Traveling is one of the great joys of life. Unfortunately, many of us who would like to travel and explore the world feel that they are being held back by financial constraints. However, the reality is that nowadays there are many options to drastically reduce the costs of global travel. In this post, you will find seven ways to travel the world almost for free!
Volunteer in exchange for food and accommodation
Firstly, you could sign up to volunteer in exchange for accommodation exchange programs, such as those offered on WorkAway.Info. WorkAway pairs up volunteers with organizations and individuals who will offer you housing and food in returns for voluntary work. This work can range from teaching languages to building a school or teaching underprivileged children. It is an excellent way to spend time in exotic parts of the world without having to spend much money. Alternatively, you could also work on an organic farm, also known as ‘WWOOF’ing’. WWOOF’ing stands for worldwide opportunities on organic farms. It is an organization that links up organic farms with volunteers in parts of the world where they can work in exchange for free accommodation.
Housesitting
Another way you can travel and get free accommodation is through house sitting. A lot of homeowners are looking for house sitters while they are away. Gardening or pet sitting may be some of the duties given to the housesitter while the homeowner is away. Platforms such as Housesitmatch, Housesitter, and MindMyHouse can match you up with houses to sit.
Home swapping
Home swapping is another option that can help you get free accommodation at the destinations you want to visit. There are home exchange sites, such as HomeExchange.com, that allow homeowners to switch houses for an agreed period of time. With house swapping, you can save on accommodation costs and have a homely living situation at your travel destination. This is a great way to reduce travel costs for families who travel with kids.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing refers to staying at someone’s house for free when you travel. Couchsurfing.com is the website that allows you to connect with local hosts while you’re traveling to stay in their homes for free. The experience is enhanced if you look for a host who has a few things in common with you. Individuals could stay on a couch or room for free. One of the major benefits of Couchsurfing is that you get to experience an area with a local who can help you experience the local culture and show you around in the place you are visiting.
Teaching English abroad
There are also opportunities for those looking to teach English abroad even without a college degree. Demand is very high for native English-speaking teachers but most opportunities require that instructors have a TEFL certificate. The certification is earned after following appropriate teaching methodologies and lesson planning as well. It’s an excellent way to live in exotic places while giving back to their local communities.
Work as an English speaking local tour guide
If you know a lot about the country you are traveling to (or are a fast learner) and have good insights about the historical monuments and culture, working as a local tour guide can be a great way to earn money while traveling.
Working/volunteering at a hostel
You could also work or volunteer at a hostel in exchange for a free room and board (and extra pocket money). While traveling, this can be a great way to extend your stay and meet more fellow travelers.
“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson
