Travel really does not have to be expensive. In fact, there are plenty of people travelling without spending a single penny and you could be one of them! So here are 20 real ways that you can travel the world for free!
#1: Couchsurfing
Couchsuring is an awesome way to connect with locals and get a bed/sofa for free! We can all appreciate a free bed for a night! Check out 10 Reasons Why You Should Try CouchSurfing!
#2: WOOFING
WOOFING is a great way to get to know a country and it’s culture by working a few hours a day in return for bed and board. Mainly set out on rural properties this is a very popular option for backpackers looking to save money!
#3: Homestay/Work Away
Similar to WOOFING, you do a few hours work in return for accommodation. Whether you are just helping around the house or assisting with your hosts business, you get your accommodation for free!
#4: House Sitting
Lots of people hate to leave their home unoccupied whilst they go away on holiday or for business. So, they like to have someone trustworthy to look after their place and maybe even ask for you to feed their pets! Completely free and you can find some pretty incredible places to look after!
#5: Volunteer abroad
There are a lot of volunteer options however most like to charge you to do it! Do plenty of research or contact an organisation directly to see if you can help them out in return for bed and board!
#6: Dumpster Diving
Hate how shopping centres throw away tonnes of perfectly edible food at the end of each day? Why not grab it for yourself! Just be aware that this is illegal in some countries so check before you dive on in!
#7: Hitchhiking
Seen by a lot of people to be dangerous, hitchhiking is a popular option for many travellers who want to travel long distances without spending a lot of money. I have never done this before myself, so I won’t be able to advice you on any safety procedures. Please do additional research if you are considering this option and be aware it is illegal in some countries such as America!
#8: Work for Accommodation
Lots of hostels especially in Australia offer a work exchange! Normally the hours are long and you will either be working the reception or cleaning toilets, however, as accommodation is your largest expense, it will save you a small fortune!
#9: Free Food Bins
Most hostels have big boxes situated in the kitchen area where backpackers can drop any unwanted food items before they check out, but make sure you are quick, the good stuff goes almost instantly!
#10: Camping
Want to be one with nature? Camping is a great option and sometimes can be completely free! Please remember to check local laws before just pitching your tent but lots of countries offer free camp zones!
#11: Exchange your skills
Can you cut hair? Make bracelets? Do henna? Why not exchange these skills for a couple of bucks in your hostel or even a free drink? Great way to meet people, have fun and make a few extra bucks!
#12: Work in a travel relate industry
This is the big one. If you want to settle into a career and travel at the same time then there are a lot of options available to you! Why not work as a travel agent? A tour rep? Lots of careers will require you to move about and normally the company will cover all your costs!
#13: Walk or Cycle
The cost of transportation will significantly dent your bank balance, so why not opt to walk instead of taking the bus or hailing a taxi? Keeps you fit and is nicer on your budget! Why not challenge yourself to a big cycle cross-country?
#14: Frequent flyer points
It may take a bit of time but signing up to a programme will pay off in the end when you can get yourself a cheeky ticket to somewhere tropical for nothing!
#15: Car sharing
Check out local listing websites to see if any fellow travellers or even locals are looking for another person. Sometimes they like you to split the costs but sometimes they just want some company! You can travel a lot of miles and makes some awesome friends!
#16: Car moving
Car hire companies are always looking for people to relocate their cars. When someone hires a car in Melbourne and drops it in Sydney, they need someone to drive it back! Most of the time you will be given a fuel allowance and also a set time frame to return the car but guess what… IT’S A FREE ROAD TRIP!
#17: Work on a boat or cruise ship
Sure the hours are painfully long but being out at sea means you can barely spend a cent of your earnings. Travel the world, get paid, work hard and then you will have a load of money to go and play with!
#18: Visit Free Attractions!
Fill your days with free attractions such as national parks, free art galleries, local museums and historical monuments!
#19: Travel blogging
Granted, it takes years to build a blog up and even then there is no guarantee it will cover all of your expenses but if you have the determination and vision to make this a reality, the rewards are incredible!
#20: Enjoy the simple pleasures in life
Read a book in a beautiful park. Walk along the beach at sunset. All free. All simple. All beautiful!
This post does include affiliate links to products or companies which I have personally used and would highly recommend! If you click on an ad, at no extra cost to you, I make a small commission from the sale. All of which goes straight back into my travels and my YouTube channel to bring you even more PsychoTraveller goodness!
What would you add to the list?