volunteer organizations, and other similar work exchange opportunities. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience, friendships, and to cover your living expenses in a constructive manner.

Most countries require a subscription to gain access to their full listings and contact information of the hosts, and the subscription prices vary from area to area but are not over-priced for the value received.

House Carers

( https://www.housecarers.com/ )

If you are happy to spend your vacation house-sitting for somebody else, you may find the right opportunity here. You will find lists upon lists of people requesting house sitters for periods of time from a few days to a few months, anywhere in the world. In many cases there are a few hoops to jump through in order to gain the opportunity with liability and bonding issues, and already living or traveling in the same country carries an added advantage.

You can choose from the limited free membership options or the full US$45 one year membership, depending on your needs.

Organic Volunteers

( http://www.organicvolunteers.com )

Much like Caretaker’s Gazette and woofing, you will find many worldwide opportunities to proverbially “pick blueberries for a living”. The prospects aren’t limited to organic farms though; you will find hostel management jobs, artist retreat internships, in addition to various agricultural and permaculture settings.

For US$20/year, membership will help you gain access to many great listings and a user-friendly system of contacting hosts and searching for opportunities.

Couch Surfing

( http://www.couchsurfing.com )

Couch Surfers are a network of people who are willing to open up their homes and hearts to frugal travelers, as well as be those travelers when they are not hosting guests. The site prides itself on referrals and having only high quality members, and has a comprehensive program in place to ensure the safety of both traveler and host. But as with any chance to stay at a stranger’s place for free, a prudent amount of caution should be exercised.

Global Freeloaders

( http://www.globalfreeloaders.com )

Similar to Couch Surfing, Global Freeloaders is a cultural exchange program for hosts and travelers. Registration is free, but members are required to be able to host as well as travel, so unless you expect to be able to offer up your digs as a host within six months of signing up, you are politely requested to wait.

( http://servas.org/ )

This is the original Couch Surfers and Global Freeloaders. Servas (meaning “serve” in Esperanto), is a non-profit non-denominational non-ethnic organization of good-will and cultural exchanges. It’s been around for at least 50 years, and is recognized by the United Nations. In addition to being a network to connect people and places, volunteers around the world work in relief camps and advocate for peace through various projects.

Hosts offer their homes and dinner tables for two nights (or more, at the discretion of the host) to travelers who contact them and who meet with their approval. Travelers must go through an exhaustive process which includes an in-person interview before being accepted to the program, as a way of screening for quality candidates.

Once travelers are interviewed and accepted into the program, they are given printed lists or booklets of the hosts in their destination country (Servas is moving towards an online platform, but is not there yet). There are also membership fees which vary from country to country.

Hospitality Club

( http://www.hospitalityclub.org/ )

Free to join and internet-based, it appears to be the Servas of the online world. It is kept “safe” through a series of passport checks and online feedback systems with checks and balances.

These are just a few opportunities in the world of long-term travel, as you will discover with a little research. I don’t vouch for any of the services or programs, and a healthy amount of caution should always be exercised when accepting hospitality from strangers. However I think Servas says it best when they say: “We are all friends. We just haven’t met yet!”

Great list, Nora! I’d never heard of most of those.

I’ve had mostly fabulous experiences with Couchsurfing (and the ones that weren’t fabulous, were vaguely annoying at worst) and several of the surfers I’ve hosted have also said great things about Hospitality Club.

If I can be a little shameless, I’ve got some tips here about how to increase your acceptance rates when you’re contacting couchsurfing hosts: http://www.vagablogging.net/07-11/couchsurfingcom-how-to-score-some-sweet-couch.html

Interesting you included the pix of the muslims. They would of course have to be the ultimate free travel abroad exponents managing to infest any country that allows free everything for no-hopers , then like cuckoos attempt to subjugate the host x_x So is that what this site is encouraging, a horde of travelling parasites?

Sounds like somebunny needs a hug =(

There is always that one! Sad really :(

Wow! You have some really great travel for free information here!I bet you have seen some great places! Good luck and happy and safe travels!

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This list rocks!

I just recently decided to take the plunge and travel abroad, “permanently.” (at least a year, hopefully)

Vagabondish, subscribed!

Ah, if only there were a way to build retirement savings while traveling from couch to couch…

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Or you could teach and travel and actually save money while experiencing other cultures. In Korea, you make US$2000 a month minimum, plus an annual bonus of one month’s salary, free airfare, free furnished apartment, and a few other perks. I used to be a teacher in Canada, but I make more money here for a fraction of the work. Email me for more info if you’re interested.

[email protected]

Oops! Wrong email addy!

Pretty good list, but I’d like to contribute my own little snippet of information. For anyone traveling in India (or anywhere in the world, for that matter) if you find yourself in a strange city with no money, find the local Sikh Gurdwara(temple, for lack of a better word) The Sikh religion stresses hospitality, so if you show up unannounced on the steps of a gurdwara begging for a place to stay and a hot meal, you’ll get one for sure in India, and probably everywhere else in the world, though I can’t say for sure.

Awesome article you got here. I will definitely bookmark this for future references. thanks

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This is what I’ve been looking for. I’ve only known about couchsurfing.com, which I’ve had much experience with.

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This is a really interesting blog—I’m a huge traveler, and also a student with a low budget. I’m considering taking this summer to make a long trip abroad but don’t necessarily have the money for it. This blog posed some good ideas that I’m going to look into. Thanks

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You should probably link to the main WWOOF site at http://wwoof.org

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I have given my share of freeloading friends the opportunity to couch crash but didn’t know there were organizations dedicated to it. Great information and I might be willing to share my couch with some investigation.

Great list! Thanks for sharing!

I actually never really gave this a second thought as an option.

Thank you for putting this on my radar.

I am so happy for Stumble Upon to have led me to this valuable resource.

Monique Briand

This is what I’ve been looking for. I’ve only known about couchsurfing.com, which I’ve had much experience with.

Camere IP Supraveghere

I just recently decided to take the plunge and travel abroad, “permanently.” (at least a year, hopefully)

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Thank you for posting this. You’ve educated and inspired me!!

