You may think that to travel the world you need a trust fund or lottery win. Not true. Lots of people from all budgets manage to explore the globe and have adventures every day. If there’s a will to travel, there’s a way to afford it. Five star luxury aside, there are plenty of ways to wander the world and have enriching experiences without breaking the bank. In fact, with a little time, sweat, ingenuity or compromise, you can find transportation, accommodation and pastimes that won’t cost you a penny – or will at least help stretch your travel budget considerably. Need some inspiration? Check out these 13 tips on how to travel the world for free. The whole trip might not be zero-cost, but these suggestions can make it much more affordable and rewarding.
1. House Sit
There are plenty of homeowners around the world willing to let you stay in their vacant house free of charge in exchange for your plant watering, pet minding, mail collecting and safeguarding presence. Having a warm, dependable body on the premises gives some people peace of mind when they leave their dwellings for a week or months at a time. It can take some time and coordination to go through a registration, screening and selection process to secure a gig. But if you’re flexible and reliable, house sitting can save you thousands of dollars and provide you with a comfortable place to roost away from the typical tourist options. Having a kitchen at your disposal adds to the cost savings and convenience. Register (for a nominal fee) with sites like House Sitters America, Mind My House or House Sit World and see what you can find.
