Travel For Free

Low on funds this year, but don’t want to give up traveling?  The good news is that it is possible to travel for free or next to nothing.  No gimmicks or lies, I promise you there are plenty of ways, but be warned, they are not for the faint of heart.  In order to score one of these free travel opportunities requires research, some sacrifices, and leaving your ego at the door.

Teach English as a second language
Teaching English can be a very rewarding experience, as well as a great opportunity to brush up on your high school language skills.  Many programs require you obtain a certificate before you begin teaching.  There are online Tefl courses that allow you to earn your certificate at your own pace.  Jobs in Japan and Korea tend to pay the best; however don’t let a fat paycheck be your only deciding factor.  Teaching underprivileged students may prove to be more rewarding, not to mention, they will probably benefit the most from a good teacher.  Check out sites such as Transitions Abroad, and Teach Abroad to gain some helpful hints on finding teaching jobs oversees.

Crash someone’s couch
Couch Surfing is a non-profit organization that offers opportunities for free accommodation across the globe.  Once you decide on your next travel destination, look for ‘vouched for’ members on the Couch Surfing website.  Vouched for members have been reviewed by other members.  You don’t need to return the couch surfing favor by allowing other wanderlust fanatics to stay on your couch, although many participants tend to do so anyway.  The best way to show your appreciation is by doing little things, such as washing dishes, cooking for your host, etc.  Another organization to check out is the Hospitality Club. They also offer free stays without the pressure of returning the favor.  Although they do stress that it would be nice if you also lend a helping hand to the cause, after all that’s the hospitable thing to do.

Home Exchange
Another option to couch surfing is doing an exchange. If you are willing to exchange your digs for a stay at someone else’s then you’re in luck.   Home Exchange makes the swap process easy.  If you live in San Francisco and find someone in Morocco who wants to swap, well then you’re on your way to Casablanca my friend. Global Freeloaders is another option, however, keep in mind you must be able to host someone at your home within 6 months of your free stay.  If you cannot host someone, do not sign up.  Other exchanges include: Digsville, Home Link International, and Intervac.

Become a house sitter
If you don’t mind doing a little housework while on vacation, house sitting may be the job for you. On most websites there is usually a small fee required to view listings of available house sitting jobs. Care Taker, House Carers, House Sit World, and Sabbatical Homes are popular sites.

Become a tour guide
Are you a history buff?  Maybe you love looking at art all day?  If that’s the case you should consider a job as a travel tour guide.  Not only do you get to spend the day doing what you love, whether that’s showing tourists your favorite city or trekking through the great outdoors.

Road Trip
Believe it or not there is a job market out there to road trip in someone else’s car.  Essentially you get free car rental.  Services are offered to people who need to move their car from one place to another and they don’t want to pay to ship the car, or drive it themselves.  If you are willing to be the car delivery person, well you’re in luck.  Auto Driveway provides this opportunity.  Although don’t expect a full out Jack Kerouac experience.  There are limitations in time and mileage that you need to abide to, because after all it is a job.

Use your skills
If you have a skill, use it to your advantage.  There are many hospitality industry jobs around the world that needs people to help entertain and take care of their guests.  If you teach yoga, photography, or are a massage therapist or bartender, cook, or performer you have options.  These skills do not require you to sit at a desk and allow you to travel to any destination your heart desires.

Sail away on the high seas
Working for a cruise ship is a unique experience for those with an adventurous spirit and no known predisposition for sea sickness. Although the hours are long, cruise ship jobs provide not only the opportunity to travel to exotic locales you may not otherwise be able to afford, but also get paid for it.  To avoid go directly to the cruise ship websites.  The major cruise ship companies include: Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, Seabourn, and Holland America Line.

Volunteer or Paid Farming
This summer I encountered a few people who worked as farmers in Canada every few weeks, in order to replenish there bank accounts to allow for more travel.  Do not let gender stereotypes fool you.  Both of them are female and just as capable of carrying a hoe and sowing some fields as the next guy.  Check out World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.