What are the similar sites to help you actually get to places; online hitch-hiking?

Actually Da, there is indeed a way to “hitch” a ride on an airplane! Take a look at Air Tech and Air Hitch for more info on that. Enjoy!

An excellent home swapping directory I found is KnowYourTrade.com. I lists all the HE clubs and rates them.

I wish they had this in the late 90’s when I did a lot of traveling. Great resources. I did use Air Hitch for a memorable Europe at $275 round trip or was it each way. not sure. here’s another resource for travelers http://www.exploringabroad.com

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Thanks for this great article! It’s really inspiring. Great value!

@Greg –

I make 2x as much now per hour as I did working full-time for a startup.

My goal isn’t to stash a ton away for retirement, but it can be done.

I’d rather work 20 hours a week, live anywhere, be my own boss, and travel the world than slave away 60+ hours a week while saving for retirement!

I mean — can you really enjoy retirement all that much when you’re 65!?! =)

Excellent site, good presentation. I’m gonna book mark and link back to you in my blog. please visit my blog and let me have your comments, if you find time.

Very cool article, one of the things i would like to know is can you do any of these things in the UK? I mean the price of hotels, guest houses, hostels etc is all still expensive in my eyes so would be very refreshing to find out ways to travel & stay in the uk thats not as pricey.

Absolutely, you can travel through the UK on the cheap! I haven’t any personal experience with any of the above services in the UK in particular, but I do know of others who have used Couch Surfing, Servas, House Carers, and Caretakers Gazette in the UK area. I’ll bet all the services mentioned have lots to offer. Check it out, and let us know!

Fascinating! I’ve often wondered how other people live the lives they lead… any feedback from past travelers who have tried these accommodations?

Good stuff – I know several couch-surfers!

Who really wants a slacker living on their couch until they can score somebody’s else’s couch.

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I just stumbled upon this link. I can vouch for what a great experience WWOOFing is.

I stayed in a farm in Korea and had a great time. It was an important holiday time of the year and he took us to meet his family and join in the party.

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Try crewing on a sailboat. This could be like a sailing yacht with a youth hostel atmosphere. Sailing, surfing, snorkeling, spear fishing, beach parties, uninhabited islands…. Check out this link: Sailing in Greece

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very informative and helpful list you got there..

If you plan to travel- you shouldn’t think about it. The more you think the more time you waste. I traveled plenty during school, but life gets busy afterwards.

What a great post! I would love to explore one or more of these options in the near future.

http://www.theALTERNAtraveler.com

P.S. – I linked to this article from my travel blog – credit given, of course. You are one of my favorite daily reads. :)

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Fantastic post, I had no idea half these groups even existed.

Fabulously thrifty post! I think it’s most travelers’ dream to travel the world and stay at places for free. I haven’t heard of a few of these sites. Thanks for sharing!

Interesting Blog – very informative

Thanks very much for this info. Didn’t know any of these opportunities existed. Glad I found you through Stumble Upon.

Have a great day.

What a great list! I had heard of some sites but hadn’t come across others (like Wwoof) before. Looking forward to taking advantage of these sites in my travels :)

I\’m love this great website. Many thanks guy

What a great idea . . .will certainly be including some of these sites on our website when it goes live.

Thanks a lot :-)

It’s ambitious to travel on close to zero budget I’ll say, but for those of you who manage it’s probably worth it!

This is a great post! Love it! I will definitely look further into some of these sites. I’m trying to figure out ways to travel more than just once a year. Thanks!

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I bet that with the worldwide markets, this kind of info is going to be even more appealing to lots of people! I came across this site with another extreme – people living rent free in foreclosed homes:

http://livesafely.org/evasion/how-to-live-rent-free/

Some great tools in here. Nicely compiled. Thanks for the share. Linked from my travel site and Bookmarked.

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Excellent tips for frugal travelers!! Thumbs up!!

Wonderful post! I traveled for 6 months last year and even though I mostly stayed in hostels, the costs mounted up. I will definitely check out some of these suggestions next time.

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Such a wonderful article and website list.Great idea.Thanks!

I traveled free for over 20 yrars. I just had to kill people yo do it!

OK so my last comments didn’t go through???

Nice blog post.

I recommend taking a look at Viscape, which is a way to travel creatively around vacation homes. You can swap your home, you can rent a room, you can find an inexpensive studio in the heart of Rome or London on the very cheap. Its a great way to travel on a budget and have a decent place to stay. Viscape.com

Hmmm…I’ll be sure to check out Viscape next time I am looking for a place to stay….which will not be too far off…

me too nora.. ill definitely check it out next time.

Thanks for all the links Nora!

Funding long-term traveling can be a real challenge…

I always found Teaching English or bartending to be a good way of funding travel experiences not to mention meet the locals…

hmmmm…. it must be so hot to have so many people in a small room… :(

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Excellent article, it has some really great travel resources.

mmm.. well im lebanese.. i couldnt get visa anywhere.. im 23 i have nothing and noone.. i have my job.. but i cant afford to finish my last year in university.. studying IT.. i speak english french and arabic.. i NEED to get out.. anywhere,anyway.. any ideas?!

Google search for ‘house sitting’ brings up hundreds of house sitting companies but two more that seem cheap and easy to nav that aren’t listed above are: Aussie House Sitters – for house sitting in Oz & NZ. http://www.aussiehousesitters.com.au/

House Sitters America – For USA house sitting only. http://www.housesittersamerica.com/

Enjoy your free accommodation guys where ever you are :-D

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I don’t know when this blog was written but, with the economy the way it is at the moment world wide, it is relevant now more than ever. People still need to take a break from their work or domestic situation and go on vacation occasionally. The single biggest expense is accommodation. House sitting and house swap home/exchange means people can still travel on the cheap.

This was my inspiration for the trip I am going next week. 3 months in europe. I would like to ask if I could make reference to this in my blog with an image and a link? Congratulations from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

@Clarissa – Sure, we like links! Please just don’t reprint the article in full, as it is copyrighted. And good luck on your trip – congrats and enjoy!

