The ongoing increase in airline ticket fare and exorbitant hotel accommodation rates, among other similar aspects, have made conventional traveling a not-so-feasible affair. But what I am going to list here would be fitting for those who find difficult to curb their craving for endless travel. They’re a few fascinating options that enable you to spend some quality time reflecting on your whole new experience in an exotic land, however without shelling out a dime. It is not just that; most of them would even fetch you a decent income.
Best Ways to Travel the World for Free
- Work as an Au Pair
As an Au pair, you’re expected to work for a host family, mainly assuming the duty of caregiving the children. Duties being an Au pair can vary from teaching to cooking and gardening, although your number one priority remains developing your host’s kids’ learning skills. Besides earning good money, it helps you to have an up-close view of a foreign culture, with the plus point of picking up a new language easily.
- Volunteer at a homestay
Volunteering at a local hostel or homestay in exchange for free accommodation/food is not only an exciting way to learn about the region’s culture and way of life but also a novel way to bring down your travel expenses by leaps and bounds.
- Consider WWOOFing
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a network that connects organic farming enthusiasts with people on the lookout of volunteers to work on their farms. In addition to living like a local and gaining the insider secrets of organic farming, a WWOOFer can save on accommodation and food, while seeing things that a usual tour itinerary doesn’t cover. In fact, the best thing about WWOOFing is that it sometimes opens the door for your fantasy trip encapsulating refreshing vistas with an amazing ecosystem, rustic farmhouse, stunning vineyards, and more.
- Become an instructor
Are you adept in a particular adventurous pursuit? You may find yourself in great demand in your traveling place as an instructor. Having the ability to speak several languages would be a huge plus. Websites such as Outdoor Staff and Adventure Jobs offer some great choices for vagabonds intrigued by instructor jobs.
- Save with CouchSurfing
Couchsurfing International is an online platform that helps you to unite with your potential local host, which, however, is beyond the concept of travel the world for free, as this provides an authentic perspective on the region’s customs and culture, apart from opportunities to discover the hidden gems and best of all, establish some significant connections and friendship worldwide.
- Hitch a Ride
Flagging a free ride down your coveted spot by sticking out your thumb is easy than you might think, and what’s more amazing is that it’s acceptable in some parts of the world (refer to http://hitchwiki.org for more information). Qualms and perils aside, hitchhiking can result in a fantastic ride with some fun moments and serious conversation, especially if you’re lucky enough to get the company of like-minded people. A safer alternative to hitchhiking is carpooling, which allows you to meet your fellow rider in advance of your journeys.
- House Sitting
This is yet another lucrative choice if you still speculate on the possibilities of how to travel the world for free. Many websites out there (Caretaker Gazette, Mind My House, etc.) help you to connect with homeowners seeking reliable homesitters. The main benefit is you can live rent-free while digging into the unique culture and heritage of the destination in depth.
- Work as a Walking Tour Guide
Do you’ve bonafide know-how on culture, historical monuments, and other popular attractions of the place where you plan to visit? You can make some easy money by taking a chance of being a walking tour guide.
- Teach English in a Foreign Land
If you’re a native speaker or someone with excellent English skills, then taking up a job as an English teacher abroad is one of the most accessible yet remunerative ways to make your dream of travel around the world for free come true. Obtaining TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate would be an added advantage, as most schools mandate the candidate to have a relevant certification to work as a language instructor.
- Chronicle your travel adventure
Set up a blog using free blogging platforms like Travelog and Blogger to pour out your honest views and experiences of staying in a foreign land. There are also websites and travel communities that pay for writing travel reviews. Also, a great way to fund your travel is to sell your travel-related images to Shutterpoint or Getty Images.
- Join a Cruise Line
With decent pay, free accommodation, and dining, working with a cruise line offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit an exotic locale. So if you’ve got that special talent to show off, then go ahead and get paid for what you love to do while exploring the world.
- House-swap
This strikes a chord if you aspire to enjoy your vacation at a home-away-home with a limited budget. Swapping your house with your exchange partner gives you the utmost privacy and liberty to cook your own food thus offsetting hotels, restaurants, and internet bills. There are various websites to put up your ad for house swapping, including homebase-hols.com and homeexchange.com.
From donating blood and joining a recruiting program to working as a flight attendant, ways are limitless to earn some quick bucks while traveling. But the toughest part for many people is to get out of their comfort zone when it comes to traveling to a new place. Well, it’s not late; you can still dust off your backpacks to set out for an epic adventure. And those who are already on the road, have fun, embrace unexpected, and keep exploring!
