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.
2. CouchSurf
There is a worldwide community of open-minded people who are willing to lend a spare room or couch to travelers as a way of offering hospitality and fostering cross-cultural exchange. To the uninitiated, it sounds a little random and risky, but the free and friendly couchsurfing movement has become a widespread phenomenon beyond just the backpacker set. Couples, families and professionals tired of sterile business hotels are also experiencing the benefits. Often a meal is shared and some local insights dispensed, so the travelers get more than just a no-cost place to crash. Not all hosts want to hang out with their guests beyond a casual meet and greet. It’s a very fluid, organic concept that evolves with the chemistry of the parties involved. Check out CouchSurfing, Global Freeloaders and Servas to explore this option.
3. House Swap
Home exchange is a win-win proposition for two sets of travelers agreeing to a “your place for mine” scenario. While it’s not always a simultaneous swap, generally speaking you allow people to stay in your house while you stay in theirs – sometimes with cars thrown into the arrangement, too. There’s something about this mutual risk/reward that creates a reciprocal trust from both parties. You would be amazed at the range of homes available around the world on websites like Home Exchange, Love Home Swap and Intervac (a nominal registration fee may apply). There are historical villas and luxurious beachfront abodes to urban apartments and suburban family homes – no need to pack toys! If you can make an agreeable connection, you can travel in a way that hotel hopping just can’t match. House swapping is not just for those looking to save on lodging, it’s for those wanting a more authentic, local, homey experience when they travel. Renters may be eligible for house swaps too, so don’t let that stop you from investigating this option.