Thanks for this post bud, I am doing a gap year next year and will be on a strict budget so the caretaker website will be real handy for me.

Thanks again :)

I bet you have seen some great places! Good luck and happy and safe travels!

I love these tips. I love traveling, and circumstances are such that I’ll be mobile in my RV, with six rescued dogs and several cats.

Does anyone know how to travel with lots of pets and live at least very close to the beach? I surf, so…and I need to work so they need to be safely parked. I’d work for someone for a nice parking spot near a beach. I can build houses, repair anything. I’m a master builder. I used to be a contractor. Now work is not there.

I’d also be a great house-sitter or property watcher. And I could keep other peoples’ pets and their homes. I love animals and volunteer for wildlife rescuding too.

Thanks for any info. Tai

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Great post – have been a huge fan of couchsurfers for a long time, love letting people stay and meeting new faces. I think my next RTW trip will involve more couchsurfing than my last. I never knew about servas, i’ll look into that more.

A nice listing, thanks! I’d like to add this:

http://www.staynomad.com ; a growing community of travelers worldwide, offering accommodation and cultural exchange. Also the possibility to get sponsored to TRAVEL CHEAPER or even for free after submitting your next sustainable travel project. Joining is FREE.

When you plan on staying a few months and seek mobility:

http://www.amigoexpress.com ; a growing community of people who offer and seek ride share opportunities in East Canada. Very low cost.

http://www.communauto.com ; a car sharing network in Quebec, Canada. Cheaper than owning your own car.

http://www.greenwheels.nl ; a car sharing network in the Netherlands (Holland). Cheaper than owning your own car.

http://www.mitfahrgelegenheit.de ; a ride sharing network in Germany. People looking for and offering rides. Very low cost.

I’ve tried couch surfing and my opinion is ok, if you meet a wird person you have to stay in his house for a weekend, it will ruin your time….it had happened to me twice

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Very useful and practical – can’t wait to share it with my friends.

hospitality club is good as well, the problem is to find nice people

thanks for sharing! not sure if you are familiar with the book The 4 Hour Work Weeks by Tim Ferris but it is a pretty handy tool for vagabonds and wannabes :) all the best and thanks for the handy tips!

Wow – this is great. Thanks for the useful tips on travelling the globe for free!

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Staying in strangers’ homes is pretty weird, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

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Great list! Haven’t heard from most of them, so I’m glad I stumbled into this page :) And also in the comments I found some interesting links. Thanks for sharing everyone.

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I have over 35 years of knowledge and i want to put it to use i do not want money i just want to eat /sleep and help i can add to most situations please let me

A great list, all I need to do now is find a house full of beautiful girls in Stockholm that wouldn’t mind a 39 year old Scotsman as a house guest for a few weeks, now that would be fun……

great resource here. very useful for those who travel a lot or at least thinking of travelling.

Good article..thanks for the input. Also, here’s another article on why people are having trouble with bills and rent in the first place. http://www.rent-help.com/2009/09/7-reasons-we-cant-pay-rent.html

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You could always just live out of your luggage and sleep on couches.

This is a great list, thank you!! I’d also suggest visiting http://www.worldhelplink.com . It has some links to great opportunities to live abroad by volunteering, interning, working, teaching, and more!

I love that you are sharing this wealth of knowledge; making the world that much more of a neighborhood. Thanks… my daughters have been bugging/inspiring me about possible traveling & i just know it’s not all about the holy dollar! Peace, Nora, you are awesome.

This is a very helpful article,backpackers like me are always looking to save money! Thanks for sharing!

i cant believe it theres so many people in one room, my gosh it must be pretty hot, any thats a great list. thank you.

this is very interesting and informative. I always dream to travel abroad. I don’t have the opportunity and of course money for that. How will I start? any ideas to share… isn’t it scary to meet strangers especially now a days? thanks!

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Great list Nora, thanks! A true Nomad myself, I am able to appreciate the value of the information provided. Many people will benefit from the resources provided when organizing their next adventure.

I’d like to add another valuable source if I may. Imagine you could Get Sponsored to Travel… wouldn’t that be amazing?! Now this is becoming reality for more and more travelers worldwide through a brand new global community for travelers called “StayNomad”. StayNomad.com connects sponsors with travelers, enabling members to realize their travel dreams cheaper or even for free. Happy Travels!

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Yeah ,I’ve been couchsurfing for a couple of years now and I have met amazing people.

It is something special these days that strangers are not fearful of each other and programs like this can exist and in fact thrive with the spirit of the wonderful people involved.

Of course, use your head, your common-sense but most of all, treat people respectfully and then you find that these are not just “cheap” or “free” ways to travel but that it is something even more special that you cannot put a price on. To be invited into a home, break bread, friendship, fun, laughter and see what people are really like in the places we visit. Not just the barman or the concierge of the hotel. :)

People are beautiful.

Thanks for this list Nora and Happy Travels :))))))

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DON’T SUBSCRIBE TO THE CARETAKER GAZETTE UNLESS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN WESTERN U.S. ONLY, AND HAVE EXTENSIVE FARMING/OUTDOOR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE EXPERIENCE, OR YOUR MONEY WILL HAVE BEEN WASTED. NO REFUNDS, READ THE “TERMS AND CONDITIONS” – SEE THE TEENY TINY LINK AT BOTTOM OF GAZETTE’S PAGE.

@Mary – I’m sorry you’ve had a bad experience with the Caretaker Gazette. I’m surprised at your comment though….I’ve successfully found opportunities in Hawaii, Australia, and made an excellent connection in Ecuador and Belize as well. What gives?

This list is great Nora instant bookmark. I’d like to add helpx.net to the list of host/helper sites.

Travel for free through http://www.roofswap.com I home swap through them in Paris and have two swaps this summer! Travel for free is a great way to be budget-friendly.

Great info! I will try to apply some of these tips. I mean I want to travel on a very low budget or even for free too :)

Your an inspiration, Nora. I’m 42, been happily married for 23 and have a 17 year old still at home but after reading your article I wanna sell everything I own and take my family globe trotting. My husband and I could use our skills to supplement income and it would probably be more educational for my teenage son than what he’s learning in school now.

Nice article. I used to love living like that. I hitched rides from London to Athens and back and had a wild time. I still think it was cheaper to fly though with food and all that … no better experience in the world though.

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I dream of doing this… and I am 100% aware that the only thing stopping me is myself. I am most interested in the Caretaker’s Gazette… if only I was brave enough!!

I had never even considered a few of these options. Thank you for giving us such great resources with websites and everything!

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This is a great article. I just learned the term woofing in New Zealand this year.

What a fantastic article! Well done, Nora! Friends of mine have opened their house to couchsurfers here in Alice Springs and are having an awesome time!

This is an amazing article. It could have been written yesterday. I just registered with the Caretaker’s Gazette and I spent all night pouring over listings! I’ve also had my computer on for 3 days with this article open on my browser. Nora, you are a wealth of information and an inspiration to all backpackers out there. Thank you so much for your work and I look forward to reading your blog.

Thanks to all who have found this article useful! With a few more years of travel experience under my belt, I’ve discovered dozens of more ways to travel and live rent-free, and I maintain that full-time travel is actually cheaper than staying in one place long-term! Funny how that works…. And Thanks, Mica, for your very kind words. It means a lot.

Fantastic resource for wanderlust in all of us. Now that my wife and I have young children (2 & 4), those days are behind us to some extent. We hope to do more globetreking in a couple years. Thanks for putting this all together. Your professionalhobo.com blog is superb!

Those are some great tools for the modern vagabond. There has to be some risk and it looks like these sites can probably help you travel a little safer, thanks for sharing!

Very cool info. Used to travel a lot after college but like Matthew above, I’ve slowed down a little bit since having a new baby with my husband. Definitely going to keep this bookmarked though. ;)

Thanks for this great article! It’s really inspiring. Great value! I just learned the term woofing in New Zealand this year.

Going to New York in a months time and hopefully I’ll have the chance to take photos as good as yours. .

Great post, some of those I’ve never heard of. I have some more free accommodation tips on my website as well. http://www.traveleuropeonanbudget.com Safe travels.

What about paying for traveling between each destination? This is a way to get free accommodations, but what about getting to each place?

@Lizzie – Ah yes, that can be pricey. Traveling slowly is a way to keep your costs down, as well as using various travel hacking ideas.

Here’s how to fly for way less money: http://www.wisebread.com/the-travel-hacking-cartel-fly-around-the-world-for-almost-free

And here’s my own full-time travel expenses through 9 countries in 2010….it’s not free, but it might be cheaper than you’d think… http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2011/02/my-cost-of-full-time-travel-in-2010-less-than-you-may-think/

How about setting up an internet site and writing about your travels and tips for others and claiming your travel on your taxes.

I found out some interesting options with this article. It’s amazing how just having the will to be abroad can lead one down the path of many different options.

WOOFING and House Carers are news to us. Thanks for sharing such a helpful post, Nora!

There is also a new website called http://www.staydu.com . Travelers can stay with host in exchange for work, money or for free. Everything is free of charge.

I liked the idea of staydu.com. It seems to be a new website, but I just found a job in Australia :-)

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Oh my goodness. This has whetted the wanderlust appetite in me to a crazy degree. I did some Wwoofing in central America a few years ago and it was fantastic. I love the idea of teaching in Korea too. There is so much world to discover, I can’t wait to start travelling again. Thanks Nora!

Most of these things don’t work. People on these websites have either moved away and forgotten they put themselves on it, or just ignore requests for their “couch.” I guess these days no one trusts Internet or email correspondence anymore. There is some kind of assumption that anyone you meet over the internet is going to be some kind of pervert or serial killer or child molester or at the very least, a thief. There is general suspicion of anyone who doesn’t have enough money to stay at the Hyatt or the Ritz. I try these things all the time, I’m a TEACHER and all I see are demands of an additional background check as if they don’t believe I’m a teacher or that they don’t believe teachers have been background checked.

How about this new travel site called Tripping.com? I saw them getting funds over the summer and it looks pretty great. Has anybody ever tried it?

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Good article! If you’re going to travel and you want to stay longer but you’re worrying your money will get shorter. There’s a way you can save money or decreased your bills by looking for a cheap room for rent. It is okay not to sleep in a hotel because hotel rooms are really expensive. You don’t have to worry about room for rents because they also provide a luxury at affordable prices.

Thanks for writing about the Caretaker’s Gazette. I just signed up with them and was accepted for a house sitting gig in Florida later this month. I never would have know about the Gazette had you not posted it here. Thanks again! Jim

Another good site is http://www.ozhousesitters.com.au/ (Australian and New Zealand).

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Great article. I haven’t heard of a few of those so will definitely be making notes from this. Thank you so much for sharing – I’ll be checking out your website shortly :-)

This is something I’ve wanted to do my whole life, I’ve always had a dream of traveling the world since I was 10 maybe. I’ve since have gotten married and have two boys 7 years and 2 years. Any suggestions for you veteran world travelers? We live paycheck to paycheck and we live in America, which is NOT the land of freedom. I need to get out, I NEED to get my family out. Is this possible with young children? I already homeschool them, so education will not be an issue. Has anyone else traveled like this with children? I feel the experience would greatly benefit them.

I am currently getting ready to move abroad and am hoping to do as much traveling as possible once I am settled. Your resources I feel will come in handy greatly! I had never realized there were such wonderful opportunities available to me. thank you so much for sharing and opening my eyes!

i am 54 years old i have been a out of work consruction forman for 3 years my ex told me to get out or find a job . 3 years trying should tell you somthing .anyway im on my way out of the house thats in her name . she says go . were do i go from here i heard of travelers aid . i think i can be of some help. i can fix just about anything send an email let me know what you think thank you hope is all i have. bill bell?

There are some good options on this list. I’ve used a few of them and now i know about Care Takers. Awesome idea. I would say another option is heading to Expat bars and in many countries you’ll be able to easily find volenteer or paid work teaching English once you’re in a country. If you’re looking for work as an english teacher Dave’s ESL Cafe is a great place to look and finding work in places like China is as easy as an email! (no experience or degree really needed) Teaching is an excellent way to extend your trips. Thanks for the post, I really enjoyed it!

