Five Ways To Travel The World For Free!
Imagine an afternoon when you are seated in a place for your routine work. A gut sensation reminds you yet again of that trip you have been wanting to take for months. But then, doubt creeps in: “Can I afford to take a break without draining my savings?” Sound familiar? What if I told you that you can travel the world without even spending a single dollar?
Let’s start with the basics. Normally, when it comes to travel, three main expenses drain our pockets: transport, accommodation, and food. And the secret lies in exploring every possible option available to bring expenses in each of these categories to near zero.
Want to understand more about these options, let us explore them one by one.
Reward Points
Brian Kelly, also known as "The Points Guy," recently embarked on an international trip through Ghana, Rwanda, and South Africa. Do you know how much he paid for that trip? Only $5.60!
If you are currently carrying a credit card that doesn’t earn you any reward points, you are wasting a huge opportunity. Brian Kelly didn't have to pay a single penny out of his pocket because he covered all his travel expenses using credit card reward points. You can easily sign up for travel credit cards and accumulate points or miles through everyday spending. Later, redeem these points for free flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses.
Most cards offer sign-up bonuses, often enough for a free round-trip flight. If you are in the US, you have many options to choose from such as the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum, and more.
I currently own the Amex Platinum card, and thanks to their reward point system, I was able to purchase a round-trip flight ticket from Germany to India for a very small price. But flying isn't the only option for a vacation, there are even cheaper ways to get to your destination
Hitchhiking
Once a symbol of adventure, now a budget traveler’s passport to the world, Hitchhiking is quite common in many parts of the world, including Central America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and is relatively safe. It's also a great way to meet new people and learn about different cultures.
I have traveled to many countries, and I know for a fact that everywhere you can find a lot of kind people who are so willing to help a fellow traveler. They will not only pick you up but sometimes feed you, give you water, and take you straight to the address. However, it’s essential to understand that things may not always go as expected, and you need to be flexible with your plans.
Websites such as “Hitchwiki” offer tips to do this safely and efficiently. Once you reach your destination, you need a place to stay, and there are multiple ways to get free accommodation.
CouchSurfing
A rent-free world might be a dreamland fantasy, but you would be sorely mistaken if you thought that it was a total myth! There is a vast community of people willing to let travelers stay at their homes for free, whether on a couch or sometimes in a spare room, depending on the property. Platforms such as Couchsurfing connect travelers with these generous individuals. Just like hitchhiking, it's a great way to meet new people and opens doors to cultural exchange and authentic experiences.
Another way to stay at your holiday destination for free is to engage in house swapping. If you own a place, you can list it on platforms such as "Love Home Swap" and "Home Exchange" to swap houses with someone from another city. You contact each other through a messaging system, mutually agree on dates, stay in each other's homes, and don't pay a single dollar in hotel bills.
If you are uncomfortable staying with a stranger or do not own property, you may consider the following alternative plan.
House Sitting
This is another great way to stay in luxurious homes across the world without paying a single penny, provided you are open to taking care of someone's home or even their pet while on vacation. Various platforms connect travelers with homeowners who are looking for reliable individuals to care for their houses while they are away. In exchange for your services, you can stay in their homes for free, often in highly desirable locations. It provides an authentic home-away-from-home experience and a win-win situation for both parties.
Platforms like Trusted Housesitters and HouseCarers offer this opportunity. An additional bonus is access to a fully equipped kitchen, allowing you to cook delicious meals and save even more money on dining expenses. But what if taking care of homes and pets is not your cup of tea? That's where volunteering comes into the picture.
Volunteering
“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights, it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”
A great way to enrich your journey experience is to find ways to give back as you travel by making a meaningful impact. Through volunteering opportunities, you can contribute your skills and time in exchange for free accommodation and meals. It’s also a wonderful way to learn new skills and make lifelong friends from around the world. From organic farms to eco-villages and humanitarian projects, there are countless options to choose from. So, you’re sure to find something that interests you.
Worldpackers is a platform that connects volunteers with certain skills to hosts who are looking for help in those areas. For those interested in organic farming and ecological living, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) provides an opportunity to engage yourself in sustainable agriculture and assist hosts with daily tasks in exchange for food, accommodation, and knowledge. Additionally, platforms like Workaway and HelpX offer similar opportunities.
A skill that is in high demand in this area is teaching English to non-English speakers. You can find listings on platforms such as TEFL.com and ESL Cafe that provide you with free accommodation, food, and a salary in exchange for English lessons. Note that postings generally range from a few months to several years. But if you want to have an extended vacation, this is an excellent way.
Remote Work
We are witnessing a significant shift towards remote work. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition, turning the world into one digital office space. Whether you're a graphic designer, writer, programmer, or digital marketer, you can easily find part-time jobs on freelancing websites like Freelancer, Fiverr, and Upwork, based on your skill set.
If you can dedicate just a few hours a day to work remotely, you can cover your day-to-day travel expenses while still having enough time to explore and unwind. Although it takes time to build a solid reputation on these platforms, you can easily secure short-term gigs to earn a couple of hundred dollars to fund your travel.
Traveling need not always be expensive. You can explore the world without breaking the bank if you step out of the traditional mindset and are willing to explore out-of-the-box ways. Remember, the true essence of travel lies not in the price tag but in the memories created and the connections made along the way. So, pack your bags, venture beyond the ordinary, and embark on a journey that enriches your soul without emptying your wallet.