Great list! I haven’t heard of most of these opportunities, but we will definitely check them out! Like Dariece said, Dave’s is a great site to find work, especially in China! We’ve also found opportunities teaching novice monks English in Laos. Sometimes they offer free accommodation. If they don’t, it’s still a good way to enrich your travel experience!

Amazing tips. Heard of a few on here but a great help in our research

happy trails

Hi there, I’m a 19 year old high school graduate, I know quite alot about life and spirituality at the moment as I feel I’m an old soul underneath, so here is my dilemma, I know for sure with out a doubt I don’t want a mundane 9-5 job 5 days a week, I want to be free and travel and spread love to all as life is about freedom and love I believe,, now I know I could just pick up my pack and go and that is under consideration for me currently. I really want to make a positive impact on the world and enjoy the freedom of life with that… Thank you very much! Kind regards, Dylan major

Great list. I’ve used Couchsurfing and a friend of mine used Workaway (his experience is here: http://www.femmebionic.com/?p=9 ) with great success. When I went to Eastern Europe, I met a guy from Lithuania who just decided to call a bunch of hostels and see if he could live there in exchange for work. He landed in a hostel in Tbilisi, Georgia, for about 3 months, so maybe that’s another option…

Happy trails, Clare

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Thanks for these tips! I’d never heard of the Caretaker’s Gazette :-)

i am separated/2children part of the time/am a care provider and a personal trainer/live in morongo valley ca./love the Lord/need a free place to live in morongo valley in exchange for care/cleaning/errands/proofreading/etc.tell me your needs

Nice tips! Thanks!

nice list of tips! cheers

It would be awesome if I can really pull this off. I should have found this list when I was still single.

Hi Nora, Awesome Resources on this Blog! I just got back from traveling to Costa Rica and have decided to try this type of lifestyle as I can work from my laptop. I just want to be sure about Visa, laws and things to look out for before hand.

Great tools Nora.

great article. but it could have gone without the picture of the middle eastern women with the sad white man — especially since it was placed after the warning to travel and stay with caution. really? very poor decision.

Raina, can you clarify your comment? I’m not sure how use of that photo was a “very poor decision”.

Hi Nora, Awesome Resources on this Blog! I just got back from traveling to Crostia and have decided to try this type of lifestyle as I can work from my laptop. I just want to be sure about Visa, laws and things to look out for before hand.

I’ve edited a list resources for finding seasonal jobs which I previously posted on Escape Normal- these have helped me get nearly every seasonal job I’ve had. It’s not exactly rent-free, but the jobs provide housing which is deducted from your wage. So you don’t need to worry about finding your own place to live, and food is often included as well. If you’re willing to work while you travel, it’s a really excellent way to see the world on a small budget.

http://jacquelineboss.com/2017/12/15/work-in-beautiful-locations-close-to-nature-resources-for-seasonal-jobs/

my goal is to build a life i dont need a vacation from then i will travel to the whole world

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Air travel has gone to the dogs — literally. Here’s what to know about BARK Air

Rachel Treisman

BARK Air officially launched this week, completing its first flight from New York to Los Angeles on Thursday. It also flies to London and aims to add more routes in the coming months. Joe Gall/BARK hide caption

Flying with your dog in first class may sound like a far-fetched dream for many pet lovers. But a new boutique airline launching this week aims to make the “white paw experience” a reality.

BARK Air describes itself as “the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first, and their human companions second.”

“BARK Air has taken the white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches – from booking to arrival, to in-flight services and disembarkation, dogs will truly be the VIPs and treated to a positively luxurious, curated experience,” it said in an announcement last month .

Grounded: Emotional Support Animals No Longer Guaranteed Free Flights

BARK Air officially got off the ground on Wednesday afternoon, when its inaugural flight ferried six dogs of varying breeds — from Chihuahuas to a Golden Retriever — and 11 humans (both passengers and crew) from New York to Los Angeles.

The Very Important Pups were treated to chicken-flavored puppuccinos, special cupcakes and a shoe — on a platter — to snack on, according to BARK Chief of Staff Katharine Enos. She told NPR over email that there was “no drama on board.”

“Brooklyn (dachshund) and Eddy (golden) [were] friends and played and the little dogs took nice long naps most of the way,” she added. “After lunch it was nap time for everyone. No potty accidents on board or stolen food either! Everyone felt connected in the way we were obsessed with our dogs.”

Introducing BARK Air: A 100% totally real airline for dogs. We're dog people, and we are tired of there being no truly dog-friendly options when it comes to air travel. Now booking the best-in-class dog focused flight imaginable at https://t.co/eZqVYMC5W3 pic.twitter.com/bzcY2rSO4h — BARK (@bark) April 11, 2024

The airline is a subsidiary of BARK, the company behind dog-focused brands like the subscription service BarkBox. Co-founder and CEO Matt Meeker says he’s been working towards this idea for over a decade.

He was inspired by his late Great Dane Hugo, who traveled with him often but could never fit on a plane — like many non-lap dogs, Hugo would have had to fly in the cargo area rather than the cabin. (Meeker even flew from Florida to New York in a cargo crate to show how disorienting that experience can be, as part of Bark Air’s promotional campaign.)

Many airlines have tightened restrictions for emotional support animals on board in recent years. The logistics and cost of travel can be a highly emotional issue for many families who don’t want to leave their dogs behind when relocating, let alone vacationing, Meeker says.

“We don't think of ourselves as selling dog toys or seats on an airline,” Meeker told NPR in a phone interview. “We think of ourselves as selling awesome emotional experiences with your dog.”

Shots - Health News

The cdc issues new rules for bringing dogs into the u.s., aimed at keeping out rabies.

It’s also an expensive one: BARK Air flights between New York and LA cost $6,000 for one dog and one human (or one human and two dogs collectively under 50 pounds) in each direction, and one-way flights between New York and London go for $8,000.

Potential customers were quick to bemoan the cost, with one social media user joking that her pup would need to start selling “paw pics” to make it work.

Meeker acknowledged that “the price is high, and it’s too high.” But he said innovations, especially related to transportation, often become less expensive over time — and he hopes that will be the case with BARK Air, too.

“We have pretty clear ways of bringing those prices down if the demand is there, and that’s what we aim to do,” he added. “We want to make this affordable and accessible for as many dogs as possible.”

The airline aims to pamper passengers, both pups and people

The airline doesn't have dog size or breed restrictions but only allows humans over age 18 (or 126 in dog years). Joe Gall/BARK hide caption

On BARK Air, the drinks come in bowls, leashes replace seat belts, champagne is made of chicken broth and the bathroom is, well, anywhere.

“When they feel they need to go, they go,” Meeker said of the dog. “And then we clean up after them. And then we clean the plane between every turn.”

It’s one of the many unique perks — and logistical challenges — of an airline for dogs. BARK has partnered with a New York-based charter company called Talon Air, which provides the pilots, flight crew and plane, a Gulfstream V.

The jets accommodate 14 human passengers, but BARK is capping them at 10 to offer extra space. Meeker says it aims to make the experience as comfortable as possible for dogs, starting “even before the flight.”

BARK Air will do a “pup intake” to learn about the dogs’ temperament and preferences. On the day of the flight, humans are advised to show up an hour early to the terminal, where they’ll present their ID and walk straight onto the plane.

Do your kids want a dog? Science may be on their side

“And so what we've bypassed there is a busy commercial airport and a very rigid TSA environment, and treating the dog as just another piece of luggage,” Meeker said.

Dogs and humans get served their meals — and stow away their toys — before the flight takes off to avoid potential territorial disputes. Once in the air, dogs are offered perks like a spa treatment and blankets covered with pheromones for extra comfort. Meeker says the in-flight crew is trained in dog CPR and “fear-free behavioral practices.”

The airline has no dog size or breed restrictions, but humans must be over 18 (aka 126 in dog years). Once on board, humans are advised to keep their dogs leashed as much as possible and ask before approaching others’.

Meeker, who traveled with his dog on two recent test flights between Florida and New York, says people hoped the dogs would misbehave for purposes of the experiment — but they did anything but, even during moments of “pretty significant turbulence.”

“They calmed everyone down, they floated around, they'd take someone’s seat,” he said. “A strange dog, like, not your dog, would wander up, sit on the couch next to you, put their head in your lap, and it’s like, ‘Oh, that’s great.’ ”

He added, “I don’t know why I’m surprised by this, but the dogs made it magical.”

Demand already appears to be taking off

BARK Air is partnering with charter company Talon Air to offer several flights per month. Some are already sold out for June and July. BARK hide caption

Meeker said the initial reaction to BARK Air’s launch has been “really overwhelming and positive.”

BARK Air is offering about four round-trip cross-country flights a month, with several already sold out for June and July. It’s already planning to expand its routes, starting with a New York to Paris trip beginning in the fall.

“About a third of people apparently buy their air travel six months in advance,” he said. “So we just published our schedule through the end of the year in order to serve that crowd better.”

The airline is soliciting requests for additional destinations, and Meeker said it received over 15,000 in the first week alone.

How to keep your pets cool and safe during a heat wave

They’ve heard from military families who are moving, people who travel for business and New Yorkers spending summers outside the city — all of whom want their dogs there too. Meeker also noted significant demand from snowbirds who want to go south with their dogs for the winter and many requests for flights in and out of Chicago.

“We're just processing that information and choosing the dates, and we're learning a lot,” he added.

He hopes the forthcoming data will allow the company to make more cost-effective decisions soon.

“We’re probably doing this the most expensive way we could, which is chartering a private plane from a private owner,” he explained.

The next step would be to make a longer commitment with the charter company, leasing the plane for a month or even a year to bring down costs. Even better would be buying and outfitting a plane. Meeker has his eye on a Boeing 747 model with a back half dedicated to cargo that could serve as an additional source of revenue.

He says this team already has a design that would feature private cabins with lay-flat beds, a central “dog park” and a bar, for dog and human socializing, respectively.

“That’s the dream,” he added. “But it’ll take a little bit of time to get there.”

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Parking, Travel & Free Public Shuttle

Find out more about parking, travel, and the free public bus shuttle service to the 2024 DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

If you are traveling from Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, or Al Khail Road, follow the signs for Al Fay Road, go straight over the first roundabout and you will see the signs for DP World Tour Championship and Jumeirah Golf Estates on your right.

If you are traveling from Abu Dhabi, follow signs to E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road towards Dubai/ Sharjah, then follow signs to the DP World Tour Championship.

VIP AND PLAYERS - CAR PARK 1 The closest entrance is Al Fay Road Located at the Clubhouse Main Car Park Area.

HOSPITALITY - CAR PARK 2 The closest entrance is Al Fay Road, as you enter Jumeirah Golf Estates follow the signs straight to the first roundabout and parking will be on the Fire Course. Complimentary shuttles are provided to transport guests to the main entrance tent where tickets will be scanned.

Click  here  for a link to Google Maps.

MEDIA - CAR PARK 4 The closest entrance is Al Fay Road, as you enter Jumeirah Golf Estates follow the signs straight to the first roundabout and parking will be on the Fire Course.

PUBLIC CAR PARK (Terminal 1) The closest entrance is Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road from Abu Dhabi direction. If you enter from Al Fay Road, after entering Jumeirah Golf Estates, turn right at the first round and follow the signs to the public car park. There will be a free shuttle service to take you to the main tournament entrance.

BY TAXI / UBER / CAREEM / DROP-OFF (Terminal 4) Taxi/Uber/Careem and Public drop-off and pick-up will be available for all spectators and will be next to the Championship Village entrance. Once you enter Jumeirah Golf Estates, please ask your taxi driver to follow the signs to the taxi drop-off area.

BY METRO (Terminal 3) JGE Metro Station is the closest metro station to Jumeirah Golf Estate. Shuttle buses will be operated to pick up from that point and drop off at the Bus Terminal (Terminal 2) and back.

Click  here  to check Metro Station and Maps.

BY PLANE Emirates Airline is the official airline of the DP World Tour Championship. Emirates has excellent connections to all six continents via Dubai with more than 155 current destinations worldwide – and they are expanding their route network all the time.

Book your travel at www.emirates.com

BUS TERMINAL (Terminal 2) Located on the Earth Course between holes 14/15. The Bus Terminal will be the gateway for all shuttles going in and out from/to Public Car Park (Terminal 1) and JGE Metro Station (Terminal 3).

SHUTTLE BUS SCHEDULE - PUBLIC CAR PARK

Shuttle bus schedule - jge metro station.

DP World Tour Partners

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Travelers cope with crowds and high prices on the busiest day of Memorial Day weekend

Highways and airports are likely to be jammed the next few days as Americans head out for Memorial Day weekend getaways and then return home.

Airports around the country are bracing for the travel rush as Americans head out for Memorial Day weekend. AAA predicts 43.8 million people expected to travel between Thursday and Monday. (AP Video: Tassanee Vejpongsa)

Highways and airports are likely to be jammed this weekend, as Americans head out on Memorial Day weekend getaways. AAA says this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years.

Travelers on Florida’s Turnpike are experiencing relatively light traffic at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, with no major congestion reported, allowing them to focus on their wallets instead of their anxiety about traffic. (AP video by Cody Jackson)

Travelers walk through Salt Lake City International Airport Friday, May 24, 2024, in Salt Lake City. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

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Travelers move through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Michelle Winters plays the violin as passengers stand in line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Cars drive through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Gasoline prices are displayed on a sign outside a service station as the Memorial Day holiday travel period kicks off Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Greenwood Village, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Traffic slowly moves along Interstate 405 on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles. Highways and airports are likely to be jammed in the coming days as Americans head out on and home from Memorial Day weekend getaways. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Travelers contended with big crowds and flight delays Friday, which was expected to be the busiest day of the Memorial Day weekend.

More than 6,000 U.S. flights were delayed by early evening on the East Coast, continuing a trend that has tested the patience of travelers all week. Cancellations were more modest, at slightly more than 200, according to tracking data from FlightAware.

There were delays on the highways, too.

Along Florida’s Turnpike, Wallis Tinnie said a traffic accident and road work slowed her drive to an African American history commemoration in the Florida Panhandle, the site in 1816 of the first battle of the Seminole Wars.

“But we’re comfortable with it,” the Miami woman said during a stop at Port Saint Lucie. “We left early, and our event is tomorrow. So hopefully — God willing, creek don’t rise — we’ll be there in plenty of time.”

The Transportation Security Administration predicted that Friday would be the busiest day of the holiday weekend for air travel, with nearly 3 million people expected to pass through airport checkpoints . TSA screened just under 2.9 million people Thursday, coming within about 11,000 of breaking the record set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year.

Pasha Pidlubniak waits for a domestic flight at Miami International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Miami. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

“Airports are going to be more packed than we have seen in 20 years,” AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said.

Highways also are likely to be jammed as motorists head out of town and then return home. AAA predicted this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years, with 43.8 million people expected to roam at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday — 38 million of them taking vehicles.

The annual expression of wanderlust that accompanies the start of the summer travel season is happening at a time when Americans tell pollsters they are worried about the economy and the direction of the country.

“Memorial Day is a holiday weekend. I get to hang with family and friends, so I’d say that’s priceless, right?” Nene Efebo said during a two-hour wait for a delayed flight at Denver International Airport. “Anything to hang out with family and friends.”

Victoria Ramos Valdes of Miami was taking a driving vacation with her husband, Blake, and their children, ages 3 and 4 months old.

“We said, hey, we’re going to go for a $300 budget, and the hotel is around $150,” she said, but it has a water slide, providing plenty of entertainment. “We’re taking a nice family trip and doing our best to have the best Memorial Day weekend possible.”

Some travelers reported experiencing sticker shock when they booked their trips. Upon arriving at Philadelphia International Airport, Ciarra Marsh said the city “was not our original destination, but we chose here because it was cheaper.”

At Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Larisa Latimer of New Lenox, Illinois, said her airfare was reasonable but other expenses for a getaway to New Orleans were not.

Motorists travel along Interstate 24 near the Interstate 40 interchange Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to hit the pavement over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

“I just have to make the accommodation,” she said. “The rental car is up ... this year, the hotel accommodations were very unusually expensive.”

Kathy Larko of Fort Myers, Florida, used frequent-flyer miles — and some flexible scheduling — to pay for her trip to Chicago.

Travelers wait at a TSA checkpoint at the Los Angeles International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Los Angeles. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

“I’m really conscious of looking at the cost of the entire trip. We’re staying a little farther out than we normally would” to get a lower hotel rate, she said. “We’re also flying back a day later, because we could get cheaper miles.”

The weekend’s highway traffic and crowded airports could be a sample of what is to come for several more weeks. U.S. airlines expect to carry a record number of passengers this summer. Their trade group estimates that 271 million travelers will fly between June 1 and August 31, breaking the record of 255 million set – you guessed it – last summer .

George Ridley, 4, left, rides on a suitcase as he and his father Chris Ridley make their way through the Nashville international Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

This story was previously updated to correct the spelling Fort Myers, Florida.

Cody Jackson in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Melissa Perez Winder in Chicago and Shelley Adler in Washington contributed to this report.

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China to extend visa-free travel for Malaysians to 30 days

Friday, 31 May 2024

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Police need more sophisticated equipment to combat crimes, says zahid, m'sian esports to get more recognition from govt, says zahid.

BEIJING: China is set to extend visa-free travel for Malaysian tourists from 15 to 30 days, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who is on his first official visit in China, made the announcement during a luncheon hosted by Chinese vice premier Ding Xuexiang in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse here on Friday (May 31).

“I would like to announce that both countries have agreed (to extend the visa-free travel to 30 days).

“The implementation will be signed at a later date,” he said in his speech.

Ahmad Zahid had on Wednesday (May 29) raised the matter during a courtesy call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

ALSO READ: Visa-free travel to China for M'sians extended till end of 2025, says envoy

The meeting on Friday was in conjunction with the Deputy Prime Minister's first official visit to the republic from May 22 to Saturday (June 1) at the invitation of Xuexiang.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, arrived at 10am to hold a discussion with his counterpart for about an hour.

In their welcome speeches, Bernama reported, he and Xuexiang expressed their appreciation of the diplomatic relations established between Malaysia and China since May 31, 1974.

After the discussion session, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to attend the Celebration Ceremony of the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing.

ALSO READ: Zahid proposes China extend visa exemption for M'sian tourists to 30 days

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Committee chairman, was accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad.

Apart from that, he is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on State Councillor and Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong in the Chinese capital this afternoon.

Ahmad Zahid will also host the Gala Reception for the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations in the evening.

Earlier, a Wisma Putra statement said the Deputy Prime Minister’s official visit was to strengthen bilateral relations and is expected to explore opportunities for cooperation, especially in the field of education focusing on TVET, halal industry development as well as people-to-people exchanges.

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Tags / Keywords: Ahmad Zahid , Xuexiang , Malaysia , China , relations , visa

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Trump Has Been Convicted. Here’s What Happens Next.

Donald J. Trump has promised to appeal, but he may face limits on his ability to travel and to vote as he campaigns for the White House.

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By Jesse McKinley and Maggie Astor

• May 30, 2024

The conviction of former President Donald J. Trump on Thursday is just the latest step in his legal odyssey in New York’s court system. The judge, Juan M. Merchan, set Mr. Trump’s sentencing for July 11, at which point he could be sentenced to as much as four years behind bars, or to probation.

It won’t stop him from running for president, though: There is no legal prohibition on felons doing that . No constitutional provision would stop him even from serving as president from a prison cell, though in practice that would trigger a crisis that courts would almost certainly have to resolve.

His ability to vote — for himself, presumably — depends on whether he is sentenced to prison. Florida, where he is registered, requires felons convicted there to complete their full sentence, including parole or probation, before regaining voting rights. But when Floridians are convicted in another state, Florida defers to the laws of that state, and New York disenfranchises felons only while they are in prison.

The Trump Manhattan Criminal Verdict, Count By Count

Former President Donald J. Trump faced 34 felony charges of falsifying business records, related to the reimbursement of hush money paid to the porn star Stormy Daniels in order to cover up a sex scandal around the 2016 presidential election.

“Because Florida recognizes voting rights restoration in the state of conviction, and because New York’s law states that those with a felony conviction do not lose their right to vote unless they are incarcerated during the election, then Trump will not lose his right to vote in this case unless he is in prison on Election Day,” said Blair Bowie, a lawyer at the Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit watchdog group.

Mr. Trump will almost certainly appeal his conviction, after months of criticizing the case and attacking the Manhattan district attorney, who brought it, and Justice Merchan, who presided over his trial.

Long before that appeal is heard, however, Mr. Trump will be enmeshed in the gears of the criminal justice system.

A pre-sentencing report makes recommendations based on the defendant’s criminal record — Mr. Trump had none before this case — as well as his personal history and the crime itself. The former president was found guilty of falsifying business records in relation to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, a porn star who says she had a brief sexual tryst with Mr. Trump in 2006, in order to buy her silence.

At the pre-sentence interview, a psychologist or social worker working for the probation department may also talk to Mr. Trump, during which time the defendant can “try to make a good impression and explain why he or she deserves a lighter punishment,” according to the New York State Unified Court System.

The pre-sentencing report can also include submissions from the defense, and may describe whether “the defendant is in a counseling program or has a steady job.”

In Mr. Trump’s case, of course, he is applying — as it were — for a steady job as president of the United States, a campaign that may be complicated by his new status as a felon. Mr. Trump will likely be required to regularly report to a probation officer, and rules on travel could be imposed.

Mr. Trump was convicted of 34 Class E felonies, New York’s lowest level , each of which carry a potential penalty of up to four years in prison. Probation or home confinement are other possibilities that Justice Merchan can consider.

That said, Justice Merchan has indicated in the past that he takes white-collar crime seriously . If he did impose prison time, he would likely impose the punishment concurrently, meaning that Mr. Trump would serve time on each of the counts he was convicted of simultaneously.

If Mr. Trump were instead sentenced to probation, he could still be jailed if he were later found to have committed additional crimes. Mr. Trump, 77, currently faces three other criminal cases: two federal, dealing with his handling of classified documents and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election , and a state case in Georgia that concerns election interference.

Mr. Trump’s lawyers can file a notice of appeal after sentencing, scheduled for July 11 at 10 a.m. And the judge could stay any punishment during an appeal, something that could delay punishment beyond Election Day.

The proceedings will continue even if he wins: Because it’s a state case, not federal, Mr. Trump would have no power as president to pardon himself .

Jesse McKinley is a Times reporter covering upstate New York, courts and politics. More about Jesse McKinley

Maggie Astor covers politics for The New York Times, focusing on breaking news, policies, campaigns and how underrepresented or marginalized groups are affected by political systems. More about Maggie Astor

Our Coverage of the Trump Hush-Money Trial

Guilty Verdict : Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 counts  of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal that threatened his bid for the White House in 2016, making him the first American president to be declared a felon .

What Happens Next: Trump’s sentencing hearing on July 11 will trigger a long and winding appeals process , though he has few ways to overturn the decision .

Reactions: Trump’s conviction reverberated quickly across the country  and around the world . Here’s what voters , New Yorkers , Republicans , Trump supporters  and President Biden  had to say.

The Presidential Race : The political fallout of Trump’s conviction is far from certain , but the verdict will test America’s traditions, legal institutions and ability to hold an election under historic partisan tension .

Making the Case: Over six weeks and the testimony of 20 witnesses, the Manhattan district attorney’s office wove a sprawling story  of election interference and falsified business records.

Legal Luck Runs Out: The four criminal cases that threatened Trump’s freedom had been stumbling along, pleasing his advisers. Then his good fortune expired .